As a young teenager in the 80s, I pressed my nose against the windows of various HiFi stores in Berlin. Marantz was an absolute cult HiFi brand in the 70s and 80s and very popular.
Marantz – a name that has stood for excellent sound, elegant design, and uncompromising quality among HiFi enthusiasts for decades. Especially the vintage turntables of the brand, produced between the 1960s and 1980s, are considered true treasures of the analog era. In this post, we present to you the best Marantz vintage turntables – ideal for collectors, sound lovers, and anyone who loves authentic vinyl sound.
Why Marantz? – A brief history
The HiFi brand Marantz was founded in the 1950s by Saul B. Marantz in New York. In the 60s and 70s, the company gained cult status – not only through its legendary amplifiers but also through high-quality Turntable, which set new standards both sonically and aesthetically. Marantz knew how to perfectly combine design and technology.
The best Marantz vintage turntables at a glance
1. Marantz TT-1000 (End of the 70s)
The TT-1000 is considered as Flagship of the Marantz turntables. A massive direct drive turntable with crystal glass chassis, extremely low in vibrations and absolutely at reference sound level.
A masterpiece of engineering with a chassis made of 38 mm thick glass and aluminum. The TT-1000 was first introduced at the Japan Audio Fair in 1979 and is considered one of the most elegant and well-crafted turntables of its time.Features:
- Direct drive
- Separate control unit
- Extremely rare & sought after
2. Marantz 6300 (approx. 1975–77)
A direct drive turntable with automatic shut-off, known for its massive wooden case and high-quality workmanship. The 6300 was designed and assembled by Marantz itself and was their first high-performance turntable. The 6300 is probably one of the most popular vintage Marantz turntables. With automatic shut-off, heavy chassis, and stable construction, it still impresses many audiophiles today.
Highlights:
- Direct drive
- Stroboscope with pitch control
- Massive wooden case
3. Marantz 6100 (early 70s)
A classic for beginners in the vintage world. The 6100 comes with a belt drive, elegant wood finish, and very solid workmanship – ideal for retro fans. A belt-driven model with an elegant wood finish, valued for its reliability and classic 70s style. The 6100 is known for its precise speed control and quiet operation. Vinyl engine
Features:
- Belt drive
- Manual operation
- Typical 70s vibe
4. Marantz 6200 (approx. 1976)
A semi-automatic turntable with robust design and features like auto-lift and anti-skating adjustment. The 6200 is an excellent example of Marantz's commitment to quality and user-friendliness.
The big brother of the 6100: sturdier, with more features, e.g., auto-lift and anti-skating adjustment.
Advantages:
- Semi-automatic
- Massive wooden case
- Good used market value
What makes vintage Marantz turntables so special?
✅Design icons: Classic wood, clean lines, solid construction
✅Excellent sound quality: Marantz relied on high-quality components
✅Value stability: Many models are now sought-after collectibles
✅Restorability: Good availability of spare parts and technical support from enthusiasts
Tips for buying a Marantz vintage record player
- Check condition: Watch out for bearing damage, tonearm bearings, motor noises, and the original system.
- Prefer reputable dealers: Ideally with service or return policy.
- Compare prices: A Marantz 6300 in good condition can cost over €800 – depending on accessories and condition.
Conclusion: Marantz vintage turntables are timeless classics.
Whether you're new to the vinyl universe or an experienced collector: With a vintage turntable from Marantz you get not only excellent sound quality but also a piece of HiFi history. Especially the models TT-1000, 6300, 6200, and 6100 represent the legendary Marantz sound – warm, clear, and lively.
Discover more HiFi classics on mySoundbook – your platform for real sound.
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