• 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

what amplifier should i get for a marantz 2100 tuner?

Symphonette

Symphonette

New Member
hello there folks, I am Pretty new to this world and the idea of a tuner without an amplifier is a brand new concept to me. So now that i have this tuner I am guessing I need an amplifier? I have seen Marantz "integrated amplifiers" on ebay and they are pretty expensive. Whats the deal with having the tuner separate from the amplifier? Was this common and why? Any suggestions on affordable amplifiers I can pair with the 2100?
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
There were/are two rationales.
  • Completely separate power supplies for each component.
  • Conversely, if one's source was primarily (or only) phono and/or tape, why buy a receiver?
Dollar for dollar, more performance from an integrated amplifier than a receiver (i.e., if the tuner isn't a "must have").

So, you can use any amplifier you want. Get a modern "Class D" desktop amp and have a nice sounding, compact & cost effective system.
In terms of the Marantz integrateds that the 2100 would've been (could've) been paired with when new...

marantzes by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
The 2100 was pretty low end for the Marantz tuners of the time (ca. 1977 or 78)
That EDIT "2020" was a decided step below the 21xx tuners (note the lack of the goofy but oh-so-Marantz "gyrotouch" tuning, e.g.), just as the "15xx" receivers were a step below the "22xx" receivers of the same era.

marantzamps by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
Either the1060B or the 1090 would have been considered a match in terms of price and performance.
 
fascinating. Thanks so much for the info. I'm not sure what I am going to do. I have a nice Harman Kardon 330C am/fm receiver paired with some Klipsch bookshelf speakers for myself. I was thinking of putting together a system for my sister with the Marantz 2100 and some old Realistic mc500 speakers.Even though the 2100 is low end, it is still low end in the 70's and that is probably more high end then her earbuds!
 
Last edited:
Since I don't have an amp I hooked it up to my H/K 330C and hooked antennae to both. The Marantz was significantly louder than the H/K but I couldn't get a station to come in without a lot of interference. The same stations came in crystal clear on the H/K. I don't know if that is something that might be solved by recapping or alignment?
 
Try physically moving the Marantz tuner with respect to the 330C* -- the little hk receiver's power supply and/or the local oscillator(s) in its tuner(s) might be interfering with the Marantz tuner's reception.

Do you have the tuner hooked to the AUX input on the 330C, or are you using the tape monitor?
In the former case, I presume the tuner is disabled (although I don't know that) -- in the latter case, it may well not be (since the tape loop should allow one to record, and monitor, from the tuner).

upload_2021-1-20_15-50-29.png
from the 330c SM posted here at AK: http://akdatabase.com/AKview/albums/userpics/10004/Harman Kardon 330c Service.pdf

_____________
* move it away if possible and/or try turning it to a right angle with respect to its current orientation. Note that you may do this in any of three dimensions. :)
 
In the 70's most people had a reciever, which included an amp/tuner but, I think it was Pioneer around 74, went to separate those two. The big world of stereo components was born, the idea was that you'd put them in a cool stack, some even had rack handles for the industrial look. Most of these had matching units so when they were stacked they had the same width. The audio purists loved to find the perfect combination from different manufacturers for their perfect sound. I try to collect the whole stack, that's one of the reasons I have have a boatload of tape-decks, everyone was tossing these 20 years ago but I always love the classic look of a stack so I held on to them.

The 2100 is a very nice tuner and it's huge. Personally, I'd sell it if I was you, they go for good money and put that back into a reciever that's fits your idea better, the matching Marantz Tuner will be going for big dollars.
 
Hmm.... Not sure I agree with that. Marantz and others had separates before they had receivers. They made the tuner 8B, 9 etc. amps, 10B tuner and 7C pre-all tube separates. Don't think they made receivers until they went solid state, but I could be wrong. The double digits series like the 19, 18 etc. But they were still selling separates such as the 7T, 33, 3300 pre amps, 15, 16, 16B amps, 20, 120 tuners etc. Then they started selling the 22XX series receivers and those sold like hot cakes. But I believe they were cheaper than a full set of separates.

Generally separates were considered better, a step up from receivers and more expensive. All in one receivers were popular because of the price, convenience of having everything in one unit and performance was decent. But stuffing a tuner, amp and pre in one box has some drawbacks because of space limitations. Except for maybe the totl receivers.

The 2100 isn't totl, but it's not bad. A good place to start. You can always trade up later. I have a 2110. I think it has the same tuner as the 2100, but with the added oscilloscope. I had it refurbished and it works like it should and like new. As far as performance, it's not my best performing tuner, but it will tune in the stations that I listen to just fine and sounds very good to me. I'm not complaining. And the scope is just sooo cool!. It matches my 3250B pre, 170DC amp and 5030 tape deck. To upgrade my matching tuner, I'd have to buy a 2130 and those things are $$$$$$$$, so that's probably not going to happen unless one miraculously falls in my lap... If I want to listen to a highly sensitive, high performing dx'ing tuner, I get out my Kenwood KT-8007, Technics ST-9030, Nikko Gamma V, Sansui TU-717 or the king of all my tuners, the Sony XDRF1HD.:D

But that's just my opinion...

To learn a little about Marantz, this may be of interest to you.
 
Last edited:
thanks so much for this info. I really like my Harman Kardon so I just sold the Marantz. Now to find a turntable! Currently I have a 1972 Longines Symphonette stereo with tuner:eek: playing through the HK330C with Klipsch speakers... Pretty sure that might be criminal here at audiokarma :D
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom