Difficult Marantz Decision

[Nimslo]

Recently I picked up a few marantz amplifiers and I am lost for choice.

I have a couple different setups depending on the room. I have a Marantz 2250b running my 6300 turntable into Vandersteen vsm bookshelves. I don’t really want to change this configuration. My main system is actually a modern Marantz pm7000n running a pmd 320 cd player, pmd 430 tape deck and an oracle tt and rega tt into Vandersteen Model 2 speakers. I love the convenience of modern tech.

I am working on my 3rd system. Picked up a Marantz 5120 tape deck and Marantz 6100 turntable all local and cheap off Marketplace. Had some vandersteen model 1s hanging around.

My problem is that recently I got an amazing Marketplace deal on a Marantz model 18, 19 and 1200. The 19 has some wear on the faceplate only on the corners. Overall looks good and the scope is working.

The model 1200 looks perfect nothing wrong with it at all.

The 18 was parts repair and I had a friend look at it He said it is in a bit of a state. The speaker selector is broken and someone hot wired it at one point. A zener diode in the power supply, but the unit is passing signal and sounds good. The scope works but the vertical alignment is so far off it’s not displaying, but he thinks it could be repaired.

I think I can keep two of them. What should I do? Which should I pick? Do I need them all? Thanks for the input! I am very heavily leaning toward the 19 as one of my choices.

 

[rickl]

I've only have had the 19 and the 1200 across the bench.

I'd pick the 19. The output relays might be hard to source but didn't look too difficult to replace.

I think the 1200/250/3300 is to much to maintain. Others with probably disagree. I do have a working 250.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Nimslo]

Thanks for the info. I didn’t realize the 1200 is the 250 and the 3300. That gives me more to think about.

 

[Bone Yard]

The used to call Marnatz, "The Gold Standard." This equipment will probably be worth more than your 401K in the next few months. There can be some sonic variation due to age and wattage, at least that's my experience, only you can decide which one makes you happy. Your probably finding the 6100 is an ok TT, not sure why these are skyrocketing in value except maybe people want to complete a Marantz Stack.

 

[airtime]

Having had a very good 18 and 1200, as well as currently using a PM8004, here's my two cents.

The 18 or 19, you can't loose. Truth be told the 18 did have a lot of class. I regret to this day letting mine go. The 1200 (250 amp and 3300 preamp) was an amazing integrated were the two sections really complimented each other. I would still have it today if I didn't stick my fat fingers in there and blow it up.

The one thing I did like cosmetically with the 18 was that it looked like it was framed in. Looks great without a case. Also the central strip did a nice job of breaking up the monotony of the front end. Cosmetically, I preferred the looks of the 18.

I also use a PM8004. I find the preamp section to muddy up the sound a bit but the amp section patched out is fantastic. I was considering a PM7000N or similar, but I'm still thinking it over. Now I'm looking into a MM7025

 

[Nimslo]

Sounds like I will need to repair the 18 and listen to it alongside the 19. I wonder how the 2250 compares to the other amps. It’s really hard deciding what to let go. In a perfect world I could find a reason to keep them all.

I really do like the clean look of the 1200 as well. I’m happy it’s not just me who is struggling with the choice.