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This Marantz MA500 listed at US$135 is a genuine bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$155 from the ground truth data on recent comparable listings. With the median market price at US$299 and the 75th percentile at US$537, this asking price represents an exceptional deal for a Monoblock Power Amplifier that typically commands far higher sums in the used hi-fi market.
The MA500 is well-regarded for its smooth, warm, yet detailed sound, delivering 125 watts into 8 ohms with the ability to drive 4 ohm or higher modern loudspeakers. Its popularity among enthusiasts who value musicality over aggressive attack makes this a timely buying opportunity, especially if the unit is original-owner condition or includes accessories. At US$135, there is no need to flag caveats; this is a clean, high-value purchase for a well-loved amplifier.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Marantz originated in the United States, founded in 1953 by Saul Bernard Marantz, a music enthusiast and amateur musician born in Brooklyn in 1911. Dissatisfied with the audio equipment of the era, he crafted the groundbreaking Audio Consolette preamplifier in 1952 from his New York home, selling the first 100 units rapidly and prompting the formal establishment of the company in Woodside, Queens. Though production later shifted to Japan in partnership with manufacturers like Standard Radio in 1966, and the brand evolved through ownership changes including Superscope and eventual integration into larger groups, its heritage remains rooted in American ingenuity and a relentless pursuit of musical fidelity.
The brand excels in high-end audio components, particularly amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated systems that defined its golden era. Iconic models like the Model 7 preamplifier (1958), Model 9 power amplifier (1960), and Model 10B tuner (1964) set benchmarks for performance, while later offerings expanded to tuners, receivers, and CD players. Marantz briefly ventured into speakers under designer Ed May in the 1970s but focused primarily on electronics rather than turntables, headphones, DACs, or cables, emphasizing separates renowned for their "Most Musical Sound."
Marantz commands a premium position in the hi-fi market, revered as a high-end pioneer that shaped the audiophile landscape through the 1970s zenith. Today, it blends vintage allure with modern elegance, appealing to discerning buyers who value durability, innovation, and warm, detailed sound signatures over mass-market accessibility.
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