Disc Players

Marantz's adoption of the Ncore power amp modules and switchmode PSU now extends across three seasons of its products, the association with technology brand Hypex beginning with the PM-10 [HFN Aug '17]. Bridged pairs of NC500 modules were employed in the high-specification PM-10, trimmed down to single modules in the PM-KI Ruby [HFN Jan '19] and the PM-12SE here. However, while 200W rating of the PM-10 was halved to 100W/8ohm for the 'Ruby and PM-12SE in practice the latter still achieves close to double this figure.

Class D also brings with it very high efficiency – the PM-12SE drawing just 255W from the wall when delivering 2x100W/8ohm. Furthermore, while less sophisticated H-bridge Class D amplifiers suffer from a load-dependent frequency response (changing with your choice of speaker), the single-ended 'global feedback' Hypex modules ensure a more consistent and predictable performance. PM