What Hi-Fi? Verdict
An effortless performer that has impressive resolution and class-leading composure; excellent build; understated styling
Pros
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An effortless performer that has impressive resolution and class-leading composure
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excellent build
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understated styling
Cons
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Big, heavy, and runs hot
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
Marantz is a rarity in the world of home entertainment: it's one of the few brands to cover all bases from budget to high-end without ever seeming out of place. And this monobloc design is a great example of top-end audio.
The Marantz MA-9S2 combo is understated in appearance, undeniably luxurious in feel, while at the same time massaging high-end egos by weighing in at 37kg per box. Be sure your rack – and your floor, for that matter – are up to the job.
The MA-9S2 is a beast in terms of size, weight and power output (300 watts), but it offers a dose of real finesse behind all that bravado. There's still just a hint of politeness, but in every other sense this is a world-class power amp.
Monoblocs monopolise praise
As you'd expect from the output figure, it'll go loud with just about any speaker you care to mention. It'll pummel your senses while delivering a sound that balances refinement, punch and stability to great effect. Detail resolution is breathtaking, as is the composure at high volume levels.
We'd go so far as to say it's one of the very best power amps we've ever heard, and the few we've tested that better this performance either cost much more, or only deliver a fraction of the MA-9S2's muscle.
