The Marantz 8B was one of the 'benchmark' stereo power amplifiers of the early 1960s and was the only stereo valve power amplifier Marantz would make. (The 60-watt per channel, solid state Model 15 of 1966 would be the only other stereo power amplifier from Marantz).

The model 8 (and subsequently the model 8B) was designed by Sidney Smith, who had built many Williamson-type amplifiers in the past. It utilised a pair of EL34s (6CA7) in push-pull, ultra linear configuration to achieve 35 Watts RMS per channel. Intermodulation distortion was kept down to 0.5% at 20 Hz to 20 KHz.

An interesting feature of the 8B was its 'test' input. Sid Smith insisted that rumble filters be used to counteract the noisy turntables of the day whereas Saul Marantz disagreed, so they compromised by adding the test input, which is unfiltered.

Variations to Model 8B back panels include an octal socket for powering old mono preamps (older models), and an AC outlet socket for peripheral equipment.

In 'About Stereos' July 2, 2004, Anthony Armstrong says,

"..The real magic kicks in when you start using high-sensitivity speakers, and a preamp/source combination that is up to the 8B's standard. That's a VERY tough bill to fill. 35 of the sweetest watts you'll ever hear..."

In recent times I have seen Internet auction sales reach prices of between $1,200 and $2,500 for good to excellent examples in sound working order. A mint condition unmodified 8B with all original tubes, manual, test report and warranty, and with performance and sound described as "excellent" fetched $3,300 in February 2006.

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