Vintage Marantz components have seen some dramatic price increases of late and there is an increasing amount of debate on whether or not those prices are warranted. Supply and demand plays a huge part in all of this because nobody is manufacturing this equipment anymore; I think it’s fair to say that vintage Marantz gear is more popular than the current lineup.
Marantz made some excellent equipment during specific periods and there is a specific aesthetic that clearly appeals to a lot of music listeners and people who appreciate the industrial design.
Marantz Model 5020 Stereo Cassette Deck
Marantz Model 6300 Turntable
I have a Marantz 2245 and since I purchased it almost three years ago, the prices have doubled and for some examples in mint condition — even tripled. The aesthetic of the 2200 Series is no doubt iconic with its silver face, black accents, blue/green lighting and of course the fonts. The sound is always described as the “warm Marantz sound.”
The 2245 features the standard equalizer adjustments of the time but also a midrange adjustment dial as well. I am personally a fan of the mid adjustment dial, because with the music that I listen to, it can bring the vocals a little more forward in the mix.
It also delivers 45 watts/channel and was designed to properly drive the loudspeakers of the period. Marantz were smart enough to include preamp outputs so that users could add an external power amplifier to their system.
Putting all of those accolades aside, vintage Marantz equipment has pushed away from the dock and is no longer “budget” which means that we need to explore some alternatives.
Do they exist?
They certainly do and let’s move on to some solid-state alternatives between $250-$500.
Options
The first alternatives are the mid-‘70s Harman Kardon Twin Power 730 or 430 models that I discussed in last week’s article. Both units are really solid options if you can find one in excellent shape.
The oldest model on my list is the Heathkit AR-1500A; which had its debut in 1967 (as the AR-15) and was a very hefty piece of steel weighing almost 35 pounds. The 60 watts/channel amplifier was sold in both kit form and prebuilt direct from the factory.
The specific model in my collection came from the factory and sold for $650 plus an additional $35 for the optional wood case in 1971. That’s an astonishing $4,303 in 2021. For a Heathkit.
The tonal balance is rather warm and almost tube-like in its presentation.
A bit of perspective, I normally listen to vintage equipment with the loudness button on, the bass dialed back, and treble tilted slightly higher.
I rarely have to do this with the Heathkit; it’s far bolder sounding than you might expect.
The styling of the Heathkit is certainly that of the late 1960’s and the bulbs behind the green tuner display may benefit from an LED update to brighten the dial.
Overall, I have been quite surprised with the build quality and sound from this unit. I think I would be hard pressed to find anyone who wouldn’t enjoy the sound from the Heathkit AR-1500A and expect to pay between $200-$250 for a unit in decent shape.
Sorry Betty
I’m calling the next alternative the “Don” because it looks like it could have come off the set of Mad Men.
The Bogen BR-360 (this particular model is the rare BR-360W with the decorator white cabinet and tangerine-accented panel) was manufactured in 1969 and this receiver delivers 60 watts/channel into 8 ohms. It has a bold look and I rather like the push buttons and linear slide control styling.
In real world performance, it has zero difficulty driving my Ohm 3XO speakers. It’s definitely more than enough for most vintage and modern speakers within limits; you can’t drive a pair of Wilson Audio loudspeakers with it.
The tonal balance and presentation are vintage solid-state; there is a similarity to the vintage Marantz 2200 Series, and it probably comes the closest of all of these suggestions.
In addition to the loudness and bass/treble adjustments, this model features a “Crescendo” control which Bogen states will electronically expand or compress the sound without distortion.
From a visual perspective, the Bogen BR-360W is a very unique looking product and is now part of my permanent collection. I’m also increasingly impressed with its clarity and overall tonal balance. Yes – I did purchase it because the industrial design is very unique, and it is the source of many questions from guests.
Although somewhat rare, these can be found in the $200 range. Very few people know the Bogen product lineup, and this is definitely a strong budget purchase.
My final suggestion this week is a big departure from the models above that were offered in the 1960s and 1970s.
It Slices. It Dices.
The Kyocera (they also make knives) R-861 is from the mid-1980s and a very interesting piece that clearly flew under the radar. This 100 watts/channel receiver has impressed me so much that it has earned a place in the system that we use the most in our home.
This is clearly a “modern” design with the majority of its buttons and dials hidden behind a panel on the front of the unit. The tuner is digital and only a single red LED light indicates that it is powered on and which input has been selected.
The Kyocera R-861 offers the ability to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble and I found the range of adjustments to be quite useful. You can certainly keep the fairly neutral tonal balance as it is or add some warmth to the sound.
Both the CD and Phono inputs are gold plated.
The phono preamp is the biggest surprise with this unit; it works exceptionally well with the MM cartridges that I’ve tried so far and might be the best part of the unit in terms of its sonic capabilities. It’s clear that Kyocera’s engineers still considered vinyl playback to be the most important source when this component was designed.
I have also managed to find the matching CD player and remote control which makes operation of both components that much easier.
The only issue with the Kyocera R-861 is that word has already spread in the vintage audio community about the quality of this particular unit. You can still find a unit in good condition, but demand has begun to affect the prices; expect to pay $300-$400 right now.
So does that mean that you shouldn’t look for vintage Marantz components? Absolutely not.
Just be more realistic about what people are asking for their components and don’t be disappointed if the prices push them out of reach right now.
All of the above picks or the HK 430/730 are worth searching for. Adjust the sound to your liking, or add an external amplifier (tube or solid state) to increase the output as all of the above can be used as a preamp with the exception of the Bogen BR-360W.
You may find a fantastic deal on a Marantz out there, but until then, these are some rock solid alternatives. Obviously these are not the only choices, post your favorite budget receivers in the comments!
