History of Marantz
Marantz is a company that develops and sells high-end audio products. The company was founded in New York, but is now based in Japan.The first Marantz audio product was designed and built by Saul Marantz in his home in Kew Gardens, New York. The company had a major influence in the development of high fidelity audio systems, and reached the high point of their success in the mid to late 1970s.
During the 1980s, while owned by Philips, a pioneer in compact disc technology, Marantz sold some very well received CD players, but other products in the line were not as successful as in the past. Beginning in the early 1990s, Marantz focused on higher-end components. In 2001, Marantz Japan acquired the brand from Philips and owned all overseas sales subsidiaries.
1952 Saul Marantz sells his first audio product, the "Consolette" pre-amp
1964 Marantz acquired by Superscope Inc.
1966 Beginning with the Model 25, and then 22 and 28, Marantz starts manufacturing its products in Japan through a partnership with Standard Radio Corp.
1974 A manufacturing plant is opened on the Peronnes-lez-Binche site, Walloon Region, Belgium
Marantz Europe (1974~1985)
1975 Standard Radio Corp. changes its name to Marantz Japan Inc.
1980 Superscope sells the Marantz brand, dealer network, and all overseas assets (except U.S. and Canada) to Philips Electronics
1983 Marantz's audio enhancement technology (Marantz Enhanced Digital Stereo) is introduced
1992 Philips acquires U.S. and Canada trademarks and dealer network
1997 Saul Marantz dies aged 85
2001 Marantz Japan Inc. acquires the brand and all overseas sales subsidiaries
2002 Marantz Japan and Denon merge to form D&M Holdings, to later be joined by other higher-end audio equipment brands such as Boston Acoustics
2008 Philips sells its remaining stake in D&M Holdings, ending a 28-year relationship between Philips and Marantz
2014 Marantz Professional acquired by inMusic Brands
2017 Sound United LLC acquires D+M Holding
