• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Marantz 7 tech needed NYC area

cardinal127

cardinal127

New Member
Greetings,
I'm the lucky recipient of a Marantz 7 that has been sitting untouched in its console for the last 30+ years.
I'm looking for an experienced, trustworthy technician in the NYC metro area, or elsewhere, to check it out.
I was told the Marantz was in working order when it went into its long hibernation. The Thorens TD124 and Ampex reel to reel that came with it, needed belts.
I'm pretty capable with wood and metal. Electronics not so much.
What are of steps should I take?
Knowing a little of the 7's history and it's glowing reputation among audiophiles, I'd like to hear it brought life.
And, one by one, the other components as well.
So, I ask this great knowlege base out there. What should I be reading? What sites should I check out?
Anyone else who's been down this path, I'd appreciate any tips you might share.
Thanks
 
Register to hide this ad
Great thanks for the reply Bass! Came across that very thread last night and wrote down Tim's info.
Rave reviews, sounds like a good place to start. Pretty nearby as well.
Cheers!
 
Hi Sam,
My Uncle Bill was a winner. He did the woodwork as well. I believe there was a ST-70 in there also. Found the solder spattered schematics with the manuals and receipts, 1961. He dragged that console around from place to place, despite having some amazing systems over the years. He knew what he had and, I'm sure, wanted to restore it someday. Said he couldn't find belts. His last system, (mid 2000s), Avid TT, Krell preamp and amp with Revel ultima salon speakers. He was a music fanatic and yes, a bachelor. 2 rooms, floor to ceiling, filled with LPs. Another wall, 78s and CDs, boxes filled with 1/4" tape. I hope to be a good trustee of his legacy and pass it on and his passion to my kids.
Cheers!

IMG_0509.jpg IMG_0494.jpg IMG_0498.jpg IMG_0504.jpg
 
Beautiful!! Unc sure knew his stuff! That tuner is no slouch either, second only to Fisher's famed FM-1000. Congrats!!!
 
Fisher tuner and V15III cart to boot! Thanks for posting the pics, that console is a thing of beauty. Your Uncle Bill had great taste as well. Best of luck getting it sorted. From the looks of it, the components look well taken care of. A bit of refreshing should get you going quickly.
 
ps, if you want to fix it yourself and learn along the way, this forum is a great place to start. I was in a similar position to you with a console about a year ago and have since brought back to life (from dead/not working condition) everything in my signature line. All of your components save the reel to reel are very well known vintage items with lots of information on this and other forums on troubleshoot, refurbishing, etc. It's also a good way to really get to know your components and appreciate the design and workmanship. Some refurbs, are even pretty routine and there are specific forums for Fisher, Marantz, Thorens here and other places.
 
:eek2:
Nice!
I'm sure he'll be happy you're enjoying it and not dumping it on craigs list.
Let us know how it works out
 
Greetings all,
Took the gear but the Ampex out of the console (the left side of the console seems to have been built around the rtr) Packed excessivly, double boxed with rigid foam. Boxes shaken, nothing stirred inside and shipped.
Everything seems ( to my untrained eye ) in really good shape. Uncle Bill didn't mess with this stuff, no mods. All original tubes, caps and wiring. All complete.
The marantz 7 wasn't even dusty inside. Thorens spins smoothly and effortlessly. Tuner's dusty but seemingly fine.
Next step, Thorens sent off to Jim Campbell in PA. Pre-amp and tuner to my tech in Hohokus. Keeping my fingers crossed on safe and damage free shipping.
Posting some photos below.
Cheers!
Thanks IMG_0651.jpgIMG_0652.jpgIMG_0653.jpgIMG_0654.jpgIMG_0658.jpgIMG_0660.jpgIMG_0666.jpgIMG_0663.jpgIMG_0671.jpgIMG_0674.jpg
 
Belt kits for the AMPEX F44 Fine line R2R were available(and maybe still are) from Warmack Distributing in Morton Grove Illinois.(847)-965-7020.
Belt Kit Part # 7850184-01.
I would google them as the info above is at least 10 years old. It may or may not be current.
 
Larry, thanks for the Ampex parts info!
Overundr1, Al, Sam et all; I am a very lucky fella to be the recipient of such treasures. Both tube and solid state. My youngest is already drooling, and can't wait to heat both of her new LPs on a real record player.
I now have to hope my patient wife dosen't lose it when I setup these 2 systems. Fearful of the Sophie's choice to come. She was understanding in a 4500sf house, but in our current 2000sf place, I'm waiting for "No, it's the Marshall stacks and head amps, OR, the B3 and lesley, OR the HiFi stuff. No."
I still haven't come across a tube amp. Last place to look is the attic, on my next trip.
Thanks for the comments and great information.
Till next time...
 
Don't forget Mike @ Hudson Valley HIFI who is also a sponser here. He's an extremely knowledgeable tube tech!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom