Marantz USB DAC and headphone amp makes its US debut

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Spotted on the Marantz stand at CEDIA Expo 2014 was the HD-DAC1 which is due on sale in North America in the next month or two for around $800.

It has a classic Marantz look with smart wooden side panels and trademark circular display.

The unit supports high-resolution audio formats including DSD (Direct Stream Digital) and 24-bit/192kHz. On the front panel there's a USB input for connecting Apple iPhones, iPod and iPads, a headphone socket, volume control and input selector.

Round the back you'll find two optical inputs, one coaxial input and one analogue one. There are also fixed and variable line outs.

Sister company Denon was also showing off its less retro-looking DA-300USB DAC/headphone amp, which we reviewed back in May, on the same stand.

MORE: Denon DA-300USB review

Denon DA-300USB DAC/headphone amp

Denon DA-300USB DAC/headphone amp
Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.