I just got my first Marantz off the bay. It is a 2500, the little brother of the all conquering 2600. WOW, WHAT A SOUND, I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER. I really like staring at the scope in audio mode. It is a CRT that is about one inch diagonally and about 6 inches deep inside.

For once, I had a good experience on the bay. The item was fairly described and well packed. Seller described it as having noise in the volume control and a scope that doesn't do much. Of course we all know noise can clear up with cleaning and it did!!! And, the scope works great, just gotta know which mode to put it in. Anyways, the noise issue kept the bidders away.

Here is a pic from the auction.

Very nice!

Enjoy it. That is one pretty receiver. :thmbsp:

I have never had a Marantz. But I would like one some day. Very nice. :thmbsp:

My complements! :thmbsp: very nice indeed.


Russ

Hey Chris: Like my RX-1603, the 2500 has power to roast my HPM-100's. At low to medium volumes, both are nice listeners with the 2500 perhaps being sweeter and fuller. In our few hours together, I have been running the 2500 with tone control defeated and have been satisfied. The sound is very easy to listen to, an attribute mentioned by Marantz fans and confirmed with my 2500. With the 1603, I will occasionally adjust the tone control, which to me, tells me that the 2500 has it right all the time. The 1603 is a brute whose strength will always be its bass punch. At neighbor bursting volumes the 2500 begins to edge ahead. The 2500 maintains its definition while the RX-1603 has just the slightest hint of muddiness that is only noticable side by side. I think this is a function of the 2500's additional power reserves. For me, the RX-1603 taken by itself is an excellent receiver but the 2500 definitely pushes the bar forward. I realize HPM's are not the best match for these beasts. A more efficient set of speaks will certainly reveal more.

I tried the FM and it is superb. I live in the hills but the tuner has no problems locking onto stations and delivering hiss free audio. Again, the FM sound is fabulous and almost CD-like. The AM section is equally good with a nice warm sound and a surprising amount of definition. IMO, the 2500 tuner is easily a match to my RT-1024 and definitely better than the RX-1603 tuner.

BTW, the scope is mesmerizing!!!! At idle, in audio display mode, the dot is well defined. With audio load, the wave forms are groovy in that 70's kind of way. In tuner display mode, FM works as a fine tune meter and AM works like a vertical signal strength meter. I am not sure what the Multipath display mode does. I wish there were separate scopes for left and right channels but there is no space inside. Anyways, one scope is enough and very, very cool.

here's some scope pics that might help, use the search-function for multipath...you'll need a rotor and an antenna now, me too. :)

hi bond, most here swear by a cleaner by Caig, DeOxit.

Thanks Bolly - what are the differences between the different deoxit's?

Bond

not too sure bond, some are cleaners, some are lubricants etc... one thing though, they aint cheap! ;)

Bolly: Thanks for the scope picture. My stereo and mono readings look right to me. I think my FM center-tuned reading is off a bit because the signal seems best when it is hozontally off center. I get some rise (signal strength) but I am in the hills. I haven't seen the two multipath readings you have yet but as you suggested, a directional antenna is a must have and next on my shopping list. Maybe a tuner tune-up is in order. My AM looks fine to me.

Bond: Your timing on posting the reviews is superb! Not only did I recently score the 2500 but I also got a really good deal on a SX-1980. I paid around $1200 inlcuding shipping for each. Must be tax time. I have been squinting at your posts since they came up. Better scans will be much appreciated. PM with my e-mail address is on the way....

The noise I had came from the 15 Hz and 9 kHz filter buttons. They were mechanically sticking. I used MG Chemicals Nu-trol contact cleaner with lubricating oils to free them up. I used MG zero residue contact cleaner for the other pots that I could easily get to. I am still getting a touch of noise in the input selector control but only when switching. BTW, many of the pots and switches are buried behind boards so when I get some time, I will do it right.

My balance slide seems to be a touch off as well. Centered, the volume from both channels is equal but when all the way to the right, I still get some left audio. My fan is generally pretty quiet but at startup, I can hear the bearings. Have you lubricated your 2600 fans and what do you use?

BTW, your TWO 2600's are beauties.

Use Craigs DeOxit5 for cleaning, and then Graigs ProGold for a final lube.

The 2500 deserves it.

I do all my units as described. It Works :yes: