Behold, a pristine set of the legendary Marantz Model 9. In the late 1960s, the Model 9 was the top of the line for Marantz and is now one of the most coveted and rare pieces of vintage HiFi gear. Considering the condition and restoration work, this pair would be remarkable even if they were common. And they are not.
It’s hard to convey on paper how much work was put into this restoration, but nothing is too good for such an immaculate pair of unicorns. We are confident that these amps sound virtually identical to the way they did when they left the Marantz factory 60 years ago. The Model 9 has a very stable and robust architecture that can drive just about anything within reasonable sensitivity ratings. Perfect for electrostatics like the Quads or Maggies, and they have a very relaxed, easygoing tonal character that manages to not sound dull or withdrawn. These beautiful amplifiers were some of the first produced, in late 1962, yet they look and sound as though they were made yesterday.
- Production
- 1960-68
- Condition
- 9.5/10
- Serial No.
- 91621/91668
- Orig. MSRP
- $384
- Restoration
- Examined both amplifiers
- Found both in excellent physical condition with majority of original components still in place
- Electrolytic capacitors and 2 resistors were previously replaced, but units were otherwise original
- Initial tests showed both tests operational, but with considerable crackling noises and low level hum.
- Tubes were tested, and all found to be in good condition per B&K 747 mutual conductance tester
- Power cords were dried out with signs of cracking insulation
- Spot testing of original paper capacitors revealed beginnings of spec drift, caused by long term deterioration of the dielectric
- DC leakage in the input stage coupling capacitors caused sufficient shift to cause loud transients when operating the phase and filter switches
- All paper capacitors being more than 60 years old, have therefore reached their end of life, requiring wholesale replacement
- New, premium grade metallized polypropylene capacitors were selected, from Vishay, Kemet, and Epcos brands (These far exceed the quality of the originals, in terms of tolerance, leakage, and longevity)
- 15 film capacitors per amplifier were replaced
- The voltage doubler electrolytic capacitors were also replaced
- The original 60uf values had been replaced with 100uf units during previous maintenance
- All replacement components are confirmed as genuine, and sourced from reputable US distributors
- Resistors that measured outside of marked tolerance were replaced (Most of these are carbon type resistors used in voltage dropping functions where heat is generated within the part)
- 8 resistors were replaced in each amplifier
- Flameproof metal oxide resistors were used for screen drops and voltage dividers
- Used 1% metal film type capacitors were in amplification circuitry
- Power cords were replaced
- Following restoration, all bias and balance were set via the front meter
- The units were fully tested for power output and harmonic distortion
- Both amplifiers now meet or exceed factory published specifications
- Specs
Type Tube Mono Power Amplifier
Power output 70 watts into 8Ω (mono)
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.1%
Damping factor 17
Speaker load impedance 4Ω to 16Ω
Valve complement (7ea) 2x ECC88, 1x 6CG7, 4x EL34
Dimensions 15.375"W x 8.25"H x 10.5"D
Weight 63 lbs. ea.
- Designer
- Sidney Smith
- Documentation
Marantz Model 9 Owner's Manual
Marantz Model 9 Service Manual
Marantz Model 9 advert, 1960
- The History of Marantz
- More than any other person, Saul Marantz defined premium home entertainment. Driven by his passion for music and his accomplishments as a classical guitarist – accomplishments that led to a close friendship with Andres Segovia – he was never satisfied with the “hi fi” equipment of his day. So he built better; first in...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
The precision and ruggedness of its internal and external construction speaks for itself – it is of a quality which will assure its owner the utmost in reliability – two Model 9 amplifiers will provide the very finest stereophonic performance. The model 9 is a massive single channel 70 Watt amplifier proving just how much difference an amplifier can make in high quality reproduction. It's exceptional stability and low distortion, together with it's tremendous reserves of power, result in remarkably clean performance. Transient response is superb. Built in metered adjustments. Beautiful precision construction.
Mid-century design and architecture is arguably one of the most significant design movements to date. It was during this period that folks began to care more about how their homes looked, and indeed about how their music sounded. Bauhaus had infiltrated New York, while designers like Eames, Bertoia, Saarinen, Wright, and Le Corbusier were creating aspirational products and places. The Model 9 was designed to align with, and perhaps accentuate, such sought-after statement pieces, and the certain lifestyle they represented.
- Stock No.
