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Marantz 170DC:A power amplifier of exceptional quality, with great soundDescriptionStep into the "Golden Era" of Japanese high-fidelity audio with the legendary Marantz 170DC power amplifier. Born in the late 1970s, this masterpiece represents a pinnacle of vintage solid-state engineering, instantly recognizable by its stunning brushed aluminum faceplate and the mesmerizing, warm glow of its large dual VU meters. For the discerning audiophile, the 170DC is not merely a piece of equipment; it is a gateway to an era where audio gear was crafted with uncompromising passion and built to last a lifetime. Its physical presence is commanding, yet its aesthetic elegance ensures it remains the breathtaking centerpiece of any serious listening room. Beneath its beautiful exterior lies fiercely engineered DC (Direct Coupled) circuitry meticulously designed to eliminate transient intermodulation distortion. This sophisticated approach translates into a sonic signature characterized by absolute transparency and a remarkably expansive soundstage. When matched with quality components, the 170DC delivers a bottom end that is authoritative and deeply controlled, while the midrange blooms with the unmistakable, organic warmth that vintage Marantz is revered for. The high frequencies possess a crystalline clarity that allows cymbals and strings to shimmer without a hint of harshness, pulling you directly into the recording space with the artist. Conservatively rated at 85 watts per channel into 8 ohms, this amplifier boasts extraordinary headroom, easily driving even the most demanding loudspeakers with graceful, effortless power. Whether you are spinning delicate jazz on vinyl or pushing the dynamic limits of complex orchestrations, the Marantz 170DC remains composed, precise, and infinitely musical. This Amplifier is in Very Good condition (please see photos), with some expected signs of age, including some scratches and scuffs. **The wooden case has scratches and signs of repair. It has been thoroughly tested and checked by our professional in-house technician, confirming its flawless working quality.Additional InformationTechnical Specifications-Serial : F020136-Country of Manufacture : JAPAN-Power Supply : AC 100V 225W 50 / 60HzAccessories-N/AVoltagePlease check the power requirements for this device and the specifications of your power supply. If you need to use this item in a 220-240 V environment, you'll need a transformer. We sell high quality Japanese compact transformers (Nissyo), which will allow you to use this item safely and with good performance in your country.IMPORT TAX・Import duties, taxes, and other charges which are not included in the item price or shipping charges are the buyer’s responsibility.・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.・Except in the case of faulty or damaged items, refunds do not include any return shipping or shipping charges. Your return shipping charge will be deducted from your refund if you receive any.
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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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