Introduced in 1976, the Marantz 5220 was a front-loading stereo cassette deck designed to provide convenient access to the cassette compartment and operating controls when installed above or below other hi-fi components. Its distinctive vertical-loading mechanism allowed the cassette to be inserted through the front panel rather than from the top, making the Marantz 5220 suitable for placement within a stacked component system or optional walnut cabinet.
The cassette compartment was illuminated so the tape could be inspected during operation. A hinged front panel covered the compartment to protect the cassette mechanism from dust, while the eject control opened the compartment and allowed the cassette to be removed. The cassette could only be inserted with its holder raised, and the compartment was closed by pressing the cassette carrier into position.
The Marantz 5220 used a three-head-style monitoring arrangement described by Marantz as three ferrite heads, with separate recording and playback monitoring functions controlled through the source and tape monitor system. During recording, the user could monitor the incoming source or the signal being reproduced from the tape. This allowed recording levels and results to be checked while a recording was being made.
Two large illuminated VU meters displayed the recording and playback levels of the left and right channels. Peak indicator lamps operated more quickly than conventional meter movements and illuminated when short-duration peaks reached approximately 0VU. The peak indicators were intended to reveal transient overloads that might not be clearly shown by the mechanical meters.
Recording levels were adjusted through independent left and right microphone and line-input controls. The four sliding controls could be operated separately or linked together, allowing stereo recording levels to be adjusted while retaining the relative balance between channels. A separate master-level slider controlled the combined stereo output and could also be used to create fade-ins and fade-outs during recording.
The Marantz 5220 provided independent microphone and line inputs, allowing either source type to be selected for recording. The microphone inputs were positioned on the front panel, while the line inputs were located on the rear. The input controls could also be used creatively to combine microphone and line-level material, with the master control adjusting the overall level of the resulting mix.
The deck incorporated Dolby noise reduction for both recording and playback. Marantz stated that Dolby operation increased low-level mid- and high-frequency signals during recording and applied complementary processing during playback, reducing background tape noise while restoring the original programme balance. The system could also be used with Dolby-encoded commercially recorded cassettes.
A dedicated Dolby FM position allowed the Marantz 5220 to decode Dolby-encoded FM broadcasts. External decoding capability and a switchable 25µs de-emphasis network were provided for suitable broadcasts and tuners. The rear-panel Dolby FM calibration controls allowed the left and right playback levels to be matched to a reference broadcast tone.
An MPX filter was included to suppress the 19kHz pilot and 38kHz subcarrier signals used in stereo FM broadcasting. These frequencies could interfere with correct Dolby tracking when recording from an FM tuner, so the filter could be engaged when required. Marantz advised leaving the filter disengaged when it was unnecessary.
Tape compatibility extended to standard ferric, chromium dioxide and ferrichrome formulations. Separate bias and equalisation push-buttons selected the appropriate recording characteristics for each tape type. Standard tape used the normal setting, chromium dioxide used the CrO₂ position, and ferrichrome tape used the Fe-Cr position.
The Marantz 5220 incorporated a peak limiter to reduce the possibility of recording overload. When switched on, the limiter automatically reduced the recording level during sudden signal peaks. Marantz also described the limiter as incorporating an automatic level control circuit, with the action becoming progressively more noticeable as recording levels increased.
A switchable 30dB microphone attenuator allowed high-output microphones or high sound-pressure levels to be accommodated without overloading the microphone input circuitry. The deck also provided front-panel headphone monitoring through a standard 6.35mm connection, with the headphone level following the output controls.
The mechanical transport used a DC servo motor and provided record, rewind, play, fast-forward, stop and pause controls. Record mode was engaged by pressing the record and play controls together. The transport incorporated total shut-off, automatically disengaging the mechanism at the end of the tape during play, record, rewind or fast-forward operation.
A mechanical tape counter incorporated a memory function. The counter could be reset at a selected point, and the memory system would automatically stop the tape near the corresponding position during rewind. Because the counter stopped at approximately 999 rather than precisely at 000, Marantz recommended noting the exact counter position when marking a programme location.
Rear-panel connections included line inputs, adjustable line outputs and Dolby FM calibration facilities. The output-level controls allowed the signal supplied to an amplifier or receiver to be matched to the system. Marantz recommended setting the output controls around one quarter above minimum as an initial reference position.
The Marantz 5220 could be installed as a freestanding component, mounted within an optional Marantz WC-15T walnut cabinet or fitted into custom cabinetry. Its combination of front-loading access, illuminated cassette compartment, three tape formulations, Dolby processing, FM decoding, peak indication, limiting, memory operation and independent input controls made it one of the more comprehensively equipped Marantz cassette decks of its period.
Features
- Front-loading cassette mechanism
- Illuminated cassette compartment
- Hinged dust-cover panel
- Three ferrite heads
- Source and tape monitoring
- Two illuminated VU meters
- Peak overload indicators
- Independent left and right microphone level controls
- Independent left and right line-input level controls
- Master recording and output level control
- Fade-in and fade-out capability
- Front-panel microphone inputs
- Rear-panel line inputs and outputs
- Dolby noise reduction for recording and playback
- Dolby FM decoding
- Switchable 25µs FM de-emphasis
- Left and right Dolby FM calibration controls
- MPX filter
- Normal, chromium dioxide and ferrichrome tape selection
- Separate bias and equalisation switching
- Peak limiter
- Automatic level control circuitry
- 30dB microphone attenuator
- Headphone monitoring
- DC servo motor
- Mechanical tape counter
- Memory rewind function
- Total shut-off in all transport modes
- Optional Marantz walnut cabinet installation