Marantz RC2000MKII (1998)
The RC2000MKII was Marantz's flagship learning remote control, released in 1998 at a Japanese retail price of ¥22,000. It succeeded the well-regarded RC2000, and the marketing of the period leaned on that. One contemporary description called it "without a doubt the Cadillac of remote controls." The pitch was simple: one programmable handset to replace the growing pile of dedicated remotes, a problem one reviewer dubbed "EPRC" (Excessive Proliferation of Remote Controls).
The RC2000MKII learned infrared codes from your existing remotes and stored them in memory, up to 640 controllers' worth of commands. It had a large liquid crystal display with backlighting you could tailor. The factory default lit the keys for two seconds after a press, but the timing was adjustable. It also had macro functions to trigger multi-step command sequences from a single button press, and you could register and name both devices and individual functions on the display. Power came from four AA batteries. The handset measured 80 mm wide by 212.5 mm high by 38 mm deep and weighed 300 g with batteries installed. One enthusiast noted a quirk: the original RC2000 reverted to the RC-5 protocol after a battery change, but the MKII held its learned programming.
A quick operation manual circulates in PDF form, and the unit is still a known quantity among home-theater hobbyists. One user compared it to the later RC1200 and called the RC2000MKII "absolutely superb," praising its learning capability, soft-button naming, and backlighting. He also conceded it was top-heavy next to the sleeker RC1200. The same comparison noted the MKII had only four macro buttons, which led some users to prefer the RC1200. The most common failure reports concern the optional RF-2 extender kit, not the remote itself. One owner reported that Marantz support had no record of the RF-2 ever existing.
Known specifications:
- Learning infrared programmable remote control
- Stores codes for up to 640 infrared controllers
- Backlit LCD display with adjustable lighting timing
- Macro function for multi-step command sequences
- Power: 4 × AA batteries
- Dimensions: 80 mm W × 212.5 mm H × 38 mm D
- Weight: 300 g (with batteries)
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Marantz 1090
- Marantz 10B
- Marantz 1120 (1971–1977)
- Marantz 1180
- Marantz 1200B