2nd Marantz 510? Am I crazy?

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Noobie8523

New Member
2nd post here.
Scored a marantz 510 other day in excellent condition. I’m in love.
Well.... without any looking really, a second has appeared for $600. I am not able to travel to see but I had a friend check it out and know it’s at least functioning and appears to be good condition from pics. He’s not into gear so wasn’t able to provide much else other than... it works and “needs a good wipe down”.
After my first post of what to pair with my original 510, I asked what should I pair with. I’ve decided on the 3600 or 3800 pre.
My question is... should I take a chance on this other 510 and grab it while it’s available if I can get it for $500 -$600? I know that’s hard to say as these amps require a restoration and clean up before serious play. But if functioning properly , would it be worth grabbing and keeping awhile until I find what pre amp I’d like to go with for my original 510 that’a perfect as is. (Pics to come as I’m super proud of this and a Yamaha ct-7000 that I bought together for I THINK a good deal)

What are any thoughts on the marantz 3200 pre to pair with a 510?
I originally wanted a 2270 but after some replies and research I think I’d like to pair with an actual pre amp designed for the 510.
Hope I’m not breaking rules and just want advice. Not trying to advertise something for sale as I plan to sit on this second 510 (if purchased) while taking my time looking for the right pre amp. Not sure if I can post prices of what I paid for my original 510 and Yamaha ct-7000 but will to see if I did good or as the gf says... I’m crazy and need to calm down. Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
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Noobie8523 said:
2nd post here.
Scored a marantz 510 other day in excellent condition. I’m in love.
Well.... without any looking really, a second has appeared for $600. I am not able to travel to see but I had a friend check it out and know it’s at least functioning and appears to be good condition from pics. He’s not into gear so wasn’t able to provide much else other than... it works and “needs a good wipe down”.
After my first post of what to pair with my original 510, I asked what should I pair with. I’ve decided on the 3600 or 3800 pre.
My question is... should I take a chance on this other 510 and grab it while it’s available if I can get it for $500 -$600? I know that’s hard to say as these amps require a restoration and clean up before serious play. But if functioning properly , would it be worth grabbing and keeping awhile until I find what pre amp I’d like to go with for my original 510 that’a perfect as is. (Pics to come as I’m super proud of this and a Yamaha ct-7000 that I bought together for I THINK a good deal)

What are any thoughts on the marantz 3200 pre to pair with a 510?
I originally wanted a 2270 but after some replies and research I think I’d like to pair with an actual pre amp designed for the 510.
Hope I’m not breaking rules and just want advice. Not trying to advertise something for sale as I plan to sit on this second 510 (if purchased) while taking my time looking for the right pre amp. Not sure if I can post prices of what I paid for my original 510 and Yamaha ct-7000 but will to see if I did good or as the gf says... I’m crazy and need to calm down. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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Last question I swear. What speakers are some of you 510 owners running? I currently have Bose 301v (I know I know... not highly regarded) and infinity sm-152s (again... I know) but they are pretty to look at and I’m keeping for sentimental reasons in another room/setup.
Oerets said:
My guess is you are asking the wrong group.

Most here would buy it and then decide if it was really needed......

The 3200 will be a little narrower then the amplifier.

Check this site out if you haven't already.....http://www.classic-audio.com/marantz/mindex.html
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Oerets said:
I do not have the 510, a 140 and 170DC.

NLA on the 170DC the 140 was connected to L-100's
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Thanks! I know there are multiple options on pre amps and I’ll continue reading through past forum post on pros/cons for each.
Couldn’t be happier and appreciate all the input!
 

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Noobie8523 said:
Thanks! I know there are multiple options on pre amps and I’ll continue reading through past forum post on pros/cons for each.
Couldn’t be happier and appreciate all the input!
Click to expand...

I have multiple 250m's which I'm having hard time rotating with other amps because I like the sound so much. I can only imagine how much powerful 510's are.
I've matched my 250m's with just about every preamp I had - solid state, tube, passive, vintage and modern. I haven't found a pre that works and sounds better than the 3600, at least in my opinion.
I guess they're built to be a combo and makes sense. So much more dynamic and details, the difference stands out.
As for speaker selection, as a 510 owner, I almost want to say that it's your duty to do the amp a justice. I don't think there are speakers out there that the 510 cannot push successfully. My amps are pushing a pair of electrostatics with great results.

Here's a link to my 3600 restoration thread:
https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/i...-balance-tone-control-slider-cleaning.905788/

Since you mentioned the 2270, I also have 2270 completely restored and it'd be kind of a waste to get a 2270 just to use its pre section unless you already have one. It's a beautiful receiver.
 
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gogofast said:
I have multiple 250m's which I'm having hard time rotating with other amps because I like the sound so much. I can only imagine how much powerful 510's are.
I've matched my 250m's with just about every preamp I had - solid state, tube, passive, vintage and modern. I haven't found a pre that works and sounds better than the 3600, at least in my opinion.
I guess they're built to be a combo and makes sense. So much more dynamic and details, the difference stands out.
As for speaker selection, as a 510 owner, I almost want to say that it's your duty to do the amp a justice. I don't think there are speakers out there that the 510 cannot push successfully. My amps are pushing a pair of electrostatics with great results.

