The amplifier pictured above is actually a late 60's Cosmos valve amplifier chassis, fitted into a
Rotel RA-310 amplifier case.
A Marantz speaker badge was fitted where the Rotel selector switches originally resided.
The output power meter is one half of a Realistic brand APM-100 with an inkjet printed scale.
The front panel printing is on laminated, coloured card using a font very similar to that used by Marantz in the 70's.
The knobs are Cosmos, the cage welded perforated steel.
The solid state phono preamp has a metal cover fitted over it.
The power transformer has a marantz sticked applied.
Please note: Marantz never produced a model 1020 tube amplifier.
The actual amplifier pictured was sold in late 2015 on ebay as an "extensively cosmetically modified Cosmos amplifier".
If you see this "Marantz model 1020 tube amp" for sale you now know what it actually is.
This listing is for a 6" x 4" photo of this amplifier as described and pictured above.
Just trying to keep it short and sweet. Its like they looked at the late 70's equipment and said, "How can we make these much better?" Its just sad that they were a little too late to save the brand. Do you know if the mono blocks were ever offered bolted to a single face plate like the 15 & 16's?The Esotec gear is a LOT more than a refresh of the 70s gear.
Found it. Same chassis design like my model 16.Just trying to keep it short and sweet. Its like they looked at the late 70's equipment and said, "How can we make these much better?" Its just sad that they were a little too late to save the brand. Do you know if the mono blocks were ever offered bolted to a single face plate like the 15 & 16's?
I definitely wasn't trying to ripp on the Esotic line. It is awesome stuff. I would probably trade my stacks of 70's Marantz gear for a set of Esotic mono blocks, matching preamp and scoped tuner.Guess I really stirred up a hornets nest with sheltie dave getting just a little excited even though we've established that the "1020" listed on eBay is a rocket and then having someone trying to sell a photo of one. It also appears to have gone off on a bit of a tangent. I have some Esotec gear and I do agree with sheltie dave that its more than just a a refresh. I don't know what was done to this range design wise but they look great, sound great and are very nicely put together.
I just love these conversations (seriously).
To Marantz Japan's credit they did do a last ditch effort to save the brand in the 80's. Esotic models if I spelled it right. Refresh of the late 70's stuff and pretty to boot. The stuff goes for crazy money. A lot of the 80's Philips Marantz was craptastic.