1958 saw the introduction of stereo records and although stereo had been
around for a while in the form of binaural tape players and experimental
broadcasts, this was the first time it was available to the general public
as a whole. Within months, the leading amplifier manufacturers had stereo
amplifiers on the market. The Model 7 (7C with case and 7R in rack-mount
version) was Marantz's first stereo product, and is considered by many
to be Saul Marantz's most famous creation. Over a quarter of a million
units were produced (including variants), which must rank it as one of
the most successful high-end audio units ever.
A direct descendant of the mono Model 1 "Consolette", the Model 7 was a self-powered, all valve stereo preamplifier, built to a high level of quality. Inputs were provided for microphone, phono 1, phono 2, tape-head, FM-AM, FM (multiplexed), TV and auxiliary. Output levels were adjustable.
Considered by some to be the ultimate valve stereo preamplifier and others as overrated and requiring a total 'gutting and severe modification to be competitive with today's equivalents, the Model 7 is nevertheless highly sought after and fetches large sums when offered for sale. Prices can vary from $1,500 for a shabby, but complete and mostly functioning unit, right up to $4,000 for a mint condition example.
Post script:
In 1964, Saul Marantz announced:
"Only when the development of solid state electronics has reached
the stage wherein it can match the dependability and performance of Marantz-designed
vacuum tube circuitry will our equipment be transistorised".
That time obviously had arrived in late 1965 when he
said:
"After 2 years of research, we know that at last a transistorised
component can perform with the established quality we demand".
This announcement heralded the arrival of the all solid-state 7T Stereo
Console and the end of the valve Model 7.
Almost identical in appearance and specification to the Model 7, the 7T had the following new features:
- two front panel jacks for tape record/playback
- front panel headphones jack
- centre channel output
- tape play/tape copy switch
The Model 7T was priced at $295 but today does not command
anywhere near the price of its vacuum-tubed predecessor.
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Photographs courtesy of Barry Nachman