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At US$500, this sits well above the recent used market for the MA500, where the median is US$172 and even the 75th percentile is only US$412, so this asking price reads ambitious unless the unit is exceptionally complete, clean, and proven. For a model like this, that means the seller is leaning on condition and confidence more than on market momentum, and buyers should compare it carefully against stronger-value options unless this one brings something notably special.
The MA500 is a respected mono block from Marantz’s warmer, punchy era, and its appeal is straightforward: solid power, an easy musical presentation, and the flexibility that comes with running a pair in a proper stereo or home-theater setup. If the listing includes original boxes, verified service history, or a matched pair in genuinely excellent shape, that helps, but at this price the burden is on the seller to justify the premium; otherwise, it looks more like a collector’s ask than a buy-now deal.
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.
