Marantz Model 50From real comments

Verdict distilled from 32 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment70%
PROS 70%
CONS 30%

Rank based on 32 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a dedicated analog amp without paying for unused digital circuitry
  • You listen mainly to vinyl and value a strong, adjustable phono stage
  • You want a long-lasting, high-build-quality amp to pair with a CD50n or outboard streamer

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need built-in network streaming or worry about future digital obsolescence
  • You run a powered subwoofer and want an onboard crossover option
  • You want the warmest, lowest-noise sound and don't mind giving up the analog-only design (40n may suit better)

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Roland Blues Cube Artist
Lightweight and gig-friendlyTube-like tone and feelExcellent clean channelExpensive, hard-to-find Tone CapsulesInconsistent or harsh crunch channelNo included footswitch
Roland Blues Cube Artist
Lightweight and gig-friendly
Tube-like tone and feel
Excellent clean channel
Expensive, hard-to-find Tone Capsules
Inconsistent or harsh crunch channel
No included footswitch
2Premium
Friedman Little Sister
Exceptional tonal versatilityGreat cleanup via guitar volumeBig, huge-sounding tone for its size/wattageDark, bass-heavy voicing for somePrice relative to alternativesRequires volume-knob technique, not true multi-channel
Friedman Little Sister
Exceptional tonal versatility
Great cleanup via guitar volume
Big, huge-sounding tone for its size/wattage
Dark, bass-heavy voicing for some
Price relative to alternatives
Requires volume-knob technique, not true multi-channel
Best value
3Mid
Orange OR15
Exceptional versatilityGreat with pedals / clean platformLong-term keeper ampCleans not its strongest suitFizzy or excessive gain out of the boxStock preamp tubes considered weak
Orange OR15
Exceptional versatility
Great with pedals / clean platform
Long-term keeper amp
Cleans not its strongest suit
Fizzy or excessive gain out of the box
Stock preamp tubes considered weak
4Mid
Marantz PM7000N
Detailed, warm sound qualityGood speaker pairing versatilityHEOS streaming and internet radio convenienceAirPlay over Ethernet reliability issueDAC only active via optical/coaxial inputsLacks classic gold Marantz aesthetic
Marantz PM7000N
Detailed, warm sound quality
Good speaker pairing versatility
HEOS streaming and internet radio convenience
AirPlay over Ethernet reliability issue
DAC only active via optical/coaxial inputs
Lacks classic gold Marantz aesthetic
5Budget
TC Electronic BH250
Powerful for its sizeTonePrint effects built inClean, full, realistic toneAlways-lit tuner displayInsufficient power for loud full bandsSingle effect slot limitation
TC Electronic BH250
Powerful for its size
TonePrint effects built in
Clean, full, realistic tone
Always-lit tuner display
Insufficient power for loud full bands
Single effect slot limitation
6Premium
Mesa Boogie Badlander
Tight, modern high-gain toneBuilt-in CabClone IR / direct outBuild quality and versatility praised by ownersHigh priceMissing third channel and solo boostNo EL34 as originally expected / power tube gripes
Mesa Boogie Badlander
Tight, modern high-gain tone
Built-in CabClone IR / direct out
Build quality and versatility praised by owners
High price
Missing third channel and solo boost
No EL34 as originally expected / power tube gripes
7Mid
iFi xCAN
Strong power for demanding headphonesCompact, high-quality buildEnjoyable Bluetooth sound qualityEarly sound-mode switching bugLimited single-ended power for some planarsNot fully wireless
iFi xCAN
Strong power for demanding headphones
Compact, high-quality build
Enjoyable Bluetooth sound quality
Early sound-mode switching bug
Limited single-ended power for some planars
Not fully wireless
8Premium
Friedman BE-100 Deluxe
Exceptional tonal versatilityOwner satisfaction and 'best amp ever' sentimentSmooth, musical high-gain distortionHigh priceOverwhelming number of optionsSome find it too polished or lacking rawness
Friedman BE-100 Deluxe
Exceptional tonal versatility
Owner satisfaction and 'best amp ever' sentiment
Smooth, musical high-gain distortion
High price
Overwhelming number of options
Some find it too polished or lacking rawness
9Mid
Vox AC15CH
Built-in reactive attenuator
Vox AC15CH
Built-in reactive attenuator
10Mid
Roland JC-22
Great pedal platformLush onboard chorusExceptional clean toneBackground hiss/humWeak onboard distortionSome pedals don't pair well
Roland JC-22
Great pedal platform
Lush onboard chorus
Exceptional clean tone
Background hiss/hum
Weak onboard distortion
Some pedals don't pair well
You are here
27Premium
Marantz Model 50
Rich, detailed analog soundGreat pairing with CD50n streamer/CD playerStrong phono stageModel 40n offers advantages at lower costNo network streaming or firmware updatesNo subwoofer crossover
Marantz Model 50
Rich, detailed analog sound
Great pairing with CD50n streamer/CD player
Strong phono stage
Model 40n offers advantages at lower cost
No network streaming or firmware updates
No subwoofer crossover

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners consistently praise the Model 50's analog sound quality and phono stage. Multiple users switching from Denon, Yamaha, or older Marantz amps describe the Model 50 as revealing details they'd never heard before, with excellent clarity, dynamics, and instrument separation. The phono stage is repeatedly called 'damn good' or fabulous, and pairing with speakers like Monitor Audio, JBL, or B&W consistently impresses listeners, with several calling it an 'endgame amp' after proper break-in.

The barebones analog design is a deliberate strength for some, a limitation for others. Fans like that they aren't paying for an unused digital section when using outboard DACs or streamers, and appreciate the amp's longevity potential versus streaming features that may become obsolete. However, others note the lack of a subwoofer crossover, absence of bass/treble remote control, and no firmware-updatable network section as real drawbacks, especially compared to the 40n/CD50n combo Marantz seems to favor.

Usability niggles and the 40n comparison temper enthusiasm for some buyers. Several reviewers criticize the remote's poor layout and inconsistent CD player control, plus front-panel controls that are hard to see in dim rooms. Others weigh it against the Model 40n, which Marantz itself says handles harder speaker loads better and which some describe as warmer with lower noise and a superior integrated DAC/headphone amp, making the choice partly about whether streaming and load-handling matter to the buyer.

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