Marantz 7t with model 8

[Simplejack]

Hey all, I'm new to this forum and I hope I'm doing this right!
I have recently acquired a marantz model 8(NOT 8b) tube amp. I have never used a tube amp before, so I am in the market for a pre amp. I've done some research and I've found that it is suggested that if one of your units are tube, you are best suited to use a tube pre amp.
However... I've heard mixed recommendations on the marantz 7t. Some say to just bite the bullet and spend the extra money and go right to the 7c, while others have told me that the 7t will do just fine, and that the 7t, although being a solid state pre amp, will work fine with a tube amp and it was designed to work well with the model 8.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
My goal is to have a good first experience using tubes, whether it be the 7t, 7c or any other pre amp, but it's always nice to not spend top dollar in search of a great experience.
Thanks for any input!

 

[macyjrm]

My opinion is to not limit yourself to Marantz preamps unless you are somewhat OCD about ethnicity. Any good quality tube preamp operating without specs should provide you an excellent listening experience. I do this within my own collection frequently.

 

[Selmerdave]

The 7T is a fine preamp that will work fine with your model 8 but it is fundamentally different than the 7. Prices of the 7 are so astronomical that you really need to have a reason for that level of investment, but if you have the money by all means go for it. For sound quality, most here would likely recommend a tube preamp rather than the solid-state 7T, which one would depend somewhat on your needs (ie phono/no phono) but certainly the 8 is worthy of a quality preamp. A vintage tube preamp (Eico HF-85, Scott 130, maybe modded PAS-3, Grommes, Pilot etc.) would work well but you would want to do a full restore, a modern one like Audible Illusions or other would perform well, might not be the best cosmetic match but listening is where it's at...

I used to have a 7T, and while I would say that going tubes would be the way to hear the 8 at its best, the 7T is an excellent pre and you could at least expect very good sound.

 

[FlaCharlie]

Hey all, I'm new to this forum and I hope I'm doing this right!

I have recently acquired a marantz model 8(NOT 8b) tube amp. I have never used a tube amp before, so I am in the market for a pre amp. I've done some research and I've found that it is suggested that if one of your units are tube, you are best suited to use a tube pre amp.
However... I've heard mixed recommendations on the marantz 7t. Some say to just bite the bullet and spend the extra money and go right to the 7c, while others have told me that the 7t will do just fine, and that the 7t, although being a solid state pre amp, will work fine with a tube amp and it was designed to work well with the model 8.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
My goal is to have a good first experience using tubes, whether it be the 7t, 7c or any other pre amp, but it's always nice to not spend top dollar in search of a great experience.
Thanks for any input!

I used to have a 7T, and while I would say that going tubes would be the way to hear the 8 at its best, the 7T is an excellent pre and you could at least expect very good sound.

Welcome to AK!

I agree with @Selmerdave. I also prefer tubes but I have a 7T and it sounds fine with tube amps that are similar to the 8 / 8b.

FWIW, years ago I read a post by someone who knew Saul Marantz and had listened to his personal home system, which consisted of a 7T and an 8b.

 

[Chrisxo55441]

a 7C would cost more then the model 8 so if your willing to make that investment its a great pairing. i have a 7C but i dont use it with my 8B, i use it with my model 9's. i use a Dared SL 2000A which was well under a $1000 with upgraded tubes and it sounds wonderful with the 8B and i havent hooked the 8B up to the 7C in years but it did sound awesome when i did. i have tried my 1060 as a pre amp with it which is pretty close to the 7T i would think and it sounded pretty good but i do prefer the the tube on tube sound more. But you dont need to pay $5000-7000 to get that as there are plenty good tube pre amps out there.

 

[Lavane]

For what you would pay for a 7C, there are lots of new tuhe preamps available also, not just something older that's going to need work. I'm not knocking any vintsge preamps, there are other options as well.

 

[Selmerdave]

Worth noting that if you're first foray into tubes is a Marantz 8 you're starting off on the top floor... Also well worth making sure it's up to spec and particularly that the power supply caps have been recently replaced.