The Model 9 was the most expensive power amplifier built by Marantz and is considered by most to be Saul Marantz’s masterpiece; a benchmark in hi-fi quality. Conservatively rated at 70 watts (which it delivered comfortably at 0.3% distortion), the output was closer to 90 watts. Two were needed for stereo and a 1 tap was provided for a 'phantom' center channel speaker (when two Model 9 amplifiers were used).

Built like a tank with huge output and power transformers ( which, even after several hours use at high power, never even got warm), the finish and attention to detail were superb. All the controls were front-panel mounted and a small removable panel concealed the input and output connections as well as bias adjustments.

Silicon rectifiers were used in the power supply and the output stage consisted of four EL84s in ultra-linear parallel push-pull mode (these valves never had to work very hard and thus had an extended life span). The large meter at the front of the case provided the facility to adjust each valve, including bias and balance of the AC signal to the output valves.

The Model 9 could, by way of a switch, be made to operate in triode mode which reduced power by about 40%.

These amplifiers are extremely rare today, those who have them tend to keep them and many have been snapped up by collectors in Japan and China. Priced at around $325 each when new, (and bear in mind that these were mono amplifiers at a time when stereo was well established), today they would be worth around $4000 each, more if in outstanding condition.

A near perfect re-issue replica Model 9 was released in the late 1990s; this also commands high prices today.

See the accompanying test report, specifications and instruction manual pages for more information.

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