All user reviews for the Marantz PM 350

What I like most/least?

I bought this amp as part of my first quality "separates" system right out of high school, and almost 30 years later I still use it to power my outdoor sound system pool-side. Think about that - this unit is still going strong after 30 years and has never required repair. How many modern day amps would last half that long?! Even though its rated at only 40W (with 8 ohm speakers) this amp has plenty of power. In fact I got kicked out of my first apartment because of this system! LOL

Only thing I don't like are missing features compared to modern units, in particular remote control. I've connected a Apple Airport to the Aux In which gives me at least some remote capabilities via "iDevices".


Precision and quality of sound?

I'm not an audiophile, and have no complaints about the sound of this amp. There is no ability to have separate settings for each input, etc. like modern amps would have and especially when switching from my Marantz ST-450 tuner to the Apple Airport I sometimes miss that feature. But that's an input issue, not an issue with the amp itself.


Try other models?

Back in 1982 yes. I'd say this component set was mid-range at that time as far as "separates" go. More recently I've used Denon and other mid/higher end amps. But they are much more complicated for my family to use.

How long do you use? I use it for a decade.
What is so special that you like best?
What I like about this amp is its audio fidelity because it colors slightly and is out clearly the defects / quality recordings. Its distortion is very good linearity and power is good. I changed once the knob for bass because it was faulty and the sound would come out more than one channel (!). It's a bit special about building this amp, the bass-middle-treble tone offset more than they add, because they are connected as "mass" (hard to describe, but the result is very good as it respect the original sound recording). I use it with a Marantz CD60 CD player, a Pickup REVOX B790 and KEF Q60 speakers. All is harmonious and ideal for listening to jazz, jazz-rock and progressive rock. Very good bass.
What is so special that you like least? The lack of connectivity (correct at the time, tuner, tape, aux, phono) and buttons that can become clogged over time (80).
Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Yes, lots. Technics A and AAA, Philips, Hitachi, Sony, Kenwood. In another range: Thorens (60's), and NAD Revox (70's and 80's) (the 3 best of my knowledge ... Marantz is just a tiny tad below, especially on opening the box).
How do you rate the quality / price ratio: excellent. I must say that I found in a dump!
With experience, this choice would you do? YES. I would put more easily 150 euros for this amp!

For how long have you been using it?
I used it for ten years now. it's an amp that I received from my grandparents and must be about 25 years now.

What thing do you like most/least about it?
What I like most is its sound quality and power. I've never found better-quality amps today, even with "home theater" brands worth in the 600 €. Its 3-band EQ (low, medium and treble) and its loudness function can have perfect sound from even average-quality speakers.
The least -it only has little input connectors (5 x 2 Stereo RCA, 1 pair reserved for turntables)

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
This is my first amp, I've had others since, but none has equaled it (I have had Pioneer, Yamaha and Denon also).

What is your opinion about the value ?
I can not say anything over there because I do not know how much it costs now, and the amp does not sell anymore. However, used it has a very good price (100 €), it is largely the same after 25 years. This amp is simply unstoppable, and often asked for a lot of watts to power PA speakers and a subwoofer 500W RMS.

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...
If this amp were to give up the ghost, I would re-buy without hesitation.