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Marantz CD-42 - CD Player - Good
Why This One
Good condition - clearly used but works as it should
Fully tested - all applicable functions verified working
105dB SNR and a Philips CDM-4/19 mechanism - built to perform.
Coaxial digital output makes this an easy upgrade path for any existing hi-fi setup.
Condition: Good
This Marantz CD-42 is a good-condition CD player. It has passed our 7-point functional test, with 1 item(s) not applicable to this unit. Please review all photos carefully, as they provide an accurate representation of the cosmetic condition of the product.
What's Included
Marantz CD-42
No additional accessories included
About This Model
The Marantz CD-42 is a stereo compact disc player introduced in 1991, built around the respected Philips CDM-4/19 laser mechanism and an SAA7350GP digital converter. It delivers a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 105dB, dynamic range of 96dB, and channel separation of 90dB, with total harmonic distortion of just 0.0064% - figures that hold up well by any standard. Unusually for an entry-level machine of its era, it includes a coaxial digital output, making it straightforward to connect to an external DAC or digital recording setup. The FTS 1 & 2 memory system allows permanent storage of track ordering for around 50 CDs, and the Repeat A-B function can loop or skip specific sections of a disc. CD-RW audio disc compatibility adds further flexibility. The chassis uses metal construction rather than plastic, contributing to its solid 4.4kg build.
A great opportunity to own a Marantz CD-42 at this price point.
US$71 looks like a very solid buy for a Marantz CD42, sitting a bit below the going used cluster rather than at the top of it. Comparable listings and recent market data put this family mostly around US$95–US$160, with some rougher examples lower and serviced or cleaner ones higher, so this asking price is comfortably on the attractive side.
That’s a good sign because the CD42 is a well-liked early-’90s Marantz player with the CDM-4 mechanism and a reputation for musical, easygoing sound. At this price, the main upside is simply getting into a classic vintage CD deck without paying collector money; if it comes with the remote, loads discs reliably, and the tray behaves properly, it’s a strong enthusiast pickup.
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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