Marantz, Philips - DPM7 (Digital Processing Amplifier 7) - PROTOTYPE Solid state power amplifier





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Holds dual bachelor's degrees in electronics and physics with 20 years in audio engineering.
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Description from the seller
Marantz DPM-7 Prototype - equipped with schemas.
Digital power amplifier with potential for digital processing amplifier.
(Philips & Marantz R&D – 1985 print run of approximately 60 copies)
It may happen to you that you have never seen this device before, neither online, in brochures, nor in stores. Therefore, we will provide an explanation of why that is the case and what historical events preceded it. In the mid-1980s, Philips developed an advanced digital amplifier platform to demonstrate within Marantz that digital signal processing, parametric control, and real-time visualization could be integrated into a single high-quality audio module. The DPM-7 was built as a concept, evaluated, but not released for commercial production. The project was discontinued; it is estimated that only about sixty test units were circulated.
Therefore, the DPM-7 is a rare technical development unit with clear historical relevance. The DPM-7 was never officially released and later entered the market as the Marantz AX-1000.
This unit functions as a power amplifier and features an active spectrum display/graphic analyzer. The remaining functionality is present on the front panel but is not active (connected).
Functionality
Power amplifier: operational; capable of being used as a standalone power-amp (power amplifier).
• Spectrumdisplay / Graphic Analyzer: operational / volume control and other standard functionalities are operational.
• Other functions: ; status unknown, potential no possibility for testing by us.
No additional technical investigation has been conducted into any latent or reprogrammable functionalities.
Existing functions and potential
DSP architecture (Audio Signal Processor concept)
• Graphic Equalizer with presets m1 through m4
• Dynamic Level / Release Time
Reverberation Time / Absorption
Special Effect / Selector
Includes original schematics, an extra board for the power stages, and an additional spectrum display.
Tape routing (copy 1 <> 2)
Direct / Process
MM/MC phono selection
• Input matrix: CD, CD2/DAT2, Tuner, Video/Aux, Phono
Interface present; functionality not guaranteed.
Technical context
The design provides for a hybrid digital-analog architecture where digital control is combined with an analog output stage, complemented by real-time display.
Conceptual characteristics
Analog output section for stereo display
Digital 44.1 kHz / 16-bit signal management philosophy
Real-time spectrum visualization
Internal digital control structure
Implementation may vary per prototype.
construction
Full steel chassis
Royale ventilation section in top plate.
Advanced front display with multi-segment control.
Front equipped with extensive switches and parameterized control.
Cosmetic condition
Well-maintained front panel; markings clearly readable.
Spectrumdisplay responds fully and comes with an extra spectrum display.
See photos for indicative condition.
Delivery
Packaged with policy and under insurance.
Pickup possible
Shipping to be arranged in consultation.
Seller's Story
Marantz DPM-7 Prototype - equipped with schemas.
Digital power amplifier with potential for digital processing amplifier.
(Philips & Marantz R&D – 1985 print run of approximately 60 copies)
It may happen to you that you have never seen this device before, neither online, in brochures, nor in stores. Therefore, we will provide an explanation of why that is the case and what historical events preceded it. In the mid-1980s, Philips developed an advanced digital amplifier platform to demonstrate within Marantz that digital signal processing, parametric control, and real-time visualization could be integrated into a single high-quality audio module. The DPM-7 was built as a concept, evaluated, but not released for commercial production. The project was discontinued; it is estimated that only about sixty test units were circulated.
Therefore, the DPM-7 is a rare technical development unit with clear historical relevance. The DPM-7 was never officially released and later entered the market as the Marantz AX-1000.
This unit functions as a power amplifier and features an active spectrum display/graphic analyzer. The remaining functionality is present on the front panel but is not active (connected).
Functionality
Power amplifier: operational; capable of being used as a standalone power-amp (power amplifier).
• Spectrumdisplay / Graphic Analyzer: operational / volume control and other standard functionalities are operational.
• Other functions: ; status unknown, potential no possibility for testing by us.
No additional technical investigation has been conducted into any latent or reprogrammable functionalities.
Existing functions and potential
DSP architecture (Audio Signal Processor concept)
• Graphic Equalizer with presets m1 through m4
• Dynamic Level / Release Time
Reverberation Time / Absorption
Special Effect / Selector
Includes original schematics, an extra board for the power stages, and an additional spectrum display.
Tape routing (copy 1 <> 2)
Direct / Process
MM/MC phono selection
• Input matrix: CD, CD2/DAT2, Tuner, Video/Aux, Phono
Interface present; functionality not guaranteed.
Technical context
The design provides for a hybrid digital-analog architecture where digital control is combined with an analog output stage, complemented by real-time display.
Conceptual characteristics
Analog output section for stereo display
Digital 44.1 kHz / 16-bit signal management philosophy
Real-time spectrum visualization
Internal digital control structure
Implementation may vary per prototype.
construction
Full steel chassis
Royale ventilation section in top plate.
Advanced front display with multi-segment control.
Front equipped with extensive switches and parameterized control.
Cosmetic condition
Well-maintained front panel; markings clearly readable.
Spectrumdisplay responds fully and comes with an extra spectrum display.
See photos for indicative condition.
Delivery
Packaged with policy and under insurance.
Pickup possible
Shipping to be arranged in consultation.
