Marantz PM520DC (1982–1984)
The Marantz PM520DC is a stereo pre-main amplifier released in 1982. It sold in Japan for ¥59,800 and in Germany for 899 DM. Production ran through roughly 1984. It came in gold and silver finishes. It pairs a standard integrated amplifier section with a built-in 5-band graphic equalizer, which set it apart from the more conventional Marantz integrated amps of the period.
Power is rated at 48W + 48W into 8Ω (20 Hz-20 kHz), with total harmonic distortion of 0.025% at rated output. That's modest power, cleanly specified. Phono input sensitivity is 2.3mV/47kΩ, with an IHF-A signal-to-noise ratio of 82dB. The line-level inputs (Tuner, Aux/CD, Tape) accept 150mV/20kΩ, and the mic input is rated at 0.3mV/10kΩ. The amplifier draws 130W and weighs 7.5kg. It measures 416mm wide, 100mm high and 300mm deep.
No source confirms that the "DC" in the model name means "direct-coupled." No documentation found says what it refers to, so that stays an open question.
The practical record on the PM520DC is thin beyond the specs. One recurring issue reported by owners is no sound at the outputs. A repair forum attributes this, in most cases, to a hybrid STK module failing and tripping the protection relay. No part number for that STK module is documented. The no-sound symptom shows up in multiple owner reports, which makes it the most commonly encountered failure mode.
Known Specifications
- Rated output: 48W + 48W (8Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz)
- THD: 0.025% (8Ω, rated output)
- Input sensitivity: Phono 2.3mV/47kΩ; Tuner/Aux/CD/Tape 150mV/20kΩ; Mic 0.3mV/10kΩ
- Phono S/N (IHF-A): 82dB
- Power consumption: 130W
- Dimensions: 416 × 100 × 300 mm; 7.5kg
- Finishes: gold and silver
No period magazine reviews of the PM520DC have been located. No frequency response or damping factor specifications are documented in the available sources either. What's known comes mostly from spec database entries and owner reports, not professional evaluation.
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