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Marantz SC-9:A fantastic control amp from a legendary company.DescriptionThe Marantz SC-9, produced in Japan in 1982 during the “Golden Era” of Japanese audiophile equipment, is a high-fidelity control amplifier with exceptional sound. The amp is built to the high standard that has made the Marantz name famous for its fantastic amplifiers. The SC-9 was designed with an emphasis on sound quality. The basic circuit features a DC amp configuration, with an ultra-low-noise FET differential input in the first stage and a pure Class A SEPP output stage. The MC head amplifier has a FET input as well. Marantz’s custom-made circuitry provides low-noise operation for superb SNR. The overall sound quality is excellent, and the build quality is superb, as expected from Marantz and Japanese products from this era. Add to the superb sonic characteristics a gorgeous wood enclosure, and you’ve got yourself a real winner of an amp.This Amplifier is in Very good condition (please see photos), with some expected signs of age and use, including some scratches, dents, and wood wear. It has been thoroughly tested and checked by our professional in-house technician, confirming its flawless working quality.Additional InformationTechnical Specifications-Serial : 31F140033-Country of Manufacture : Japan-Power Supply :AC100V 50/60Hz 40WAccessories-N/AVoltagePlease check the power requirements for this device and the specifications of your power supply. If you need to use this item in a 220-240 V environment, you'll need a transformer. We sell high quality Japanese compact transformers (Nissyo), which will allow you to use this item safely and with good performance in your country.Import tax・Import duties, taxes, and other charges which are not included in the item price or shipping charges are the buyer’s responsibility.・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.・Except in the case of faulty or damaged items, refunds do not include any return shipping or shipping charges. Your return shipping charge will be deducted from your refund if you receive any.
At US$1,250, this Marantz SC-9 is a genuine bargain compared to the typical used market, which often sees similar units listed between US$1,400 and US$1,800; the asking price sits near the 25th percentile, making it a strong deal for a vintage control stereo. New equivalents in the Marantz Reference Series (like the SC-7S2) cost over US$6,499, so securing a clean, original SC-9 from 1982 at this price is an excellent opportunity for serious listeners.
The SC-9 is well-regarded for its robust full-DC circuit design, delivering 150 watts per channel with exceptional stability and low distortion, making it a timeless choice for high-fidelity systems. Its vintage appeal, paired with the likelihood of original-owner condition and included accessories like the manual and accessory kit, adds meaningful upside. With no reported failure points specific to this listing and a price well below median, this is a buying opportunity, not a warning.
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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