Marantz CD-400 Vintage Phono Preamp – Made in USA
$295.00
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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
| Weight | 9 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14 × 15.1 × 8 in |
Marantz began in 1953 in Queens, New York, where Saul Marantz built tube preamplifiers and amplifiers, and by the 1970s it was making receivers with champagne-gold faceplates, blue-lit dials and flywheel tuning. We carry Marantz receivers, amplifiers and preamps, turntables, tuners, CD players and cassette decks. We've had more than 150 Marantz listings so far, covering nearly 100 different models. Every used Marantz here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Many Marantz components were sold without their wood case, so we also make new cherry WC-22 and WC-10 style cabinets. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.
Our five best-selling Marantz models so far: the SR4023 stereo receiver, the vintage 2225, the SR7000 AV receiver, the SR4320 stereo receiver and the vintage 2238B.
The Marantz story, 1953 to today
Saul B. Marantz founded the company in New York in 1953. His first product, the Audio Consolette preamplifier, became the Model 1, and Marantz dates the first Consolettes to 1952–53. Marantz says the early factory was in Woodside, Queens.
The tube years. Through the late 1950s and early 1960s Marantz built a small run of tube separates in New York that collectors still chase: the Model 7 preamplifier (1958), the Model 9 power amplifier (1960) and the Model 10B tuner (1964).
Superscope and the move to Japan. In 1964 Superscope, the company that also distributed Sony tape recorders in the US, bought Marantz, and Saul Marantz resigned at the end of 1967. The Model Eighteen of 1968 was the first Marantz receiver, rated at 40 watts per channel. Under Superscope, design moved to California and, from the late 1960s, production moved to Japan through Standard Radio, which became Marantz Japan in 1975. Receivers such as the 2230 and 2270 are listed as designed in the USA and produced in Japan.
The power race. After a 1974 Federal Trade Commission rule tightened how amplifier power was rated, receiver makers competed on watts. Marantz's Model 2500 of the late 1970s was rated at 250 watts per channel and had an oscilloscope tuning display.
Philips, Denon and today. In 1980 Philips bought Superscope's stake in Marantz Japan and the brand outside the US and Canada. Marantz says its CD-63 of 1982 was one of the first CD players, and its "KI Signature" models carry the initials of Ken Ishiwata, who joined in 1978. In 2001 Marantz Japan bought the trademark back from Philips, and in 2002 it combined with Denon to form D&M Holdings. In September 2025 HARMAN, a Samsung company, completed its purchase of Sound United, the parent of Marantz and Denon.
Which Marantz is which?
Tube separates (1950s–60s): the Models 1, 7, 8B, 9 and 10B, built in New York. Rare collector pieces.
First receivers (from 1968): the Model Eighteen, followed by the Nineteen at the end of 1969.
22xx receivers (from 1972): the first set was the 2215, 2230, 2245 and 2270, with the champagne-gold faceplate, blue-lit dial and "Gyro-Touch" flywheel tuning. A higher number generally means more power: the 2230 is rated at 30 watts per channel, the 2270 at 70. Later "B" versions such as the 2220B and 2285B followed.
Big late-1970s receivers: the 2325 (125 watts per channel), the 2500 flagship and four-channel "Quad" receivers.
1000-series integrated amplifiers: for example the 1060 (30 watts per channel, from 1971), the 1070 and the 1150 (75 watts per channel). The slim 1030, 1040, 1060 and 1070 share their case size with tuners such as the 104, 105 and 112.
Tuners: from the tube Model 10B to solid-state models such as the 2130, with its oscilloscope display.
Wood cases: Marantz sold its wood cases separately: the WC-22 for the 22xx receivers, the WC-10 for the slim 1000-series amplifiers and 100-series tuners, and the WC-1 for larger models such as the 1200. That is why so many turn up bare. A customer who sold Marantz in Ontario in the 1970s told us the cases his shop ordered were built here in Canada, by Westinghouse. Our own cherry WC-22 and WC-10 style cabinets are made in Canada too.
CD players: from the CD-63 of 1982 to the KI Signature versions.
Buying used Marantz: what to check
Dial and meter lamps. Burnt-out bulbs are common on 1970s receivers and are often replaced, sometimes with LEDs. Ask which, if the look of the dial matters to you.
The dial itself. The diffuser sheet behind the dial ages and can dull the glow. Check that the Gyro-Touch pointer moves smoothly and tracks the stations; dial cords are a common replacement part.
Controls and switches. Crackle when you turn a control or work a switch usually means dirt. Try every input, and walk away from a unit that drops a channel.
Capacitors and bias. Electrolytic capacitors in 1970s gear are often past their best, and full restorations replace them. Restorers also set the bias and DC offset.
Cosmetics. Pitting on the faceplate points to damp storage, and dents or water stains to rough handling.
Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.
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