Expired
RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
At £90, this Marantz PM230 asks slightly above the typical used market, sitting just £5 over the £80 median from our recent GBP listings database (25th percentile £75, 75th percentile £85). While not a bargain, the price is fair for a working unit, especially compared to the £114 asking price seen on a recent UK eBay listing. Given that new equivalents now cost significantly more or are unavailable, this remains a reasonable entry into vintage Marantz sound.
The PM230 is well-regarded for its warm, detailed 80s Japanese hi-fi character and twin power supply design that delivers clean dynamics. It’s a compact integrated amplifier that pairs beautifully with vintage speakers and remains durable if maintained. Since the price is near median and condition is listed as unknown, a quick check for power issues—like the one noted in a vintage forum thread —is wise, but otherwise this is a solid buy for enthusiasts seeking authentic Marantz tone without overspending.
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.
See all Marantz listings on RADAR.
