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Against a typical used AUD market anchored by a median of A$400, this asking price at A$300 is a clear bargain; it sits below the 25th percentile of A$350 and well under the middle of the pack. For a Marantz stereo power amp, that is the kind of number that should catch the eye quickly, especially if the unit is complete and cosmetically decent.
The SM-500 DC has the right appeal for a buyer who wants a solid, older Marantz power amp with proper hi-fi credibility rather than a throwaway box. The upside is straightforward: if it’s been cared for, you’re buying into a respected vintage-era sound and build quality at a price that leaves room for servicing or a preamp match. With condition listed as unknown, I’d mainly want to verify clean operation, no DC offset issues, and intact terminals before jumping, but at A$300 the risk/reward still looks attractive.
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.
