HDAM (High Definition Amplifier
Module): Marantz uses HDAMs
instead of standard op-amps, rendering a more dynamic sound and less
susceptibility to radiated noise, heat, and vibration.
The HDAM SA3 used in the PM-11S2 is an evolved version of the HDAM SA2; the HDAM
SA3 has further improved temperature stability and has a substantially
higher-speed processing. It drives the phono amplifier, balance buffer, line buffer, volume
amplifier, voltage amplifier and power buffer that comprise the PM-11S2.
Input Amplifier Section:
- Constant Feedback Phono
Equalizer: The phono equalizer in the PM-11S2 incorporates a constant
feedback circuit. This equalizer, developed by Marantz, has the advantages
of both NF-type and CR-type phono equalizers, and it supports both MM and MC
- Current Feedback Balance
Buffer: The PM-11S2 incorporates an HDAM SA3-driven current feedback
balance buffer that faithfully transfers signals from components with quality
balanced outputs, such as super audio CD players and D/A converters.
- Individual Input Buffer for
Each Line Input Jack: Each input (CD, Line 1, Line 2, Recorder 1, and
Recorder 2) has its own input buffer built on HDAM SA3 technology.
By providing each line with its own buffer amp, it is possible to prevent
interference between input sources and thereby faithfully transfer signals
from the input source.
- Linear Control Volume: The
PM-11S2 incorporates linear control volume that carries forward the design
concepts of the SC-7SS. These linear control varistors improve S/N ratio, enabling smooth
control in ±0.5 dB steps across a 0 to -100 dB range.
- Tone Control Amplifier:
The PM-11S2 incorporates an adjustable jack-type tone control amplifier for
controlling bass and treble in 2 dB steps across a ±8 dB range. The left and
right channels can be separately adjusted from the remote control.
Amplifier Structure: The PM-11S2 carries on the dual amplifier design
concepts of the MA-9S2 with separate voltage and power amplifiers. With this
dual amp structure, the power buffer powerfully drives the speakers,
shutting out the effects of return current from the speakers. The voltage
amplifier drives the power buffer with ultra low distortion.
Choke Input Power Supply:
The PM-11S2 incorporates a choke input power circuit built with a high
capacity smoothing capacitor in order to thoroughly eliminate high frequency
noise from the rectifier circuit and external sources. It delivers a
distortion-free power supply to the input amplifier and preamplifier.
Floating Control Bus System:
A Floating Control Bus System (FCBS) is a two way communication system that enables
you to connect up to four
PM-11S2s and control them simultaneously, This makes possible a number of applications,
and multiple channel (surround, multi-channel SACD, etc) applications. A ground loop is not formed
between multiple connected PM-11S2s, therefore sound quality is not
adversely affected. When more than one PM-11S2 is used a different ID code
is assigned to each.
Bi-Amp Mode: The
bi-amp option offered by Marantz reproduces
a sound environment never before experienced. This same bi-amp connection
has been made possible with the PM-11S2. Two PM-11S2s are connected by FCBS
in bi-amp mode, enabling each to work as a monaural
Construction: The Marantz PM-11S2 features a rigid copper plated
chassis with a 5mm thick aluminum top plate and dual layer bottom plate.
Display: The PM-11S2
adopts an LCD to display input source and volume level. Compared to other
types of display panels, the LCD generates less drive noise and radiated
noise, hence the effect on sound quality is minimal. The input source and
volume level are displayed normally. The display contrast is adjustable from -8
Remote Control: The IR
wireless remote will control the PM-11S2 and Marantz Super Audio CD players and
A rotary knob is used to select the input source for listening and recording.
The A and B speaker outputs are turned on and off independently. The speaker
outputs are not automatically muted when you plug in headphones so the speakers
must be manually turned off.
The attenuate button has three settings; -20 dB (factory setting), -40 dB, and
The pre out button turns the pre-amp outputs on and off.
The record out button turns the record outputs on and off.
The phono MC button switches the phone equalizer between moving coil and moving
The bi-amp/stereo operating mode switch is on the back panel.
The A and B speaker outputs are binding posts. They are not 5-way posts, but
will accept single banana plugs, pin connectors, spade lugs up to 0.575" wide,
and bare wire up to 11 gauge.
The CD, Line 1, and Line 2 inputs are RCA connectors.
Recorder 1 and Recorder 2 have RCA inputs and outputs.
The RCA phono input will accept moving coil and moving magnet cartridges.
A standard 1/4" headphone jack is on the front panel.
Stereo RCA outputs feed a powered subwoofer or another amplifier.
The balanced input uses XLR connectors.
Floating Control Bus System:
The FCBS in and out are 3.5mm mini-jacks.