Marantz

Marantz is an American high-fidelity audio brand whose identity is closely associated with premium music reproduction, distinctive industrial design, and enthusiast-oriented components. Saul Marantz developed the brand's first product, the Consolette preamplifier, in his home in Kew Gardens, New York, in the early 1950s. The company was formally established in 1953 and initially concentrated on carefully engineered stereo equipment for serious listeners. The brand expanded during the 1960s and 1970s into preamplifiers, power amplifiers, tuners, integrated amplifiers, receivers, loudspeakers, and related hi-fi equipment. Its classic receivers and amplifiers, including the Model 10B tuner and the 22, 25, 28, 2275, 2325, 2385, and 2600 series, helped establish Marantz as a major name in high-end consumer audio. In 1964, the company was acquired by Superscope, which provided capital and broader commercial infrastructure. Marantz also began manufacturing products in Japan through a relationship with Standard Radio Corporation, a partnership that became increasingly important to the brand's product development and production. Marantz reached a commercial and cultural high point in the mid-to-late 1970s, when its large receivers and separates became particularly influential among audiophiles. Manufacturing and corporate arrangements subsequently changed several times. A Belgian production facility opened in 1974, Standard Radio changed its name to Marantz Japan in 1975, and Superscope sold much of the Marantz brand and its international assets to Philips in 1980. Philips's expertise in digital audio and compact-disc technology supported Marantz's successful CD-player business during the 1980s, although some other product categories did not match the brand's earlier market performance. From the early 1990s, Marantz increasingly emphasized higher-end components. Marantz Japan acquired the brand and overseas sales subsidiaries in 2001, and Marantz Japan merged with Denon in 2002 to create D&M Holdings, later known as the D+M Group. The combined group brought together two important Japanese audio brands and later included other specialist audio businesses. Sound United acquired D&M in 2017. Sound United was subsequently acquired by Masimo in 2022 and, according to the supplied reference material, Harman International acquired Sound United in 2025, bringing Marantz into Harman's wider audio portfolio. Today, Marantz sells premium two-channel and home-theater equipment internationally. Its portfolio includes integrated and power amplifiers, AV receivers and preamplifiers, CD and SACD players, network CD receivers, streaming-capable components, and selected accessories. The brand continues to target audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and customers seeking refined home cinema systems. Its modern positioning combines heritage styling and recognizable design cues with high-resolution digital playback, network connectivity, multi-channel processing, and contemporary streaming services. Marantz Professional, a separate pro-audio business, was acquired by inMusic Brands in 2014 and should not be treated as the same current consumer-audio ownership structure.

Saul Marantz began developing audio equipment for his own use and built the Consolette preamplifier in his New York home in 1952. The product attracted interest from other listeners and became the foundation for the Marantz company, formally established in 1953. Early Marantz equipment focused on accurate stereo reproduction at a time when the high-fidelity market was developing rapidly. Superscope acquired Marantz in 1964. Under Superscope, the company expanded its manufacturing and distribution capabilities and became a significant force in high-fidelity audio. In 1966, Marantz began manufacturing products in Japan through a partnership with Standard Radio Corporation. Japanese production became central to the brand's engineering and manufacturing reputation. Standard Radio later changed its name to Marantz Japan in 1975. Marantz also opened a production plant at Péronnes-lez-Binche in Belgium in 1974. The 1970s represented Marantz's strongest period of visibility and commercial influence. The company offered receivers, tuners, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and loudspeakers. Models such as the 10B tuner and the 2275, 2325, 2385, and 2600 receivers became important examples of the era's high-powered hi-fi design. Their combination of substantial construction, distinctive styling, and strong audio performance helped make Marantz a lasting enthusiast brand. Corporate ownership changed in the following decade. In 1980, Superscope sold the Marantz brand, its dealer network, and most overseas assets to Philips, while retaining the United States and Canadian interests at that stage. Philips's involvement connected Marantz to one of the leading companies in compact-disc technology. Marantz produced well-regarded CD players during the 1980s, including the CD-63 family, although the company's broader product range did not consistently reproduce the success of its earlier analog and receiver products. Philips later acquired the United States and Canadian trademarks and dealer network in 1992. During the early 1990s, Marantz placed greater emphasis on premium components and introduced Marantz Enhanced Digital Stereo, a digital audio enhancement technology. In 2001, Marantz Japan acquired the brand and overseas sales subsidiaries. The following year, Marantz Japan and Denon merged to form D&M Holdings, later called the D+M Group. The group combined complementary audio businesses and subsequently included additional specialist brands. Philips sold its remaining stake in D&M in 2008, ending its long relationship with Marantz. Marantz Professional was acquired by inMusic Brands in 2014. This transaction concerned the professional-audio business and is distinct from the consumer Marantz brand. Sound United acquired D&M in 2017. Marantz continued under Sound United as a premium consumer-audio brand, developing stereo amplifiers, SACD and CD players, network audio products, AV receivers, and home-theater processors. Product families such as the PM-KI Ruby, Model 30, SA-10, SR8015, and AV8805 represent the brand's modern combination of two-channel and surround-sound equipment. Masimo acquired Sound United in 2022. The supplied reference material states that Harman International acquired Sound United in 2025. Marantz therefore remains an active brand within a large international audio group, with products sold through regional websites, specialist dealers, and other retail channels. Its historical appeal continues to derive from the Saul Marantz legacy, classic receiver culture, Japanese engineering associations, and a focus on premium music and home-cinema reproduction.