Here's a link to my 3600 restoration thread:
https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/i...-balance-tone-control-slider-cleaning.905788/

Since you mentioned the 2270, I also have 2270 completely restored and it'd be kind of a waste to get a 2270 just to use its pre section unless you already have one. It's a beautiful receiver.
Click to expand...

That confirms what I’ve been reading past few days. I’ll preface by saying I’m not an audiophile so much of this is probably basic/intro level questions.
But from what I’ve read, to pair the 510 with any receiver is basically waisting your receivers built in power and with the 2270, that’s an expensive waist. Which is exactly what you just said. Seems most think these type power amps just sound better with the proper pre amp. I’m not into fm listening so I’ll be trying to find a 3600/3800 and a nice wood cabinet. It’s all opinion but I’ve seen a few threads preferring the 3600. I read on a past post where the 3600 is basically the 3800 without the Dolby circuitry. Thanks for the advice. Definitely going with a good pre amp.
 
I had a model 3200 preamp, two matching 140 power amps and the matching 112 tuner. I still have one 140 power amp and use the tuner. To my ears the 3200 was lacking, just kind of bland. I also had a model 3600 that I passed along also. The model 33 preamp I sold recently sounded very good once restored. I had it connected to the matching g model 16 power amp. One of the problems with the 3200 is it uses a relay that has no replacement. The 3600 uses an obsolete OP amp that is pretty much unobtainium. So if it fails it takes some rewiring, cutting traces and resistor swaps. A 3300, 3250B or 3650 would be a much better choice IMHO.
 
Lavane said:
I had a model 3200 preamp, two matching 140 power amps and the matching 112 tuner. I still have one 140 power amp and use the tuner. To my ears the 3200 was lacking, just kind of bland. I also had a model 3600 that I passed along also. The model 33 preamp I sold recently sounded very good once restored. I had it connected to the matching g model 16 power amp. One of the problems with the 3200 is it uses a relay that has no replacement. The 3600 uses an obsolete OP amp that is pretty much unobtainium. So if it fails it takes some rewiring, cutting traces and resistor swaps. A 3300, 3250B or 3650 would be a much better choice IMHO.
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Thanks for the insight. I read the same about the 3600 which makes me hesitant as I’m not capable of doing any such work yet. Watching YouTube videos makes some of this seem reasonable but I’d rather learn on something less valuable. I have a shot at 3200 for a very reasonable price. I know this isn’t optimal but I could always upgrade when something more suitable comes available.

Dumb question or maybe not the right place. But until I can find the right preamp, would it hurt to connect my 510 to my little Marantz nr-1608 I use for mainly home theater? I have a tt setup with phono box and this would allow me to at least get to play with my new toy.
If playing at low volumes, with infinity p362 speakers... would it damage anything to connect the 510 amp to the pre outs on my nr-1608. My pioneer sx-737 has no pre outs and I’ve read enough to know not to try and connect a power amp through the tape or any other loop. Thanks in advance to anyone with insight
 
Noobie8523 said:
Thanks for the insight. I read the same about the 3600 which makes me hesitant as I’m not capable of doing any such work yet. Watching YouTube videos makes some of this seem reasonable but I’d rather learn on something less valuable. I have a shot at 3200 for a very reasonable price. I know this isn’t optimal but I could always upgrade when something more suitable comes available.

Dumb question or maybe not the right place. But until I can find the right preamp, would it hurt to connect my 510 to my little Marantz nr-1608 I use for mainly home theater? I have a tt setup with phono box and this would allow me to at least get to play with my new toy.
If playing at low volumes, with infinity p362 speakers... would it damage anything to connect the 510 amp to the pre outs on my nr-1608. My pioneer sx-737 has no pre outs and I’ve read enough to know not to try and connect a power amp through the tape or any other loop. Thanks in advance to anyone with insight
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Does the 1608 have pre outs and Main ins? If so you could connect the 510 to the pre outs of the 1608. The 3200 isn't horrible, it just didn't sound as good as the 33. I thought the 3600 and 3200 sounded very similar. Maybe what I didn't like about it was by them the Marantz house sound had changed. I like the house sound up through what was produced to '74. The 3200 easy to restore.
I sold my 3200 and the new owner is happy with it. If you can get one at a decent price, what not? You can always get your money back later if you find something better.
 
