Stereophile: Marantz KI Pearls

I love the styling of the latest Marantz gear—strong and masculine without being overblown or audacious. Though the late '80s through early '90s saw Marantz move away from their high end roots, the last decade has been a return to form. Under the ownership of D&M Holdings, the respected audio company seems to be embracing their cherished past. In May 2008, Michael Fremer was extremely impressed by their SM-11S1 Reference power amplifier. He wrote:

Considering the SM-11S1's superb build quality inside and out, its fit'n'finish, its fully balanced architecture, the fact that it can be bridged for use as a monoblock—and, of course, its dazzling sound as a stereo amp—it's difficult to imagine that any company other than one big enough to take advantage of economies of scale could produce such an exceptional design for $4000. The SM-11S1 is one of those "get it while you can" products that comes along all too infrequently.

And in our October 2007 issue, Jim Austin approached musical satori with the SA8001 SACD player. Much more recently, MF enjoyed the heck out of the SA-11S2 Reference SACD player. He liked it so much, he almost gave up vinyl. (Just kidding.) And, as we speak, I believe Bob Reina has a review sample of the entry-level PM5003 integrated amplifier (which costs just $450 and includes a MM phono stage).

Now, to celebrate audio designer Ken Ishiwata's 30th anniversary with Marantz, the company is introducing two new products: the KI Pearls.

Designed and engineered to Mr. Ishiwata’s exacting specifications, the new KI Pearl units, including the SA-KI Pearl SACD player ($2,999) and the PM-KI Pearl integrated amplifier ($3,599), exemplify his passion for music and reflect his ongoing quest for audio perfection. A limited number of the SA-KI Pearl units will be released in May 2009 to select Marantz retailers, with availability of the PM-KI Pearl scheduled for September 2009.

A special website devoted to the KI Pearls is a treat, filled with all the information you'd expect, plus a sort of walking tour presented by an awesome little virtual Ken Ishiwata.

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Reader Comments

Posted Tue Sep15, 2009, 9:29 AM — By SM

This is only a test.

Posted Tue Sep29, 2009, 1:39 PM — By J. G.

I first heard a "display" SA-KI Pearl SACD/CD player next to my own Arcam CD-36 (which I brought along to the audio shop for the Marantz audition). From what I could tell from that side by side comparason, the sound from the Marantz was fuller: with more detail, depth and a wider soundstage. It was also "more musical"... A definate upgrade. I just received my own SA-KI Pearl. If my wife doesn't kill me, I will report back with more information.

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