Audio T Verdict
The Marantz MODEL 50 is aimed at listeners who want a substantial, modern integrated amplifier but do not need streaming, digital inputs or HDMI built into the same enclosure. Its deliberately analogue design allows Marantz to concentrate on source switching, volume control, phono amplification and Class A/B power.
Power output is rated at 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms, with both channels driven from 20Hz to 20kHz. Current-feedback topology, Marantz HDAM circuitry, a toroidal transformer and solid heat sinks provide a much more serious platform than the relatively modest headline power figure might suggest.
Connectivity is a major strength. The MODEL 50 provides four conventional line inputs, a moving-magnet phono input, Power Amp Direct, a recorder output, variable stereo pre-outs, a separate subwoofer output and two switchable sets of speaker terminals.
This flexibility allows it to operate as a conventional integrated amplifier, provide pre-amplifier control for an additional power amplifier, drive an active subwoofer or serve as a stereo power amplifier within another suitable system. Speaker A/B switching also supports a second speaker pair or bi-wiring with compatible loudspeakers.
The lack of digital connectivity is intentional, but it must suit the customer’s system. Television sound, streaming and digital sources require an external component with a suitable analogue output. Anyone wanting these facilities inside the amplifier should also consider the Marantz MODEL 40n, MODEL 60n or MODEL M1.
For a system built around vinyl, CD and carefully chosen external sources, the MODEL 50 offers an attractive balance of performance, build quality and long-term flexibility. Audio T can demonstrate it with suitable loudspeakers and compare its pure analogue approach with Marantz’s network-equipped alternatives.
70W Class A/B Amplification
Delivers 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms with both channels driven.
Pure Analogue Design
No digital audio inputs or streaming circuitry are placed within the amplifier’s main signal path.
Marantz Musical Phono EQ
A dedicated moving-magnet phono stage allows a compatible turntable to connect directly.
Flexible Pre-Outputs
Variable stereo pre-outs and a separate subwoofer output support future system expansion.
Speaker A/B and Bi-Wiring
Two switchable speaker outputs support separate pairs or bi-wiring with compatible loudspeakers.
Power Amp Direct
Bypass the MODEL 50’s volume and tone controls when using it with a suitable external preamplifier.
A Pure Analogue Integrated Amplifier
The MODEL 50 is designed for customers who prefer to keep digital sources and streaming equipment separate from the amplifier. It has no internal DAC, optical or coaxial input, USB connection, HDMI port, Bluetooth receiver or network player.
Instead, it provides a substantial selection of analogue inputs and outputs. A compatible streamer, DAC or television-audio component can still be used, but it must provide a line-level analogue output for connection to the MODEL 50.
This separates the amplifier from changing streaming platforms and digital formats. Digital sources can be upgraded independently without replacing the analogue amplifier.
No Built-in DAC, Streaming or HDMI
The MODEL 50 cannot accept a direct optical, coaxial, USB or HDMI connection. Digital equipment requires a suitable external DAC or source component with stereo analogue outputs.
70W per Channel with Both Channels Driven
Marantz specifies 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz with both channels operating simultaneously.
Total harmonic distortion is specified at 0.02% under the 8-ohm rated-output conditions. Frequency response extends from 5Hz to 100kHz at 1W into 8 ohms, while the damping factor is rated at 100 or greater.
These figures provide a useful basis for comparison, but suitable speaker matching still depends on sensitivity, impedance behaviour, room size, listening distance and the required volume.
Current-Feedback Class A/B Amplification
The MODEL 50 uses current-feedback Class A/B amplifier circuitry. This topology is designed to provide wide operating bandwidth and a quick response to changing musical signals.
Class A/B amplification also gives the MODEL 50 a different design approach from compact switching amplifiers. The larger enclosure, substantial power supply and heat-sink arrangement require more space but provide the foundation for its traditional analogue construction.
Marantz HDAM-SA2 and HDAM-SA3
Marantz Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules use discrete components in place of standard integrated operational-amplifier chips at important points in the circuit.
