• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

To restore or not to restore...

ocdecio

ocdecio

The proof of the restoring is in the listening.
Subscriber
I see there is a 240 on the fleabay for $1655.55. Not saying it isn't worth it or anything like that, but the guy claims to be a former Marantz tech and that he calibrated the unit and it works, with 30 day warranty. I don't doubt it.

The amp is completely original from what I can see on the photos. The big filter caps are factory. Which begs the question - are we increasing or decreasing the value of these units by restoring them? I think I know the technical answer (electrolytics must go) but it made me pause for sure.
 
Register to hide this ad
IMO, if the work was at least competent then we are absolutely increasing the value for any serious buyer.
The trick will be determining if the work was competent. Sure, all the tech can pop the top and know pretty quick - but so many people couldn't do that. How do they know then?
 
Dingman said:
IMO, if the work was at least competent then we are absolutely increasing the value for any serious buyer.
The trick will be determining if the work was competent. Sure, all the tech can pop the top and know pretty quick - but so many people couldn't do that. How do they know then?
Click to expand...
So true! But in this case a tech that claims to be the real deal decided NOT to restore anything and is asking top dollar (beyond what I think reasonable) for it. Does he know something we don't or he is just trying to profit as much as possible?
 
ocdecio said:
I see there is a 240 on the fleabay for $1655.55. Not saying it isn't worth it or anything like that, but the guy claims to be a former Marantz tech and that he calibrated the unit and it works, with 30 day warranty. I don't doubt it.

The amp is completely original from what I can see on the photos. The big filter caps are factory. Which begs the question - are we increasing or decreasing the value of these units by restoring them? I think I know the technical answer (electrolytics must go) but it made me pause for sure.
Click to expand...
Just because someone claims to be, or even is actually a "Marantz" tech, doesn't mean he is a competent tech. I have seen many a "factory authorized service" look like a 12 yr old butcher did the job... And that "price" of 1655.55 is a red flag to me anyways... Sounds like what a used car salesman would do....
 
Leaving it alone doesn't increase the value, it increases the price in conjunction with the required marketing of "former Marantz tech". There - summed it up from all of the comments because I know it all. :jump::rflmao::banana::banana:
 
I think the OP has some knowledge on how to restore the 240/250 amps. Just look at the pics and see what has been replaced. I always encourage people looking to get a vintage piece, to *first* find the restore thread on AK to understand what they are getting into. when I get something, I assume it doesn't work and do a few DBT tests before I put it in the main system.

I've had amps with cut cords that worked fine and the opposite.

the tech might have checked bias and DC offset and cleaned the meter pots. 'calibrated'!

A lot of us know the 250 and some of the challenges to get it working with modern (available) components.
 
@rickl you be the judge.

I see an old relay, original filter caps and I could not find a single electrolytic that was replaced. It is all clean for sure, but as we all know...

lostamanys-l1600.jpg
 
doesn't look like anything was replaced. my guess calibrated is bias check or only dc offset. does yours have bleeders on the PS caps? I don't remember if mine have them.

when I got mine, the relay was welded together when the outputs failed. it was original (from the original owner) but now you can tell that someone has been in my amp with new caps, some transistors including outputs replaced (hopefully not a 12 yr old butcher).

I found the ad. You just need to take your pics on the bench with some test gear in the background :-).
 
Yes, mine is a later model and it looks exactly like the one above except it was fully recapped and some choice silicon replaced so I guess according to Randy's wisdom it decreased in price and increased in value LOL

I need to do that as well leave my scope, gen etc just behind the amp when and if I decide to sell. Which I have no plans for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom