Marantz Model 9 Prototype

[bryans12v]

I recently picked up a Model 9 and I'm having a tough time nailing it down as to how early it is.

It has no serial plate on the back nor does it look like there was ever one there. The only stamp is in ink on the bottom of the chassis showing #9-6.







My heart is pounding thinking this could be the 6th made but at the same time wondering if it's some type of reproduction?

A couple things about this one that I've not seen alot of or at all.

1. Not having a serial plate.

2. Not having bias pots marked/screen printed behind the front cover.

3. 4 small screws at the corners of the front lower plate. Have seen only a few with these.

4. No screw holes for the sheild that sits between the transformer and the OT's.

5. The front cover isn't embossed with the marantz logo.

6. No vent perforations on the back panel.

7. triode/70w switch is on the front panel and not on the back by the tubes.

8. An extra driver or rectifier tube?







Any insight would be helpful. Although this arrived to me in rough shape, I'm certain some of my local tube guys can bring it back to life. Just have to find or make a cover for the back of the meter, screws that go through the face into the transformers and another model 9 and I'll be good to go. I have the cages and they just need to be straightened a bit. Very excited to finally have one of these.


I really appreciate any info!

 

[Bert 1100]

Great find ! Interesting to see what the experts will say about this...

 

[bryans12v]

Looks a little better cleaned up!


Definately needs a new power cord. Going off too my tube repair guy this weekend. Maybe I could put it to use as a center channel until I find a brother for it.

 

[biscuithead]

Wow!
My heart would be pitter-pattering also...
This is what you build a mono system around not center channel brother! Mono systems are fantastic... I wish one of mine had a 9 as its heart...

I hope you find out that it is a prototype/first production... way cool...

 

[biscuithead]

Where did you find it?

 

[bryans12v]

Bought it from a guy who found it in an estate sell off. The guy whom passed was an engineer for a local radio station back in the 60s and big into equipment. Right place right time and I wasn't passing it up.

Only problem is, another one is waaaay out of my price range.

 

[lurp]

Bought it from a guy who found it in an estate sell off. The guy whom passed was an engineer for a local radio station back in the 60s and big into equipment. Right place right time and I wasn't passing it up.

Only problem is, another one is waaaay out of my price range.

Wow. I tip my hat to you, sir. Great score! Owning a pair of 9s has always been on my bucket list.

 

[bryans12v]

Also just noticed that the base in the back isn't perforated and has no triode switch on the back, rather the triode switch is on the front panel instead of a high filter? switch.

 

[ChrisMarantz]

It also looks like it's missing all of the silkscreen labeling on the face plate and chassis, there's no tube shield and there are no perforations in the top of the chassis. - Chris

 

[bryans12v]

It also looks like it's missing all of the silkscreen labeling on the face plate and chassis, there's no tube shield and there are no perforations in the top of the chassis. - Chris

Thanks for the reply Chris. The front lower plate is screen printed for the gain, low filter, 70w/triode switch, fuse and bias, etc. Just nothing behind the cover. You can see it in the first image above.

 

[onemug]

That's an interesting piece you have there.

Mine, and all the 9's I've seen pictures of, had 3 small tubes (1 6cg7, 2 6922's) on each monoblock. I noticed yours has 4. What type of tube is your 4th?

My best guess is that your unit might be a prototype for the 9's when Marantz started development of them. Good luck with it.

 

[biscuithead]

You really need another to put next to it and compare... Is it a really good knock-off, a Frankenstein, or an actual proto-type model...? can you reference those tranny numbers...? Can you possibly date it by the innards? The #9-6 in the chassis looks very much like a real Marantz marking... I've seen a couple 8Bs and they all have serials inside that look very similar... I'm so interested... the forth tube? The lack of the meter housing? ... but the faceplate and chassis color look correct...

 

[bryans12v]

It's has a meter housing and the original Marantz bias meter. I'll take some more images when I get home in about an hour.

I'm very intrigued as well!

 

[biscuithead]

You really need another to put next to it and compare... Is it a really good knock-off, a Frankenstein, or an actual proto-type model...? can you reference those tranny numbers...? Can you possibly date it by the innards? The #9-6 in the chassis looks very much like a real Marantz marking... I've seen a couple 8Bs and they all have serials inside that look very similar... I'm so interested... the forth tube? The lack of the meter housing? ... but the faceplate and chassis color look correct...

I say this sucker was made in Sauls basement! ....not really... but maybe... wait I think by the time the 9s came into being, he had an actual factory... but I think you have something very cool!

 

[bryans12v]

I'm a serious Marantz nut. My bedroom is like a Marantz Museum so I'm sure it feels at home here. Unless Marantz calls and wants to put it in a real museum someday.

I took a couple more images of the top half. The 4th tube is still a mystery to me as I'm not quite a tube buff. The markings have been rubbed off over the years. The unit still uses (4)EL34's (2) 6DJ8's, (1) 6CG7 and the mystery tube which is not like the others.



Here it is in position.


And with the others in.



Here are two mystery holes. One by the small tubes has a standoff underneath and looks like it just needs a screw installed. There are no marrings near the hole that would indicate a panel installed.



The hole between the output tubes same deal, only marring front the rear cage panel.
Also to note, this cage is a two piece with the same beautiful marantz finish.

 

[bryans12v]

Here are a couple of the face and meter. This is the only one I've ever seen in person so I'm not really sure what to be looking for.





Lettering on this plate is engraved. Not sure if they all were or not.

 

[bryans12v]

Here are the tranny numbers..

 

[bryans12v]

Here are a couple more of the inards.

Found another stamp but looks run of the mill.










RPW Bias pots.

Ive seen pictures of others online
with these GOOD ALL caps. Who knows. Hoping someone who knows these well may have some answers here.

 

[onemug]

I've been going back and forth between my 9's and your pictures...I'm feeling pretty certain that you have a real pre-production 9. I'd love to hear the story it could tell. It just seems to have Saul's hands all over it. Good luck with it.

 

[bryans12v]

That's what I had originally though but at this point I still don't want to jump to any conclusions. I've been trying to do as much research as possible but there just isn't that much info out there on these and the people who own them are few and far between.

While it's cool that I have an oddball with an extra tube, it saddens me a little knowing this cicuit with the extra tube may have not of been the best and didn't make it into the final cut.

BUT just the sheer thought of my rocking to a piece Saul could have and most likely worked on and touched, makes the hair on my arms stand up a little.

I have a phenomenal tube tech within ten mins away. Last go around, he turned my monster silvertone amp around in two days! It's going there Sunday!