Marantz

Blue dials, warm sound, and the receivers that defined the 1970s

History

Marantz was founded in New York City in 1953 by Saul Marantz, a musician and audio enthusiast who was dissatisfied with the sound quality of available home audio equipment. Working from his basement, Marantz created the Audio Consolette preamplifier—a revolutionary product that established the company's reputation for excellence.

The Model 1 (1953) and subsequent Model 2 (1956) and Model 3 (1957) tube amplifiers became legendary for their musicality and build quality. These products were designed by Saul Marantz with meticulous attention to circuit design and component selection.

The 1960s brought iconic products including the Model 7 preamplifier (1958-1965) and Model 8 power amplifier (1959)—both considered classics of tube audio design. The Model 9 monoblocks (1960) delivered 70 watts each and became the ultimate expression of Marantz tube engineering.

The 1966 acquisition by Superscope marked a turning point. The company moved toward solid-state designs and began manufacturing in Japan. The 2270, 2285, 2325, and 2385 receivers of the 1970s became cultural icons with their blue dial lights, gyro-touch tuning, and warm, powerful sound.

In 2001, Marantz merged with Denon to form D&M Holdings, creating one of the world's largest high-end audio groups. Today, Marantz continues to produce premium audio equipment, maintaining the tradition of musical excellence established by Saul Marantz.

Key Facts

Legendary Products

Marantz Model 7 / Model 8 (1958-1965)

The ultimate expression of Saul Marantz's tube engineering. The Model 7 preamplifier and Model 8 power amplifier (30WPC) are considered among the finest tube components ever made, with prices for original units reaching astronomical levels.

Marantz 2270 (1971)

Perhaps the most iconic Marantz receiver. The 2270 delivered 70 watts per channel with the famous blue dial, gyro-touch tuning, and warm, engaging sound. It represents the perfect balance of performance, features, and styling.

Marantz 2325 (1974)

The flagship of the classic Marantz receiver line, delivering 125 watts per channel. The 2325 featured comprehensive inputs, AM/FM stereo, and the unmistakable Marantz aesthetic that defined 1970s hi-fi.

Marantz Model 9 (1960)

Monoblock tube amplifiers delivering 70 watts each from KT88 output tubes. These legendary amplifiers used massive transformers and point-to-point wiring, representing the pinnacle of Saul Marantz's tube designs.

Classic Models Reference

Sound Signature

Marantz equipment is characterized by:

• Musical warmth - Engaging, enjoyable presentation
• Midrange presence - Vocals and instruments shine
• Refined highs - Detailed without harshness
• Build quality - Heavy construction, quality components
• Visual appeal - Blue dial, classic styling

Collecting Marantz

Vintage Marantz gear is valued for:

• Saul Marantz era (pre-1966) - Original NY designs
• Blue dial receivers - 2270, 2285, 2325
• Model 7/8 - Ultimate tube separates
• Model 9 - Legendary mono blocks
• Condition - Working blue dial lights important

Most collectible models:

• Model 7/8 - The holy grail
• Model 9 - Ultimate tube mono blocks
• 2270 - The iconic receiver
• 2325 - Classic flagship

Restoration Tips

Common Marantz service items:

• Replace electrolytic capacitors (all vintage units need this)
• Blue dial bulbs (replace with LEDs or original)
• Clean gyro-touch tuning mechanism
• Service protection relays
• Verify bias settings (tube units)
• Clean controls and switches

Competitors & Comparisons

Marantz vs McIntosh: McIntosh more prestigious; Marantz more accessible

Marantz vs Pioneer: Both popular; Marantz warmer, Pioneer more neutral

Marantz vs Sansui: Similar vintage appeal; Marantz more refined

All Models in Archive (106)

Receivers, Amplifiers

• Marantz - Because Music Matters

Amplifiers

• 2275 - 1974-1976
• 4240 - 1975-1977

Cassette Decks

• 5420 - 1983

Receivers

• 2238 - 1977
• 2240 - 1974
• SR-2000 - 1999–2001

Speakers

• 1030 - 1973-1976
• 1040 - 1973-1975
• 1520 - 1975-1977
• 1530L - 1980-1982
• 2226 - 1974-1976
• 2230 - 1972-1974
• 2230B - 1977-1979
• 2235B - 1977-1979
• 2238B - 1978-1980
• 2240B - 1978-1980
• 2250B - 1978-1980
• 2252 - 1974-1977
• 2252B - 1978-1980
• 2265 - 1974-1977
• 2265B - 1978-1980
• 2270 - 1972-1975
• 2285 - 1975-1977
• 2285B - 1978-1980
• 2325 - 1974-1976
• 2330 - 1976-1977
• 2385 - 1978-1980
• 2440 - 1978-1980
• 3300 - 1973-1975
• 3600 - 1976-1977
• 3800 - 1976-1978
• 4100 - 1976-1978
• 4270 - 1974-1976
• 4300 - 1974-1976
• 4430 - 1975-1977
• DS-920 - 1975
• HD 77 - 1980-1982
• HD-550 - 1975
• Imperial - 1974
• imperial-4b - 1968-1970
• IMPERIAL-5 - 1974
• imperial-6 - 1968-1970
• IMPERIAL-7 - 1975
• imperial-9 - 1973-1975
• MODEL 10 - 1964-1965
• MODEL 112 - 1971-1973
• MODEL 1120 - 1974-1976
• MODEL 115 - 1975-1977
• MODEL 1150 - 1975-1977
• MODEL 1180DC - 1978-1980
• MODEL 140 - 1973-1975
• MODEL 16 - 1969-1972
• MODEL 22 - 1977-1979
• MODEL 240 - 1974-1977
• MODEL 25 - 1973-1975
• MODEL 250 - 1973-1975
• MODEL 250M - 1977-1979
• MODEL 260 - 1976-1978
• MODEL 28 - 1971-1973
• MODEL 2A - 1964-1966
• MODEL 3 - 1959-1960
• MODEL 32 - 1964-1966
• MODEL 4 - 1959-1962
• MODEL 5 - 1958-1963
• MODEL 510M - 1979-1981
• MODEL 7 - 1958-1963
• MODEL 7C - 1958-1963
• MODEL 7T - 1963-1964
• MODEL 8B - 1964-1967
• model-4-spk-g - 1967
• MODEL-7-SPK-G - 1975
• model-8-spk-g - 1975

Tuners

• 1515 - 1976-1978
• 1530 - 1977-1979
• 1550l - 1976-1978
• 2010 - 1971-1973
• 2210 - 1970-1972
• 2215 - 1973-1975
• 2215B - 1978-1980
• 2215BL - 1974-1975
• 2216 - 1974-1976
• 2216B - 1977-1979
• 2220 - 1973-1975
• 2220b - 1978-1980
• 2225 - 1974-1976
• 2226B - 1979-1980
• 2235 - 1974-1977
• 2245 - 1974-1977
• 4220 - 1974-1976
• 4230 - 1974-1976
• HD 440 - 1976-1977
• MODEL 105 - 1970-1972
• Model 120 - 1960s-1970s
• Model 20B - Unknown
• MODEL 24 - 1973-1975
• MODEL-10B - 1964
• MODEL-120B - 1974
• MODEL-125 - 1973
• MODEL-150 - 1974
• MODEL-210 - 1974
• MODEL-2130 - 1974
• model-27 - 1970-1971

Turntables

• 6350 - 1978