Marantz

Origins of Marantz

Marantz is a renowned audio company with a rich history rooted in high-fidelity sound reproduction. Founded by Saul Bernard Marantz in 1953 in Kew Gardens, New York, the company originated from Saul's passion for music and sound quality. Initially, he crafted amplifiers in his basement, notably the Consolette, which garnered significant interest and led him to establish the Marantz Company to meet the growing demand for high-quality audio equipment.

Early Developments

In its early years, Marantz quickly gained a reputation for excellence with products like the Model 1 preamplifier, launched shortly after the company's founding. This model was a commercial success and paved the way for subsequent innovations, including the Model 7 preamplifier and the Model 9 amplifier, which even caught NASA's attention for its reliability during the Apollo missions.

By 1964, Marantz was acquired by Superscope Inc., which helped expand its production capabilities and market reach.

Transition to Japan

In 1966, Marantz began manufacturing its products in Japan through a partnership with Standard Radio Corporation, which later became known as Marantz Japan. This move was crucial as it allowed the company to leverage Japan's growing electronics industry while maintaining its design roots in the U.S.

The transition marked a significant shift from tube to transistor technology, enhancing product affordability and performance.

Philips Era and Modernization

In 1980, Philips Electronics acquired Marantz, leading to further innovations in digital audio technology. This partnership enabled Marantz to release successful CD players in the early 1980s, solidifying its position in the evolving audio market.

In 2001, Marantz Japan took full control of the brand after Philips sold its remaining stake, and in 2002, it merged with Denon to form D&M Holdings.

Recent Developments

Marantz has continued to thrive under various ownerships, focusing on high-end audio components and expanding its product line to include turntables and home theatre systems. The company remains influential in the audiophile community, known for its commitment to quality and innovation in sound reproduction.

Today, Marantz is recognized not only for its historical significance but also for its ongoing contributions to high-fidelity audio technology.