In
1995 VAC entered into an agreement with Marantz Japan to recreate the
legendary Model 7 Preamplifier, Model 8B Stereo Amplifier, and Model 9
Monoblock. These models were made variously between 1958 and 1967,
and have been sought after by collectors world-wide as the finest examples
of the audio engineering art of their day.
Unlike other modern "reissues" the Marantz Classics were
exacting recreations of the original models. Labor intensive
point-to-point wiring was retained - no printed circuit boards here.
Extensive archeology by the VAC engineers uncovered original vendors
and designs for virtually all key components. Except for a few
changes mandated by international safety regulations, these models are as
if straight from a 1960 showroom.
Given the nostalgic nature of these components, it was truly amazing to
discover that they still can beat many modern audio products, as attested
to in several reviews in the late 1990's.
All good things must come to an end, and so production of the limited edition Marantz Classics ended in 1998. VAC continues to supply many key components for the repair and restoration of these three Marantz models.
