Marantz PM4001 (2005–2008)

The Marantz PM4001 is a stereo integrated amplifier released in September 2005 at ¥28,000, offered in gold and black finishes with a matching RC4001PM wireless remote. It sat in Marantz's entry-level range of the mid-2000s, but the engineering description suggests it borrowed from the house approach used further up the line: the preamp, power amp, and tone-control stages are separated as in higher-grade models, the power stage is fully discrete, and an input buffer circuit using the same method as the PM-15S1 is incorporated to improve signal-to-noise and channel separation. The front panel, volume knob, and input selector are aluminum, which Marantz says adds rigidity as well as a more premium feel.

Rated output is 40W + 40W into 8 ohms and 55W + 55W into 4 ohms (both channels driven, 20 Hz–20 kHz), with dynamic power stretching to 55W into 8 ohms and 80W into 4 ohms. THD is rated at 0.03% at 35W into 8 ohms, and frequency response via CD input extends from 10 Hz to 100 kHz (+0/–3 dB). Damping factor is 100 into 8 ohms. There's a built-in phono stage for MM cartridges (2.5 mV/47 kΩ sensitivity), three line inputs (CD, tuner, Aux/DVD), two tape loops, and outputs for two speaker systems plus headphones. Tone controls offer ±10 dB at 100 Hz and 10 kHz, with a tone defeat switch, loudness function, and a full REC selector. Power consumption is rated at 100W, 0.7W in standby. Dimensions are 440 x 117 x 341 mm, weight 6.6 kg (one source lists 9800g, likely including packaging).

Grounding got some attention in this design: the headphone output ground point is split in two — one under the circuit and one near the front-panel jack — and the volume board ground is wired independently for left and right to improve crosstalk. The remote also controls basic functions on compatible Marantz CD players, CD/MD decks, and tuners from the same era.

Owner commentary from forums is generally positive — it's been called "an excellent budget amp" and praised for driving Monitor Audio BR5 speakers with ease, with one listener describing the sound as "very open, warm." The same threads note it isn't button-heavy, which some users clearly saw as a virtue. Production reportedly ran from 2005 to 2008, and the service manual (first issue 2005.08, part no. 90M44BW855010) covers the PM4001 and PM4001F variants. No period magazine reviews of the PM4001 have surfaced in the archive's sources.

Known specs

Rated output: 40W + 40W (8 Ω), 55W + 55W (4 Ω), 20 Hz–20 kHz, both channels driven
Dynamic power: 55W + 55W (8 Ω), 80W + 80W (4 Ω)
THD: 0.03% (20 Hz–20 kHz, 8 Ω, 35W)
Frequency response (CD): 10 Hz–100 kHz +0/–3 dB
Damping factor: 100 (8 Ω, 20 Hz–10 kHz)
Phono MM: 2.5 mV / 47 kΩ; max input 130 mV (1 kHz)
S/N (A-weighted, JEITA): Phono MM 83 dB; high level 87 dB
Dimensions: 440 x 117 x 341 mm; 6.6 kg (one source lists 9800g, likely including packaging)