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Compared with a modern AV receiver at this price, this is more of a specialist vintage buy than a cheap all-in-one home-theater solution. At US$100, it looks like a solid bargain rather than an ambitious ask: the AV600 has historically traded as a sought-after used Marantz processor, with old enthusiast commentary putting it in the US$200–300 range when clean, and even recent marketplace examples still clustering well above this level.
What makes it worth a look is Marantz’s smooth, warm presentation and the AV600’s old-school flexibility: Dolby Pro Logic, THX-era processing, AM/FM tuning, and video switching in a compact box. If the unit powers up cleanly and includes the remote, it’s a nice low-risk grab for a retro surround or two-channel setup. Main caveat: at this age, the remote, display, and input switching are the things to verify before handing over cash.
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.
