Marantz Linear Tracker

[Pio1980]

I moved it off the amp after testing it and moved it next to the amp. One thing I notice is that the case seems microphonic (if that's the correct term). When playing a record, if I tap on the case (plinth if you'd prefer), the sound is amplified through the speakers. This didn't happen if the turntable was merely powered up. I double checked the connections and all were secure. Odd. If the specs for this table on VinylEngine are correct, the rumble was listed at something like 63db! Perhaps they forgot the -.

That isn't unusual at this build level of turntables in general.

 

[cg123]

That isn't unusual at this build level of turntables in general.

While it plays well, it is certainly nowhere near the quality of my Technics SL-QL1 which is a beast. Still, the 63db for the rumble and not -63db *must* be a typo, right?

 

[Pio1980]

While it plays well, it is certainly nowhere near the quality of my Technics SL-QL1 which is a beast. Still, the 63db for the rumble and not -63db *must* be a typo, right?

Probably not. Part of what separates "adequate" from "audiophile" grade gear. The SL-QL1 is the best biggest bang for bux linear TT extant, imo, and being 'P' mount gets rid of the fussy setup annoyances. True plug-and-play excellence. The end-of-era lightweight turntables like that Marantz are fuss free record players, nothing more.

 

[cg123]

Probably not. Part of what separates "adequate" from "audiophile" grade gear. The SL-QL1 is the best biggest bang for bux linear TT extant, imo, and being 'P' mount gets rid of the fussy setup annoyances. True plug-and-play excellence. The end-of-era lightweight turntables like that Marantz are fuss free record players, nothing more.

Thanks Pio. That it is cheaply built is a given. However, with the old Technics cart and replaced stylus, it does a very good job. I just have to remember to not tap the player while it's playing. Keeping the volume down helps a lot.

 

[cg123]

I moved it off the amp after testing it and moved it next to the amp. One thing I notice is that the case seems microphonic (if that's the correct term). When playing a record, if I tap on the case (plinth if you'd prefer), the sound is amplified through the speakers. This didn't happen if the turntable was merely powered up. I double checked the connections and all were secure. Odd. If the specs for this table on VinylEngine are correct, the rumble was listed at something like 63db! Perhaps they forgot the -.

The posted specs on VE are incorrect based on what was claimed in a Marantz Gold Turntables brochure I found on ebay:

Wow and Flutter 0.05% WRMS
Rumble -75db DIN B Weighted

 

[Mr Boochie]

11 years after this thread, I found one of these today at a local shop for $45. I swapped out the original blue cart with an old Technics P mount that I'd replaced on my Technics SL-QL1 with an AT450. I gotta say, while this table doesn't compare in build quality to the old Technics, it's a helluva table compared to most of the cheaper vintage tables out there. Made in Japan for Marantz by ?? Detailed, accurate speed, direct drive with a pitch control and it's dead on.

Like the sleekness! Going after the B&O look.

 

[cg123]

Late follow-up to this thread. Having bought this table just due to pricing, I've decided it's not as good as I initially thought. The real issue shows up when playing some albums where even though the strobe shows the speed is spot on, I hear some warble in piano and other instruments in middle-upper frequencies. Currently stored in the basement. Still wonder who made these for Marantz. Great looking albeit cheaply made table.

 

[MRL_Audio]

Nice second time this dead thread has been revived. A vintage table that has speed issues. That should not be a surprise...

 

[cg123]

Nice second time this dead thread has been revived. A vintage table that has speed issues. That should not be a surprise...

Except the speed measures almost perfectly which is why it puzzles me. Thanks for your useful contribution to this thread...

 

[MRL_Audio]

Except the speed measures almost perfectly which is why it puzzles me. Thanks for your useful contribution to this thread...

and what's you positive contribution here? I mean besides reviving the thread? The strobe reads accurate but your ears indicate not so. Have you tried any other methods of validating the speed? Intermittent issues like this can be attributed to dirty pots for speed adjustment. Have you checked that? Cleaned the pots? You'll need to open it up for those two. Lubricated the motor? Has the spindle been bent at all throwing it off kilter? Any power related issues apparent? Never owned one of these so I wasn't really comfortable recommending anything but the items above are pretty standard things to look for.

 

[cg123]

Not my first rodeo. Been doing this stuff since the mid-60's.