When we visited Sound and Vision a little while to check out the Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 and Mcintosh MA252 we played through the Marantz NA6006. If you do not know, the Marantz NA6006 is a network streamer. It doesn’t really do much more than that. However it does the network bit extremely well. Most network players or streamers are just that, they are not amps or integrated units., so this does not come as a surprise to most. The price tag is a bit of a surprise at only $699.00 MSRP.
Our Thoughts on the NA6006
It is an easy to use streamer with support for just about anything you could want to stream. We will list its support below in the specs. I connected to the unit via the HEOS app and streamed Spotify. It connected very quickly and never lost connection. The response time on changes to songs, playlists and so on was near instant. It has the typical Marantz appearance so if you already have Marantz separates it will fit right in. You may ask, why do I need a streamer, my integrated already has connect features. The truth is, then you may not. If you are however running a pre and power app separates and do not want to have to physically connect a phone or computer to the system then you will want a streamer. That said, I have a SR7009 which does not have HEOS support and the built in streamer disconnects constantly, so much so I got an extra Iphone and it is a permanent part of my system until I get a streamer. If your integrated amp is a little older and has trouble staying connected, you too will benefit from the NA6006. As for sound there is nothing to speak of, in a good way. It added no tonal changes or any other coloring so to speak to the sound. This is exactly what we want in what is essentially a source.
Specs:
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support offer improved network stability even in Wi-Fi-crowded homes
- Stream music from Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer and more with Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 or HEOS built-in
- 1 Optical digital input to connect to your entertainment
- Audiophile 192kHz/24bit D/A conversion (ESS9016) and dual crystal clock for exceptional musical performance
- Marantz proprietary HDAM circuits minimize interference and improve audio
- Enjoy multi-room whole-home audio streaming with HEOS technology
- Amazon Alexa voice control via the HEOS Home Entertainment skill
- Supports DSD (2.8/5.6 Mhz), WAV, MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, ALAC file playback via USB devices for high-resolution and Hi-Fi listening
- Optical and Analog audio outputs
- Selectable fixed or variable level output
- Headphone output with selectable gain control
Supported File Types
| File Type | Sampling Freq. | Bit Rate | Bit Length | File Extension |
| WMA | 32/44.1/48 kHz | 48-192 kbps | – | .wma |
| MP3 | 32/44.1/48 kHz | 32-192 kbps | – | .mp3 |
| WAV | 32/44.48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz | – | 16/24 bits | .wav |
| MPEG-4 AAC | 32/44.1/48 kHz | 16-192 kbps | – | .aac/.m4a/.mp4 |
| FLAC | 32/44.48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz | – | 16/24 bits | .flac |
| ALAC | 32/44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz | – | 16/24 bits | .m4a |
| DSD (stereo) | 2.8 MHz-5.6 MHz |
Final Thoughts on the Marantz NA6006
If you are looking for a streamer that offers a lot for not a ton off money the NA6006 is an awesome choice. It is best suited in systems that are using separates or even an older integrated amp. I could also see this being a nice addition to an otherwise vintage set up. If you love your old Sansui or Marantz or Technics units from yesteryear but want to add streaming, this is a great solution. It won’t override that vintage sound you love, but you will be able to expand your library to an almost limitless collection.
As always, check one out in person and see, or hear if it is the solution for you. If you are in Ohio you can visit one of three Sound and Vision Inc.’s locations. Click the link below for more info. 