The MODEL 50 incorporates HDAM-SA2 and HDAM-SA3 modules, with a dedicated input-buffer arrangement for the CD connection. Marantz selects and tunes the surrounding components as part of the complete amplifier design.
Toroidal Transformer and Linear Power Supply
A toroidal transformer supplies the amplifier’s linear power-supply section. This type of transformer can provide substantial current while controlling stray magnetic fields within the enclosure.
Schottky barrier diodes, solid heat sinks, a symmetrical circuit-board layout and a reinforced triple-layer bottom plate contribute to the MODEL 50’s internal construction. The current UK product specification gives a total weight of 14.2kg.
Marantz Musical Phono EQ
The dedicated Marantz Musical Phono EQ stage allows a turntable fitted with a suitable moving-magnet cartridge to connect directly. Marantz uses a revised circuit that removes coupling capacitors from the phono gain stage.
This input is designed for moving-magnet cartridges and does not provide the additional gain required by most low-output moving-coil models. A suitable external phono stage will therefore be needed for MC cartridge use.
Explore Audio T’s ranges of turntables and record players and phono stages, or speak to your local store about cartridge matching.
Four Conventional Line Inputs
CD, Tuner, Line and Recorder inputs provide connections for conventional analogue source components. Suitable equipment could include a CD player, music streamer, DAC, tuner, cassette deck or television-audio device with line-level outputs.
The dedicated labels are provided for convenience. With the exception of the separate phono and Power Amp Direct connections, compatible line-level equipment can generally be connected to any conventional line input.
A fixed-level recorder output is also included for a compatible recording device. It is not controlled by the main listening volume.
Adding a CD Player or Network Source
The MODEL 50 can be partnered with a conventional analogue CD player such as the Marantz CD 60.
Customers who want CD playback and HEOS network streaming can consider the Marantz CD 50n. Its analogue output can connect to the MODEL 50 while its internal digital section handles compatible streaming and digital sources.
This separates the digital platform from the amplifier while maintaining a visually coordinated Marantz system.
Variable Stereo Pre-Outputs
A pair of variable stereo pre-amplifier outputs allows the MODEL 50 to control a suitable external power amplifier. This can support a future power upgrade or help drive an additional speaker arrangement through compatible equipment.
The pre-output level follows the MODEL 50’s main volume and Speaker A/B settings. The manual states that the pre-outs do not provide a signal when the speaker-output setting is switched off.
The pre-outs are not an independently controlled second zone. Any additional room or speaker system must be planned around the shared source and volume behaviour.
Dedicated Subwoofer Output
A separate mono subwoofer output allows a compatible active subwoofer to be added. Its level follows the Speaker A volume and no subwoofer signal is provided when Speaker A output is disabled.
The MODEL 50 does not provide adjustable digital bass management or a selectable crossover. Crossover frequency, phase and level are therefore normally set using the active subwoofer’s own controls.
Audio T can recommend suitable active subwoofers and help with positioning and integration.
Power Amp Direct Input
Power Amp Direct allows the MODEL 50 to operate as a stereo power amplifier when connected to a suitable external preamplifier or AV component with variable front-channel pre-outs.
When PWR AMP is selected, the MODEL 50’s volume, balance and tone controls have no effect. Volume must be controlled by the external preamplifier.
Power Amp Direct Operates at Maximum Gain
Do not connect a fixed-level source directly to the Power Amp Direct input. Reduce the connected preamplifier’s volume before selecting PWR AMP, as the MODEL 50’s own volume control is bypassed.
Speaker A and B Outputs
Two switchable sets of Marantz SPKT-1+ speaker terminals allow Speaker A, Speaker B or both pairs to be selected.
When one pair is connected, Marantz specifies a compatible speaker impedance of 4 to 16 ohms. When two separate pairs are used simultaneously, each speaker should have an impedance of 8 to 16 ohms.
