In September, Marantz will add the $599 HD-CD1 to its line of CD players. The new player is designed to visually and sonically complement Marantz's HD-AMP1 integrated amplifier (shown with the CD player in the photo to the right). The HD-CD1 has analog outputs and a Cirrus Logic CS4398 192-kHz/24-bit DAC, or you can use its optical/coaxial digital audio outputs to pass the digital signal along to the HD-AMP1 or amplifier of your choice. The CD mechanism also supports MP3, WMA, and AAC playback, and there's also a high-quality amplified headphone output.

From Marantz
Marantz announces the HD-CD1, a Premium-class CD Player with superb, elegant, classic looks from a mid-size design. While small in size, it makes use of state-of-the-art Marantz technology carried over from the company's award-winning CD players, including the famous Marantz HDAM-SA2 amplifier modules. This unit builds on the success of the highly acclaimed HD-DAC1 Headphone Amplifier and HD-AMP1 Integrated Amplifier. The new HD-CD1 CD Player is expected to be available in September for $599.

The HD-CD1 is a high-quality CD player in the same compact form as the HD-AMP1 amplifier, and a perfect match. This product combines more than 30 years of Marantz expertise in compact disc playback with the latest developments in digital audio technology. It's ideal for use as a CD transport when used with the HD-AMP1, or as a CD player in any situation where a compact form factor is required without any compromise on sound quality. Selected components are used throughout the audio signal path, for the very best reproduction of music. A centralized CD mechanism, able to play MP3, WMA and AAC files as well as standard CDs, is also used for ultra-accurate disc-reading. This, along with its analog audio outputs and optical/coaxial digital connections, allows the HD-CD1 to be connected directly to the HD-AMP1's ultra-high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. The HD-CD1 also features a solid aluminium front panel, double-layer chassis for vibration isolation and retro-style side panels.

Marantz HDAM for superb audio performance
The HD-CD1 offers all the technology that's made Marantz a leader in top-quality CD playback. And central to that is the use of the Marantz-designed HDAM Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules: in place of the all-in-one "chip amplifiers" used elsewhere, these miniature amplifiers are built from separate, optimized components for the very best sound quality, and are found in Marantz products all the way up to the Reference series players and amplifiers. In the HD-CD1 the latest-generation HDAM-SA2 version of this technology is used, to provide a wide dynamic range and wide frequency response with lowest distortion--in other words, to get listeners closer to the music. HDAM technology is also used in the headphone section, which has its own dedicated amplification.

Reference-quality digital-to-analog conversion
Central to the sound quality of the HD-CD1 is a high-quality CD transport mechanism, designed for ultra-accurate disc-reading. It sends data to the player's high-resolution digital-to-analog converter, which is the same Cirrus Logic CS4398 device found in top-flight digital hardware. This is used together with a crystal oscillator master clock designed for ultra-low phase noise, and a low impedance capacitor, also designed for low noise, ensuring digital data is converted into an analog sound with lifelike dynamics and timbre, breathtaking presence and sheer musicality.

Dedicated headphone amplifier with volume control and adjustable gain
Whether listeners choose to use the HD-CD1 on their desk for full-time headphone listening, or just occasionally want to connect a pair of 'phones for a private music session, the dedicated headphone section in the player is exceptional. To make the most of personal listening, it has its own volume control and a dedicated HDAM-SA2 amplifier, complete with adjustable gain setting--low, medium and high--to enable it to drive even highly-demanding audiophile headphones.

Analog and digital outputs
As well as its own high-quality analog outputs, the HD-CD1 is enabled to be used with any amplifier including the matching HD-AMP1, and the HD-CD1 has both optical and coaxial digital outputs. With this it can be used as a CD transport straight into the digital input on the HD-AMP1, allowing it to be used with the superb ESS Sabre DAC built into the amplifier. Like the analog outputs, the coaxial digital connection uses a high-quality gold-plated RCA socket, and a digital cable is supplied with the player.

High-current power supply and vibration-suppressing chassis
Noise is the enemy of great sound, and the HD-CD1 has extensive measures to suppress both electrical and mechanical interference. A high-current power supply with high-capacity storage capacitors is used to ensure the player is able to deliver the dynamics of music, along with high-speed Schottky Barrier Diodes. The player also has auto-standby and very low power consumption when in standby mode. The HD-CD1 is built on a double-layer baseplate for rigidity and vibration suppression, aided by the use of compliant feet, a solid aluminum fascia and a rigid top-plate, and is finished with retro-style side-cheeks for that "classic Marantz" look.

• Support of MP3, AAC, WMA file playback
Plays most popular digital media files

• Intensively sound-tuned with carefully selected components
Unique Marantz audio experience

• High-quality 192-kHz/24-bit D/A conversion (CS4398) and accurate system clock
Best sound quality from CD and digital media files

• Marantz proprietary HDAM-SA2 circuits
Wider dynamic range with lower distortion for the output stage

• Full discrete headphone amplifier with HDAM-SA2 and gain control
High-quality sound even from demanding headphones

• Double-layered bottom plate and rigid feet
Eliminating interferences for purity of sound

• Gold-plated L/R/Coax Outputs
Best connection to amplifier

• System remote to control CD Player and Amplifier
For total ease-of-use

• Available in black
Perfectly matching HD-AMP1 Amplifier

Additional Resources
• Marantz Introduces Nine-Channel SR6011 AV Receiver at HomeTheaterReview.com
• Marantz Announces PM6006 Integrated Amp and CD6006 CD Player at HomeTheaterReview.com.