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Although it has been one big vinyl orgy around my house lately with the arrival of my new VPI Classic 3 and ARC REF PH2SE Phonostage, I have been listening intermittently to my new Marantz NA-11S1 since its arrival over three weeks ago.
The Marantz NA-11S1 has a myriad of digital inputs, including coax, optical, USB and Network – RJ-45 LAN Port (similar to the LINN Music Servers). The NA-11S1 sports both unbalanced (RCA) and Balanced outputs, as well as Coax and Optical outputs should you wish to use another DAC.
Designed, or at least voiced in part by one of the most influential personalities in high-end audio, Mr. Ken Ishiwata, the NA11S1 is a full out attack on “packaged media” and with CD sales rapidly trending downwards, the new Marantz network player represents a Swiss Army knife approach for those wishing to ditch the disc.
There is no video component associated with the Marantz. The NA-11S1 is focused on the high-end two-channel market and as such, has managed to produce a better product by eliminating video circuitry which often leads to noise problems.
The NA-11S1 sports a reasonably sized front display and controls. It is quite possible to work most, if not all, of the NA-11S1’s functions from the front panel. A very nice feature for those who just want to “get to it” I might add. Sadly, only the “black” version is available for sale in the U.S. The “gold” versions are sold exclusively in Japan.
The NA-11S1 offers multiple filters for different listening options. The Marantz DSP Processor – DSP PEC777f3 - (Marantz’s unique oversampling, noise shaping and dithering process called Marantz Musical Mastering) offers a number of DSP modes which allows users to tailor the sound to their liking. There are specifically two for digital sources, as well as the option of noise shaping and a DC filter with a 1.7hz cutoff. (Source: Marantz website)
In my tests, I was able to easily stream redbook rips, high res files and DSD flawlessly from my CAPS 3.0 Music Server via JRiver using the rear asynchronous USB port on the Marantz. I installed the Marantz NA-11S1 Windows Driver on my CAPS 3.0 and I was away to the races in minutes.
Using the RJ-45 LAN connection was not as simple. After configuring my Synology 1812+ NAS to stream audio (this involved simply installing and enabling the Synology NAS app Media Server) and connecting the NA-11S1 to my router, I was able to stream redbook rips and high res files but NOT DSD files. I tried a variety of workarounds including minimserver, but still no luck. If DSD is a big portion of your listening, you will need to still use a computer in between and feed the audio from your hard drive/NAS from USB. If anyone successfully finds a way to stream DSD from their Synology NAS to the Marantz NA-11S1, please PM me.
On the other hand, if DSD is not of any large concern to you, then not having to buy/use/maintain a computer can be a real benefit and one can really enjoy the benefits of a network music player sans computer!
I did compare the SQ of the USB vs the Ethernet (RJ-45 LAN) connection and found both to produce excellent results. I found the USB/CAPS 3.0/JRiver to produce very a very smooth sound, but the Ethernet produced a fuller sound. But truly, it’s splitting hairs here. Both were outstanding.
Marantz has managed to create an iPhone app for the NA-11S1. It works well, and since receiving my NA-11S1 a few weeks ago, they have been busy updating and improving the app on a regular basis. The app functions well for its designed purpose. It is possible to power on/off the NA-11S1 with the app, switch inputs and control all its core functions from the iPhone (no easy task, but the app does a good job).
In addition to your own music, the Marantz offers users access to thousands of internet radio stations, music stream services – including Pandora, SiriusXM and Spotify. Since I have a Spotify account, I did try it and I believe it was streaming in the highest resolution possible from Spotify. The sound was acceptable for a music streaming service and quite convenient through the Marantz.
The NA-11S1 includes a port which allows users to connect their portable device directly to the Marantz and the NA-11S1 even offers automatic iPod detection and charging (via the front USB port).
The Marantz USB port on the front will also accept a thumb drive full of music. If all that isn’t enough, the Marantz can, via AirPlay and a wireless home network, stream music from an iTunes library directly to the NA-11S1.
The NA-11S1 is equipped with dual master audio clock generators with jitter reduction for a variety of sampling frequencies and bit depths up to 192khz/24bits.
It supports a variety of audio file types, including WAV, WMA, MP3, MPEG-4 AAC, FLAC, ALAC and DSD.
As a side note, the Marantz features the latest DSD chipset which allows true DSD streaming and playback via USB.
How does it sound?
My particular unit is well broken in now as I have had it running 24/7 for about three weeks. The NA-11S1 manages to play all sources and all file types well. It is at the top of the game in terms of redbook rip (FLAC) playback. High res files (24/96, 24/192) are reproduced in excellent detail and it represents one of the most analog sounding 24/192 capable DAC’s I have ever heard or owned (I have owned almost 20 DAC’s).
As for DSD, this is where the Marantz shines. Using a few direct-to-DSD tracks I downloaded from Blue Coast Records, I sat back in amazement as the Marantz created a three-dimensional soundstage which made me feel as if I was right there in the studio. Digital harshness was gone and I was left with very analog sounding, smooth and natural music. Some of the DSD harshness I had heard with other DSD compatible DAC’s, was completely gone with the Marantz.
