Marantz 250 Stereo Power Amplifier

Original price was: R60,000.00.Current price is: R22,000.00.

Specifications

Power output: 125 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 2Hz to 100kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%

Damping factor: 100

Input sensitivity: 1.5V

Signal to noise ratio: 106dB

Dimensions: 15-3/8 x 6-1/8 x 9-1/2 inches

Weight: 28lbs

Year: 1974

Description

The Marantz 250 (and 250M) is a vintage, early 1970s solid-state power amplifier (125W/ch into 8) renowned for its robust, classic build, dual-mono construction, and detailed sound. It is often described asHaving a “bright” or highly revealing sound signature, requiring careful speaker matching.

Key Features and Performance
  • Power & Sound: It delivers 125 watts per channel into 

     and was designed for, and is capable of, driving difficult speaker loads, often paired with vintage loudspeakers.

  • Build Quality: Known for a very strong, heavy-duty, and professional build quality.
  • Design: Features a distinctive,classic Marantz aesthetic with optional blue power meters (on 250M), often paired with preamps like the Marantz 3300.
Common Issues and Maintenance
  • Refurbishment Needed: Due to its age, units often require extensive recapping (replacing electrolytic capacitors) and resistor updates to reach their full potential.
  • Thermal Design: The rectifier diodes in the power supply can run hot, with some technicians opting to relocate them to improve reliability.
  • Original Issues: Early models had some issues with parasitic oscillation and bias circuit stability, which were addressed in later production runs and later modified in the 250M version.
Verdict
The Marantz 250 is highly regarded by collectors and fans of vintage audio for its aesthetic and power, but it often requires professional restoration to address aged components


Bottom line…. I think if you have a High Quality set of speakers MATCHED correctly to a high quality Refurbed Vintage Marantz…. and A HIGH QUALITY SOURCE. You can easily keep up with a modern system and in some cases surpass them….. I would rather have the high quality fundamentals of a refurbed 250/500/510 with their more costly old school components (with quality speakers and source) than newer models….

I have a few friends that have modern very high dollar systems. My system stops them in their tracks every time they hear it. This took getting the Speakers, Pre-amp/Amp refurb and the Source all working at their peak…..

Problem is… Old Stuff is Worn….. but if you like the challenge of bringing back to its peak performance, the performance is world class….