New Marantz Model 30

Marantz and Denon are sister company’s , the Denon sound signature is a bit forward and agile with big soundstage, Marantz is more laid back and maybe gives a more calmer insight into the music, what one chooses is probably system dependent in what dac or speakers one has.

Great intel!  Thank you Goldprintaudio, Gryphongryph!  MillerCarbon I cannot tell how much sarcasm is in your post! 

While I have built some simple utilitarian looking SET amps and appreciate that HIFI need not be jewelry, I think aesthetics matter.   If you're spending thousands of dollars you probably want to enjoy looking at the piece you bought.  

I'm not a home theatre guy, but I recently rehabbed my basement and bought a simple Marantz Home Theatre Receiver.  I was surprised at the smooth, liquid sound for the price.  

We have a nutch more interesting 3k integrated an italian made tube Hybrid eith a good built in usb dac

http://www.unisonresearch.com/en/products/unico-series/integrated-amplifiers/unico-due.html


The unison gear is.magical the tube preamp stage imparts warmth and the power amp has plenty of punch and drive and the built in dac saves money and Space

Dave and troy
Audio intellect nj
Unison dealers

@jbhiller   Go to Google images, and look at the pics of the inside of the Ruby and the M30.  The M30 is a "budget" version of the Ruby, no copper plating, and they may have changed a few other minor things.  Read reviews on the M30 and check out how much of it is made of plastic, rather than metal.  Appearances can be deceptive.  The Ruby is still available, and while more expensive, it strikes me as the better long-term investment.  

I think the SACD 30n looks really interesting. 
Marantz MMM dac technology (DSD upconvert) like Ruby and SA-10 plus built in streamer. Transport unit in-house developed so should be supported long time with rug getting pulled. 
As to the plastic comment, most of the reviews say it is aluminum not plastic