BETA
RADAR is in beta — expect errors. Accuracy and coverage improvements are shipping daily.
LIVE
Waiting for new listings…
0 other audiophiles online

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

Against the obvious alternative of waiting for a similarly specced amp at a fair-market number, US$210 is a strong deal here: it sits well below the US$245 25th percentile and comfortably under the US$280 median of the recent comp set. For a used Marantz stereo power amp, that puts this in bargain territory rather than just “pretty good.”

What makes it worth a look is the usual Marantz appeal: solid build, respectable current delivery, and the kind of clean, musical presentation that pairs well with vintage or efficient speakers. At this price, the upside is clear even if it needs a routine service down the line; the key is whether it’s been tested, plays quietly, and includes the essentials. If the unit is clean and functioning properly, this is a very buyable listing.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Marantz

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.

More SM-500 DC listings