- 7960166007005
Behold, a pristine set of the legendary Marantz Model 9. In the late 1960s, the Model 9 was the top of the line for Marantz and is now one of the most coveted and rare pieces of vintage HiFi gear. Considering the condition and restoration work, this pair would be remarkable even if they were common. And they are not.
It’s hard to convey on paper how much work was put into this restoration, but nothing is too good for such an immaculate pair of unicorns. We are confident that these amps sound virtually identical to the way they did when they left the Marantz factory 60 years ago. The Model 9 has a very stable and robust architecture that can drive just about anything within reasonable sensitivity ratings. Perfect for electrostatics like the Quads or Maggies, and they have a very relaxed, easygoing tonal character that manages to not sound dull or withdrawn. These beautiful amplifiers were some of the first produced, in late 1962, yet they look and sound as though they were made yesterday.
Production
1960-68
Condition
9.5/10
Serial No.
91621/91668
Orig. MSRP
$384
Restoration
- Examined both amplifiers
- Found both in excellent physical condition with majority of original components still in place
- Electrolytic capacitors and 2 resistors were previously replaced, but units were otherwise original
- Initial tests showed both tests operational, but with considerable crackling noises and low level hum.
- Tubes were tested, and all found to be in good condition per B&K 747 mutual conductance tester
- Power cords were dried out with signs of cracking insulation
- Spot testing of original paper capacitors revealed beginnings of spec drift, caused by long term deterioration of the dielectric
- DC leakage in the input stage coupling capacitors caused sufficient shift to cause loud transients when operating the phase and filter switches
- All paper capacitors being more than 60 years old, have therefore reached their end of life, requiring wholesale replacement
- New, premium grade metallized polypropylene capacitors were selected, from Vishay, Kemet, and Epcos brands (These far exceed the quality of the originals, in terms of tolerance, leakage, and longevity)
- 15 film capacitors per amplifier were replaced
- The voltage doubler electrolytic capacitors were also replaced
- The original 60uf values had been replaced with 100uf units during previous maintenance
- All replacement components are confirmed as genuine, and sourced from reputable US distributors
- Resistors that measured outside of marked tolerance were replaced (Most of these are carbon type resistors used in voltage dropping functions where heat is generated within the part)
- 8 resistors were replaced in each amplifier
- Flameproof metal oxide resistors were used for screen drops and voltage dividers
- Used 1% metal film type capacitors were in amplification circuitry
- Power cords were replaced
- Following restoration, all bias and balance were set via the front meter
- The units were fully tested for power output and harmonic distortion
- Both amplifiers now meet or exceed factory published specifications
Specs
Type Tube Mono Power Amplifier
Power output 70 watts into 8Ω (mono)
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.1%
Damping factor 17
Speaker load impedance 4Ω to 16Ω
Valve complement (7ea) 2x ECC88, 1x 6CG7, 4x EL34
Dimensions 15.375"W x 8.25"H x 10.5"D
Weight 63 lbs. ea.
Designer
Sidney Smith
Documentation
Marantz Model 9 Owner's Manual
Marantz Model 9 Service Manual
Marantz Model 9 advert, 1960
The History of Marantz
More than any other person, Saul Marantz defined premium home entertainment. Driven by his passion for music and his accomplishments as a classical guitarist – accomplishments that led to a close friendship with Andres Segovia – he was never satisfied with the “hi fi” equipment of his day. So he built better; first in...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
The precision and ruggedness of its internal and external construction speaks for itself – it is of a quality which will assure its owner the utmost in reliability – two Model 9 amplifiers will provide the very finest stereophonic performance. The model 9 is a massive single channel 70 Watt amplifier proving just how much difference an amplifier can make in high quality reproduction. It's exceptional stability and low distortion, together with it's tremendous reserves of power, result in remarkably clean performance. Transient response is superb. Built in metered adjustments. Beautiful precision construction.
Mid-century design and architecture is arguably one of the most significant design movements to date. It was during this period that folks began to care more about how their homes looked, and indeed about how their music sounded. Bauhaus had infiltrated New York, while designers like Eames, Bertoia, Saarinen, Wright, and Le Corbusier were creating aspirational products and places. The Model 9 was designed to align with, and perhaps accentuate, such sought-after statement pieces, and the certain lifestyle they represented.
Stock No.
7960166007005
