Marantz CD-17 Ki Signature CD Player

The Marantz CD-17 KI Signature is a highly regarded special-edition CD player, extensively tuned by Ken Ishiwata and developed as an enhanced version of the already respected CD-17 platform. Built during one of Marantz’s strongest analogue-voiced digital eras, the CD-17 KI is celebrated for its musical warmth, rich tonal density, and highly natural Red Book playback.

At the heart of the player is Marantz’s DAC7 architecture, built around the legendary Philips TDA1547 Bitstream DAC, paired with the SAA7350AGP digital servo and SM5841 digital filter. Combined with the robust Philips CDM-12.1 transport mechanism, the player became known for excellent disc tracking stability and low-jitter performance.

The KI Signature version benefitted from additional component selection, circuit refinement, and voicing by Ken Ishiwata, giving it a more refined and expressive character compared to the standard CD-17.

Specifications

Disc Playback

• Disc Format: CD
• CD Mechanism: Philips CDM-12.1

Digital Processing

• DAC: Philips TDA1547 DAC7
• Digital Servo: SAA7350AGP
• Digital Filter: SM5841AS
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz

Performance

• Frequency Response:
  5Hz – 20kHz
• Dynamic Range:
  98dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
  103dB
• Channel Separation:
  100dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion:
  0.002%
• Line Output Level:
  2.2V

These figures align closely with known CD-17 platform specifications from Marantz archives and technical databases.

Inputs & Outputs

Analogue Outputs

• 1 × Stereo RCA output

Digital Outputs

• 1 × Coaxial digital output

System Control

• Marantz D-Bus remote system connection

User Features

• Original RC-D17CD remote control included
• Original Marantz user manual included
• Program playback
• Repeat playback
• Random playback
• Direct track access

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions (W × H × D):
  458 × 83 × 315 mm
• Weight:
  8 kg

The CD-17 KI Signature remains highly sought after because it represents the classic Marantz/Ken Ishiwata approach to digital playback — prioritising musicality over hyper-analytical presentation. It is particularly known for:

• smooth analogue-like tonal flow
• rich midrange texture
• strong vocal body
• excellent imaging stability
• low listening fatigue

Many enthusiasts still regard the TDA1547-based Marantz players as some of the most emotionally engaging CD players of the era, and the KI Signature versions are among the most collectible.

A classic Ken Ishiwata-tuned Marantz CD player combining Philips DAC7 architecture, refined musicality, and timeless Red Book performance for serious CD enthusiasts.

Condition: Good

Colour: Black

Unit includes original packaging, remote and accessories