D
Deleted member 50971
Guest
Good morning/afternoon guys/gals.
Disclosure;
*I am not a DIY guy, I do not do my own repairs, other than simple soldering of something like a wire coming off. My point is that I’m not a technician, nor do I want learn how to do any of this project myself. I am willing to learn, but this is out of my league*
I am looking to purchase a Marantz receiver from approximately the mid-1970s too late 1970s, and I believe I have settled on the 2385. after reading the what’s on your bench right now thread that’s going on, I came across some really interesting posts, especially by @restorer-john and some others. I hope he does not mind me tagging him here because I would really appreciate his input as well some of you guys/gals that do rebuilds, and have the experience that I lack, so I can do this correctly.
Please don’t try to change my mind about what model # or brand, and although it’s not set in stone as of yet, the answers I’m seeking can pertain to any piece of gear being rebuilt IMO.
This era in my opinion was a very good one, and there were real manufacturer battles, for specs, for looks, for features, for everything. There are good offerings from Sony, Yamaha, Onkyo, and others and you may be able to flip a coin and have yourself a very nice piece of gear indeed.
I was going to buy (eventually) one of the Marantz units already serviced, buy I’m glad I did pull the trigger yet. Because it was being discussed on the thread that I mentioned earlier about the sonic properties, the sonic signature, how that piece of gear from back in the day will sound with modern parts.
It was also suggested that I try to find one that has not been touched, and original, and one that hasn’t been “rebuilt” and yes everybody seems to have a drawer full of capacitors anymore, and the first thing I see is just that… it’s serviced, rebuilt. I’ve seen them and so have you, dented in metal case, dings everywhere, and you can let your imagination run wild as to what that poor piece of equipment went through.
Let’s say I find a good one for a decent price and it’s original and untouched as far as anyone knows. Let’s also say that it needs some capacitors, although my experience tells me that they’re all not going to be bad, and some will likely fall within spec.
What led up to this seeking out of what some consider a relic and a waste of time from audio yesteryear? Just about the time I was able to drive, some of the late 1970s Marantz‘s, Yamaha‘s, and others were on display at a local audio store. you guys remember the stores, the ones that used to be packed with people especially on Saturdays and evenings, and that’s what we did… we demoed. But this is not the only reason, because they are very good performers, and they look amazing.
I find my present preamp (one of them) unengaging, although it was measured as one of the best preamp‘s on the planet. Don’t get me wrong, it is all that and maybe more, and coupled with my amplifiers and speakers, very revealing and if you don’t have a good recording it’s going to show up. Anyway I thought it lacked character, and it’s sitting collecting dust, because although I wanted to like it, I just don’t.
There’s something to be said about vintage gear, and I’m trying to pick an era when it was done right, and without some of the hiccups of earliest solidstate, and before some of these companies started plasticizing everything, and putting in cheaper parts.
When/if I find the correct piece of gear chances are there’s going to be some capacitors, transistors, whatever it may be that needs to be replaced, or something needs to be aligned.
Are my choice of capacitors or other parts going to change the sign of characteristics of this and other pieces of vintage gear?
Are there other areas or pitfalls that I need to pay attention too?
In the US, does anyone have experience with a technician that I can trust to take the time to get this project right?
Disclosure;
*I am not a DIY guy, I do not do my own repairs, other than simple soldering of something like a wire coming off. My point is that I’m not a technician, nor do I want learn how to do any of this project myself. I am willing to learn, but this is out of my league*
I am looking to purchase a Marantz receiver from approximately the mid-1970s too late 1970s, and I believe I have settled on the 2385. after reading the what’s on your bench right now thread that’s going on, I came across some really interesting posts, especially by @restorer-john and some others. I hope he does not mind me tagging him here because I would really appreciate his input as well some of you guys/gals that do rebuilds, and have the experience that I lack, so I can do this correctly.
Please don’t try to change my mind about what model # or brand, and although it’s not set in stone as of yet, the answers I’m seeking can pertain to any piece of gear being rebuilt IMO.
This era in my opinion was a very good one, and there were real manufacturer battles, for specs, for looks, for features, for everything. There are good offerings from Sony, Yamaha, Onkyo, and others and you may be able to flip a coin and have yourself a very nice piece of gear indeed.
I was going to buy (eventually) one of the Marantz units already serviced, buy I’m glad I did pull the trigger yet. Because it was being discussed on the thread that I mentioned earlier about the sonic properties, the sonic signature, how that piece of gear from back in the day will sound with modern parts.
It was also suggested that I try to find one that has not been touched, and original, and one that hasn’t been “rebuilt” and yes everybody seems to have a drawer full of capacitors anymore, and the first thing I see is just that… it’s serviced, rebuilt. I’ve seen them and so have you, dented in metal case, dings everywhere, and you can let your imagination run wild as to what that poor piece of equipment went through.
Let’s say I find a good one for a decent price and it’s original and untouched as far as anyone knows. Let’s also say that it needs some capacitors, although my experience tells me that they’re all not going to be bad, and some will likely fall within spec.
What led up to this seeking out of what some consider a relic and a waste of time from audio yesteryear? Just about the time I was able to drive, some of the late 1970s Marantz‘s, Yamaha‘s, and others were on display at a local audio store. you guys remember the stores, the ones that used to be packed with people especially on Saturdays and evenings, and that’s what we did… we demoed. But this is not the only reason, because they are very good performers, and they look amazing.
I find my present preamp (one of them) unengaging, although it was measured as one of the best preamp‘s on the planet. Don’t get me wrong, it is all that and maybe more, and coupled with my amplifiers and speakers, very revealing and if you don’t have a good recording it’s going to show up. Anyway I thought it lacked character, and it’s sitting collecting dust, because although I wanted to like it, I just don’t.
There’s something to be said about vintage gear, and I’m trying to pick an era when it was done right, and without some of the hiccups of earliest solidstate, and before some of these companies started plasticizing everything, and putting in cheaper parts.
When/if I find the correct piece of gear chances are there’s going to be some capacitors, transistors, whatever it may be that needs to be replaced, or something needs to be aligned.
Are my choice of capacitors or other parts going to change the sign of characteristics of this and other pieces of vintage gear?
Are there other areas or pitfalls that I need to pay attention too?
In the US, does anyone have experience with a technician that I can trust to take the time to get this project right?
Last edited by a moderator: