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Marantz pm84 ll

J

jacktowser

New Member
Hi everybody, can help me with this problem please.
I've had this amp since new, Marantz pm84 ll. It powered my JBL L110 speakers without a problem for 30 years.
But now I have gale gs401s and Yamaha ns1000 to run (separately) but the amp cuts out at high volumes . I know that these speakers need alot of power but assumed my Marantz baby could run any speakers. Question is is my Marantz gutsy enough for the job or should I get it looked at.
PS I haven't run my JBLs for years I suppose this should be my first test.
 
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https://vintagesonics.com/reviews/loudspeakers/gale-gs401a-review/

From that page-- The 401 featured a moderately high power handling of 60W by today’s (albeit low) standards, and poor sensitivity, thanks in part to its infinite baffle cabinet design – some dubbed it “the amp killer” at the time because of the low impedance loads it imposed on the partnered electronics.

From a different website...the Gale 402 had some changes that made it an easier load to power than the previous 401 model.

A quick search shows the Yamahas might be an easier load than the Gales

Define "loud".
How big an area? What type of music?
Do you like your music bass heavy?
It seems none of the three are over 90 db efficient, but they seem very close in efficiency rating to each other.

Have you checked DC Offset of the Marantz?
 
Thanks old fart, are you suggesting my jbls are no easier to drive than the Gales and the yammies. If that's the case then I need to get the amp looked at . Don't know how to check the DC off set I'm not a tech.
 
Loud is loud, bloody loud , party loud, most people can't stand it at that volume. I only ever pump it to that volume for short periods of time.
 
I think based on your description, your amp is fine and is protecting itself from damage.
Also by your description, your loud is too loud for me.
That said, if you feel the need to reach those Spls, I'd suggest a beefier amp ( maybe a commercial crown or something like that) or get easier to drive speakers ( more efficient) ( horns maybe). Continued use as you described will likely damage your amp eventually.
 
If the Amp has never been serviced, I would strongly recommend it.
At 30 plus years old, it likely needs more than just a service.
I wouldn't suggest pushing it like you do, until it's been re-capped, tested and fully serviced.
 
jacktowser said:
Thanks old fart, are you suggesting my jbls are no easier to drive than the Gales and the yammies. If that's the case then I need to get the amp looked at . Don't know how to check the DC off set I'm not a tech.
Click to expand...
After checking the Gales (according to the internet a hard load to drive) and the Yamahas (not as hard a load) I was thinking/hoping the JBL's might be an easier load but after checking specs that is not the case. I agree though, your Marantz might need a tune up, or a more powerful amp if you are unable to show restraint with the volume knob.
 
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