Feb 8th, 2013 Posted in Marantz, Model 19 | No Comments »
You'll find quite a few people that will tell you that the Marantz Model Nineteen is one of the best receivers ever made. It would be hard to argue with them given that each receiver was hand built and calibrated by Marantz technicians hence the "Custom Calibrated" badge on the front panel. It's said that even the WC-9 wood cases were hand rubbed. It was introduced in 1970 and retailed for about $1000.00 which was bumped up to $1200.00 about a year later. Marantz knew that price was not in the budget of most receiver buyers at the time and basically said so in their advertising. One ad stated, "It is strictly for music lovers whose demand for sound fidelity is beyond the pale of the average listener".
The Model Nineteen has some of the classic Marantz styling features including the gyro-touch tuning wheel and blue tuning dial face that became a mainstay of later Marantz receivers. Some of the receivers also have a champagne colored faceplate.
The Model 19 puts out 50 watts per channel and has a very good FM tuning section and pre-amp. As you can see below it also features a built in oscilloscope that acts as a tuning meter for precision station tuning.
I believe both the Model Eighteen and Model Nineteen were made by Marantz after their sale to Superscope but they were also both designed by Saul Marantz and Sid Smith. It's solid state design incorporated a number of advancements. The tuning circuit is very similar to the Marantz 20B and it has a full complementary output stage which was ahead of its time.
The Model Nineteen is not a huge receiver at 18¼" x 6" x 16" but still weighs in at a hefty 46 pounds! I think the WC-9 wood case was only used on the Model Nineteen though it's possible it was used on the Model Eighteen as well. The case shown below is possibly an aftermarket case as there were a couple companies that made wood cases for Marantz gear in the early 70's.
The brochure below shows how Marantz was targeting the upper end of audio buyers. They had no problem stating that the receiver was expensive, was expensive for a reason, and, unless you have no problem paying for perfection then you probably should look at one of their other receivers.
As one of the classic Marantz receivers the Model Nineteen commands a high price. Higher then most any other 50 watt per channel receiver. Given its quality build and exceptional performance it's probably not over priced. Long term I can't see prices going down either. I recently saw one in excellent condition with its original wood cabinet sell for $1350.00. Generally, without the case they sell for $600 to $800 in good working condition.
Tags: Marantz, Model 19
Dec 14th, 2012 Posted in 4240, Marantz | No Comments »
The Marantz 4240 is one of their Quadraphonic offerings in the 4xxx series. The Model 4240 is a high quality stereo + quadradial receiver and incorporates Marantz's exclusive Vari-matrix circuit which simulates 4-channel sound from normal 2-channel stereo programs, and is capable or reproducing 4-channel sound from any matrix encoded source. It can also reproduce any discrete 4-channel program as well as regular stereo and monaural programs. An optional plug-in decoder adapts the 4240 for any specific matrix system such as Columbias SQ.
The 4240 debuted in 1974 and was on the market until 1978. The receiver had a retail price of $599.95. It had options for an SQA1 Quad Decoder and the SQA2 Quad Decoder as well as the RC4 Remote Control. Of course you could also purchase the WC-22 wood cabinet. With the mode selector you could choose between Mono, 2 Channel, Discrete, Vari Matrix or SQ Decoder modes. The 4240 also has a Dolby selector on the front panel.
The Gyro Touch tuning flywheel was used in this model as it was in many of the Marantz models of that era. While not overly powerful the 4240 put out 40 watts per channel in 2 channel mode and 17 watts per channel in quad mode. The 4240 is not really known as one of Marantz's better receivers but, of course, that is relative to their other high quality models. It doesn't have a protection relay in it so your speakers and the outputs are only protected by fuses which isn't optimal. The output transistors are TO-66 case transistors which are not really sufficient and are no longer available either.
Despite its shortcomings the Marantz 4240 Quadradial does have followers. Of course, any quad collector would want one. They sell for about $250.00 to $400.00.
Tags: Marantz, Marantz 4240, quadraphonic
Dec 11th, 2012 Posted in 2252B, Marantz | No Comments »
Ahhh...another classic Marantz. I know there are some audiophiles out there that feel Marantz receivers are over rated and over priced. Perhaps, but they ooze vintage audio. Their distinct industrial look and design sets them apart as well. This Marantz 2252B is one of the best performers out of all the Marantz models. It's well known for its warm sound and exceptional build quality. Add to that 52 watts per channel and you've got yourself a good receiver.
Originally offered in 1977 and discontinued around 1979 the 2252B retailed for $460.00. You could also pick up the optional WC-22 wood cabinet for that extra top end look. It features separate Bass, Treble and Mid tone controls as well as Hi Filter and Loudness switches. And, as you can see, it incorporates the famous Marantz Gyro Touch flywheel tuner.
There was also a European model of the 2252B that had a black faceplate and is very rare. One common problem with these units is the power switch and fuses. There is one fuse on the rear panel and two on the power supply/power amp board. If these are blown the unit will not even power up. The power switches are also known to fail but they can be purchased rather cheaply. Need a good tech to troubleshoot or restore your Marantz receiver? Try Tom Williams. He's good but the waiting line is long.
All vintage Marantz receivers are in high demand. The 2252B is no exception and even though it isn't a top of the line model its performance and quality make it a highly desirable unit. Add to that the fact that this model isn't that common and you can see why prices are fairly high. A fully functional 2252B in excellent condition can reach $500.00.
Tags: Marantz, Marantz 2252B