• 2025

  Harman acquires Sound United

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  The supplied reference material reports Harman International's acquisition of Sound United and its audio brands.

• 2022

  Masimo acquires Sound United

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Masimo acquires Sound United, including its Marantz consumer-audio business.

• 2019

  Ken Ishiwata dies

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Ken Ishiwata, a prominent Marantz brand ambassador and product designer, dies at age 72.

• 2017

  Sound United acquires D&M

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Sound United completes its acquisition of D&M Holdings.

• 2014

  Marantz Professional is acquired by inMusic

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  inMusic Brands acquires the Marantz Professional business.

• 2008

  Philips exits D&M

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Philips sells its remaining stake in D&M Holdings.

• 2002

  D&M Holdings is formed

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Marantz Japan merges with Denon to form D&M Holdings, later known as the D+M Group.

• 2001

  Marantz Japan regains the brand

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Marantz Japan acquires the brand and overseas sales subsidiaries from Philips.

• 1997

  Saul Marantz dies

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Founder Saul Marantz dies at age 85.

• 1992

  Philips acquires North American trademarks and dealer network

  [1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  Philips acquires the United States and Canadian Marantz trademarks and dealer network.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Premium and high-end home audio for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and home-cinema users, combining heritage hi-fi design with modern digital, network, and multi-channel technologies.

• Preamplifier · 1952

  Consolette

  The Consolette was Saul Marantz's first commercial audio product and the foundation of the brand. Developed in the early 1950s, it reflected the company's original emphasis on accurate, enthusiast-focused stereo control and helped establish Marantz in the emerging high-fidelity market.

• FM tuner

  Model 10B

  The Model 10B is one of Marantz's best-known classic tuners. It exemplified the company's 1960s high-fidelity engineering and remains an important reference point in the brand's historical reputation for finely engineered source components.

• Stereo receivers

  Classic receiver series

  Marantz's classic receiver families included models such as the 2275, 2325, 2385, and 2600. These large, high-powered receivers became closely associated with the brand's 1970s peak and combined tuner, preamplifier, and power-amplifier functions in enthusiast-oriented chassis.

• CD players

  CD-63 family

  The CD-63, CD-63SE, and related variants formed an influential Marantz compact-disc player line. The family helped sustain the brand's reputation during the Philips era and is associated with Marantz's strong showing in digital playback during the 1980s and 1990s.

• Integrated amplifier

  PM-KI Ruby

  The PM-KI Ruby is a premium two-channel integrated amplifier associated with Ken Ishiwata. It represents Marantz's reference-oriented stereo strategy and combines high-power amplification with a design intended for detailed music reproduction.

• Integrated amplifier

  Model 30

  The Model 30 is a contemporary premium integrated amplifier. It uses modern circuitry and connectivity while retaining visual and design references to Marantz's classic separates, positioning it as a core product for dedicated two-channel listening.

