here's the February 2004 review of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision on the
Marantz CD 5400
HAS MARANTZ GIVEN UP on two channel audio, as some people have suggested? With no fewer than four CD players in its mainstream Range series, and more in its premium lineup, this doesn't look like a pull-out.
The CD5400 is an entry-level model but looks, feels and sounds anything but, especially with the optional stylish silver finish of the review sample. It has a cool, solid feel that eludes its rivals in this group, and the fascia is much less fuzzy than that of some past Marantz machines. Clutter is kept to a minimum - most of the controls are relegated to the remote handset, and the buttons there are on the front panel have a crisp, positive feel that extends to the action of the disc-loader. Meanwhile, the display is big and clear, showing CD-text info, when available, in legible dot-matrix characters. There's also a headphone output with its own volume control, and both optical and electrical digital outputs alongside the analogue connections.
The player uses a quality transport mechanism to feed a multi-bit delta sigma conversion system from Cirrus Logic. Close attention has been paid to circuit layout, isolation and earthing, while frills include a pitch control - handy for musicians wanting to play along with their favorite discs - and a Quick Replay button to skip back to a favorite section of music.
Features aside, it's the performance of the Marantz that really grabs your attention: it'll have you listening for hours. There's not a hint of the compression or softness one expects at this price - instead, it delivers music in a big-boned dynamic style. It has the kind of control and punch that make everything from the pop of the Pet Shop Boys to large-scale orchestral works sound thrilling, and does a fine job with closed-milked chamber music.
This is a remarkable player for the money, with superb looks, sound and feel, which gives you no clue as to the budget price. Fool your friends into thinking you've spent a lot more.
FOR
Pace, poise and timing; a very refined player for the money
AGAINST
Not a lot
OVERALL
In the tradition of fine affordable Marantz players, a very solid buy - and a lot of fun (150 Pounds)
