Marantz MODEL 50 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

An Amplifier That Refuses to Become a Computer

There is no DAC in the MODEL 50, no streamer and no HDMI. It is a class A/B integrated amplifier and nothing else, making 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 100 into 4. Black or silver-gold.

You get six analog inputs, one of them a moving-magnet phono stage. Also a record output, a full preamplifier output, a mono subwoofer output and a power amp direct input that skips the preamp section entirely.

Four Binding Posts and a Headphone Jack

Two pairs of Marantz SPKT-1+ terminals let you run A, B or both from the front panel. The quarter-inch headphone output is on the front, next to the porthole display, the source selector and the bass, treble and balance knobs.

A detachable power cable and the RC003PMND system remote are in the box, and the amplifier will control a matching Marantz disc player. It measures 442 by 431 by 130mm and weighs 14.2 kilograms.

Current Feedback, a Toroidal Transformer, and No Digital Noise to Chase

Leaving digital circuitry out removes a whole category of interference before it starts. What remains is a current-feedback topology, HDAM SA2 and SA3 discrete modules in place of integrated circuits, a toroidal transformer, symmetric board layout and a triple-layer bottom plate.

Frequency response is 5Hz to 100kHz within 3dB. Distortion is 0.02% across the audio band into 8 ohms, and the damping factor is 100 or better. Line inputs measure 116dB signal-to-noise, and the power amp input reaches 125dB.

The Phono Stage in Numbers

Marantz Musical Phono EQ takes moving magnet at 1.4mV into 47 kilohms, tolerates 80mV before clipping, tracks RIAA within half a decibel and returns 87dB signal-to-noise. Bass and treble each swing 10dB, and Source Direct takes them out of circuit.

The amplifier draws 220 watts in use and 0.3 watts in standby, and shuts itself down when left idle. Volume is a linear control rather than a stepped one, and the OLED porthole display dims to suit the room.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Reviewing it for SoundStage! Access in May 2024, Dennis Burger heard "beautiful dynamic punch, bang-on tonal balance, oodles of detail, and a nice sense of energy," from "one of the best-built pieces of kit I’ve put hands on."

AVForums tested it alongside the matching CD 50n on April 12, 2024 and reported that "It’s the Model 50 that is the star of the show though," an amplifier with "refinement for days" that pairs it "with a sense of fun."

The Quirks Worth Knowing First

Burger was direct about the annoyances. "Plugging in a pair of headphones does not mute the speaker outputs" — you switch them off yourself — and "There’s unsurprisingly no volume memory, either." He also noted that "It doesn’t feature bass-management capabilities," so the subwoofer output runs full range, and found the remote "nonsensical overkill in terms of buttons and layout" unless you own the matching CD player.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• Your sources are already sorted — six analog inputs and no DAC you are paying for twice.
• You play records — the moving-magnet stage tracks RIAA within half a decibel.
• You use headphones seriously — the front output drove Burger’s planar magnetics with headroom left.
• You want two speaker pairs — A, B or both, selected from the front panel.
• You want streaming built in — the MODEL 50 has none. The Marantz MODEL 40n adds a network stage and HDMI ARC.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Speakers go to the A posts, the B posts, or both. A turntable goes to phono with its ground wire attached. A CD player, a DAC and anything else line-level fill the remaining five RCA pairs.

The preamplifier output feeds a second power amplifier if you want more muscle later, and the power amp input works the other way, turning the MODEL 50 into a power amplifier under someone else’s preamp.

Everything is single-ended RCA. There are no balanced connections.

Pairs Well With

Building a system around the MODEL 50? Start here:

• Turntable: the phono stage deserves a real one — see our Turntables.
• Speakers: 100 watts into 4 ohms handles a full-size pair — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
• Headphones: the front output is strong enough for planars — see our Headphones.
• Cables: two sets of posts, two runs — see our Speaker Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the MODEL 50 make?

70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and 100 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

Does it have a DAC or any digital inputs?

Every input is analog RCA. A DAC or a streamer with analog outputs feeds one of them.

Will it work with a moving-coil cartridge?

Not on its own. The built-in stage is moving magnet only. A moving coil needs a step-up or an outboard phono preamp.

Can I add a subwoofer?

Yes, through the mono subwoofer output. There is no crossover or bass management, so set the filter on the subwoofer itself.

Are there balanced XLR connections?

Every input and output on the MODEL 50 is single-ended RCA.

What comes in the box?

The amplifier, the RC003PMND system remote, a detachable power cable and the printed documentation.

See It in Action

Marantz introduces the MODEL 50 on its own channel:

And an independent look at what an all-analog amplifier gives up and gains:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about integrated amplifiers, phono stages, or matching an amplifier to your speakers? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.