Marantz 19
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onepixel
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I had a Model 18 and never quite got to liking the scope. And I've stayed away from other Marantz models with scopes. Just a personal preference. The 18 is noticebly warmer sounding and I guess somewhat tube like when I compared it to my other Marantz. Not sure how close the 18 is to the 19 in comparison though.
Any ways I'm now trying to get my 18 back!
Any ways I'm now trying to get my 18 back!
That was the most serious Marantz receiver when I was selling it. Few bought it. But everyone wanted to see one, and wanted to own one. They just didn't want to buy it.
Lefty
Super Member
Well it was a TOTL 'statement' receiver for Marantz at the time. Retailed for $1K which in 69/70 was probably higher then any other at the time (except maybe a Mac, I don't know). At that price I'm sure it never sold in very large numbers so it's rarity adds to it's present day value also.
It kind of took some of the best of their solid state components at the time, model 20B tuner, model 15 amp and put them together. Full complemenary DC coupled amp was the way the rest of the industry would follow. For it's volume it's probably the heaviest receiver you will ever lift. All in all probably the most advanced US designed receiver made at the time, however it didn't take the Japanese long to take over the market later in the decade and of course ended up with the rest of the Marantz units being build in Japan starting sometime in the early 70s.
Lefty
It kind of took some of the best of their solid state components at the time, model 20B tuner, model 15 amp and put them together. Full complemenary DC coupled amp was the way the rest of the industry would follow. For it's volume it's probably the heaviest receiver you will ever lift. All in all probably the most advanced US designed receiver made at the time, however it didn't take the Japanese long to take over the market later in the decade and of course ended up with the rest of the Marantz units being build in Japan starting sometime in the early 70s.
Lefty
Modegard
Well-Known Member
I own a Marantz 2270, Marantz 18 and Marantz 19. I think the 18 and 19 are significantly better receivers. They sound great. They get a lot of play at my house, while the 2270 is in storage. Yes, all three have been checked out and do meet spec. The 18 and 19 really were statement products. They had very high prices to match. I recall the 19 cost a cool grand in the early 1970s. I am not a tech but the overbuilt quality of the 18 and 19 was apparent to even to me.
I would be hard pressed to choose between the 18 and 19. They sound very similar to my ears. I think the 18 is a much better buy these days.
I would be hard pressed to choose between the 18 and 19. They sound very similar to my ears. I think the 18 is a much better buy these days.
Brian
An Old Geezer
Scott, the 18 and 19 when cmparing them to the likes of a 2270 is like comapring a Corvette to a LADA. The 2270 is just not in the same league. I also, am not a lover of the o'scope and it is a big reason why I decided not to maintain 1 in my inventory decades ago as I just saw them as a maintenance and service nightmare and really useful more with directional antenna and calling radio stations to tell them they were broadcasting out of phase (a not so uncommon happening back then). Figured that a dual meter detup would be trouble free and just as good. Finally found that outside of souring the tube, the design for the 18, 19, 20, 20b, 10b was actually pretty bulletproof. IF the 18 and 19 have any shortcomings for me it is really only the fact that there is no preamp output / main inputs on them. But back then the 15 (18 based amp) and 16 (19 based amp) were the cat's meow in terms of SS amps so who wodda thought they were needed. Now that I think about it, I wonder if the makers of units that used them in some way felt the units had a weakness and maybe the owners would need to upgrade to eliminate the weakness in the unit's design. Hmmm.... inquiring minds want to know.
Brian said:
Brian -- Once again, I am in complete agreement with you. :yes:
The 18, at least, had Saul Marantz himself directly involved in its design and may have been the ONLY Marantz Receiver he was invovled in. Moreover, other audio "geniuses" were involved as well, including some of the same minds responsible for the 10b tuner.
The 18 has what I would refer to as a "plush", or "rich", sound. It is something that can be listened to hour after hour at moderate levels with no listening fatigue. Certainly, the 2270 is a very nice sounding receiver, but it's simply not in the same league as the 18 or 19. :yes:
Modegard said:
I am also in COMPLETE agreement with you. I have an almost MINT 18 with a NOS Scope and am looking for a nice 19 to go with it. :yes:
Modegard
Well-Known Member
Bolly, I have Model 19 Service Manual. I would be glad to photocopy it for you. Feel free to email me with your address. 89 pages is too much to scan, but if you are patient, I can get it in the mail to you. Otherwise, I do have the Bias and DC Balance Test section.
Mark
Mark
thanks very much Mark, for your offer. I'd hate for you to go through all that only to find out the 19 manual is too different from the 18 to be of any use to me, altough it would be a nicety to have, it's not a necessity. Tell me more of this Bias, and DC Balance, is that for the 18? (fingers X'ed that it is) 
