A Marantz Model 8 amp from 1960. Fair cosmetics, with cosmetic flaws (see exhibit A,B, D,E) This amp is mostly original, complete, and in working condition (see the test video below) . Lettering nearly 100%, and it has straight chassis . All complete down to crystal clear bias meter, and the still supple power cord. 

Before my test,  the amp received a complete set of NOS tubes.... a matched, plate balanced QUAD of good sounding 1970s Eastern Bloc Magnoval EL34's, really nice nos pair 1960s RCA 6GC7, and 1950s nos Sylvania smoked glass 6BH6. The amp was checked out up to about 100 volts AC on a metered VariAC, no higher.  It powered up perfectly.

Shamefully, it had been quite a  while since I experienced classic Marantz sound quality. I regularlly listen to much lower power SE pentode and triode amps. This amp did not dissapoint. The sound was phenominal, as most Model 8s are. It jumped to life with seamlessly smooth power, and made out NS-10 monitors sound like much more expensive speakers than they really are!  Playing strongly in both channels. Surprisingly near silent noise floor, and cool chassis.  It's the real McCoy. 

We listened to the amp all night long --  this one sounded so nice I didn't want to turn it off!  

It has numerous, still-working many 1950s era components. You'll be getting a working amp, no DOA. As always, plan ahead for some future care & maintenance, and operate always with common sense. 

The amp is from a nice, elderly gentleman's estate -- he had been the loving original owner for the past 45 years. It was used occasionally and electronically very well-cared for. See (exhibit H) for an examination of the underside. The owner put in fresh coupling caps, using nice quality made in USA TRW polys. He also cautiously serviced several of the bias resistors with nice 1% precision types. The remainder of all else appears as nice looking original shape (exhibit H). 

Cosmetic age related flaws are numerous and place this Model 8 in fair cosmetic condition. These include many nicks and scratches on the sides, some light surface rust, and some light corrosion right around the nameplate. The top transformer housing survivied nicely, without any major flaws -- no dings I could find. The tube plane section has rub spots, and numerous oxidized scratches. The original sockets show wear, and still work fine.  Original paint and good letters. Total restoration would not be difficult. This Model 8 is straight, and a good deep cleaning with touch ups, then polish -- you could have a gleaming amp. My recommendation is to enjoy the aged patina and charm -- as it presents quite nicely in person! (study exhibit A,B,C,D) 

A story and side note, for newcomers and collectors:  

I recently stumbled across another seller's completed listing for a Model 8. An innocent, abliet tired owner. He was not, or no longer wanted to be an audiophile. The owner was selling the Model 8 amp, tired of owning something they couldn't appreciate for so many years. A potential buyer -- being a newcomer to tube audio, .. innocently asked the seller for advice; his name was Joe. He asked the seller -- "Should I buy your amp?" "I am a music lover and looking for a tube amp that has that  so-called magic. You know... that sound they talk about..." To make a long story short, the seller (of the Marantz 8) thinking he was helping out .. wrote a dead-pan, discouraged reply ... something that went like this:  "Joe, let me help you out and save you lots of money. "Buy a solid state amp, the rated performance is better these days. Really, what more do you need?"

I am sorry Joe. You got some bad advice. The Marantz 8 does indeed have that "Magic" you were looking for. We listen to everything here. Brand new digital amps from beyond the millenium ... all the way back to cinema amps from the early 1930s. Basically, tubes still deftly handle complicated impedance swings that speakers reflect when playing dynamic music --- better, and in a more enjoyable way ....  During the 1970s, in fact Luxman made this point in numerous sales campaigns of the era... a time when when tube power was on the verge of extinction. People gradually listened, and the golden ears never let go of their nicest power amps. By the late 1970s--1980s, tube amps and their inherent technical advantages met with rediscovery & experienced a nice revival. The impedance swings aren't the only answer  to the riddle. . It's also build quality of the transformers, and the type of tubes you use. The low IM distortion of carefully made transformers with overbuilt cores is clearly another. (when comparing tube amps to tube amps.. )

The Marantz model 8, and related models from the late 1950s and early 1960s were better than most any other comparable product back then and still now to this day. What audiopiles search for in earnest is true realism!  Saul Marantz & Syd Smith were not all about sales.  They also also had a very high quality ethic and they listened critically to their own products (Avery Fisher preferred to use Western Electric -- yeah,  he really loved his music!) It's amazing to see how many of these 8's are still operating in almost original conditon. Many of the components were mil-spec and aerospace grade. A clear nod to function over looks, these amps still presented themselves as refined and modern, a quality look -- a bit shy of McIntosh's conspicuous consumption.   The circuit was highly functional, cutting edge back then, and still the epitome of practical - merged with high performance. The layout and construction of these amps - set the bar for american audio - point to point wiring work nearly as obsessive as 1950s Leak or Quad ...( that's saying allot!).

