Marantz Model 2120
The Marantz Model 2120 is a solid-state tuner/preamplifier from the early-to-mid 1970s "Classic" era. It handled tuning and source selection in a two-box system, and it was designed to pair cosmetically and electronically with the matching Model 2125 power amplifier. Together they made a full preamp/tuner plus amp system, an alternative to the integrated receiver during the height of the high-fidelity era. Audio Historian has described the 2120/2125 pairing as one of Marantz's final great statements before the Superscope corporate absorption changed the company's engineering identity.
The front panel has a horizontal dial-and-drum tuner scale with an illuminated pointer and a large, flywheel-driven tuning knob. A pushbutton source selector handles phono 1, phono 2, mic, tuner, and aux inputs. The two phono inputs have separate sensitivity controls. The preamp stage gives you bass, midrange, and treble tone controls. The chassis is heavy, and Classic Audio describes the build as high quality throughout.
On the tuner side, the specs are respectable for the period. FM sensitivity is 10.3 dBf (1.8 µV at 75 ohms), selectivity is 70 dB, and capture ratio is 1.5 dB. Signal-to-noise is rated at 75 dB mono and 65 dB stereo, with distortion at 0.2% mono and 0.3% stereo at 1 kHz. Stereo separation is a minimum of 45 dB at 1 kHz. The AM section is documented too, with sensitivity of 22 µV at 600 kHz and 30 µV at 1400 kHz. The preamp is just as well specified on paper. Phono frequency response holds to ±0.25 dB from 30 Hz to 15 kHz (RIAA), and the high-level response runs from 5 Hz to 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB). HiFI-Stereo (September 1977, p.57) covered this segment of the market during the period, noting the competitive landscape of separates at the time.
The 2120 measures 5-1/2" high × 17-1/2" wide × 14" deep and weighs 24 lbs. Power consumption is a modest 20 watts in quiescent state. The antenna inputs take both 300-ohm balanced and 75-ohm coaxial connections.
Production years and the original retail price are not documented in the available record, and no service history or common-issue reports have surfaced. What the sources agree on is the engineering intent: Classic Audio calls it "a massively built, sonically excellent tuner-preamplifier that stands up well to the best of today's equipment," and period advertising referenced the tuner's performance with the claim that Marantz had never produced anything closer to perfection. The 2120 remains a component for collectors who appreciate the two-box approach — and who want the tuner section to match the quality of the amplifier it feeds.
Known Specifications
- Type: Solid-state tuner/preamplifier (FM/AM)
- FM Sensitivity (IHF): 10.3 dBf (1.8 µV @ 75 ohms)
- FM Selectivity: 70 dB
- FM S/N: 75 dB mono / 65 dB stereo
- FM Capture Ratio: 1.5 dB
- FM Distortion (1 kHz): 0.2% mono / 0.3% stereo
- FM Stereo Separation (1 kHz): 45 dB minimum
- Phono input sensitivity: 2.0 mV
- High-level input sensitivity: 150 mV
- Phono S/N (re: 5 mV input): 83 dB
- High-level S/N (re: 150 mV input): 80 dB
- Dimensions: 5-1/2" H × 17-1/2" W × 14" D
- Weight: 24 lbs
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