Marantz audio products have long been at the forefront of high-end audio equipment. The luxury audio brand is known for building premium gear both inside and out, able to deliver among the best-sounding audio in the industry, while offering a stunning design and build-quality that does away with some of the traps that the rest of the industry can fall into.
You’re likely well aware of the brand’s audio products without even knowing it. Since its inception in 1953 by pioneer Saul Marantz, the company has refined unique and iconic design elements like the Marantz Porthole, an aspect of their design language that blends form with function. Even the Marantz logo typeface is iconic, looking just as great in bright red or blue as it does in the glossy gold that adorns many of their modern products.
Over the years, Marantz has become the master of giving nostalgic designs a modern take. Its latest-generation gear shares many of the design elements that made its original products so iconic, adding modern features and constantly improving on the amplifiers under the hood. That’s arguably much-needed in the industry. The speaker industry as a whole has shifted from the hi-fi approach of 20 years ago, to the tiny-cheap-speaker approach embraced by consumer tech companies like Amazon. To be clear, there’s room for both approaches, but it sure is nice to still see the likes of Marantz working on ways to help make music sound as great as it possibly can.
Begüm Tomruk
Keeping Marantz modern while ensuring an embrace of the past is no small feat, but the brand is seemingly in good hands. Last year, Marantz brought on design guru Begüm Tomruk, who now serves as the company’s Industrial Design Director and Creative Director. Tomruk has a rich history in industrial design, having worked on everything from luxury faucet and shower heads at GROHE SPA, to home appliances for Beko and Grundig. While she’s new at Marantz, she’s already put her stamp on the industry through some of its latest launches, like the Marantz MODEL M1 and MODEL M4.
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So what’s next for Tomruk at Marantz? And what’s her overall approach to blending iconic design elements like the Marantz porthole with new and fresh ideas? We recently had an opportunity to ask Tomruk herself.
Design Milk: Where did your love of design come from?
Begüm Tomruk: My love of design and creativity was deeply influenced by my upbringing and education. Growing up in a technically developed environment with a touch of artistry shaped my perspective. My grandfather, a senior electrical engineer, my father, an architect, and my mother, a chemist, surrounded me with projects and drawings, immersing me in a world where science and creativity intersected. My father’s passion for architecture inspired me to follow in his footsteps and attend Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, his alma mater. In the Industrial Design Department, I was guided by esteemed teachers who taught me design sketching, industrial design principles, and design history. The culture of Istanbul, where old and new coexist harmoniously, taught me the importance of honoring the past while pushing for change. This dynamic city, with its historic architecture and modern developments, continually inspired my work. My time at Mimar Sinan was transformative, solidifying my passion for design. Opportunities to work in esteemed design studios exposed me to the intricacies of the industrial design process – from rigorous research and ideation to meticulous design development and production. These experiences, both during and after university, brought clarity and deeper meaning to my journey as a designer.
DM: How would you describe Marantz’s approach to design?
BT: For Marantz, this delicate balancing act is a daily effort when designing its high-end audio products. Marantz is designed for discerning consumers with a passion for incredible sound and long-lasting quality. Marantz offers a tactile, luxurious audio experience you can see, hear, and feel. Founded in 1953 in New York, the company has seven decades of history behind it, from the first ‘Audio Consolette’ to the Hi-Fis and CD Players of the 1980s and ’90s, to the home entertainment of the 21st century. Today, Marantz aims to create continuity of design through a recognizable, traceable aesthetic. This approach manifests itself with subtle cues. Marantz products, originally made with wood and brass, retain a “warmth,” in sound and materials, using earthy colors and a textured feel. As such, every Marantz piece delivers a rewarding and satisfying tactile user experience – a hallmark characteristic of nearly every Marantz product since 1953.
Marantz’s design echoes the very first products designed by Saul Marantz, with the distinctive porthole identifier, warm design language, and iconic brand mark and logo. The artistry and craftsmanship of our products are expressions of our love for music, with precise details that reinforce quality, and a symmetrical design philosophy that sets Marantz products apart, offering sonic benefits. Marantz’s design DNA, articulated through a puristic form language, harmoniously blends geometric purity with direct intersections, evoking the brand’s storied heritage and ethos.
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By embracing honesty and high-end materials as core principles, Marantz ensures each creation reflects its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Central to this design philosophy is the iconic circle, a tribute to the porthole motif that has adorned their classic collections. This signature element continues to evolve, taking on new shapes and interpretations in contemporary and future designs, seamlessly paying homage to the past while innovatively looking ahead.
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DM: What’s old seems new again. How much does nostalgia play a role in your approach to design, as it relates to Marantz?
