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Is this US$140 Marantz DP870 a genuine bargain or just average? At US$140, the asking price sits right at the median of the recent used market, making it a fair deal rather than a bargain, since the 25th percentile is US$102 and the 75th is US$337. You’re not getting a steal, but you’re not overpaying either.
The DP870 is a respected 1997-era digital processor that handles Dolby Digital surround decoding and offers solid DAC performance for its time, often cherished by vintage hi-fi and Laserdisc enthusiasts. If this listing is from a clean, original owner with no mentioned flaws, it’s a straightforward buying opportunity for someone wanting authentic late-90s Marantz digital audio without paying top-tier collector prices. Just confirm condition and included accessories before committing.
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.
