Marantz is introducing its all-new STEREO 70s 2-Channel Hi-Fi Receiver at this week’s CEDIA EXPO in Denver, Colorado
Designed to perform like a full-sized amplifier, the slim and distinguished design of the STEREO 70s
elevates any AV system and is matched by the signature warm, rich, and detailed sound enthusiasts
and luxury indulgers have come to expect from Marantz.
STEREO 70s features the premium craftsmanship and unique style of Marantz while integrating the
latest in audio technology to deliver the ultimate immersive home listening experience, including:
• Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAMs), developed to dramatically outperform traditional
chip-based op-amps found in conventional audio products.
• The bold performance and sound quality of a full-size amplifier from a space-saving compact 4.1-
inch-tall chassis that fits where conventional components cannot. Connect up to two loudspeaker
pairs, which can be played separately or together.
• Six HDMI inputs including three that are 8K compatible, and an HDMI output that supports ARC,
to ensure connectivity with current and future video and gaming components.
• Compatibility with 192kHz 24-bit digital audio and DSD files, providing enthusiasts with access to
the most precise high-resolution digital decoding available.
• HEOS® Built-In technology that enables users to access their favorite streaming content and
enjoy music throughout the home when connected to other HEOS-enabled devices.
The Marantz STEREO 70s will be available beginning September 5 for $1,000 at Marantz.com and select dealers
The Audiophile History of Marantz
For audiophiles, few names carry as much weight as Marantz. Known for its commitment to sound purity and design elegance, Marantz has been part of the high-fidelity conversation since the early 1950s. Its history is closely tied to the evolution of home audio, from the golden age of analog to the dawn of digital and beyond.
From a New York Apartment to Audiophile Fame
The story begins in 1951 with Saul Bernard Marantz, a music lover and amateur inventor who was frustrated by the limited quality of the audio equipment available at the time. Working out of his home in Kew Gardens, New York, he designed a high-quality preamplifier he called the “Audio Consolette.” It was originally built for personal use, but as word spread among fellow music lovers, demand quickly followed.
Encouraged by the response, Marantz formally established the Marantz Company in 1953. The Consolette eventually evolved into the Model 1, a tube-based preamplifier that was ahead of its time. It helped set the tone—literally and figuratively—for the company’s future. With its clean sound, solid build, and thoughtful layout, the Model 1 laid the groundwork for Marantz’s longstanding reputation in high-end audio circles.
Building the Marantz Legacy
Over the next few years, Marantz released a series of groundbreaking products that further established the brand. The Model 2 power amplifier and the Model 7 preamplifier were among the most respected audio components of the 1950s. The Model 7, in particular, became a classic—beloved for its musical warmth, precise controls, and three-stage phono equalization. It became a mainstay in audiophile systems and a collector’s item in later decades.
The company continued to innovate into the 1960s. The Model 9 monoblock power amplifier and the Model 10B FM tuner pushed the boundaries of performance and engineering. The 10B was especially notable—not just for its sonic clarity but for its high price and complex circuitry. It was an ambitious product that proved Marantz wasn’t afraid to go all-in on audio excellence.
Changes in Ownership and New Directions
As the brand grew, so did interest from larger companies. In 1964, Saul Marantz sold the company to Superscope Inc., which helped the company expand globally. Manufacturing soon shifted to Japan in partnership with Standard Radio Corporation, marking the beginning of what would become a long-standing connection to Japanese craftsmanship and design.
While the Superscope era saw a move toward mass-market audio products, many audiophiles still associate the 1970s with classic Marantz gear. This period saw the release of several legendary stereo receivers, such as the Marantz 2230, 2270, and the powerhouse 2600. These receivers were known for their warm sound, rich tone, and visually distinctive blue dial lights—something that became a design signature of the era.
The Digital Transition
The 1980s brought big changes in the audio world, particularly the arrival of compact discs and digital playback. Around this time, Philips took over much of Marantz’s international business. This was a strategic partnership, as Philips had played a leading role in developing the CD format.
Together, Marantz and Philips produced some of the earliest and most respected CD players on the market. Models like the CD-63 became favorites among listeners who were making the transition from analog to digital. Marantz engineers often added refinements to Philips-designed transports and DACs, giving their players a unique sound signature—smooth, detailed, and still musical.
While many hi-fi companies struggled to adapt to digital, Marantz maintained a reputation for doing it right. Their digital players didn’t just chase specs; they focused on musicality. Audiophiles who were skeptical of CDs often found Marantz units to be the most “analog-sounding” of the bunch.
Back to Audiophile Roots
In the 1990s, Marantz began to reassert its commitment to high-end audio, focusing again on integrated amplifiers, CD players, and components aimed at more serious listeners. Even as home theater began to dominate the audio landscape, Marantz held onto its two-channel roots.
A major influence during this time was Ken Ishiwata, a longtime Marantz engineer and product ambassador. He played a central role in tuning many of the brand’s most beloved modern components, including special-edition models bearing his initials. Ishiwata’s tuning philosophy—focused on clarity, balance, and emotional engagement—became part of Marantz’s core identity.
His contributions were especially felt in models like the SA-KI Pearl SACD player and the PM-KI integrated amplifier. These components were praised not only for their technical precision but also for how they made music feel—an elusive quality that audiophiles often chase.
Mergers and Modernization
In 2001, Marantz Japan purchased full ownership of the global brand from Philips, effectively bringing the company back under one roof. A year later, Marantz merged with Denon to form D&M Holdings. While the two brands shared resources, they continued to operate independently, each maintaining its own design philosophies and product lines.
By the 2010s, Marantz was producing both high-end two-channel gear and multichannel home theater receivers. Their flagship Reference Series—featuring models like the PM-10 integrated amplifier and SA-10 SACD player—highlighted the company’s dedication to serious music reproduction, while their AV receivers gained popularity in custom installation and home theater markets.
In 2017, D&M Holdings was acquired by Sound United, a parent company that also owns brands like Denon, Polk Audio, and Bowers & Wilkins. Despite these changes, Marantz has continued to maintain a strong focus on high-quality audio components, with recent product releases blending modern streaming features with traditional audiophile sensibilities.
Now. THIS is good news. I need to replace an aging Denon AVR and I’d really rather go with a higher quality 2-channel with video pass through. I don’t actually do surround and have zero intention lever doing so.