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Seller's Description

Incredibly rare, and simply incredible. I have heard that only 1000 of these units were made. Two channels, each 500W into 4 ohms, in 1972! The biggest stereo amp Marantz ever built. Marantz wanted to build an amp with no limits, the 500 was the result. Designed and manufactured in the USA. This Marantz 500 has just been given an extremely thorough service/restoration, you won’t find another like it. All high quality parts used. Main filter caps are ‘DCM’ series, the same as original. Still made in USA, and were about $525CAD just for the four main filter capacitors. Similar spec, still good quality capacitors made in Asia could have been purchased for a fraction of the price, but this legendary amp deserves the best. See below for more info on work done. Running perfectly and very cool, barely warm to the touch. Rock solid stability after restoration.Power limit switches on the front, you can limit this amp down to 50W into 8 ohms to use with just about any speaker. It sounds great with my Dynaco A25’s. This amp can be used with any mains voltage 100-220VAC, with rewiring of the power transformer primary. I am happy to do this prior to shipment, just let me know. Shipping price included is for 1 Day shipping anywhere in Continental USA and Canada. 2 day shipping to most destinations worldwide. Amp will be double boxed, packed extremely well. There is one notable scratch on the front panel behind the right handle. Since it's behind the handle, you don't really see it in everyday use. Otherwise, the unit is in quite good condition, please see photos for condition. Just serviced which included: - All new transistors (ONSEMI outputs) - All transistors matched at ~ operating current on a Tektronix 577 - All new electrolytic capacitors (Main filters are ‘DCM’ series, the same as original. Still made in USA. Just the four main filters capacitors were $528CAD/$375USD!) No cheap parts used. - Many new diodes (most in amp) - New trimmer potentiometers for DC balance - New resistors where required - All new relays (Schrack - made In Austria - same as original) - All new thermal switches (Klixon brand - same as original) - New custom mounting bracket for thermal switches - New Molex connectors - rated for 17A high current - All new panel bulbs (incandescent - same as original) - New fan with resistors added to quiet its operation while still providing adequate airflow for regular use (Sunon brand) - New fan filter mesh - Top and bottom covers are brand new recreations. Professionally made. Laser CNC cut and black anodized just like the original. - The right side panel is a brand new recreation. Professionally made. .090” Aluminium like original. Painted black. - The small front cover on the bottom of the unit with the black bar that covers the power switch and jacks on front is a brand new recreation. Professionally made. Anodized aluminium, near indistinguishable from the original. This piece is often missing from 500’s. - New handles on front - Amp fully adjusted as per the service manual. - All functions tested, soak test, play test, all ok.

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

Against 62 recent comparable USD listings, the median is US$997, with the upper quartile at US$2,165. At US$6,967, this is dramatically beyond the established used-market range—an ambitious price requiring an exceptional, fully documented example to justify it.

The Imperial 6-G is a well-regarded 1970s two-way standmount, appreciated for smooth, relaxed highs, generous bass, and an easygoing musical balance. Its rarity and vintage Marantz appeal can support a premium, but not remotely this large on price alone. Before considering it, verify that it is a genuinely pristine, original pair with intact or expertly restored grilles, healthy drivers, clean level controls, and provenance; otherwise, the listing is best passed over in favor of the many comparable examples priced far closer to market.

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.

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