Marantz PM-19 (1998)

Name: Marantz PM-19
Brand: Marantz

The Marantz PM-19 is a stereo integrated (pre-main) amplifier released in 1998 at a Japanese retail price of ¥68,000. It came in two finishes, gold and black, and shipped with a system remote control. The record on this model is moderate. The Japanese spec database documents it thoroughly, and a New Zealand dealer who sold one called it "a rare and special model." Period reviews and deeper market context are essentially absent.

The spec sheet shows a serious, well-built amplifier. Rated output is 60W + 60W into 8Ω, 80W + 80W into 6Ω, and 100W + 100W into 4Ω, both channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Total harmonic distortion is quoted at 0.01% into 8Ω. The power stage is current-feedback, with an adjustable HDAM module (with offset adjustment) in the front end of it. There are four active volume stages to improve signal-to-noise, and the tone control is an active filter. Signal-to-noise is rated at 110 dB on high-level inputs. Frequency response in Source Direct mode (CD) is specified at 5 Hz to 70 kHz, +0/-1 dB. Inputs are four line inputs, two tape loops, and one phono input, with preamp out, speaker out, and headphone out. A New Zealand dealer's listing added relay input selection, substantial speaker binding posts, and tape dubbing facilities, with "top tier internals and build quality." Power consumption is rated at 170W.

The PM-19 measures 458 mm wide, 103 mm high, and 439 mm deep, and weighs 13.5 kg. It was made in Japan.

A few caveats. One eBay listing uses the name "PM-19F," but the relationship between that variant and the PM-19 is not documented, and no separate specifications exist for it. The only comparative listening note found is a Russian-language remark, on a page about a different Marantz model, suggesting the PM-19 sounds somewhat similar to the PM-8004 and the PM KI Pearl Lite. That is an offhand comparison, not a formal review. No common failure modes, maintenance notes, or original North American pricing are documented.