The Marantz NA-11S1 offers two different filter options and technically two filters for PCM material and two filters for DSD material. For PCM material, Filter 1 offers a short impulse response for both pre-echo and post-echo. It is most suitable for large information-content audio. It produces the deepest soundstage with clearly defined positional relationships of the audio sources. Filter 2 on the other hand, offers asymmetrical impulse response. The post-echo is slightly longer than the pre-echo and it most resembles analog sound quality. (Source: Marantz website)
Using the filters with DSD material sees Filter 1 representing a direct mode in which there is no filtering versus the original DSD data (such as the SACD recording). The original source is reproduced as it is – including original texture and space. Filter 2 in use with DSD material shows DSD data exceeding 100khz being attenuated. This asymmetrical DAC filter gives priority to the resolutions, resulting in a smoother sound. (Source: Marantz website)
Although I ultimately selected Filter 1 as my overall favorite, in my listening sessions, both filters sounded excellent and quite close. I certainly need to spend some more time going back and forth between the two filter choices with different material.
Comparisons:
I had in my system at the same time, my reference DAC, the EMM Labs DAC2X (SE). The DAC2X has been in my system for 6 months (which is an eternity for any DAC in my system). Feeding both the DAC2X and the NA-11S1 the same source and running both balanced into my Audio Research preamp, I was able to listen to the same song, at the same time and switch back and forth between inputs, listening for nuances and differences.
On redbook rips (FLAC), the differences were indistinguishable. On High Res files, the Marantz NA-11S1 had a slight edge with it’s more analog delivery. On DSD (both SACD rips and direct-to-DSD recordings), the Marantz NA-11S1 trumped the DAC2X, producing a much more three-dimensional, transparent, more analog sounding delivery.
Complains
Well….I certainly would have liked to have the option of the beautiful Marantz gold color. I most certainly wish the RJ-45 LAN connection accepted DSD files, and I wish Marantz had an iPad app (not just an iPhone app). That being said, if I’m using the USB connection, then JRemote works just fine. The Marantz app would not apply here. With the RJ-45 connection, the Marantz iPhone app works fine, but there are other options – including Linn’s Kinsky ipad app.
Conclusion
In summary, the Marantz NA-11S1 musical reproduction of Redbook rips (FLAC) and Hi-Res Files is right up there with the best I have ever heard. It’s DSD sonic reproduction is the best I have ever heard in my system. At a dollar under $3500, the Marantz NA-11S1 is a game changer in the world of DAC’s and Network Audio players. To say it offers a big bang for the buck: more features and better sound than most of their competitors at less cost, is an understatement. To say I have a new reference DAC, is a fact.
The Marantz NA-11S1 has a myriad of digital inputs, including coax, optical, USB and Network – RJ-45 LAN Port (similar to the LINN Music Servers). The NA-11S1 sports both unbalanced (RCA) and Balanced outputs, as well as Coax and Optical outputs should you wish to use another DAC.
Designed, or at least voiced in part by one of the most influential personalities in high-end audio, Mr. Ken Ishiwata, the NA11S1 is a full out attack on “packaged media” and with CD sales rapidly trending downwards, the new Marantz network player represents a Swiss Army knife approach for those wishing to ditch the disc.
There is no video component associated with the Marantz. The NA-11S1 is focused on the high-end two-channel market and as such, has managed to produce a better product by eliminating video circuitry which often leads to noise problems.
The NA-11S1 sports a reasonably sized front display and controls. It is quite possible to work most, if not all, of the NA-11S1’s functions from the front panel. A very nice feature for those who just want to “get to it” I might add. Sadly, only the “black” version is available for sale in the U.S. The “gold” versions are sold exclusively in Japan.
The NA-11S1 offers multiple filters for different listening options. The Marantz DSP Processor – DSP PEC777f3 - (Marantz’s unique oversampling, noise shaping and dithering process called Marantz Musical Mastering) offers a number of DSP modes which allows users to tailor the sound to their liking. There are specifically two for digital sources, as well as the option of noise shaping and a DC filter with a 1.7hz cutoff. (Source: Marantz website)
In my tests, I was able to easily stream redbook rips, high res files and DSD flawlessly from my CAPS 3.0 Music Server via JRiver using the rear asynchronous USB port on the Marantz. I installed the Marantz NA-11S1 Windows Driver on my CAPS 3.0 and I was away to the races in minutes.
Using the RJ-45 LAN connection was not as simple. After configuring my Synology 1812+ NAS to stream audio (this involved simply installing and enabling the Synology NAS app Media Server) and connecting the NA-11S1 to my router, I was able to stream redbook rips and high res files but NOT DSD files. I tried a variety of workarounds including minimserver, but still no luck. If DSD is a big portion of your listening, you will need to still use a computer in between and feed the audio from your hard drive/NAS from USB. If anyone successfully finds a way to stream DSD from their Synology NAS to the Marantz NA-11S1, please PM me.
On the other hand, if DSD is not of any large concern to you, then not having to buy/use/maintain a computer can be a real benefit and one can really enjoy the benefits of a network music player sans computer!
