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At US$700, this Marantz DP870 listing is ambitiously overpriced compared to the typical used market, where the median sits at US$142 and the 75th percentile reaches only US$291; the asking price is more than double the 75th percentile, making it a poor deal unless the unit is in pristine, original-owner condition with rare accessories.
The DP870 is a well-regarded Dolby AC-3 RF demodulator for Laserdisc players, offering clean digital decoding and reliable performance in vintage home theater setups, and its scarcity as a discontinued RF demodulator adds timing value for collectors seeking authentic AC-3 playback; however, given the high price, buyers should verify condition, test functionality, and confirm included cables to ensure this isn’t a risky investment.
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.
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