Description
Marantz SC 11. Marantz SM 11. Exclusive Version. Fully revitalized.
In 1937 Nozomu Matsumoto created the first magnetoelectric speaker in Japan, and a year later, in Tokyo, he registered the company under the name Fukuin Shokai Denki Seisakusho. In 1961, the company’s name was changed to Pioneer Electronic Corporation. However, the breakthrough came in 1962, when the company entered the Tokyo Stock Exchange and created the world’s first stereo system with speakers in separate housings. Four years later, Pioneer opened branches in the USA and in Europe. In 1978, the company created one of the best-known and most powerful receivers in its history SX-1980. Pioneer can also be proud of great successes in the world of auto-moto, as it introduced in 1975 the world’s first automotive stereo subassembly, then in 1984 a CD player and GPS navigation in 1990. The company also played a major role in the development of DVDs, plasma TVs and technologies Organic LED display (OLED). The company is currently part of Pioneer & Onkyo Corporation.
The SM-11 is one of the top stereo power amplifiers produced by Marantz in the second half of the 1980s. It was designed as the heart of a demanding audio system -for listeners who expect not only high output power, but above all refinement, control, and musicality. Delivering 265 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the amplifier easily drives even the most demanding loudspeakers. It plays effortlessly, with a clear reserve of energy and no sense of strain. Even at higher listening levels, the sound remains clean, stable, and perfectly controlled. Particular attention was given to the power supply section. A very robust transformer and large filtering capacitors ensure stable operation under all conditions. In practice, this translates into deep, well-controlled bass, impressive dynamics, and a strong sense of authority. The soundstage is wide and three-dimensional, with instruments precisely positioned in space. The character of the SM-11 can be described as powerful yet refined. It delivers a dynamic, transparent, and mature presentation – without artificial brightness or exaggerated detail. The focus remains on musical coherence and natural balance. Build quality is equally impressive. This is equipment from an era when durability and engineering integrity were just as important as sound performance.
The SC-11 is Marantz’s flagship preamplifier from the same period, designed as the perfect companion to the SM-11 power amplifier. It was created for the most demanding audio systems, where signal purity, precise control, and natural sound reproduction are essential. The role of a preamplifier is to manage the entire system – source selection, volume control, and signal preparation for the power amplifier. The SC-11 performs these tasks with exceptional refinement and attention to detail. It offers extremely low noise levels and outstanding transparency, allowing music to flow freely and naturally. Special care was devoted to the phono section for turntable use. The preamplifier supports both MM and MC cartridges, providing proper matching and high-quality analog performance. This makes the SC-11 an excellent foundation for vinyl-based systems, revealing the full depth and detail of recordings. Sonically, the SC-11 is coherent and balanced. The soundstage is wide and well organized, vocals are natural and full-bodied, and details are clear yet never aggressive. The presentation is transparent and dynamic, yet warm and musical – typical of the finest Marantz designs of that era. The unit also stands out for its build quality. A solid chassis, carefully engineered internal layout, and elegant minimalist front panel emphasize its reference status. It was designed for long-term, trouble-free operation. To this day, the Marantz SC-11 remains one of the most respected preamplifiers of its era – an essential element that not only controls the system but truly shapes its character. Likewise, the Marantz SM-11 remains one of the most admired power amplifiers of its time – a symbol of the final chapter of the golden age of analog hi-fi, combining collector appeal with genuinely outstanding sound performance.
The enclosures have undergone complete revitalization and are crafted from rosewood. The wood is finished with natural Chinese oil and natural turpentine-based beeswax. All chassis elements have been carefully cleaned and refinished using professional automotive “wet painting” technology.
The units have been fully inspected and serviced and fitted with new aluminum feet.
Collector’s set. Perfect condition.
Units fully inspected and serviced
– complete disassembly and thorough cleaning
– cleaning and preservation of switches and potentiometers
– PCB cleaning and removal of cold solder joints
– inspection and replacement of electrolytic capacitors
– parameter adjustment in accordance with the service manual
– replacement of screws
Technical Specifications – Marantz SM-11
– power output – 2 x 265 W at 8 Ohm, 2 x 300 W at 4 Ohm
– frequency response – 1 Hz – 100 kHz
– total harmonic distortion – 0.008%
– input sensitivity – 1.5 V / 22 kOhm
– damping factor – 100 or more at 8 Ohm
– signal-to-noise ratio – 120 dB
– dimensions – 45.5 cm x 19.5 cm x 44.5 cm (W x H x D)
– power supply – 100V (voltage transformer included)
– year of production – 1983
– manufactured in Japan
– weight – 32 kg
Technical Specifications – Marantz SC-11
– stereo preamplifier
– frequency response – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
– total harmonic distortion – 0.002%
– input sensitivity – Phono MC – 125 mV / 100 kOhm; MM – 2.5 mV / 47 kOhm; high level – 150 mV / 47 kOhm
– signal-to-noise ratio – Phono MC – 92 dB; MM – 93 dB; high level – 115 dB
– dimensions – 45.5 cm x 14 cm x 38.5 cm (W x H x D)
– power supply ?-100V (voltage transformer included)
– year of production – 1983
– manufactured in Japan
– weight – 13 kg