MARANTZ TT15s1 very poor on/off switch

cla6665

cla6665

Active Member
Not a huge problem but at the same time annoying:
I bought a brand new Marantz TT15S1 about 6 months ago and I use it almost every day.
Well after 6 months the on/off switch doesn't work anymore, I open the motor up and check the switch, the thing is so poorly made that it's not even funny, the cheapest switch I have ever seen.
I am just surprised that considering the price of a TT like that, that uses Clearaudio motors by the way, they couldn't spend a couple of more pennies and install a better switch.
That is one component that is very important IMO, how many times do you turn the TT on and off, thousands probably.
You spend a couple of K's on a TT and the stupid switch in a joke, I dodn't know but it's frustrating.
I have 50 years old TT's and the bloody switches work just like new, vintage is the way to go guys:):):):)
 
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cla6665 said:
Not a huge problem but at the same time annoying:
I bought a brand new Marantz TT15S1 about 6 months ago and I use it almost every day.
Well after 6 months the on/off switch doesn't work anymore, I open the motor up and check the switch, the thing is so poorly made that it's not even funny, the cheapest switch I have ever seen.
I am just surprised that considering the price of a TT like that, that uses Clearaudio motors by the way, they couldn't spend a couple of more pennies and install a better switch.
That is one component that is very important IMO, how many times do you turn the TT on and off, thousands probably.
You spend a couple of K's on a TT and the stupid switch in a joke, I dodn't know but it's frustrating.
I have 50 years old TT's and the bloody switches work just like new, vintage is the way to go guys:):):):)
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This is the 1st reported failure I have seen online concerning switch failure. I also have that table, and I have disassembled the motor body for inspection, and it appears to use all high quality parts....even if the motor itself is smallish and not a high torque unit... but I did not pay attention to the power switch itself at all I must admit..... so that very well could be crap. But it seems highly unlikely they chose the switch to save money - perhaps just an error in switch choice? Every part of that table/arm system seems to be designed with no signs of 'cost saving' in mind - just high performance. Even the grade of acrylic used for the base - even though I don't know of any advantage in doing so - they used GS aircraft grade acrylic according to data/information I read elsewhere. This grade cost several times more as compared to standard acrylic. Maybe the designer thought it added something to the sound? I have no clue. Also, I have measured the speed stability, and this table uses a very stable motor - virtually no audible pitch change should exist on any type of recording unlike the motors on many lesser belt driven tables.

Is the switch a common fit type that you can easily replace? Additionally, it may be convenient to just forget that switch built into the motor body (a pain to use in any event) and just bypass it and install a switch on the power chord.

As for "vintage is the way to go"... well.... that is an entirely different subject. But the TT15S1 is a fairly advanced modern table and arm system with very high performance that not many vintage table/arm systems are going to compare well when put up against the TT15S1 if the subject of comparison is neutrality/low coloration.

BTW, are you the guy that lucked out and got this table on eBay for super dirt cheap (like $400 or something?)? I think the table is a bargain at it's regular price of $1700 compared to the other offerings on the market. $400 is like the deal of the century. :)

-Chris
 
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It makes sense WmAx, probably a poor choice with the switch.
I am not complaining about the TT, I am very happy with it, very nice machine, and it sound unbelievable paired with my Grado Sonata1, really beautiful.
I am just surprised about the switch, I don't think it will be a problem replacing it.
Yes, my friend it's me:):) I almost didn't want to post the switch problem, I felt bad complaining after I got such a deal.
I got the TT for $350 including shipping, I couldn't even believe that the guy actually took the offer.
I just put it out there to see what would happen and to my surprise the guy took it, the TT was new, original box and everything that comes with it.
Once in a while luck comes around .....:banana::thmbsp:
 
So, you got an $800 dollar cartridge for $150, and they threw in a very nice table to go with it!

Great deal on a great turntable.
 
BTW, Turntabledepot.com, AK advertiser with banner on this page, makes a very nice dustcover for the Marantz TT15S1 table. Much less expensive than the Clearaudio one that my dealer offered to order in.

Very nice folks with whom to deal, as well.
 
cla6665 said:
It makes sense WmAx, probably a poor choice with the switch.
I am not complaining about the TT, I am very happy with it, very nice machine, and it sound unbelievable paired with my Grado Sonata1, really beautiful.
I am just surprised about the switch, I don't think it will be a problem replacing it.
Yes, my friend it's me:):) I almost didn't want to post the switch problem, I felt bad complaining after I got such a deal.
I got the TT for $350 including shipping, I couldn't even believe that the guy actually took the offer.
I just put it out there to see what would happen and to my surprise the guy took it, the TT was new, original box and everything that comes with it.
Once in a while luck comes around .....:banana::thmbsp:
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Wow you are one tough customer! I'll buy it from you with the bad switch for what you paid no problem!
Regards,
Jim
 
luvvinvinyl said:
BTW, Turntabledepot.com, AK advertiser with banner on this page, makes a very nice dustcover for the Marantz TT15S1 table. Much less expensive than the Clearaudio one that my dealer offered to order in.

Very nice folks with whom to deal, as well.
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Well, now, that's good to know!
 
Maybe even cheaper for a cover - I have contacted a few online custom acrylic case makers - usually dealing with trophies and collectibles. Anyways, some give very reasonable estimates for turn table covers, such as in the $100-$140 range, IME. This is with thick material, at least 1/4", and one place quoted that price range for 1/2".

-Chris
 
Don't get me wrong guys....... I LOOVE that thing, beside the good deal you know...:yes:
I am looking to get a cover pretty soon, I already work with a company that does acrylic work, I think I'll try to get a quote from them.
I have a really nice black widow tonearm that I'd like to use, I am thinking on building a nice arm board so I can add a second tonearm to the TT, that would be an interesting project, I'll post some pics when I have it ready
Cheers
 
The company that I am working with are putting together nice thick covers for Marantz6300 and 6100 for a round $65 plus delivery.
If anybody needs one or would like a quote I can get in touch with them, no problem
 
cla6665 said:
Don't get me wrong guys....... I LOOVE that thing, beside the good deal you know...:yes:
I am looking to get a cover pretty soon, I already work with a company that does acrylic work, I think I'll try to get a quote from them.
I have a really nice black widow tonearm that I'd like to use, I am thinking on building a nice arm board so I can add a second tonearm to the TT, that would be an interesting project, I'll post some pics when I have it ready
Cheers
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I would like a hook up on a cover for my TT15S1 that cheap! :)

As for the other arm ... you must have another cartridge you want to use also, suited to the super low mass widow arm? The CA arm is of outstanding quality and a very low resonance design - extremely neutral. Bearing/gimbal is of the highest possible quality, using polished sapphire thrust pads with tungsten bearing points; lowest friction possible static bearing type possible.

-Chris
 
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WmAx if you like I can get in touch with them tomorrow and get a quote for you, I might just order one for myself too, let me know.
I am looking around for a nice cart, I'll see what I can find
 
cla6665 said:
WmAx if you like I can get in touch with them tomorrow and get a quote for you, I might just order one for myself too, let me know.
I am looking around for a nice cart, I'll see what I can find
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Yes, I would like a quote. Be sure the size you quote is large enough to allow hinge clearance opening angle, if I for example decided to mount hinges on the back of the cover and have it attached to a base that the table can sit upon.

-Chris
 
I see, you don't want a cover that would not sit on the plinth correct?
Do you have the original tonearm, so I can check for height clearance.
 
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