Lavane said:
I had a model 3200 preamp, two matching 140 power amps and the matching 112 tuner. I still have one 140 power amp and use the tuner. To my ears the 3200 was lacking, just kind of bland. I also had a model 3600 that I passed along also. The model 33 preamp I sold recently sounded very good once restored. I had it connected to the matching g model 16 power amp. One of the problems with the 3200 is it uses a relay that has no replacement. The 3600 uses an obsolete OP amp that is pretty much unobtainium. So if it fails it takes some rewiring, cutting traces and resistor swaps. A 3300, 3250B or 3650 would be a much better choice IMHO.
Click to expand...
The 112 tuner is sweet. I will wv
Lavane said:
Does the 1608 have pre outs and Main ins? If so you could connect the 510 to the pre outs of the 1608. The 3200 isn't horrible, it just didn't sound as good as the 33. I thought the 3600 and 3200 sounded very similar. Maybe what I didn't like about it was by them the Marantz house sound had changed. I like the house sound up through what was produced to '74. The 3200 easy to restore.
I sold my 3200 and the new owner is happy with it. If you can get one at a decent price, what not? You can always get your money back later if you find something better.
Click to expand...

Yep! the nr1608 has pre-outs for the front mains which would be all I need for music. So Im assuming proceed just as any other amp connection with...
1. rcas from pre out on receiver to the 510
2. speaker wire running from the 510 to the front main speakers?

Wasn’t sure if there was an issue with an amp of that power that through such a smaller receiver. Makes sense it wouldn’t as long as I’m not playing loud or pushing my speakers. Rather ask than blow something.

And that’s good information on the pre 3200. If it is somewhat easy to work on and I can grab it for a good price(assuming $400-$700) if it’s fully functioning and not beyond repair cosmetically, then I could learn a little on servicing and always get my money back later. That price range might not be completely accurate, just guessing from what I’m seeing online.
Also, It wouldn’t be original but I do hv access to getting a wood cabinet made or restored for free minus the cost of. I believe it’s the wc-10 from what I was looking at but if not someone chime in please before I start looking for DIY instructions and measurements.
I can’t tell if the cabinet adds value to an item but it at least looks pretty and would be a good selling point if needed later. Thanks for the info!!
 
The 3200 has speaker switching built in also. You don't have to use it, but if you don't, you won't have headphone function. How it works is the the speaker wires from the 510 amp is connected to "speaker in" on the preamp, then there are two "speaker outs" that are controlled by the A and B speaker selector on the front of the preamp. You can run remote speakers this way if you wanted. But again you don't have to use this feature and just run the speaker wires from the amp to your front speakers. You have the level controls on the 510 to adjust gain to match the rears of the 1608. I would read through the owners manual for the 1608 to make sure doing what you want to do is ok. Some earlier Marantz 4 channel amps and receivers were picky about how they were hooked up.
The small form 112 tuner is a.pretty good tuner. I've had various Marantz tuners like the 115, so open 120, 105, etc. And I kept the 112 and use it in my main system.
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Your not pushing the amp through the receiver. Your using the pre-out jacks and the receiver is pushing the amp. ;)
 
Lavane said:
Your not pushing the amp through the receiver. Your using the pre-out jacks and the receiver is pushing the amp. ;)[/QUOTE

Well when you say it like that does it seem like common sense. Haha. I’m slowly learning.

While I’m getting knowledge and input... I need to replace some Bose 301v at some point for the living room setup that the eventual preamp/amp will be in. If someone offered to sell their jbl 4310s that are in excellent shape (and will audition) for $500... I’d be a little crazy not to jump on that right?
Any info on 4310 vs 4310wx? I’m assuming maybe the same or a different wood finish?? I can’t find a lot other than how much people like them and past sell prices which makes me think I need to grab them now.
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As an FYI…I recently had my Marantz 3200 recapped by a AK member. I have it paired with a Marantz 140 power amp. H e also recapped it. I bought this same set-up back in 1974.

Back in the 1970s, I also connected my speakers to the 140 power amp. I never used the speaker switching. I didn’t use headphones. And I never had a problem.

However, not, I tried connecting two sets of speakers by using the speaking switching connectors in the 3200 preamp. I noticed I was getting some distortion — primarily in the left channel. I tried swapping some speakers around…but still had the same problem. Further, the meters on the amp barely move when using the speaker switching. I was curious about why.

I finally decided to abandon using the 3200 speaking switching circuitry. I plugged my best speakers, a set of JBL120ti, into the power amp. No more distortion! Meters rise as they should (and used to “back in the day!). The system sounds so much better now!

What do you think may be causing this problem? Does the speaker switching circuit utilize any caps or resistors? Of course now I can’t use the headphone plug-in (I now own a set of headphones) so that function is lost.

Is this a case of just forget about it and be happy the components are sounding so good…or is there a possible easy diagnosis and repair that could be made without taking it to a shop?

Thanks!
 
I like the fact that they built in this speaker switching option into their preamps but I also felt that it added another point of failure. My guess (based on the distortions and failures I have run into) is that the speaker selector switches are getting corroded and noisy. You might be able to solve your issues simply with a good dose of quick drying contact cleaner and some light use of Caig D100 or similar. I also never used headphones so the loss of that function was no big deal for me either.
 
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