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Listed in The Absolute Sound 2012 High-End Audio Buyer's Guide
SACD/CD Player and Dedicated DAC
The Marantz SA8004 is far more than just an SACD/CD player. It is a superbly flexible DAC as well. The USB, coaxial, and optical, digital inputs guarantee almost unlimited access to content. This unprecedented flexibility combines with best-in-class analog circuitry to deliver Marantz sound quality with digital media of virtually any description. Now you can enjoy your favorite music in more ways than ever and with the clarity that's made Marantz an audiophile legend since 1954.
The Marantz SA8004 was honored by being included in The Absolute Sound 2012 High-End Audio Buyer's Guide. According to the magazine, "This two-channel only SACD/Red Book player boasts parts, circuitry, and construction way disproportionate to its low price – virtues that are mirrored in its equally superb-for-the-money reproduction of music… It's hard to imagine anyone who appreciates what real music actually sounds like not being seduced."
Eliminating Vibration Equals Better Sound
Part of the magic of the Marantz SA8004 lies in a new disc mechanism. Featuring a Xyron disc tray, this precision engineered drive virtually eliminates micro-vibrations to allow the digital circuitry to process a more accurate data stream. This, in turn, translates directly into a more coherent and pleasing sonic experience.
The Marantz SA8004 extracts extraordinary performance from all your discs. Your SACDs, CDs, even MP3- and WMA-encoded CD-Rs and CD-RWs are delivered with fresh perspective.
iPod Connectivity and Much More
Front and rear panel USB inputs expand your musical horizons as never before. Now you can enjoy your iPhone and iPod audio files via a digital connection and hear them anew though your audio system courtesy of the SA8004's advanced circuitry.
Both the front panel USB "Type A" input and the rear panel USB "Type B" input support 24-bit files at sampling rates from 32 to 96 kHz for high fidelity playback of all your on-the-go music. In addition to your iPod and iPhone files, you can "push" high definition digital music files from your computer to the SA8004. The SA8004 also accepts data from any USB stick or USB hard drive storage device.
If you use either the coaxial or optical rear panel digital inputs, the SA8004 handles 24-bit PCM data at sampling rates up to 192 kHz. The SA8004 includes two rear-panel digital outputs. These outputs provide an S/PDIF signal even when the USB input is receiving iTunes music files.
Extraordinary Sound Quality
While it meets the digital-convenience demands of today's music lover the SA8004 also delivers sound quality that speaks to Marantz' leading position in the world of high end audio. Indeed, the SA8004 represents a rare marriage of current feature-set with high performance audio circuitry.
You'll find high quality parts throughout the SA8004. Chosen only after extensive listening tests, they contribute exceptional performance levels to critical circuits.
In the analog section, Marantz-proprietary HDAM SA2 circuits handle critical buffering and stage-to-stage signal transition. Symmetrical signal traces help maintain perfect synchronization between left and right channels for rock-stable imaging and a convincing soundstage.
An impedance-matching copper plate inside the rear panel just behind the analog outputs improves signal-to-noise performance and channel separation to preserve the SA8004's outstanding imaging capabilities. A shield around the digital outputs is a further detail in Marantz's quest for quieter operation as it prevents digital noise from affecting sensitive analog circuits.
Known to produce less stray magnetic leakage that can otherwise increase noise in analog circuits, Marantz engineers chose a high capacity toroid transformer for the SA8004's power supply. To suppress the noise even further, Marantz engineers specified an exterior casing with large non-conductive brass mounting screw to hold the transformer in place.
Cirrus Logic SACD DAC
The Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC offers advantages. For SACD playback, the Cirrus IC accepts the SACD's 2.8224 MHz sampling rate directly without the need for any preconditioning, and the integral 50 kHz low-pass filter protects subsequent circuitry from potential oscillation.
Dedicated Headphone Output and More
The headphone output includes a high-speed current buffer circuit for minimal interference with the main audio output circuit, maximum articulation, stability, and fatigue-free listening.
Other features include a soft-touch Power/Standby switch and full-function remote. A true Marantz, it contains the most advanced circuits in a chassis that's highly styled to blend with any decor. | 
