Marantz PM-40SE Integrated Amplifier

Ken Ishiwata is the ‘architect’ of the whole Special Edition philosophy and programme. At pains to point out that all Marantz products are in some way a Special Edition, Ishiwata traces the history of the specially modified product back to early days of CD in the UK.
The full-blown SE range grew out of certain Limited Edition modifications made to early Marantz CD players in the UK. Ken Ishiwata believe the UK has a quite separate approach to music appreciation, in particular stereo imaging. SE product developed from an idea proposing the production of specially tuned CD players to reproduce better stereo.
Every UK generation of Marantz CD player has since had its performance tuned Special Edition equivalent. The critical and popular success of the SE CD players made Marantz look world-wide at extending the approach to other products. First of the specially built - as opposed to after- manufacture modified - products are the two new SE amplifiers based on the PM-30 and PM-40 chassis.
Ken Ishiwata is quick to point out that it takes an exceptional product as a base for a Special Edition. He compares this with the motor-racing world where high performance rally cars are produced only from the pick of the saloons.
You cannot put the added performance edge to a product, car or amplifier, that has no performance in the first instance.
The Special Edition approach has developed to include a number of techniques and philosophies. Foremost is the layout of the printed circuit board (PCB) on which the electronics of the amplifier or CD player are assembled. This must be correct from the outset.
The internal wiring routing is equally critical to the final sound of the product. Layout minimising distortion and interaction; correct earthing and the provision of a quality stabilised power supply - these are the essentials which must be right for a Special Edition project to be even contemplated.
Improved layout, ground path routing and improved power supplies can keep the subtle harmonic structure of the music intact.
Minimising interaction between the two channels of any amplification circuit - present in both CD players and, of course, amplifiers - improves stereo detailing. And maintains that level of sound detail irrespective of level swings in one channel or the other.
Passive component changes can then be made. This is at the heart of the SE modification programme. Some components are uprated to a higher working voltage or higher value capacitance, for instance, giving improved headroom. Some are replaced by even higher quality components.
Marantz engineers have developed a knowledge base concerning the sound of passive components. This enables Marantz to specify certain types of capacitor and to have special audio-grade components manufactured just for its use - custom components.
Our goal in developing components and applying them in SE products is to produce a sound that is as neutral as possible. We are aiming to tailor the ever present sound character of these components to produce a very open, detailed sound. It must not be aggressive nor must important detail be smoothed away. Precise stereo imagery is important.
The story above tells how we have taken critically acclaimed product and produced equipment - CD players and amplifiers - that will satisfy the most dedicated music lover with true musicality and a simple clarity of sound. If the SE programme has to be summarised it could only be: ‘leading-edge technology applied in the service of music’.
Quality basic design is fundamental to the success of the new Special Edition amplifiers. Independent heatsinks for left and right channels are already built-in. This lowers dynamic distortion and improves stereo performance.
Even the less expensive PM-30SE amplifier now benefits from a 3-stage Darlington output stage offering improved thermal stability with lower noise and improved headroom.
The most important change in the Special Edition version is the elimination of all tone control circuitry. All line level inputs feed straight through the volume control potentiometer to the power amplifier giving the cleanest straight-path connection. Source Direct switching by-passes the tape monitor and balance controls for the highest possible fidelity.
Detail power circuit changes include an uprating of the output transistors from 6 to 8 amp in the PM-30SE and from 8 to 10 amp in the PM-4OSE. Similarly, main power supply capacitors are uprated from 4,700 to 6,800 MF in the PM-30SE and from 8,200 to 10,000 µF in the PM- 40SE. The Special Edition power supply delivers power for exceptional dynamic peaks even into low impedance loads.
Capacitor size is not all that matters. A range of capacitors of different internal composition was auditioned 'live' in the completed amplifiers. This helped determine the best method of custom manufacture for these components. Coupling capacitors are uprated from conventional to top audio quality copper styrol capacitors.
On the output side direct wired speaker terminals are retained but, rather than offer connection for secondary speaker systems, the sockets are arranged for bi-wiring. Those wishing to bi-wire their speakers now have quality binding posts for treble and bass connections.
A gold-plated headphone socket adds a touch of class and improved quality contact for serious headphone users.

Power Amplifier Section:
IHF Dynamic Power: 54 W into 8 Ω; 80 W into 4 Ω
Power Output Per Channel:
43 W into 8 Ω 40 Hz - 20 kHz 0.08% THD
55 W into 4 Ω 40 Hz - 20 kHz 0.15% THD
48 W into 8 Ω 1 kHz 1% THD
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.015% at 8 ohms
Inter Modulation Distortion: 0.015% at 8 ohms
Damping Factor: 100
Phono Amplifier Section - MM Cartridge Input
Frequency Difference: ± 0.5 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 87 dB (A weighted)
Input Sensitivity: 2.5 mV
Input Impedance: 47 kΩ
High Level Section
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 60 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 87 dB (A weighted)
Input Sensitivity: 150 mV
Input Impedance: 33 kΩ
Tape Output Level: 300 mV [Phono (MM) 5 mV 1 kHz Input]
Tape Output Impedance: 220 Ω (Phono)
Power Requirements: 240 V
Power Consumption: 170 W
Dimensions: 420 (W) x 280 (D) x 118 (H) mm
Weight: 10.0 kg

Turnaround

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