Marantz TT-15S1 Reference Series 2010 Catalog - Page 18

technology highlights: HDAM® (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players. HDAM is a Marantz-proprietary development that combines the short signal path advantages of IC (integrated circuit) and opamp (operational amplifier) design with the superior sound quality of discrete circuit elements. Different implementations of HDAM design serve the needs of control and power amplifiers, disc players, etc. Although there are performance differences between HDAM, HDAM-SA, HDAM-SA2, and HDAMSA3, these differences are important only as they apply to a particular circuit. For example, an HDAM-SA3 may be less ideal for a specific application than an HDAM-SA2. In addition to performance, an HDAM's size is important. Some HDAM designs are smaller than certain circuits. As always with Marantz, and especially for the Reference Series, rest assured that our engineers choose the parts best able to preserve the sonic details of your favorite sources. Current Feedback Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers and Integrated Amplifiers. for some chassis elements and copper coating on others. And a chassis must isolate internal circuitry from vibration's destructive influences. Mass provides protection, and our engineers make sure that every Reference Series component is virtually immune to both external and internal oscillations. Power Supplies Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players. This is the heart of any electronic component. It provides the proper operating voltage and current for every circuit. The power supply in all Marantz Reference Series components is a linear supply as opposed to a switching supply as we believe linear designs are better for sound reproduction. Reference Series power supplies begin with a massive toroidal (or toroid) transformer that produces very little stray radiation as it breaks down 120 volt AC to the lower voltages needed by individual circuits. Specifically chosen high-grade rectifiers (which convert AC to DC) and storage capacitors (which convert DC pulses to steady DC current) complete the supply. As a result, every circuit operates optimally. Current feedback circuits usually exhibit faster rise and fall times and higher slew rates than their voltage feedback cousins. (Think of rise and fall times as an automobile's acceleration and braking capabilities respectively. Slew rate is analogous to a car's cornering ability.) As you might expect, a current feedback amplifier is better able to track music's rapid changes and thus sound more natural. This is particularly noticeable when using current feedback in a phono equalizer circuit. Here, Marantz's consistent current feedback technology eliminates the sonic discontinuities that often mar the perceived performance of voltage feedback designs. Balanced (or differential) Audio Circuitry Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players. F.C.B.S. (Floating Control Bus System) Used in Control Amplifiers and Integrated Amplifiers. Reference Series components satisfy demanding audiophiles who seek the finest in stereo music reproduction. However, some music lovers enjoy a multi-channel perspective. F.C.B.S. provides the ability to synchronize multiple control amplifiers or integrated amplifiers to simultaneously respond to volume adjustments and source selections. Thus, F.C.B.S. preserves the sonic purity of your two-channel system and expands it to multi-channel sources when desired. High Resolution Linear Volume Control This term refers to circuit basic configuration or topology. A balanced or differential circuit doubles signal paths throughout the component by providing one conventional and one phase-inverted path for each channel in addition to a ground link. This virtually eliminates a destructive phenomenon called common-mode noise that often obscures low-level musical detail. Don't assume that every component with XLR (three conductor) connectors has differential circuitry. Some components use conventional circuits with phase inverters at the inputs and outputs only. These designs don't present the same level of sonic sophistication as do true differential circuits. Multiple Layer Chassis Construction Used in Control Amplifiers, Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, and Super Audio CD players. A component's chassis, the framework that holds every internal part in place, is critically important for proper functioning and long-term reliability. A chassis provides dimensional stability so internal parts remain in exact alignment for the life of the component. Steel and extruded aluminum, often layered for extreme rigidity, provide that platform. A chassis must also shield internal circuitry from the effects of RF (radio frequency) and EM (electromagnetic) interferences. That's why we use precisely milled copper Used in Control Amplifiers and Integrated Amplifiers. We use a dedicated combination of precision microcontrollers and HDAM modules to create a full-differential high-current variable volume control (SC-7S2, SC-11S1, and PM-11S1). This circuit preserves the sonic virtues of balanced operation throughout a Reference Series component and adds superb accuracy over the control's entire range. The benefits include the ability to easily and precisely repeat any volume setting. Disc Transports Used in Super Audio CD Players. The disc transport provides the only mechanical link between the disc itself and a player's circuitry. For that reason, we use only the most advanced transports for our Reference Series players. In addition to extruded aluminum disc trays in some models, we developed a substance called Xyron, a composite of rigid-rod chain molecules that exhibit high tensile strength and an ideal modulus of elasticity. Whether of machined aluminum or Xyron, Marantz Reference Series disc drawers provide extraordinary isolation from the micro-vibration inherent in any disc mechanism and the minute rotation variations these vibrations might produce. 14