Marantz PM-88SE (1990)
The Marantz PM-88SE is a stereo pre-main (integrated) amplifier released in Japan in 1990 at ¥90,000. It was developed as a special edition of the PM-80, built around the idea that the power supply is the foundation of an amplifier. What documentation survives is mostly spec-sheet material from Japanese sources. No formal period reviews in English-language publications have surfaced in the archive.
The PM-88SE has a dual-mode output stage. It runs in pure Class A at 20W + 20W into 8Ω. When more power is demanded, it switches to Class AB, rated at 100W + 100W (8Ω), 120W + 120W (6Ω), and 140W + 140W (4Ω). Dynamic power in Class AB is listed at 170W (6Ω), 220W (4Ω), and 340W (2Ω). Distortion is very low for the period: 0.008% THD at 20 Hz-20 kHz into 8Ω and 0.008% intermodulation (SMPTE). Frequency response extends to 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB) in CD Source Direct mode. The damping factor is rated at 180.
The parts list reflects late-1980s Japanese "audio nervosa" thinking. A toroidal transformer feeds a custom large-capacity electrolytic capacitor. OFC (oxygen-free copper) wiring is used for the speaker circuits, the power cord, and the internal wiring. The amplifier section uses 100W Pc power transistors in parallel push-pull with a three-stage Darlington configuration. Vibration control gets serious attention: a 3mm anti-vibration top cover, side die-cast case elements, a fully copper-plated chassis, and a paper-polyester PCB substrate. The volume and selector knobs are solid aluminum. The phono stage pairs a low-noise FET with an audio IC and includes a subsonic filter that attenuates the 30 Hz region to reduce record-warp effects.
Inputs are generous for the era: one phono input (switchable MM/MC), four line inputs, three tape loops, and one processor in/out loop. Speaker terminals accept banana plugs. The unit is rated at 220W power consumption and weighs 17.5 kg. It measures 454 × 165 × 380 mm (W×H×D), was made in Japan, and runs on 100V AC.
- Class A output: 20W + 20W (8Ω)
- Class AB output: 100W + 100W (8Ω) / 120W + 120W (6Ω) / 140W + 140W (4Ω)
- THD: 0.008% (20 Hz–20 kHz, 8Ω)
- IM distortion (SMPTE): 0.008%
- Frequency response: 10 Hz–100 kHz (+0/–3 dB, CD Source Direct)
- Damping factor: 180 (8Ω, 20 Hz–10 kHz)
- S/N ratio (A-network): Phono MC 75dB / Phono MM 85dB / High Level 107dB
- Dimensions: 454 × 165 × 380 mm; 17.5 kg
- Price: ¥90,000 (1990, Japan)
Surviving information on this model is thin beyond the specifications. No owner reviews, production run figures, or English-language press coverage have been documented. Used listings from Japan and Russia suggest it is still sought after. Recent auction results include a junk-condition unit bid at ¥20,000 and a working unit at ¥9,050, while Russian seller listings range from 52,000 to 100,000 ₽ depending on condition. A restoration video exists for a severely damaged example.
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