Marantz
CD-73 is a front-loading player in which the disc I spins in the horizontal
plane. So the height has been kept to a slim 80mm, though width (415mm) and
depth (300mm) are `full size'. The disc drawer is mechanically complicated:
pressing the open/ close button causes the drawer to slide out while the front
tilts forward and the disc-clamp panel pops up simultaneously. Green
illumination allows the disc to be seen during play through windows in the top
and front. An extended display panel carries numbered green lights from 1 to 15
showing the total number of tracks on the disc, with amber lights underneath
indicating the track being played.
Apart
from simple playing of a disc straight through from the beginning, there are
selfexplanatory rewind, fast forward, 'next program', repeat and pause
controls. Programming tracks (up to 15) in any desired sequence is achieved by
pressing a 'select' button the required number of times (or holding it down
until the required track number is indicated on the display) for each track and
entering this in the memory by pressing a 'preset' button. This takes a little
time to arrange for a complicated sequence, but works impeccably-and the whole
sequence can be set to repeat itself indefinitely. Individual tracks in a
sequence can be cancelled, or repeated, with the visual display at all times
showing the particular tracks in the stored programme.
Grouping
of the controls along the lower edge of the front panel is logical, but some
practice will be needed to master the flexible facilities offered. The state of
play is always clearly displayed, except for the omission of any 'real time'
indicator. No sound is heard during fast forward or rewind, so that trial and
error has to be used for locating a cue within a track-the fast wind operating
for as long as the button is held down, and play being resumed when the button
is released.
The
Marantz CD-73 therefore comes in the middle category as far as features and
displays are concerned. It scores high marks for smooth operation and smart
appearance-having the attractive finish of all the current Marantz 'separates',
such as the PM350 amplifier and ST450 tuner which we reviewed in October 1982
(page 504). Rear panel connections include the usual pair of phono sockets for
audio output, plus sockets for an optional infra-red remote control kit. Mains
connection is via a two-pin socket: mains cable and phono leads are supplied.
Specifications
Sampling
Frequency: 44,1 kHz
Number of
Quatizations: 16-bit linear
Modulation
Technique: EFM
Channel Bit
Rate: 4,3218 Mb/sec
Error Correcting
System: CIRC
Encode Scheme: Two's complement
Semiconductor Laser
Wavelength: 0,78 micrometer
Numerical Aperture
(NA): 0,45
Depth of Focus: ±2 micrometers
Diameter of the Beam
Spot (disk top layer): About 1 mm in
diameter
Output: 2,0 V
Play Frequency
Band: 5 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio: 90 dB or more
Dynamic Range: 90 dB or more
Channel
Separation: 90 dB or more
Total Harmonic
Distortion (1kHz): 0.004%
Wow and
Flutter: Quartz-crystal precision (below
a limit of measurement)
De-emphasis: Automatic switching
Power Source: AC 100, 120, 220, 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power
Consumption: 30 W
Dimensions (W x H x
D): 416 x 81 x 300 mm
Weight: 8 kg