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Need Help! Marantz or Optonica?

Salvatore

Salvatore

New Member
I am talking to two different people about buying a receiver. One has an Optonica 5406. It is partially recapped, STK drivers are new, had an LED upgrade, and all of the pots and switches have been cleaned. It's essentially brand new. He's asking $225.

The other is a Marantz MA-600. I know that it was made after they sold to Phillips, so it's not a highly desirable one, but it's still a Marantz. Everything works, and I don't believe anything has been upgraded or changed on the unit. He wants $150.

Which would you choose? I have an Optonica turntable, and I know they are a very good brand. But I also know Marantz is one of the best. I'm really stuck here, and I need to make a decision fast.
 
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That's what I'm leaning towards. I know Optonica wasn't one of the most well-known brands and they are kind of getting a resurgence today. They're great products. But I kind of got blinded by the Marantz brand name.
 
I had a Optonica turntable and the speed was rock solid and built like a tank. If the receivers are of the same quality I would go for it, and those Darlington packs sound really good if used properly in the design.
 
Ebay says...niether. The Marantz is over priced by a lot. There is no sales history on the Optonica but $225 seems steep to me considering other Optonica receivers that sold.
 
I'd have to have 100% proof that the replacement STKs that went into the Optonica were original before I even considered buying it (like a receipt from BDent or another reputable vendor).
Also, I agree with Sam, the prices are pretty high for the Marantz.
 
IMO, the Optonica one at $225 is quite cheap and quite a bargain if you consider the extensive service that been done to it, including the partial recap, as described by the OP. The ebay Optonica receivers that I saw are either sold "as-is", parts unit, or otherwise not serviced, so not any real legit comparision here. An extensive service with many new parts (assuming they're genuine) on a vintage receiver as described by the OP, and if done properly by a good tech and can be verified, does not comes by cheap or free. A competent and good tech will likely charge you more than $225 for that kind of extensive service work. We're not talking here about just spraying some contact cleaner here and there and that's it.
 
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If they were both new out of the box, Marantz would win hands down. The superior circuit design and execution gives the thumbs up to Marantz. So whats changed. The circuit design hasn't changed, the chassis has not changed, execution has not changed. Ok So some components have changed value. Buy the Marantz at a good price and get it restored.
But you will probably be much better off searching for a new piece or one just a few years old at a good price where age is not a concern.
 
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