Both pairs reproduce the same source and follow the same main volume control. Speaker B should not be mistaken for an independently controlled second listening zone.
Bi-Wiring Compatible Speakers
The Speaker A and B terminals can also be used to bi-wire one compatible pair of loudspeakers. One output is connected to the speaker’s high-frequency terminals and the other to its low-frequency terminals after the manufacturer’s terminal links have been removed.
Bi-wiring does not provide additional amplifier channels or active bi-amplification. Both terminal sets remain connected to the same stereo amplifier channels.
Correct speaker-terminal preparation is essential. Audio T can advise whether bi-wiring is appropriate for the selected speakers and supply suitable speaker cable.
Bass, Treble, Balance and Source Direct
Front-panel bass, treble and balance controls allow straightforward adjustment for recordings, speakers and rooms that benefit from correction. Bass and treble adjustment extend to ±10dB at Marantz’s specified frequencies.
Source Direct bypasses the tone and balance controls when a simplified signal route is preferred. The listener can therefore choose between useful tonal adjustment and direct operation according to the system and recording.
Headphone Output
A conventional wired headphone connection is provided on the front panel. This allows private listening without adding a separate headphone amplifier.
Headphone sensitivity and impedance vary considerably, so customers using more demanding headphones may still benefit from comparing the built-in connection with a dedicated headphone amplifier.
OLED Porthole Display and Marantz Design
The MODEL 50 uses Marantz’s circular OLED display to show volume and setup information. Front-panel input, volume, tone and balance controls provide direct operation without requiring an application or network connection.
Black and silver-gold manufacturer finishes are available. A metal front panel, symmetrical layout and adjustable display brightness give the amplifier a visual relationship with other current Marantz components.
MODEL 50 or MODEL 40n?
The MODEL 50 and Marantz MODEL 40n share 70W-per-channel Class A/B power ratings, but they serve different systems.
The MODEL 50 concentrates on analogue performance and provides more extensive physical connectivity, Speaker A/B outputs, variable stereo pre-outs and Power Amp Direct. It is the stronger choice when external source components and future analogue system expansion take priority.
The MODEL 40n includes HEOS streaming, digital inputs, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth and internal digital conversion. It is better suited to customers who want streaming and television sound handled by the amplifier itself.
MODEL 50 or MODEL M1?
The Marantz MODEL M1 is dramatically smaller and combines 100W Class D amplification with HEOS streaming, HDMI eARC and Dolby Digital Plus processing.
The MODEL 50 is the more traditional choice, with full-width construction, Class A/B amplification, six analogue inputs, a phono stage, headphone output and direct front-panel control.
A demonstration can establish whether compact streaming convenience or a more substantial analogue amplifier better suits the complete system.
System Matching and Demonstration
The MODEL 50’s specifications make it suitable for a broad range of speakers, but the final result depends on more than power output. Speaker sensitivity, impedance, room size, placement, listening distance and preferred volume should all be considered.
Audio T can compare the MODEL 50 with alternative amplifiers using suitable speakers and familiar music. We can also advise on turntables, cartridges, phono stages, CD players, streamers, subwoofers, equipment supports and cables.
Explore more Marantz products available from Audio T or browse our wider hi-fi range.
Why Buy from Audio T?
An analogue amplifier should be selected as part of the complete system. Audio T can help determine whether the MODEL 50 has the power, connections and upgrade flexibility needed for your sources, speakers and room.
- Independent advice from experienced hi-fi specialists
- In-store demonstrations with suitable loudspeakers
- Help comparing pure analogue and streaming amplifiers
- Turntable, cartridge and phono-stage matching
- Speaker, subwoofer and power-amplifier integration advice
- Guidance with Speaker A/B and bi-wiring connections
- Home visits, home demonstrations and product loans where available
- Part-exchange options for suitable existing equipment
- Installation and ongoing support from your local Audio T store
Find your nearest Audio T store to discuss the Marantz MODEL 50, arrange a demonstration or compare it with alternative integrated amplifiers.