Marantz PM4400 (2003–2004)

Name: Marantz PM4400
Brand: Marantz

The Marantz PM4400 is a compact integrated amplifier from the early 2000s, released in May 2003 at ¥27,000. It was produced in 2003–2004, with at least some units made in China. It sat near the bottom of Marantz's line at the time — one period source noted that, apart from the discontinued PM4200, the PM4400 was considered the most affordable amplifier in Marantz's lineup.

The PM4400 was rated at 30W + 30W into 8 ohms, 40W + 40W into 6 ohms, and 50W + 50W into 4 ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz, both channels driven). Dynamic power was rated higher: 50W into 8 ohms, 60W into 6 ohms, and 70W into 4 ohms. THD was specified at 0.03% (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz), with intermodulation distortion at 0.015%. Frequency response extended to 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB) with tone defeat engaged.

The design used Marantz's "Absolute SA Technology," a circuit speed-up approach developed for higher-end models. Marantz paid particular attention to shortening and quieting the signal and power supply paths. Two relays were added to the speaker output switch to eliminate signal path loss, and the wire routing was reviewed to reduce transformer leakage effects. The front panel was metal, which was unusual at this price. Inputs were phono (MM), CD, tuner, aux/DVD, and two tape loops (CD-R/MD and tape). Two speaker outputs allowed bi-wiring. A remote control (RC4200) came with it. It handled basic operation of the amplifier, plus Marantz DVD/CD players, tuners, and cassette decks.

A Russian-language review called it "powerful and functionally informative," and hifi-review.com noted the metal front panel as a point in its favor. The phono stage works with MM cartridges. The service manual (Part no. 25AW855010, First Issue 2003.05) and operating manual are both available as digital PDFs from DutchAudioClassics.nl.

Rated output: 30W + 30W (8Ω), 40W + 40W (6Ω), 50W + 50W (4Ω)
THD: 0.03% (8Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz)
Phono MM input: 2.5mV/47kΩ
Dimensions: 440 × 116 × 343 mm; 6.0 kg
Finish: gold or black