Marantz EQ580 (1998)
The Marantz EQ580 is a standalone graphic equalizer released in Japan in 1998 at ¥29,800. It has a 10-band equalizer and a built-in 10-band spectrum analyzer. A microphone is included, so you can measure the sound field in a room and correct it. It came in two finishes, gold and black.
On paper it's a clean piece of late-90s Marantz engineering. Rated output is 1V, total harmonic distortion is 0.005%, signal-to-noise ratio is 96dB, and frequency response is 10 Hz to 25 kHz ±1.0 dB (though one source lists 10 Hz to 50 kHz). The ten bands are centered at 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, and 16 kHz, each adjustable ±10 dB. Inputs are one analog unbalanced input, one tape loop, and a microphone input. It draws 8W and measures 439 × 93 × 336 mm (W×H×D), weighing 4.2 kg.
The record on this model is thin. No period reviews have surfaced, and one forum user discussed it. That discussion is anecdotal: the user weighed it against a Hafler DH-160 and named the Marantz's spectrum analyzer display as its distinguishing feature. The EQ580 is known to have been associated with the Marantz SR-480 A/V receiver, though whether it was bundled or an optional companion isn't documented.
The EQ580F suffix marks a Japanese-market unit that needs 100V mains. Run one on 200-240V without a step-down transformer and it will be damaged. Asking prices seen online run from roughly ₽30,000 (about $330) on the Russian market to over €500 for European listings, with some units sold as-is for parts.
- 10-band graphic equalizer with spectrum analyzer
- Rated output: 1V
- THD: 0.005% · S/N: 96dB
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 25 kHz ±1.0 dB (conflicting source: 10 Hz – 50 kHz)
- Bands: 31.5 Hz – 16 kHz, ±10 dB
- Microphone input included for acoustic correction
- Released 1998 · ¥29,800
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