Marantz Model 15 (1970–1974)

Name: Marantz Model 15
Brand: Marantz

The Marantz Model 15 is a solid-state stereo power amplifier. Marantz's own advertising announced it as a decisive move forward in solid-state power amplification - High Fidelity (December 1966, p.33) ran the announcement, and the same campaign appeared in Audio (November 1966, p.13). Marantz's marketing called it a 120-watt stereo amplifier. The rated output the archive's sources agree on is 125 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms.

The Model 15 is a purist design. It is a power amplifier only, with no input switching and no volume control. The output stage is direct-coupled with no output capacitor, and the amp is built around two transformers. The front panel is thick and heavy, in line with Marantz's no-compromise approach of the era. The unit is known to run warm in use. One source describes its sound as warm as well, while reviewers praised its clean power delivery and silent background.

Production years are listed as 1970 to 1974, though Marantz's advertising for the model appeared as early as late 1966. The discrepancy likely reflects differences between announcement and actual production dates, and the record is not fully clear. No original price is documented in the archive's sources.

Known specifications:

Power output: 125W RMS per channel into 8Ω
Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (±0.25dB)
THD: less than 0.3%
S/N ratio (IHF): 95dB
Damping factor: 60
Inputs: 1 pair line-level
Dimensions: 16⅝" W × 6⅛" H × 12½" D
Mains: 110V/220V, 50/60Hz

The Model 15 is distinct from the later Model 15DC, and sources occasionally conflate the two. The specifications above belong to the non-DC Model 15. No weight figure, no original price, and no detailed component-level documentation have surfaced in the archive's sources.