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NOTE: It has recently been tested by a professional, so it is in perfect working condition. In addition to the device, it is sold with the original box, original manual, battery, power supply, and case. THE ENTIRE ORIGINAL UNIT IS COMPLETE. CAN SEND MORE PICTURES BY REQUEST.The Marantz CP 230 is a high-end portable cassette recorder originally designed for professional use and field recordings. It is known for its robust construction and superior audio quality, often being compared to the famous Sony Professional Walkman series. This model stands out for combining portability with the functions of a desktop unit: 2-head system: Recording/playback head and erase head. Tape compatibility: Works with Normal, CrO2, and Metal tapes. Speed control: Includes a "Pitch Control" adjustment to vary playback speed. Monitoring: Equipped with an internal speaker and classic analog VU meters for input levels. Inputs: Dual microphone input (L/R) and RCA line connectors.
The Marantz CP230 is a gem among portable cassette decks, packing pro-level features like Dolby B, pitch control, VU meters, and an internal speaker into a featherweight 1989 design—ideal for location recording without bulk.
At USD605, this asking price feels ambitious; a recent comparable sale hit USD185, with typical used market values landing in the USD150-350 range for serviced units in good shape. Paragraph 2: Before biting, verify the belt-driven transport isn't slipping (common failure after 35+ years—test full auto-stop and rewind), and confirm the DC servo motor runs smoothly without wow/flutter. Insist on the Sony ECM-999 mic if listed, as it boosts field usability, and check for clean heads and functional limiter/mic inputs.
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.
