Numistrek09
Super Member
I was wondering, what would those well versed in Marantz pick as the top 3 best solid state preamps they made?
Best Marantz Pre Amp
- Thread starter Numistrek09
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From my experience - it depends on what you are matching it up too!
Matching is everything in audio.
Marantz made some pretty good preamps all in all. I don't really know of any "dogs". So again, I think most all of them are good in their own rights.
My favorite was the 3600 and 3800 - which are similar in design.
The 3650 or SC-9 is good if you have a 10k-47k impedance amp. if you have the proper amp to match it's ok. An improper match - you have crap. Also you must have the money to have it COMPLETELY restored and have every connection resoldered. And I'm not kidding with that!
The 3300 has a lighter sound than the 3600. But it is also one of my favorites
charles
Matching is everything in audio.
Marantz made some pretty good preamps all in all. I don't really know of any "dogs". So again, I think most all of them are good in their own rights.
My favorite was the 3600 and 3800 - which are similar in design.
The 3650 or SC-9 is good if you have a 10k-47k impedance amp. if you have the proper amp to match it's ok. An improper match - you have crap. Also you must have the money to have it COMPLETELY restored and have every connection resoldered. And I'm not kidding with that!
The 3300 has a lighter sound than the 3600. But it is also one of my favorites
charles
ChrisMarantz
Super Member
I agree with Charles that matching the preamp to its amplifier seems to be the key. I have a 7T which I use with a model 15 amplifier, a 33 which I use with its matching model 32 amp and a 3200 to go with a 140 amp.
Each preamp has its own unique sound and character. When I mix and match the results vary quite a bit. The 7T seems to be the most "universal" of the three models. The 3200 has a certain brightness that the rest don't have plus it has mid level controls which I like to have in a preamp. I think the 33 is my favorite when matched to its 32 amp but the results when paired with the 140 is less than great.
Each preamp has its own unique sound and character. When I mix and match the results vary quite a bit. The 7T seems to be the most "universal" of the three models. The 3200 has a certain brightness that the rest don't have plus it has mid level controls which I like to have in a preamp. I think the 33 is my favorite when matched to its 32 amp but the results when paired with the 140 is less than great.
SB Marantz
Well-Known Member
Do you guys level the volume and balance within 0,5 db when comparing gear or just hook up another preamp or amp and say / think that it sounds different?
I think it is very dangerous to say that fx the 7 sounds very different then a SC-1000.
Imo the 2 mentioned above ''sound'' very alike.
I think it is very dangerous to say that fx the 7 sounds very different then a SC-1000.
Imo the 2 mentioned above ''sound'' very alike.
Arkay
Lunatic Member
I take it "fx" now means "for example," instead of the movie-world's "effects?"
I kn hrdly wat til Nglsh is ol riitn lik ths! NOT!
I do agree with you: matching up properly is critical to making a fair comparison, both in terms of impedance-matching of the gear, and in terms of equivalent SPLs when listening/comparing. Otherwise, it's "apples and oranges."
I love the sound of the 3650... when matched up with suitable source and power amp. It goes well with the 300dc, IMO, as it should, since they were designed to be compatible.
I had a 3250B, but sold it. Maybe I made a mistake(?), but it's okay; it wasn't all that good cosmetically, anyway.
Marantz Reference SC-7s2
http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=ReferenceSeries&ProductId=SC7S2
http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=ReferenceSeries&ProductId=SC7S2
ChrisMarantz
Super Member
Could you explain how you would setup a comparison of preamps using the same amplifier? I would be interested in trying a controlled comparison in place of a random observation.
BinaryMike
Pelagic EE
I think the best approach is to construct an input/output switcher with redundant parallel sets of contacts in high-quality small signal relays. The relay coils could be powered through a simple manually-operated A/B or A/B/X switch hookup, but you might want some way to randomize and record the selections from a listening session as well; for double-blind testing. It's probably easiest to make a computer interface in this case, and do the fancy stuff in software. You will also need a sinewave generator and AC voltmeter to precisely equalize preamp gains.
So you like the 7T? I've always heard it don't do so well. What, if you don't mind, is your take on the 7T?
+2 on the 3800- wonderful!
jstang
Honey,I can't hear you...
Refurb process has few steps that are a little than one would expect....and they make a difference.....
SB Marantz
Well-Known Member
I'm using one of these for that: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-way-audio-control-/280616679554
Works great
jstang
Honey,I can't hear you...
Just quoting Saul.... The comment was made at the time the 7t was released. I believe he meant it as "The 7t is a work of genius. The 7 is very tough act to follow....and Sid Smith did it....."
One has to keep in mind that Saul was the lead sales guy as well as being "Saul"....but I doubt he would have said such a comment lightly in 1966 or 67...
One has to keep in mind that Saul was the lead sales guy as well as being "Saul"....but I doubt he would have said such a comment lightly in 1966 or 67...
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No to put a bad light on Saul, but Saul was trying to sell new preamps. True he was a leader in audio, but don't forget that he was also pushing his NEWER stuff.
Having heard the 7T I can say it's nice. A piece of good audio gear of that era. But it did have that distinctive early transistor sound that I personally didn't care for. Of course this is ONLY my own opinion.
charles
Having heard the 7T I can say it's nice. A piece of good audio gear of that era. But it did have that distinctive early transistor sound that I personally didn't care for. Of course this is ONLY my own opinion.
charles
Modegard
Well-Known Member
I heard the same thing and lumped them in with early solid state equipement like the Citation A. I changed my tune when I got mine. I had it gone through and it sounds great. I pair it with an 8B. I've got a 7 tube preamp as well, so I have some basis in comparison. Sure, in absolute terms the tube piece is better (to my ears), but the 7t still sounds wonderful. The build quality is excellent too, on a par with the Marantz 7. If one comes up at a good price, you may be amazed like I've been.
