Marantz SC6 vs Marantz SC8, which one to choose?

[liemjerry]

Hello

need advise about sound character, musicality, thickness of vocal and treble/bass character between
Marantz SC-6 and Marantz SC-8

thank you

 

[Lavane]

The SC8 was the last in that line I think. It never had the Esotic logo. The circuit design was simplified a bit compared to the Esotic SC7. The SC6 carried the Esotic label with the early models only. Both the 6 and 8 look very similar inside. I've collected and restored early to late 70's Marantz separates. One thing I noticed is from about '75 on they tended to not have the same Marantz house sound. That big fat round sound some comment on becomes less and less noticable. I would think the Esotic line would sound more accurate for lack of a better word. The SC8 being a more simplified design would cause me to lean more towards the SC6 that still used a fist full of fets. It's too bad Marantz Japan couldn't keep the Esotic line going.

 

[liemjerry]

The SC8 was the last in that line I think. It never had the Esotic logo. The circuit design was simplified a bit compared to the Esotic SC7. The SC6 carried the Esotic label with the early models only. Both the 6 and 8 look very similar inside. I've collected and restored early to late 70's Marantz separates. One thing I noticed is from about '75 on they tended to not have the same Marantz house sound. That big fat round sound some comment on becomes less and less noticable. I would think the Esotic line would sound more accurate for lack of a better word. The SC8 being a more simplified design would cause me to lean more towards the SC6 that still used a fist full of fets. It's too bad Marantz Japan couldn't keep the Esotic line going.

how about the sound quality if they're connected to the same power amp ?
between SC6 vs SC8

thank you

 

[Lavane]

I have only heard a SC7. It sounds a lot like the 3650. It had a more accurate detailed sound compared to earlier preamps like the 33,3300,3600,etc.. I dought any of the Esotic type preamps sound like the earlier Marantz equipment. I would think the SC6 will have more in common with the SC7 then the SC8 circuit wise. Have you tried doing searches for reviews or SC6 vs SC8 searches?

 

[liemjerry]

I have only heard a SC7. It sounds a lot like the 3650. It had a more accurate detailed sound compared to earlier preamps like the 33,3300,3600,etc.. I dought any of the Esotic type preamps sound like the earlier Marantz equipment. I would think the SC6 will have more in common with the SC7 then the SC8 circuit wise. Have you tried doing searches for reviews or SC6 vs SC8 searches?

I have SC8, but have not heard SC6, SC8 have more dynamic sound, sound more powerfull when I drive it with Adcom GFA-545-II
don't know what if using SC6

 

[Lavane]

It should sound similar. Maybe one has a little better sound stage? From what I could find the SC6 was a slightly cheaper model than the SC7. Sorta like the difference between the 3250 and 3650 maybe? Both being nice preamps though. Where as the SC8 was a more simplified version of the SC6 and SC7. The biggest difference may be in the phono stage. The SC6 uses 14 Fets. These are nice low noise transistors. Especially if using a MC cartridge on your turntable. The Esotic line was short lived unfortunately and it can be hard to find more I found on them.

 

[Fochemex]

Hi All, the Tone Switch in my Marantz SC8 is broken. Is there anyone who can help me to find a replacement? Thanks Fochemex Amsterdam