MARANTZ CD-63 MKII KIS

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows slight signs of wear. Without original packaging.

The Marantz CD 63 KIS represents an enhanced version of the well-known CD 63 player, developed according to the sound-tuning philosophy associated with Ken Ishiwata. It belongs to the range of affordable yet carefully engineered digital sources, aiming to deliver a more refined listening experience compared to the standard model, while still maintaining a design approach consistent with Marantz production of its era.

From a sonic perspective, this version stands out for its greater focus on overall musicality. Its playback character prioritises balance and naturalness, with a presentation that tends to soften the harsher edges typically associated with lower-cost digital conversion. It does not aim for spectacular effects or emphasis on isolated performance parameters, but instead builds a continuous, stable and non-fatiguing sound image, making it particularly suitable for listeners who prefer a smoother and less analytical approach.

The KIS designation, linked to Ken Ishiwata, identifies a series of tuning and optimisation interventions also applied to other models in the Marantz range. In the case of the Marantz CD 63 KIS, these modifications do not radically alter the original machine but instead refine certain construction and circuit aspects, with the goal of improving overall listening performance while preserving a simple and well-established design foundation.

From a construction standpoint, the CD 63 KIS still reflects the typical logic of mid-range players of its time, without elaborate engineering excess. The internal structure is not designed for visual impact, but rather for functionality and effectiveness. Even choices such as the fixed power cable, instead of a more refined IEC socket, confirm an approach rooted in an earlier stage of digital player evolution.

The most significant changes concern components and specific circuit solutions. These include the use of a toroidal transformer instead of a laminated one, and the selection of higher-grade components in key signal path sections, such as capacitors in the output stage. The inclusion of HDAM modules also plays an important role in shaping the sound, using discrete components in the final stages, a choice that gives the player a stronger sonic identity compared to fully integrated circuit solutions.

Overall, the CD 63 KIS presents itself as a more refined and considered evolution of the original design, with improvements that are most noticeable in terms of musicality and listening coherence. Without introducing structural revolutions, it stands out for its greater overall care, justifying its higher positioning compared to the standard model while preserving the essential character of the original machine.

Technical specifications:

• Digital converter: SM5872BS; 1 bit
• CD mechanism: CDM-12.1
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dynamic range: 96 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 104 dB
• Channel separation: 102 dB
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.0025%
• Line output: 2 V
• Digital connections: coaxial; optical
• Dimensions: 420 x 86 x 300 mm
• Weight: 4.1 kg