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Marantz 18?

plinya77

plinya77

Active Member
Ran into a Marantz receiver today. Not your pretty receiver from the 70's. It was very dirty and the little research I did I'm guessing it was an 18. If it works what is it worth? It looked industrial, and I might go look at it closer tomorrow. Definitely had never seen one like this before, and I've always wanted a Marantz in my collection. Anyone with any info on this or experience with one would be greatly apppreciated. I'm not even sure of the model--just guessing from Google images that it is an 18. Thanks.
 
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is it this?

Marantz18_1.jpg
 
The Model 18 receiver is notable for having a tuner section that is basically identical to the very highly regarded Model 20 tuner.

The Model 20 was the first SS tuner Marantz made. There are quite a few tuner experts and Marantz fans who say it was the best sounding tuner they ever made, including the uber expensive, tubed Model 10b.

I recall reading that this receiver is tricky to work on. If the amp section doesn't work, think about whether you have the skills to fix it or have access to a tech who would.

If it is just a matter of cleaning it up and the price is right, buying this would be a no brainer, IMO. But if it doesn;t work, you might be facing some challenges getting it working right.
 
18

Just checked on ebay and they had a couple in great condition. What is a fair price in average condition if everything works? Will definitely go look tomorrow morning. I wish I would have looked at it closer when I had the chance. It was kind of drab looking and I really didn't pay that much attention. Kind of stupid I guess.
 
Completed eBay auctions are a good place to get a handle on market values, although you sometimes don't get to see a very big sample size which can skew your analysis.

A key thing to check is whether or not the oscilloscope works. A unit with a working scope would probably sell for at least $400, based on what recently sold units went for. As you can see from a couple recent sales, this receiver is still valued by buyers, even units that have a few "issues".

The Model 19 is also very similar and quite desirable.
 
thisOne said:
is it this?

Marantz18_1.jpg
Click to expand...

Ain't it purty?

BTW...DO NOT wipe the dial glass to hard. The lettering will come right off. New scopes, if you can find one will set you back a couple hundred. The Model 18 has a wonderful warmth to the sound without sounding all fuzzy like some 22XX receivers. Real easy to listen too.
 
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plinya77 said:
Just checked on ebay and they had a couple in great condition. What is a fair price in average condition if everything works? Will definitely go look tomorrow morning. I wish I would have looked at it closer when I had the chance. It was kind of drab looking and I really didn't pay that much attention. Kind of stupid I guess.
Click to expand...

Just check it out if it is still there. We all learn from trying, doing, and yes, occasionally missing. But coming here and asking questions shows you're on the right track in learning what vintage gear spotting is like. Sometimes we work on brand names, other times on weight and build quality, and sometimes we just get lucky!

Hope your Karma swings in your favor in the morning!
 
18

Went back today and it is an 18. Different fella in the store today. He didn't have time to set it up or didn't want to let me play around with. It powers up and the fella says everything works on it. Going back tomorrow to check it out-- hope the scope works. I would say the condition is fair. Wish it looked like the AKers photos. The guy in the store didn't endear himself to me, but there is still hope.
 
I would have grabbed that thing if it was still there on the second visit. Not risking someone else grabbing it. I made a 6 hour trek to pick up my Model 19 including 2 ferry rides.
 
plinya77 said:
Went back today and it is an 18. Different fella in the store today. He didn't have time to set it up or didn't want to let me play around with. It powers up and the fella says everything works on it. Going back tomorrow to check it out-- hope the scope works. I would say the condition is fair. Wish it looked like the AKers photos. The guy in the store didn't endear himself to me, but there is still hope.
Click to expand...

Hope it's still there!
 
Shop owner decided not to sell. He's going to use it as his store unit. So much for -- "we can set it up tomorrow". Never got to hear it. Kind of bummed, but learned a lot about the receiver and people.
 
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