After the initial success of his Model 1 mono preamplifier in 1953, Saul Marantz assembled a team which included Sid Smith, Dick Sequerra, Stu Hegeman, and Mitch Cotter. Marantz then extended his range with the first power amplifier, the Model 2 launched in 1956. Considered by some to be 'years ahead of its contemporary competition' and inspiring one critic to describe its sound as ‘gorgeous’, this mono power amplifier was built to very high standards. A pair of EL84s (6CA7) in 'ultra-linear' mode produced 40 watts (80 watt peak) power, but those with lower rated speaker systems could, with the flick of a switch, change the output connections to triode operation which limited the output to 22 watts.

At full output, harmonic distortion was less than 0.1% at mid frequencies, and less than 0.5% from 20 cps to 10Kcps. Intermodulation distortion at 40 watts was less than 0.5% from 60cps to 12kcps.

The amplifier was remarkably stable under all conditions with 23.5dB of overall feedback (20dB in triode mode). A large, round D'Arsonval meter was supplied for testing bias, D.C. balance and A.C. balance on the output valves.

Now highly prized among collectors, the Model 2 originally sold for around $200.00. Today these amplifiers have been known to fetch prices of over $3,000 EACH at internet auction, recently an immaculate pair in 100% original condition and working perfectly fetched $7,650.00! However a reasonable price for a well-used but functioning example would be in the $1500 - $2000 range.

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