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Marantz EQ-551 Equaliser Perfect example of this classic Marantz voicing graphic equaliser/spectrum analyser. Comes with original calibration microphone and manual. Works perfectly. Only selling due to terminal I'll health. Happy to post at buyers expense. Priced to sell, rare and hard to find in this condition. Condition: Excellent Payment Method: EFT, cash on pick up Region/State: (NSW) New South Wales/Australia By nosepeg 0 Comments AUD $300 Date: July 30, 2025Jul 30
At A$300, this Marantz EQ551 is a genuine bargain, sitting well below the typical used market range of A$450 to A$600 for this vintage 10-band graphic equalizer. The asking price is closer to the 25th percentile for similar units, making it a strong deal for any enthusiast seeking entry into the Marantz cult without stretching their budget.
The EQ551 is well-regarded for its precise timbre control across 10 frequency bands per channel, delivering exceptional sound transparency with a 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio and minimal harmonic distortion. Its robust 1986 engineering, extended frequency response up to 50 kHz, and original-owner condition make it a worthwhile buy, especially when paired with high-resolution sources. Included accessories and a clean listing further enhance its appeal as a buying opportunity rather than a risky purchase.
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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