BT: At Marantz, we are deeply immersed in the brand’s rich heritage dating back to 1953. We meticulously study the hallmark attributes and qualities of our legacy products, seeking to elevate and integrate these timeless elements into modern Marantz collections. Certain materials possess enduring properties that remain as relevant today as they were seven decades ago, and we continue to utilize these materials. However, what has evolved is our capability to shape, manipulate, and enhance these materials through advanced manufacturing processes and sophisticated design tools. This approach allows us to maintain a seamless continuity with our heritage while embracing innovation to meet the demands of today’s discerning Marantz collectors.
DM: How do you balance nostalgia with innovation, from a design perspective?
BT: Balancing nostalgia with innovation is a critical aspect of design that allows a brand to honor its legacy while embracing the future. Each brand’s journey in defining its design vision often starts with cues from the past, but these alone are insufficient to keep pace with the latest technologies and appeal to new audiences. This is where innovation comes into play, finding the sweet spot between nostalgic charm and forward-thinking design. For some brands, sticking to their history and invoking nostalgia is essential. However, we look beyond this to seize opportunities for revitalization and use the nostalgic part for storytelling. Take, for example, our Marantz AMP 10. The classic analogue dB meter, a hallmark of nostalgic design, is presented with ultra-precise modern execution. This blend of past and present creates a design that feels both familiar and fresh.
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In future high-end products, we will continue to explore fresh and innovative interpretations of nostalgic details. This approach ensures that our designs remain relevant and captivating, seamlessly integrating the cherished elements of our past with the exciting possibilities of the future.
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DM: What do you see as the future of design at Marantz?
BT: Marantz today embodies heritage performance transformed into contemporary luxury, marking a bold step into new territory and specifically targeting a new, non-traditional Hi-Fi audience. This is an investment in excellence, distinct from fast fashion or disposable tech. Crafted by the world’s finest engineers and Sound Masters, backed by 70 years of industry-leading heritage, Marantz promises exceptional sound quality that sets a new standard for luxury consumers. Each piece is designed to be a stunning statement in luxury homes, offering moments of surprise and delight with opportunities for proud display and admiration.
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DM: Marantz has some very distinct design elements, like the porthole. Is incorporating design elements like that ever limiting or challenging? How or how not?
BT: The iconic porthole is one of the most significant signature design elements and differentiators of Marantz. While designing new products and collections, we draw inspiration from this symbol without being bound by its past iterations. Instead of repeating the same design, we reinterpret the porthole in fresh and innovative ways. Today, it serves as a symbol of continuity, evolving into new shapes and interpretations that resonate with contemporary aesthetics and future trends. This approach seamlessly pays homage to Marantz’s heritage while pushing boundaries in design innovation. A compelling example of this transformation will be unveiled towards the end of this year.
DM: Are a new generation of music-lovers interested in premium design from their audio equipment, in a world of cheap wireless speakers?
BT: Today, a significant shift is evident among a new generation of music enthusiasts who prioritize premium design in their audio equipment, particularly amidst a market flooded with inexpensive mass market wireless speakers. There is a burgeoning appreciation for the craftsmanship and heritage associated with esteemed brands. This evolution transcends mere aesthetics to embrace the notions of longevity and uncompromising quality. Discerning consumers now recognize the enduring durability and superior performance offered by premium design and heritage brands like Marantz. They are drawn to products that not only deliver impressive sound but also enrich their living environments with timeless elegance and enduring value. Consequently, there is a growing demand for audio equipment that seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting a broader cultural trend towards investing in enduring quality and distinguished design.
DM: You have experience designing many different types of products. What are the similarities in your approach to designing a speaker amplifier compared to something like a pair of headphones or a watch?
BT: For me, design is design. Whether I’m working on a speaker amplifier, a pair of headphones, a faucet collection, or a watch, I look at each project through the lens of the brand and its individual philosophy, but the core principles of my approach remain consistent, even as the specifics of each product vary. For me, design needs to have a holistic process that considers each brand’s identity, values, and design language. The design should tell a story. Understanding the essence of the brand allows me and the design teams to create forms that resonate authentically with its audience. My experience across different industries has only broadened my horizons, enriching my design process with diverse insights and techniques. At the heart of every project, I focus on user-centered design, ensuring I understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the end-user. Aesthetic consistency is essential, as a strong visual identity must be visually appealing and cohesive with the brand’s identity. Ergonomics play a key role, ensuring each product is intuitive and seamless to use. Functionality and innovation are paramount, as each design must meet high standards of functionality and incorporate innovative features where possible. Material selection is also crucial, as choosing high-quality, durable materials enhances the user experience and longevity of the product.
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For more information on everything Marantz has to offer, head to marantz.com.
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