Marantz Audio Test and Repair Recommendation in Southern California

[eiraved]

Thank you for the ”Welcome” and the referrals. I took a Marantz 250 to Mike Zuccaro in 2019 (he works from his home 5 minutes from where I used to live in San Diego) and he had it for a month or two and never did anything…and he didn’t impress me as someone you would want to send your equipment to…it was all kind of bizarre…he just gave the equipment back to me as if he wasn’t that interested in repairing it in the first place. Strange.

I don't know if you had experiences with him, but Tom Ishimoto of Northridge Electronics comes recommended by several AK members.

Northridge Electronics, Tom Ishimoto, Simi Valley, CA (805) 583-1919 |

Northridge Electronics is located at 4505 Industrial Street 2b Simi Valley, California 93063: Home Theater Design. Its office hours are Mon 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Tue 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Wed 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Thu 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Fri 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM ..(805) 583-1919

www.home8.org

 

[eiraved]

The only other thing I can recommend is becoming an Audiokarma member and placing a WTB (Want to Buy) ad in the BarterTown forum asking for a technician to repair your Marantz.

 

[Stoddrob]

Regarding the Marantz 140 Power Amplifier: I have the Service Manual for this amp…and some service Bulletins…and the Service Bulletins say to replace the Protection Relay with LY2-0240-090 (and to replace the Diodes as well). The third photo is the part number from the service manual and before the service bulletins were issued and replacement updates were issued. My serial number is 100748 — so just under the 102001 threshold specified (and therefore requiring replacement). See photos. I have a feeling that replacing the diodes and the protection relays as specified in the service bulletin may fix the problem. The relay still works…it’s old but it works…the humming starts several minutes after power on…and the humming will go away in five minutes or less…so this is likely the problem and the fix. Just passing this along for reference.

 

[eiraved]

I did write to HiFi Haven in Whittier…

Have you tried calling them?

High Fidelity Haven - Whittier, CA

Specialties: We sell stereo and home theater audio equipment. This includes receivers, tuners, preamplifiers, amplifiers, turntables, phono cartridges, CD players, speakers, and interconnecting cables. Brands we sell include McIntosh, Thorens, Music Hall, Ortofon, Martin Logan, Spendor, and...

www.yelp.com

 

[tarior]

I sent him an email from his business website with a link to this post…and I called and left him a voice message. Never heard from him — yet.

I just looked at his profile. It says he's 77. He might be retired now. Time flies.

 

[Stoddrob]

The only other thing I can recommend is becoming an Audiokarma member and placing a WTB (Want to Buy) ad in the BarterTown forum asking for a technician to repair your Marantz

Have you tried calling them?

High Fidelity Haven - Whittier, CA

Specialties: We sell stereo and home theater audio equipment. This includes receivers, tuners, preamplifiers, amplifiers, turntables, phono cartridges, CD players, speakers, and interconnecting cables. Brands we sell include McIntosh, Thorens, Music Hall, Ortofon, Martin Logan, Spendor, and...

www.yelp.com

I spoke with Tim at Hi Fidelity Haven today. He recommends that I go back to George Meyer AV and try to get them to resolve the issue…as they have a record and experience with the equipment. He doesn’t recommend starting over with a new technician. He actually has some positive things to say about George Meyer AV (contrary to other opinions he’s heard). I actually (finally) got a response call from George Meyer AV yesterday (it took four days). They will have me bring the Marantz 140 back and work with me to resolve the issue. What to do? Its best to try to work through them in spite of the high frustration. I try to keep things calm…it doesn’t work to be loud and angry…so I’ll take the amp back and hopefully they will go the extra mile to see that the amplifier is fixed and operating perfectly before calling me to come get it.

 

[Ray Gianelli]

I spoke with Tim at Hi Fidelity Haven today. He recommends that I go back to George Meyer AV and try to get them to resolve the issue…as they have a record and experience with the equipment. He doesn’t recommend starting over with a new technician. He actually has some positive things to say about George Meyer AV (contrary to other opinions he’s heard). I actually (finally) got a response call from George Meyer AV yesterday (it took four days). They will have me bring the Marantz 140 back and work with me to resolve the issue. What to do? Its best to try to work through them in spite of the high frustration. I try to keep things calm…it doesn’t work to be loud and angry…so I’ll take the amp back and hopefully they will go the extra mile to see that the amplifier is fixed and operating perfectly before calling me to come get it.

The more accurately you can describe the symptoms/issues the better chance you have for a positive outcome.

Does the trouble exhibit itself right away, or does the unit have to be on for a certain period of time?

Left channel? Right channel? Both?

Hum, click, buzz (yes, a buzz is different than a hum), crackling, popping?

Best bet is to make notes of any issues you're experiencing, and hand a copy in with the unit after discussing it with the tech or proprietor.