Marantz 7C vs Marantz 7C
- Thread starter thisOne
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
crooner
Tube Marantzed
The reissue is very similar in construction. However it differs from the original chiefly in the signal caps and the rectifiers.
The original uses Sprague Bumblebees throughout. These caps are no longer made and are responsible for a great deal of the original 7C's sonic appeal.
The rectifiers are regular silicon on the reissue versus seleniums on the original. The seleniums peculiar electrical characteristics also influence the sound of the preamp.
Cosmetically, the front panel of the original has photo etched lettering (similar to engraving) that never wears out. The reissue is silkscreened.
Finally, the reissue has modern IEC connector (no captive AC cord) and resettable thermal fuses in the power transformer.
These differences account for the lower used value of the VAC manufactured unit.
The original uses Sprague Bumblebees throughout. These caps are no longer made and are responsible for a great deal of the original 7C's sonic appeal.
The rectifiers are regular silicon on the reissue versus seleniums on the original. The seleniums peculiar electrical characteristics also influence the sound of the preamp.
Cosmetically, the front panel of the original has photo etched lettering (similar to engraving) that never wears out. The reissue is silkscreened.
Finally, the reissue has modern IEC connector (no captive AC cord) and resettable thermal fuses in the power transformer.
These differences account for the lower used value of the VAC manufactured unit.
Last edited:
crooner
Tube Marantzed
You are most welcome!
I forgot to mention the reissue uses teflon insulated silver plated cable throughout. The original was regular tinned wire. Silver wire is very nice, but overdoing it usually causes an unnatural "bright" sound.
Compared to the McIntosh C22 reissue, the VAC made Marantz 7C is quite true to the original, despite the differences I mentioned.
Given the high prices the originals fetch these days, it can be a bargain, IMO.
I forgot to mention the reissue uses teflon insulated silver plated cable throughout. The original was regular tinned wire. Silver wire is very nice, but overdoing it usually causes an unnatural "bright" sound.
Compared to the McIntosh C22 reissue, the VAC made Marantz 7C is quite true to the original, despite the differences I mentioned.
Given the high prices the originals fetch these days, it can be a bargain, IMO.
clydeselsor
Lunatic Member
Are the reissues easy to tell from the original, appearance wise? In other words, could a seller on ebay pass off a reissue for an original?
crooner
Tube Marantzed
They are identical as seen from the front, top, sides and bottom.
The rear apron tells the story though. The IEC connector is the dead giveaway for the reissue. Close inspection also reveals the modern warning sticker(s) and a different serial number badge. No "Marantz Company - Long Island City, New York" on it either...
Also, some original 7C's (such as mine) have a pale golden finish on the faceplate instead of the more common silver brushed metal. The reissues are of the second variety.
Here are some picture examples of the rear of the original (a rare multi-voltage version) and the reissue (100V for the Japanese market)...
Last edited:
crooner
Tube Marantzed
There was also a very rare "kit" reissue version made in 1979 for the Japanese market. Classic Marantz gear was already "hot" among collectors and tube enthusiasts 30 years ago!
So much, that Marantz/Superscope reissued the 7, 8B and 9 in kit form. 17 years before the VAC 1996 versions!
The 1979 Model 7K (as it was called) is even closer to the original in appearance. It lists 1970's Marantz Chatsworth address instead of Long Island City. It is otherwise a perfect paint and metalwork reproduction!
Still. No bumblebees on this version either. Lots of correct looking parts but also plenty of 1970's era components such as Alps pots and switches.
Given the complexity of the Model 7 preamp, this was no kit for the novice!
Here are some pics I managed to find from Japanese websites.
So much, that Marantz/Superscope reissued the 7, 8B and 9 in kit form. 17 years before the VAC 1996 versions!
The 1979 Model 7K (as it was called) is even closer to the original in appearance. It lists 1970's Marantz Chatsworth address instead of Long Island City. It is otherwise a perfect paint and metalwork reproduction!
Still. No bumblebees on this version either. Lots of correct looking parts but also plenty of 1970's era components such as Alps pots and switches.
Given the complexity of the Model 7 preamp, this was no kit for the novice!
Here are some pics I managed to find from Japanese websites.
Last edited:
So by looking at the back of this one on ebay it appears to be a reissue then? http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-TUBE-Marantz-Stereo-Console-Model-7-L-K-NR_W0QQitemZ250238871159QQihZ015QQcategoryZ73369QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
And being sold as an original for over $900!!
And being sold as an original for over $900!!
crooner
Tube Marantzed
Yes, that's a reissue.
A similar unit sold for $2500 or so, a few days ago.
The retail price was $3800 back in '96, IIRC.
crooner
Tube Marantzed
Yeah, I'd buy a few of them at that price!
$3800 was a lot of coin back in '96. I think VAC/Marantz should have priced them in the $2K range, like the McIntosh C22 Commemorative which was $2500.
Unfortunately, judging by the prices the 1996 reissues routinely fetch in the Japanese market, they have actually gone down in value!
thisOne
Listen...
I looked at that auction. The seler does state in the revision of his listing that he doesn't know for sure if it is a reissue or original, and there is no reason to suspect him of actualy beng an expert or for trying to mislead (otherwise he'd keep quiet about it).
That auction has nearly three more days to go so it may be more than $900 in the end. But an original in NM condition would fetch $3500 to $4000 in frantic last minute bidding (I know, I've wached plenty of these go for those prices).
In fact, if you search e-pay for recently completed auctions for this unit you will see that one went on 08 April for $3,995, another one went for $4,100 on 14 April and a third sold for $4,100 (13 bids) on 20 April.
I should have bought one two years ago because I think these units doubled in price in that time.
That auction has nearly three more days to go so it may be more than $900 in the end. But an original in NM condition would fetch $3500 to $4000 in frantic last minute bidding (I know, I've wached plenty of these go for those prices).
In fact, if you search e-pay for recently completed auctions for this unit you will see that one went on 08 April for $3,995, another one went for $4,100 on 14 April and a third sold for $4,100 (13 bids) on 20 April.
I should have bought one two years ago because I think these units doubled in price in that time.
crooner
Tube Marantzed
The reissue is actually not commonly found in the US. I was surprised to see a couple of them pop up almost simultaneously. Perhaps the product of Estate sales.
Most reissues ended up in Japan where they are traded frequently in sites such as Japan's Hi-Fi DO (excellent resource, BTW).
Most reissues ended up in Japan where they are traded frequently in sites such as Japan's Hi-Fi DO (excellent resource, BTW).
clydeselsor
Lunatic Member
:lmao:
clydeselsor
Lunatic Member
Thanks for the info CROONER!
crooner
Tube Marantzed
You are welcome!
The Japanese 7K (kit) version details are not easily found. Very little information about it on the web. I'm guessing the production run was very small.
I'd love to build a Marantz 7 from a kit. We already have the new Dynakits. How about another Marantz 7K? I'd be the first in line to buy one!
fredmarantz
Well-Known Member
Looong time gone....
But here's a kit-type
http://www.hifido.co.jp/KWmarantz/G1/P0/A10/E/60-10/S0/C09-45373-25983-00/
best regards
Freddy
But here's a kit-type
http://www.hifido.co.jp/KWmarantz/G1/P0/A10/E/60-10/S0/C09-45373-25983-00/
best regards
Freddy
