Marantz CD-400 Vintage Phono Preamp – Made in USA

Marantz CD-400 Vintage Phono Preamp + CD-4 Disc Demodulator – Made in USA

A beautifully preserved vintage Marantz phono preamplifier in its original real wood cabinet, the CD-400 delivers musical reproduction for any moving magnet cartridge. Made in the USA during Marantz’s premium manufacturing era of the mid-1970s, this unit combines classic aesthetics with transparent sound quality—and includes a rare bonus feature for quadraphonic vinyl enthusiasts.

This CD-400 has been tested and verified working. Cosmetically, this phono preamp presents in good condition with original real wood cabinet, clean faceplate, functional controls, and normal signs of age appropriate for a 50-year-old component.

As a Stereo Phono Preamp:

The CD-400 functions as a capable vintage stereo phono preamplifier suitable for vinyl playback systems, particularly those paired with bookshelf speakers or compact monitoring setups. In its standard 2-channel mode, it accepts any moving magnet cartridge, applies precise RIAA equalization, and outputs a line-level signal ready for connection to any integrated amplifier or power amp.

Frequency Response Characteristics:
The CD-400 is optimized for the midrange and upper frequencies, with a specified frequency response of 40Hz to 15kHz in 2-channel stereo mode. This bandwidth profile makes it an ideal match for bookshelf speakers and smaller monitors that typically don’t extend below 40Hz, avoiding wasted amplification of frequencies the system cannot reproduce. The unit’s design prioritizes musical clarity in the vocal and instrumental ranges where most vinyl content lives, making it excellent for jazz, classical, acoustic, and spoken word recordings. Systems with full-range or subwoofer-augmented speakers may benefit from supplementary bass extension beyond the CD-400’s 40Hz lower limit.

The 0.1% THD specification delivers clean, transparent signal amplification without introducing distortion or coloration. The input impedance of 100kΩ accommodates a wide variety of vintage and modern MM cartridges, while the frequency response ensures full tonal range for vinyl playback within its designed bandwidth.

Front-panel controls include input level adjustment and switchable 2-channel and 4-channel operation modes, enabling flexibility for different playback scenarios. Individual channel output level controls allow balancing between left and right channels. The unit accepts a standard RCA connection from any turntable and outputs line-level RCA signals for amplifier integration.

At 3.2 kg (7 lbs), the CD-400’s compact metal chassis is finished in authentic real wood cabinetry reflecting Marantz’s mid-1970s design aesthetic. The wood cabinet has been preserved in good condition with only minor wear, lending vintage charm to any audio system while providing practical, reliable phono amplification.

Bonus: CD-4 Quadraphonic Capability

For enthusiasts exploring quadraphonic vinyl, the CD-400 includes an additional specialized function—CD-4 disc demodulation. This rare feature allows the unit to extract four discrete audio channels from CD-4 encoded quadraphonic records, provided the user has a compatible CD-4 vinyl cartridge and a four-channel amplifier system. The quadraphonic feature adds historical significance and collectibility to an already attractive component, opening possibilities for future exploration of this fascinating chapter in audio history.

Key Features & Specifications:

Stereo phono preamplifier – accepts any moving magnet (MM) cartridge

RIAA equalization for accurate vinyl playback

Made in USA—Marantz Sound, Vista, California (1976-77)

Real wood cabinet in good cosmetic condition

Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%

Input impedance: 100kΩ (compatible with wide range of cartridges)

Frequency response: 40Hz–15kHz in 2-channel stereo mode (optimized for bookshelf speakers and compact monitors)

Individual channel output level controls for L/R balance

Switchable 2-channel and 4-channel operation modes

Bonus CD-4 quadraphonic demodulator function (for CD-4 vinyl and 4-channel systems)

RCA phono input and line-level RCA outputs

Front-panel mode selection and input adjustment

Thoroughly tested; all functions verified working

Good cosmetic condition with original wood cabinet

Dimensions: (Width x Height x Depth) 283 x 102 x 254 mm (11.1 x 4 x 10 inches)

Weight: 3.2 kg (7 lbs)

Ideal For:
Vinyl enthusiasts with bookshelf speaker systems or compact monitoring setups who appreciate vintage Marantz aesthetics and mid-1970s American manufacturing quality. The CD-400’s optimized frequency response (40Hz-15kHz) complements smaller speaker systems while delivering transparent, musical reproduction of classical, jazz, acoustic, and spoken word vinyl recordings. Collectors interested in quadraphonic vinyl will appreciate the bonus CD-4 demodulation capability for exploring this rare recording format.

Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence.

Asking $295 CAD