Marantz, a household name in the world of high-end audio equipment, has been synonymous with excellence and quality for over six decades. With a rich history dating back to the 1950s, the brand has seen its fair share of ownership changes, mergers, and acquisitions. But, have you ever wondered who owns Marantz now? In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to uncover the complex history of Marantz’s ownership, exploring the various twists and turns that have shaped the company’s fate.
Early Years and the Founding Father
Marantz was founded in 1953 by the visionary Saul Marantz, an American audio engineer, and inventor. Saul Marantz was a pioneer in the field of high-fidelity audio equipment, and his passion for creating exceptional sounding systems led him to develop some of the most iconic audio components of the time. During the 1950s and 1960s, Marantz Company grew rapidly, gaining a reputation for producing high-quality amplifiers, tuners, and speakers.
The First Ownership Change: Superscope Inc. Takes Over
In 1964, Saul Marantz sold his company to Superscope Inc., a California-based firm involved in the production of audio equipment, cameras, and other electronics. This acquisition marked the first significant ownership change in Marantz’s history. Under Superscope’s guidance, Marantz continued to innovate and expand its product line, cementing its position as a leader in the hi-fi industry.
The Philips Era: A New Chapter Unfolds
In 1972, Superscope Inc. was acquired by the Dutch multinational conglomerate, Philips. This marked a significant turning point in Marantz’s history, as Philips injected new capital and resources into the company, enabling it to further develop its product line and expand its global reach. During the Philips era, Marantz introduced several groundbreaking products, including the iconic Model 250 amplifier, which became a benchmark for high-quality audio components.
Philips’ Divestiture: Marantz Changes Hands Again
In the late 1990s, Philips began to divest its audio equipment business, and Marantz was subsequently sold to the Japanese company, D&M Holdings Inc. (now known as D&M Holdings Corporation) in 2002. This acquisition marked a new phase in Marantz’s history, as the company continued to innovate and adapt to changing market trends.
The Modern Era: D&M Holdings and Beyond
Under D&M Holdings, Marantz continued to thrive, introducing new product lines and expanding its global presence. In 2014, the company launched its flagship series, the Marantz 10th Anniversary Reference Series, which received widespread acclaim from audiophiles and critics alike.
Samsung’s Entry: A Strategic Partnership
In 2017, D&M Holdings formed a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics, a move that marked a significant shift in Marantz’s ownership structure. As part of this partnership, Samsung acquired a significant stake in D&M Holdings, providing additional resources and expertise to drive Marantz’s growth.
A New Era of Innovation
The partnership with Samsung has enabled Marantz to accelerate its innovation pipeline, with a focus on developing cutting-edge audio products that incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and voice control. This collaboration has also facilitated the integration of Marantz’s audio expertise with Samsung’s cutting-edge display technologies, leading to the development of innovative new products like the Marantz SR8012 AV receiver, which features Samsung’s proprietary QLED display technology.
The Current Ownership Structure
Today, Marantz is a subsidiary of D&M Holdings Corporation, which is, in turn, owned by a consortium of investors led by the Japanese private equity firm, KKBC Capital Partners. Samsung Electronics continues to hold a significant stake in D&M Holdings, providing strategic guidance and support to Marantz.
A Commitment to Excellence
Despite the various ownership changes over the years, Marantz has remained committed to its core values of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, ensuring that its products remain at the forefront of audio technology.
| Year | Event | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Marantz founded | Saul Marantz |
| 1964 | Superscope Inc. acquires Marantz | Superscope Inc. |
| 1972 | Philips acquires Superscope Inc. | Philips |
| 2002 | D&M Holdings acquires Marantz | D&M Holdings Inc. |
| 2017 | Samsung forms strategic partnership with D&M Holdings | D&M Holdings Corporation (with Samsung Electronics as a significant stakeholder) |
In conclusion, Marantz’s ownership history is a complex and winding road, marked by changes, mergers, and acquisitions. Despite these shifts, the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional audio products that exceed customer expectations. As Marantz continues to evolve and innovate, its legacy as a legendary audio brand remains unchallenged, a testament to the vision and innovation of its founding father, Saul Marantz.
Who owns Marantz?
Marantz is a brand owned by Sound United, a subsidiary of Masco Corporation. Sound United was formed in 2017 with the merger of Denon Electronics and D&M Holdings, which included Marantz.
The ownership structure may seem complex, but what matters is that Marantz has maintained its autonomy and commitment to producing high-quality audio equipment. Sound United has allowed Marantz to operate independently, ensuring that the brand continues to innovate and deliver exceptional products to its customers.
Is Marantz still a luxury brand?
Marantz was once considered a luxury brand, and its products were often priced accordingly. While it’s still a premium brand, the company has adjusted its pricing strategy over the years to make its products more accessible to a wider audience.
Today, Marantz offers a range of products at different price points, from entry-level to high-end. While some products may not be as expensive as they once were, the brand still focuses on delivering exceptional build quality, design, and performance. Whether or not Marantz is still a luxury brand depends on one’s definition of luxury, but it’s undeniable that the brand remains committed to excellence.
What happened to Marantz’s founder, Saul Marantz?
Saul Marantz founded the Marantz company in the 1950s, and he played a significant role in shaping the brand’s early success. Saul Marantz was a pioneer in the audio industry, and his innovative designs and technologies helped establish Marantz as a leader in the field.
Sadly, Saul Marantz passed away in 1997. His legacy continues to inspire the brand, which still honors his commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Although Saul Marantz is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the company that bears his name.
Is Marantz still an American company?
Marantz was founded in the United States, but its ownership and operations have evolved over the years. Today, Marantz is a global company with operations in several countries, including the United States, Japan, and Europe.
While Marantz is no longer an entirely American company, its headquarters are still located in the United States. The company maintains a significant presence in the country and continues to design and manufacture products that meet the high standards expected by American customers.
Has Marantz’s sound quality changed over the years?
Marantz has undergone changes in ownership and operations, which may have raised concerns about the brand’s sound quality. However, Marantz has consistently delivered high-quality products that meet the brand’s legacy.
In fact, Marantz has continued to innovate and improve its sound quality over the years. The company has invested in new technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to ensure that its products continue to impress audiophiles and music lovers alike. Whether you’re listening to a vintage Marantz amplifier or a modern wireless speaker, you can expect exceptional sound quality that honors the brand’s heritage.
Can I still buy vintage Marantz equipment?
Vintage Marantz equipment is highly sought after by audiophiles and collectors. While Marantz no longer manufactures its classic products, you can still find vintage equipment for sale through various channels.
You can search online marketplaces, specialized audio stores, or vintage audio enthusiast communities to find vintage Marantz equipment. However, be cautious when purchasing used or vintage gear, as it may require servicing or restoration to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, be prepared for the possibility that vintage equipment may not meet modern audio standards or may require additional components to function properly.
Does Marantz offer any modern products with a nostalgic touch?
Marantz has released several modern products that pay homage to its heritage while incorporating contemporary technologies. For example, the company has released special-edition amplifiers and wireless speakers that evoke the design language of its vintage products.
These modern products not only celebrate Marantz’s legacy but also offer customers a unique blend of nostalgic aesthetic and cutting-edge performance. Whether you’re a longtime Marantz fan or simply appreciate the brand’s heritage, these products offer a compelling way to experience the best of both worlds.