RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Up for sale is a classic piece of high-fidelity history: a vintage Marantz 7T solid-state stereo preamplifier.This highly desirable, early solid-state unit was handcrafted in the original Woodside, New York factory before production moved out west. Built during the legendary "no-compromise" American era of Marantz, it features heavy-duty, laboratory-grade components designed to last a lifetime. Including aluminum machines knobs. Notice the serial numbers match on the stamp internally as it does on the back panel.While many 7T units on the market are sold "as-is," this specific preamp has been recently benched, evaluated, and serviced to ensure it is 100% functional and ready for daily use. Prior to this recent service, the internal chassis was completely untouched and all-original.Full Functional Run: Bench tested for multiple hours to confirm 100% stable performance with all functions operating exactly as they should.Electronic & Performance Status:Power Supply: Tested and verified. The power supply voltage rails are stable and resting healthy at 42.6V (well within spec of the original 41V manual guidelines using the robust original components).Controls: All switches, pots, and sliders have been meticulously cleaned and treated. They operate smoothly without any scratchiness or audio dropouts.Channel B Restored: The common Channel B static issue has been fully resolved by replacing the aging differential pair. This was the only circuit modification made to the otherwise completely untouched, stock internal boards. Both channels now pull clean, balanced, and classic warm Marantz audio.Cosmetic Condition:This is a beautiful, honest "player's grade" unit. It looks fantastic from the front, making it an excellent centerpiece for an active vintage setup.The Best Part: The faceplate lettering is completely pristine, crisp, and intact (an absolute rarity for this model, as the lettering usually wears away over time). The aluminum face has a beautiful, bright shine.The Flaws: The faceplate has some honest dings and light scratches from age. Crucially, the top-right corner of the chassis has a slight bend. Please look closely at the side-profile photos. This bend is not noticeable when looking at the preamp directly from the front, but can be seen when viewing it from a sharp side angle.Shipping & Seller Policies:Ships fully insured via UPS/FedEx with bulletproof packing (double-boxed with heavy foam padding).Direct signature required upon delivery—no exceptions.Due to the nature of vintage electronics, this item is sold as-described due to the vintage nature of the electronics, but guaranteed to arrive exactly as pictured and performing beautifully.YouTube video demo coming soon.
Ambitious ask. At US$1,295, this sits above the US$899 median and even a bit over the US$1,198 75th percentile, so it’s priced on the strong side rather than as a bargain.
That said, Marantz 1970s pieces still draw real demand, and a clean, original, working example can justify a premium if it’s been serviced and presents well. The upside here is mostly collector appeal and everyday musicality; if this is an especially tidy unit with no hacked internals, complete cosmetics, and solid operation, it’s the kind of listing a fan might still chase. Without proof of service or condition, though, the price leaves little room for repairs or surprises.
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.