I’d like to personally thank @retrodiggs for providing me with the serviced Bogen and the Heathkit receivers.
Related reading: The Budget Audiophiler: Learning to Fly with the Pilot 602 Tube Receiver
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Chris
May 5, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Great piece!
rl1856
May 5, 2021 at 4:30 pm
My father built a Heathkit AR-1500, and I later inherited the receiver. It took me from high school, through college, and into young adulthood. The receiver could drive anything, and had a superb tuner. I later noticed shortcomings in comparison to higher quality equipment. The soundstage of the AR-1500 was flat and 2 dimensional. The overall sound was dry, and without much warmth. Bass response (as you point out) was excellent, but HF was a little brittle. The beauty of the design is that construction is modular. Sub assemblies are on removable boards. At 45yrs on, even the best condition unit will benefit from replacement of PS capacitors, and renewal of Transistor conductive paste (if not replacement of the transistors). Most people do not know about this receiver, and CMV is still very moderate.
The HK Twin Powered receiver line was very good also, and another under the radar choice.
Kamal Alyousef
May 7, 2021 at 1:53 am
Great article. I own modern Marantz models but I hope to obtain a vintage piece or two when the opportunity presents itself. I wish the newfound popularity of its vintage models would prompt the company to launch new models inspired by its heritage.
Ian White
May 7, 2021 at 8:57 am
I think that would be a very smart move on their part.
Daniel
May 19, 2021 at 1:47 am
My first stereo system i had was in 1973. I got my tax refund and with some money my dad drove me to Pacific Stereo in Sacramento. I bought a Marantz 2010, a gerrard turntable and some Harmon Kardon speakers.. all for under 400.. I spent many nights in my bedroom with that beautiful blue glow. In 1978 i just got hired at a major communications company. To celebrate i bought a new Marantz 2265b. I gave my 2010 to my brother. His wife had a garage sale and sold it for 10.00 bucks!.. Later i gave him my 2265b.. i guess i never learn. His kids would crank it up and something blew out. Instead of getting it fixed he left it outside where the rain really made a mess of it.. I thought many times about getting another Classic Marantz. Last week I found a local add. I bought the MARANTZ. Model 2330B with case in like new Condition.. Somethimes in life if you want to dance you have to pay the band. I paid 1500!!! As of today some on ebay are 2100 to 2400.. Did i pay too much? First, they dont make them any more, there are only so many left. Second, what is a classic Marantz worth in mint condition? The 1500 i can always replace. This reciever I cant… i feel very happy with the purchase, as if I won the lottery.. No amount of money can replace this feeling..
Ian White
May 19, 2021 at 10:16 am
Daniel,
Exactly that.
Ian White
rob
May 7, 2021 at 3:50 pm
The Marantz 2245 was at the top of my list when I began the search for a vintage receiver a year or so ago, but yeah, the prices… sheesh. While figuring out what next best thing to look for was, I came across a serviced Vector Research VR7000 for a real good price. Holy moly – feels like a steal. Heavy unit, 65WPC, triple tone controls, great tuner, solid build all around with a real nice sound. Always on the lookout for a new surprise buy, but currently this is the daily driver with no real need to replace…
James F Tremblay
May 9, 2021 at 12:22 pm
I’ve had vintage Marantz from when it was current, not vintage, and still have some nice classic pieces. There wasn’t then and really isn’t now any gear that is more elegant. And very well built. I find the primary receiver of the day that never got the attention the Marantz did but outshone it both sonically and mechanically was Nikko. Reading pieces from a number of people either reviewing vintage gear or just enjoying it, that opinion is shared by many. You can pick up one of their larger receivers in quite a nice condition for usually less than $300.00, and at that price, it’s worth having a few!
Mike
September 1, 2021 at 1:07 pm
Maybe it’s just me, but my number one attraction of Marantz receivers was the gyroscopic tuning. But considering I now listen to radio as a last ditch effort, the attraction of Marantz has lessened.
Ian White
September 1, 2021 at 2:46 pm
It’s a very different product in 2021 versus the 1970s and 1980s.
I would rather own a vintage Sansui from the same period. Better sound quality.
Ian White
Larry
November 22, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Excellent vintage as I owned numerous marantz pieces when they were new and they always were well made and had a certain cachet even then. Wish I had kept the 4400 four channel receiver with the scope and sq decoder just for the fun of it.
Have an old 2230 that I Mike Zuccaro (California Marantz guy that refurbs them) in the pile that I am going to gift my daughter. Nice piece but a restored Fisher 500c is much better sonically.
Fun pieces for sure.
David Edward Wagner
January 8, 2022 at 2:58 pm
I have always admired the 1970s Marantz receivers but considered them expensive. A few years ago I found a Marantz SR8100DC receiver (1980) in the garbage and after several years I finally got it working after investing $150 to have it repaired. It does not have the asthetic appeal of the 1970s models but it sounds very nice with my Ohm Model L speakers, has an interesting design and is well built. I am impressed with the FM tuner which seems to pull in alot of stations and give a very clear sound even with 2 out of 5 bars signal strength. So that is my Marantz budget receiver story.
Anna
February 2, 2022 at 11:09 pm
I inherited a Marantz SR8100DC, that doesn’t work. It powers on, but the display shows all 8s across it. I attempted to get it repaired once. The audio tech told me it wasn’t worth the money to put 4 or more hours into it. He gave up, saying it must be an integrated circuit problem, gave it back unrepaired. I love this receiver and have such fond memories of it growing up as a child, introduced to the Marantz world by my father. I would like to get it repaired. Any recommendations in the southern NJ area?