I did compare the SQ of the USB vs the Ethernet (RJ-45 LAN) connection and found both to produce excellent results. I found the USB/CAPS 3.0/JRiver to produce very a very smooth sound, but the Ethernet produced a fuller sound. But truly, it’s splitting hairs here. Both were outstanding.
Marantz has managed to create an iPhone app for the NA-11S1. It works well, and since receiving my NA-11S1 a few weeks ago, they have been busy updating and improving the app on a regular basis. The app functions well for its designed purpose. It is possible to power on/off the NA-11S1 with the app, switch inputs and control all its core functions from the iPhone (no easy task, but the app does a good job).
In addition to your own music, the Marantz offers users access to thousands of internet radio stations, music stream services – including Pandora, SiriusXM and Spotify. Since I have a Spotify account, I did try it and I believe it was streaming in the highest resolution possible from Spotify. The sound was acceptable for a music streaming service and quite convenient through the Marantz.
The NA-11S1 includes a port which allows users to connect their portable device directly to the Marantz and the NA-11S1 even offers automatic iPod detection and charging (via the front USB port).
The Marantz USB port on the front will also accept a thumb drive full of music. If all that isn’t enough, the Marantz can, via AirPlay and a wireless home network, stream music from an iTunes library directly to the NA-11S1.
The NA-11S1 is equipped with dual master audio clock generators with jitter reduction for a variety of sampling frequencies and bit depths up to 192khz/24bits.
It supports a variety of audio file types, including WAV, WMA, MP3, MPEG-4 AAC, FLAC, ALAC and DSD.
As a side note, the Marantz features the latest DSD chipset which allows true DSD streaming and playback via USB.
How does it sound?
My particular unit is well broken in now as I have had it running 24/7 for about three weeks. The NA-11S1 manages to play all sources and all file types well. It is at the top of the game in terms of redbook rip (FLAC) playback. High res files (24/96, 24/192) are reproduced in excellent detail and it represents one of the most analog sounding 24/192 capable DAC’s I have ever heard or owned (I have owned almost 20 DAC’s).
As for DSD, this is where the Marantz shines. Using a few direct-to-DSD tracks I downloaded from Blue Coast Records, I sat back in amazement as the Marantz created a three-dimensional soundstage which made me feel as if I was right there in the studio. Digital harshness was gone and I was left with very analog sounding, smooth and natural music. Some of the DSD harshness I had heard with other DSD compatible DAC’s, was completely gone with the Marantz.
The Marantz NA-11S1 offers two different filter options and technically two filters for PCM material and two filters for DSD material. For PCM material, Filter 1 offers a short impulse response for both pre-echo and post-echo. It is most suitable for large information-content audio. It produces the deepest soundstage with clearly defined positional relationships of the audio sources. Filter 2 on the other hand, offers asymmetrical impulse response. The post-echo is slightly longer than the pre-echo and it most resembles analog sound quality. (Source: Marantz website)
Using the filters with DSD material sees Filter 1 representing a direct mode in which there is no filtering versus the original DSD data (such as the SACD recording). The original source is reproduced as it is – including original texture and space. Filter 2 in use with DSD material shows DSD data exceeding 100khz being attenuated. This asymmetrical DAC filter gives priority to the resolutions, resulting in a smoother sound. (Source: Marantz website)
Although I ultimately selected Filter 1 as my overall favorite, in my listening sessions, both filters sounded excellent and quite close. I certainly need to spend some more time going back and forth between the two filter choices with different material.
Comparisons:
I had in my system at the same time, my reference DAC, the EMM Labs DAC2X (SE). The DAC2X has been in my system for 6 months (which is an eternity for any DAC in my system). Feeding both the DAC2X and the NA-11S1 the same source and running both balanced into my Audio Research preamp, I was able to listen to the same song, at the same time and switch back and forth between inputs, listening for nuances and differences.
On redbook rips (FLAC), the differences were indistinguishable. On High Res files, the Marantz NA-11S1 had a slight edge with it’s more analog delivery. On DSD (both SACD rips and direct-to-DSD recordings), the Marantz NA-11S1 trumped the DAC2X, producing a much more three-dimensional, transparent, more analog sounding delivery.
Complains
Well….I certainly would have liked to have the option of the beautiful Marantz gold color. I most certainly wish the RJ-45 LAN connection accepted DSD files, and I wish Marantz had an iPad app (not just an iPhone app). That being said, if I’m using the USB connection, then JRemote works just fine. The Marantz app would not apply here. With the RJ-45 connection, the Marantz iPhone app works fine, but there are other options – including Linn’s Kinsky ipad app.
Conclusion
In summary, the Marantz NA-11S1 musical reproduction of Redbook rips (FLAC) and Hi-Res Files is right up there with the best I have ever heard. It’s DSD sonic reproduction is the best I have ever heard in my system. At a dollar under $3500, the Marantz NA-11S1 is a game changer in the world of DAC’s and Network Audio players. To say it offers a big bang for the buck: more features and better sound than most of their competitors at less cost, is an understatement. To say I have a new reference DAC, is a fact.
