Marantz 1515

Produced from 1978 through 1980, the Marantz 1515 receiver occupied the entry-level position in Marantz’s budget-oriented 15xx series. With a modest output of 15 watts per channel and minimal features, it was designed to provide an affordable introduction to the Marantz audio lineup. Priced at around $230, the receiver offered budget-conscious audio enthusiasts an accessible entry point into the brand.

The 15xx series—which included models 1515, 1520, 1530, 1535, and 1550—represented Marantz’s strategic attempt to broaden its market reach during the late 1970s. By leveraging more affordable Taiwanese manufacturing and using lower-cost materials, the company sought to capture a more price-sensitive segment of the hi-fi market. Despite the cost-cutting measures, the core technology remained consistent across the models, with primary variations existing in the amplifier sections. These receivers would prove to be among the last Marantz components produced before the company’s acquisition by Philips in 1980.

Marantz also introduced “L” variations of the 15xx series receivers, primarily sold in Europe. These models incorporated a longwave tuner but were otherwise identical to their standard counterparts.

Following the Philips acquisition, the model numbers were changed to an MR designation—the 1515 became the MR-215, the 1520 became the MR-220, and so on. Of particular note, the MR-215 featured an acrylic front panel over the dial, a reflection of the budget cutting that occurred. Here is the MR-215. Note its similarity to the 1515 with the exception of the acrylic panel over the dial face.

Front Panel

The front panel design of the 1515 clearly reflected budget constraints on Marantz’s part. The 1515 does have the basic features needed however. These include FM Muting, Tape Monitor, Low Filter, Loudness, and Mode switches. There are bass and treble tone controls but no mid range control. There are also push button controls for two sets of speakers. At the lower left of the front panel is a headphone jack. The knobs and pushbuttons are nicely laid out and the blue backlit dial face is eye appealing.

A notable absence from the front panel of the 1515, and all 15xx receivers, is the Gyro-Touch tuning wheel that gives vintage Marantz receivers their iconic look. Likely a victim of the budget constraints at the time.

There was an optional WCV-115 walnut-grain vinyl cabinet available for the 1515 though it is rarely seen. More common is the plain black metal case.

Tuner

The built-in tuner demonstrates sophisticated engineering for its time. With a stereo quieting specification of 50 dB and a sensitivity of 42 microvolts, the receiver could pull in clear signals from weak or distant radio stations. A Phase Locked Loop FM Multiplex Demodulator helps ensure excellent stereo separation and noise reduction.

Tuning precision is enhanced by two separate meters: an AM/FM Signal Strength Tuning Meter and an FM Center Channel Tuning Meter. These features allow listeners to fine-tune reception with visual guidance.

Amplifier

The Marantz 1515 receiver offers solid performance for its era, delivering 15 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers with impressive technical specifications. At 8 ohms, the receiver maintains a low total harmonic distortion (THD) of just 0.08% across the full audio spectrum from 20 to 20,000 Hz. When driving 4-ohm speakers, the output increases slightly to 17 watts per channel, with THD rising modestly to 0.15%.

The amplifier section utilizes a Full Complementary Direct Coupled Output circuit, a design approach aimed at providing linear and reliable audio reproduction with minimal distortion. This circuitry was a consistent feature across Marantz receivers of the period.

Specifications

• Power output: 15 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.08%
• Damping factor: 25
• Input sensitivity: 2.8mV (MM), 180mV (line)
• Signal to noise ratio: 72dB (MM), 80dB (line)
• Output: 500mV (line)
• Semiconductors: 5 x IC, 29 x transistors, 19 x diodes, 1 x FET
• Dimensions: 440 x 137 x 357mm
• Weight: 9kg

Pre-amplifier

The preamp section of the Marantz 1515 is good but simple. Features include:

• A 12 dB per octave High Filter for minimal sound coloration
• Loudness Contour Control to compensate for human hearing characteristics at low volumes
• FM muting to reduce inter-station noise
• Detented Bass and Treble Controls for precise sound adjustment
• Tape Monitor functionality
• Speaker System Switching to accommodate two pairs of speakers

Reviews

“Unbelievably, unexpectedly good sound from this old silver box.”

“Does not get super loud, but for moderate volume listening it’s great. Sound is smooth and fairly well detailed.”

“Very nice sound and very good build. Looks nice with the blue dial display. Enough power for a regular room.”

Rear Panel

The rear panel of the Marantz 1515 has terminals for two sets of speakers and connections for AM and FM antennas. Inputs are included for a Phono, Tape deck and two Aux devices. The two Aux connections are handy if you have a CD player or want streaming device you want to hook up to it. There is also a fold out antenna which commonly doesn’t survive the previous 40+ years in good condition.

Summary

While not up to the design and quality standards of earlier Marantz receivers, the 1515 is still a neat little stereo. If you’re just looking for a retro looking stereo that can fill a small room with nice sounding music then the 1515 will fit the bill. It’s got the flexibility to handle a turntable, CD player and phone if needed and can usually be found at a very reasonable price.