 Highly versatile and timeless. The Model 8 is also bridgeable. More fascinating is  the ability to run the EL34 pentodes in Triode configuration (one of the best ways to enjoy your pentode) , running at only 18wpc, this would provide fabulous sound to owners of high efficiency speakers. These Model 8's have a silky, smooth edge. Depending on your selection in tubes ...they tend to fill your room with the nice ambience of some nice Jazz club. What's so special about Marantz amps though (that other tube amps don't always have)...?? It's the musically inclined warmth that can actually enhance the mids, vocals and strings with an in-your-face realism. Sure, modern Audio Research tube behemoths can give slamming bass, and a wider type of "holographic" soundstage or what-have-you.  That's not quite what real a real musical performance sounds like in person.  No amp is perfect, but you don't you want something special? With that magical midrange voicing ... that's what Joe was looking for ... that's what he asked about.  So why are these Model 2's, 5's, 8's so good??  Probably the transformers. 

Solid state amps have their role in life. In the 1970s the MosFet was supposed to put tubes out of business. They didn't. Post millenium digital Class-D technology can sound pretend to be somthing  they aren't, and are certainly an advancement in technology. But they don't quite serve up the magic , Joe.  High power solid state amps are good for sub-sonics and transient woofer control. They are workhorse products when you need chest slamming bass. Some even sound good. And, certain low power triode-like germanium transistors may also show allot of promise, they are still under the occult pursuit of experimenters and pro recording audio tweakers. 

So, to the music lover, the audiophile, and the collector out there who is looking to be transported somewhere..... Those who wish to hear the spirited singer whisper in your ear... to hear the resounous strings, the guitar twang, or to hear the picking action in a really lifelike way ... All that magnifying glass like detail without any suggestion of grating harshness.

 The Marantz model 8 retains value today as it was one of the best amps, of all time. You can only spend more... to get better. That would be much more; like for Western Electric or Siemens Klangfilm. And if you want a dual Stereo package, with surprising punch, vigor and incredible build quality, and collector value. Yes, you have found the right amp.

   This amp includes a nice set of NOS tubes. The Sylvania / RCA's have an excellent tone. The NOS Ei Magnoval power tubes were matched/balanced using the Amplitrex AT1000. Later on, after you've fallen in love. Trying different tubes can be a great way to "dial-in" the sound of your Model 8 or 8B.  Depending on your taste, I would recommend you try a quad set the amazing Sylvania "fatboy" 6CA7 (a hard hitting late model pentode, favored by Van Halen, amongst others).   

Shortly after it's founding, the Long Island based s. b. marantz target market became the early 1960s, educated elite audiophile. This new, metropolitan class of white collar, hip music lover had loads of cash to spend spend on the best audio 1950s heft could provide. The ones that wanted looks, bought McIntosh. The ones who were really listening carefully bought Marantz. 

 These folks, members of the upper income bracket, didn't have time to slave over chintzy Heathkit or Lafayette. That was around 1959-60, and for those hip cats blessed by golden ears --  they found these amps a no-brainer to purchase. Even though they were a bit expensive.... the equivalent of about $2500usd !  (250- $300 in 1960 dollars x 4% annual inflation), it was still clear you couldn't build an amp like this, even if you wanted.

The Model 8's mid century looks give in excellent aesthetic appeal too.

The overall fit and finish, have to, quality and highly modern design for the time simply outdid all of the other competition by several times over.  They sold quite well – but very few survive today, so many having been lost over the years. These amps will continue to be cherished and will appreciate with an almost near certainty in the next decade.

  With Mr. Marantz & Syd Smith at the helm, outstanding sound quality ultimately sold all of the early product. Competitors like McIntosh Labs used striking black and chrome cosmetics, and massive looking transformers to attract buyers. Marantz products had to sound great, and they did.  The Model 8's circuit design was state of the art in efficency, for the late 50s. These amps today are absolutely treasures to own. More useful than ever with classic...or new high end, high efficiency speakers. I encourage you to read the countless articles on the Model 8/8B online and in print.

The stellar sound is tested and proven. You can put a Marantz 8 up against most other EL34 amps, and almost always predict a win. They are the thoroughbred in the stable. Always the favorite –  and everybody loves a winner.

Even with the added maintenance cost of an older amp, I highly recommend the model 8,  as an investment -and- collectible you can enjoy. If long term trends continue, you will find it to be one of the better financial investments. Classic Marantz is well known now in the world market, and not likely to ever be forgotten.  

Shipping weight is 65lbs.

Will be shipped domestically via UPS ground with tracking number, quickly after purchase.

Overseas buyers welcome, shipping costs will be quite high due to weight. Will be professionally double-boxed. All tracking #'s and proof of shipment via email. See our 100% feedback on all vintage items. 

Buy now to avoid a bidders war. This is a nice amp and will sell quickly. 

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Please study photos below. SAFE PURCHASE, 100% - *** Domestic or OVERSEAS OK. FAST SHIPPING, WILL DISPATCH IMMEDIATELY after PAYMENT -- OVERSEAS OK, FULL TRACKING number via email after shipment.