• SACD and CD player

  SA-10

  The SA-10 is a high-end disc player designed for SACD and CD playback. It occupies Marantz's reference source-component segment and reflects the brand's continuing investment in physical-disc reproduction alongside network audio.

• Network CD receiver

  M-CR612

  The M-CR612 combines CD playback, network audio, streaming functionality, and integrated amplification in a compact system. It extends Marantz's design and sound positioning to listeners seeking a smaller all-in-one component.

• AV receiver

  SR8015

  The SR8015 is a flagship multi-channel network AV receiver. It is designed for high-end home cinema and supports extensive surround processing, amplification, network features, and integration with contemporary home-theater systems.

• AV preamplifier

  AV8805

  The AV8805 is a premium network AV preamplifier for complex multi-channel theater systems. It separates processing and control functions from power amplification and represents Marantz's upper-tier home-cinema component strategy.

• Solid-state recorder

  Marantz Professional PMD-660

  The PMD-660 is a portable solid-state recorder associated with the Marantz Professional line. That professional-audio business was acquired by inMusic Brands in 2014 and is distinct from the consumer Marantz business.

• 2025

  Move into Harman ownershipM&A

  Background

  The supplied reference material reports a change in ownership of Sound United's audio brands.

  Action taken

  Harman International acquired Sound United from Masimo, including Marantz.

  Aftermath

  Marantz became part of Harman's international audio portfolio; integration details are not established in the supplied sources.

  Source

• 2022

  Move into Masimo ownershipM&A

  Background

  Masimo pursued Sound United as part of an expansion into consumer and connected audio products.

  Action taken

  Masimo acquired Sound United.

  Aftermath

  Marantz became part of Masimo's consumer audio portfolio until the reported 2025 Harman transaction.

  Source

• 2017

  Join Sound UnitedM&A

  Background

  D&M Holdings was positioned for integration into a broader portfolio of consumer-audio brands.

  Action taken

  Sound United completed the acquisition of D&M Holdings.

  Aftermath

  Marantz operated alongside Denon and other audio brands under Sound United.

  Source

• 2002

  Merge with Denon to create D&M HoldingsM&A

  Background

  Marantz Japan and Denon were both established audio brands with complementary product and distribution capabilities.

  Action taken

  The two companies merged to form D&M Holdings, later called the D+M Group.

  Aftermath

  Marantz continued as a distinct brand within a larger specialist-audio group.

  Source

• 1980

  Transfer major international assets to PhilipsM&A

  Background

  Superscope reorganized ownership of the Marantz business and its international distribution structure.

  Action taken

  Philips acquired the brand, dealer network, and overseas assets outside the United States and Canada.

  Aftermath

  Marantz became linked to Philips's compact-disc and digital-audio capabilities, contributing to a strong CD-player business.

  Source

• 1964

  Accept acquisition by SuperscopeM&A

  Background

  Marantz needed broader commercial and manufacturing resources as the high-fidelity market expanded.

  Action taken

  Superscope acquired Marantz and operated it as a subsidiary.

  Aftermath

  The transaction supported the brand's expansion and its major influence during the 1960s and 1970s.

  Source

• 2025

  Harman acquires Sound United audio brands[1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  The supplied reference material reports that Harman International acquired Sound United from Masimo, including Marantz, Denon, Bowers & Wilkins, and Polk.

• 2022

  Masimo acquires Sound United[1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Masimo acquired Sound United, placing Marantz within Masimo's consumer audio portfolio.

• 2017

  Sound United completes acquisition of D&M Holdings[1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Sound United completed its acquisition of D&M Holdings, adding Marantz and Denon to its brand portfolio.

• 2002

  Marantz and Denon form D&M Holdings[1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Marantz Japan and Denon merged to create D&M Holdings, later known as the D+M Group.

• 2001

  Marantz Japan acquires the brand and overseas sales subsidiaries[1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Marantz Japan took control of the brand and its overseas sales subsidiaries from Philips.

• 1980

  Philips acquires major Marantz brand assets[1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Superscope transferred the Marantz brand, dealer network, and most overseas assets, excluding the United States and Canada, to Philips.

• 1964

  Superscope acquires Marantz[1]Marantzen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Superscope acquired Marantz and operated it as part of a broader commercial audio and media business.

1. 1Marantzen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Marantz official websitemarantz.com