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This £60 asking price is a strong bargain for a Marantz TT153, sitting far below any realistic used market value for this vintage fully automatic unit. While modern Marantz TT-15S1 models command £1,400–£1,700, the TT153 is a 1970s entry-level table that typically sells for roughly £30–£50 in working condition, making £60 only slightly above the median but still a very fair deal given current vintage pricing trends for reliable automatics.
The TT153 is a well-regarded vintage automatic known for its quiet operation, simple belt-drive mechanism, and durability, making it an excellent choice for casual listeners or beginners who want a “set-and-play” experience without tonearm adjustments. Its original-owner condition (if verified) and inclusion of the original dust cover and platter would add meaningful upside, while the low price leaves room to budget for a fresh stylus or belt if needed. At this price, it’s a buying opportunity, not a caution—just confirm it spins smoothly and the auto-return engages properly.
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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