Hi everyone,
So for the last couple decades, I've been joyfully listening to my music on a Marantz PM-68. But it's finally developed an electrical problem that I can't seem to solve, and I might have to replace it. So I'm looking for suggestions on a comparable amp.
I listen mostly to vinyl records, with some CDs and MP3s in the mix. Ideally I'd like an amp with a phono input, plus 3 other inputs and at least one tape out for digitizing records. I just need a stereo setup, since I use a different amp for movie-watching with 5.1.
I love the PM-68 for its warm, full sound. But I never listen to it all that loudly– toddlers in the house means it really never goes past 50% volume. I mostly listen to jazz and electronic music, so warmth and clarity are more important than massive bass.
Does anyone have a suggestion for an amp, ideally something I could get used for less than $250, that would give sound that's as good? Thanks, everyone!
D
So for the last couple decades, I've been joyfully listening to my music on a Marantz PM-68. But it's finally developed an electrical problem that I can't seem to solve, and I might have to replace it. So I'm looking for suggestions on a comparable amp.
I listen mostly to vinyl records, with some CDs and MP3s in the mix. Ideally I'd like an amp with a phono input, plus 3 other inputs and at least one tape out for digitizing records. I just need a stereo setup, since I use a different amp for movie-watching with 5.1.
I love the PM-68 for its warm, full sound. But I never listen to it all that loudly– toddlers in the house means it really never goes past 50% volume. I mostly listen to jazz and electronic music, so warmth and clarity are more important than massive bass.
Does anyone have a suggestion for an amp, ideally something I could get used for less than $250, that would give sound that's as good? Thanks, everyone!
D
Welcome to diyAudio. Why not just replace what you like with another. Depending on where you live (no clue from your first post) this could be relatively simple as PM68's are still around out there: MARANTZ integrated amplifier PM-68 | eBay,
The caveat for buying any used products or just nursing your old gear along, is that unless you can afford to repair them, you will just be amassing a pile of dead and dying audio gear. It means you need to be prepared to learn some more and become a DIY guy yourself if you don't want to pay for professional maintenance.
If you like this audiophile model, I think you'll have difficulty replacing it cheaply otherwise. It is probably worth the effort of pro. repair and I would see that as a better use for your $250.
The caveat for buying any used products or just nursing your old gear along, is that unless you can afford to repair them, you will just be amassing a pile of dead and dying audio gear. It means you need to be prepared to learn some more and become a DIY guy yourself if you don't want to pay for professional maintenance.
If you like this audiophile model, I think you'll have difficulty replacing it cheaply otherwise. It is probably worth the effort of pro. repair and I would see that as a better use for your $250.
Thanks for the welcome!
Yeah, I'm definitely going to try getting this one fixed first. I live in NYC, so I hope to find a repair shop here that can handle it.
But I've just had one repair shop be unable to figure it out, so I'm starting to research alternatives in case this one is truly deceased.
Yeah, I'm definitely going to try getting this one fixed first. I live in NYC, so I hope to find a repair shop here that can handle it.
But I've just had one repair shop be unable to figure it out, so I'm starting to research alternatives in case this one is truly deceased.
Make sure you are talking to an audio tech, not a TV and appliance repairer. Often they both have to cope with any work that comes along but audio is a specialised field with quirks unique to some manufacturers and products. They may not come up often if at all but should only be a matter of a little research to an audio guy. Marantz PM-68 - Manual - Stereo Integrated Amplifier - HiFi Engine
Tragically, the amp has proven unfixable– solder melted inside!
So now I'm in the market for a replacement. What amps do people think would be compable? I listen to a lot of jazz on vinyl, as well as some funk and rock, but I don't listen to any of it very loudly. So something with nice warm phono sound, especially at low volume, is key.
Any recommendations?
So now I'm in the market for a replacement. What amps do people think would be compable? I listen to a lot of jazz on vinyl, as well as some funk and rock, but I don't listen to any of it very loudly. So something with nice warm phono sound, especially at low volume, is key.
Any recommendations?
Hi FuzzyBastard,
The amplifier may still be repairable. Just one tech didn't think it was. I've repaired many unrepairable sets over the years. Don't give up, there should be someone in your area that can handle it.
-Chris
The amplifier may still be repairable. Just one tech didn't think it was. I've repaired many unrepairable sets over the years. Don't give up, there should be someone in your area that can handle it.
-Chris
Hi Fuzzy
same wish like Chris.
But if nothing helps i like much the Fetzilla amp in Jazz area- very smooth relaxed in
vocals in my ears opinion.
Meanman will organize a group buy of boards, if it ever finished- don't know.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/aksa/191053-swordfishy-aspen-fetzilla-power-amp-108.html
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/aksa/207772-fetzilla-build-documentation-11.html
I am waiting too that i could have a second pair boards.
same wish like Chris.
But if nothing helps i like much the Fetzilla amp in Jazz area- very smooth relaxed in
vocals in my ears opinion.
Meanman will organize a group buy of boards, if it ever finished- don't know.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/aksa/191053-swordfishy-aspen-fetzilla-power-amp-108.html
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/aksa/207772-fetzilla-build-documentation-11.html
I am waiting too that i could have a second pair boards.
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