Smitten with Marantz...

[betterthan]

So...I have been considering getting some "new" audio gear for awhile now...and if I get something modern...it will more than likely be the Onkyo A-9555 with all the matching components (so why am I in the Marantz-specific forum again??)

Well...my searching almost always ends with me typing "510m" or "3800" into ebay or google and as the title of this post might indicate...I am rather taken with the idea of having a 3800 preamp, 510m amp, 150 tuner, and 6300 turntable system. (Much like member "schwarcw" has shown in the 'show your stuff' thread...if you are reading this I would love to get some kind of response)

I am not what you would particularly describe as an audiophile by any means...I am more of a collector/hobbyist with a passion for music...I am pretty happy with my Technics SA-500 receiver and okay with the somewhat mediocre TX-8211 Onkyo receiver I have, too. But...obviously I'm looking for a little more...

I am confident that the vintage Marantz gear will more than satisfy what I'm looking for (even though I've never heard any of these components)...and be really good looking while doing so...and I am okay with cleaning everything up and recapping if necessary...but at the same time I don't want to end up with a disfunctional nightmare/money pit that will make me wish I had gone for the new Onkyo...or something else.

This is my first post here on audiokarma...so I apologize if this is out of place for whatever reason...and I also realize that this post is a bit vague and has no clear objective...

So...I am just looking for any suggestions, advice, warnings, criticisms...whatever you can throw at me is appreciated

Thanks, Chris

 

[betterthan]

I guess its also relevant that I mention I am hoping to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $2000...less than $1500 would be ideal...and I am willing to run the cheaper 250m if my budget doesnt allow for the 510m

 

[bolly]

check out SM-8, SC-8, and ST-8 betterthan, very lookin Marantz!

 

[Mark B]

Welcome to AK! The 510m is a very nice amp. The more affordable little brother of the 500.

 

[betterthan]

is it possible to do this for under $2000?

I don't want to go halfway and decide its going to be too much of an expense...

 

[winters860]

I'd say you should have no trouble assembling up your turntable/tuner/preamp/amp under your $2000 budget if you wait until after tax refund season (not that I need anyone else looking for a 150 or 3800 ).

I don't know how handy you are, but if I were sitting on that rig, I'd immediately want a competant tech to give it a basic checkup at the very least. Comprehensive restoration of each one could easily have you spending another grand.

 

[betterthan]

My experience is limited to cleaning controls and replacing a few caps in my SA500 receiver...I have a nice multimeter...but I would probably have to read up on how to properly diagnose the circuitry...

So, yeah...I am a little afraid of getting in over my head with it...and have no idea how much the servicing/parts would be

I really like the vintage gear for many reasons...the performance and especially the styling of this setup really appeals to me...I swear I have dreams of blue glowing boxes at night...

But my logic tells me to buy reliable, clean, and modern stuff (enter the Onkyo A-9555) while nowhere near as pretty or powerful...its respectable and reliable

(Im singing supertramps "the logical song" in my head right now)

I'm here to gain an impression...so somebody convince me!

 

[Tmac83]

I agree with Winters comment about Tax Refund Season. It's a seller's market right now on ebay. There was a 6300 that went for over $600 the other week, which is just way to much. People are crazy right now. If you wait until summer you might be able to find some better deals. You could also post a want add here at AK and you should check out your local Craig's List adds everyday. You will be surprised at what pops up. Overall, even though it is difficult, be patient and you will find stuff in good shape for much less than what is on the auction site. That way you have money left over for restoration. Welcome to AK!

TC

 

[schwarcw]

Well...my searching almost always ends with me typing "510m" or "3800" into ebay or google and as the title of this post might indicate...I am rather taken with the idea of having a 3800 preamp, 510m amp, 150 tuner, and 6300 turntable system. (Much like member "schwarcw" has shown in the 'show your stuff' thread...if you are reading this I would love to get some kind of response)

Thanks, Chris

Chris,

Welcome to AudioKarma and thanks for your kind words about my Marantz system. It was build one piece at a time, and I had a litle luck along the way.:yes:

My first Marantz piece was a 2230 receiver that I bought in 1974. I owned that thing for more than 25 years. The last ten years of it's life it was used by my children in their "system". I gave it away to a friend who did some maintenance and gave it to a wanting owner. I missed that thing and maybe for nostalgic reasons of recapturing my youth, I bought another last year.

My message is that start with a vintage receiver like the 2230, 2270 or some of the other classic 2200 series models. Get one in great condition both cosmetic and functional. I see these frequently for sale here or there. Some of the internet auction sites and audio Forums such as this one. The receiver will jump start you into vintage Marantz gear. Then you can find separate components as they come available. I love my Marantz 6300 turntable, but there are a lot of good vintage tables to be found in garage sales, flea markets, etc. The hunt can be good fun and the good score makes the pursuit memorable. Thanks again for the comments on my system.

BTW, that 510M amp is currently driving these Carver AL-III speakers. What a sound!

Good luck in the hunt!

Carl

 

[SoCal Sam]

Welcome betterthan! I'm listening to my 2385 and was just thinking how much I like Marantz when I saw the title to your thread.

$2000 budget? Now you're talkin'! If you like the later silver on silver look, try the 300DC/2130/3650. The 3650 is the big ticket item so you might want to go with the 3250B to sneak under budget. The scoped 2500 receiver and the 2385 fall easily within your budget. I have both but prefer running the 2385 because it is less complex (less to go wrong!).

 

[betterthan]

yeah...the 300DC/2130/3650 would be a great setup as from what I can tell it performs a little better than what I have in mind...but the fact that theres a 2130 tuner on ebay right now with a buy it now for $2000 by itself!! Wow...I mean I know they're good...but...really?

Getting a receiver would be a good way to get me started I think...but I was also thinking about maybe starting with the 3800 preamp and running some of those 1990s MA500 or 700 Marantz mono amps off of it since they can be had cheaply until I work up the nerve to invest in the matching amp...

Then again...starting with a receiver would ultimately give me another vintage Marantz piece to build another, smaller system with once I finish collecting the one I have in mind lol...

I've never even seen or heard any of the components I want...I dont think its a gamble necessairily...but it is a little crazy...nothing wrong with that though