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Should I take on this Marantz 1030 as a project?

varox84

varox84

Active Member
I have a chance to buy a broken Marantz 1030. The unit looks OK and according to the seller the left channel cracks and distorts "sometimes".

I have taken on the hobby of repairing audio gear not so long ago and thanks to this forum I went from not knowing what a solder iron was to succesfully recapping an sx-434. Not wow, but everybody needs to start somewhere.

I was wondering if you think the amp would be repairable given the little we know and whether this could turn out to be a nice project.

Thank you all as always!
 
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Yes.

If you're interested in learning and DIY, you have to start somewhere.
Starting with something common and desirable is best.
Starting with something that works at all is best too.

An available service manual is always good.
http://www.hifiengine.com/library/marantz/1030.shtml

Use the google search option above here to see what threads exist. You may find some common "known" issues.


BUT, it may just need some deoxit. About 90% of what I find working only needs cleaning.
 
The Pioneer SX-434 which I recapped was functioning and now sounds way better of course. My next victim is a Marantz 2216 which is also functioning.

As for this Marantz 1030, the seller thinks there is nothing wrong with the pots. That remains to be seen of course... I agree with you, I see it as paying 40 USD (including shipping) to learn a bunch, but please correct me if Im wrong.
 
varox84 said:
As for this Marantz 1030, the seller thinks there is nothing wrong with the pots. That remains to be seen of course... I agree with you, I see it as paying 40 USD (including shipping) to learn a bunch, but please correct me if Im wrong.
Click to expand...

I assume the seller knows nothing. I "fixed" a lot of things with deoxit.
40 USD with shipping is about as cheap as it can get.
 
If it's only one channel and not the volume pot or other control, might be as simple as recapping the amp board and new transistors. That usually cures it. If you don't mind me asking, what's the significance of your avatar? Naked man, smoking in bed. Some might say disturbing ("not that there's anything wrong with that").
 
Thanks to all of you!

If you don't mind me asking, what's the significance of your avatar? Naked man, smoking in bed. Some might say disturbing ("not that there's anything wrong with that").
Click to expand...

As for my avatar, it's just (what I think to be) a funny picture of Mr. Fela Kuti, pioneer (some would say inventor) of Afrobeat music, human rights activist, and political figure. If you havent heard of him I strongly recommend you check him out.


Cheers!
 
So... I've bought it... it will arrive in a couple of days. I will let you know my first impresions.


Chris, do you happen to have a recap list? I will compare it to what I see inside and the service manual, but its a nice to have.

Another question: Would I be missing much if I recap using a mix of panasonic FC caps, Nichicon PW and Vishay? Why? because I live in the netherlands and I can buy these easily without paying mouser's ridiculous shipping costs.

Thank y'all!
 
varox84 said:
So... I've bought it... it will arrive in a couple of days. I will let you know my first impresions.


Chris, do you happen to have a recap list? I will compare it to what I see inside and the service manual, but its a nice to have.

Another question: Would I be missing much if I recap using a mix of panasonic FC caps, Nichicon PW and Vishay? Why? because I live in the netherlands and I can buy these easily without paying mouser's ridiculous shipping costs.

Thank y'all!
Click to expand...

I don't have a capacitor list, models like the 1030 vary some depending on when it was manufactured.

Also, I think it's best to get really deeply involved in any refurbishment project and looking through a unit and making a component list is always a good way to start a project.
 
Thanks Chris, I agree.

As for my other question (below), any insights?

Would I be missing much if I recap using a mix of panasonic FC caps, Nichicon PW and Vishay? Why? because I live in the netherlands and I can buy these easily without paying mouser's ridiculous shipping costs.
Click to expand...

Of course, if I need to change transistors (which I will probably have to) I will recur to mouser anyways...
 
Mix away, i've done it before without negative results. Some people get "picky" about what they are replacing with, so long as they are good quality caps such as the ones you are listing you are good to go. I think most people are guilty about mixing cap brands in gear. You can't always get the values or sizes you need for specific purposes so you are stuck mixing. I've redone units that run panny main caps with nichicon caps on all the boards, no big deal.
 
bktheking said:
Mix away, i've done it before without negative results. Some people get "picky" about what they are replacing with, so long as they are good quality caps such as the ones you are listing you are good to go. I think most people are guilty about mixing cap brands in gear. You can't always get the values or sizes you need for specific purposes so you are stuck mixing. I've redone units that run panny main caps with nichicon caps on all the boards, no big deal.
Click to expand...

+1
I use whatever good quality, low ESR caps I can source, and will I typically use a mixture of Nichicon PS, PW; Panasonic FM, FR; UCC KZE. I consider these caps to be more or less equivalent and buy whatever is in stock.
 
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