Marantz SR-18 Doesn't Turn On: Worth Repairing?

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Jexx

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Joined 2006
#1
After lots of searching I'm still a bit lost with my Marantz receiver...

It's very similar to this thread:http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/167239-sony-receiver-wont-turn-need-help.html but the user never mentions if the new transformer fixed the problem (I assume it did as he didn't return after that)

Essentially I turn it on, hear a clicking sound from the standby transformer, and nothing happens beyond that. I'm somewhat experienced with fixing electrical stuff (have replaced mosfets, caps etc. on car amplifiers); is this something I could repair myself? Or should I take it into a repair technician (no idea how much it will cost). However, I would love to know how to diagnose and repair it myself.

Thanks guys...
 
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#2
These are very nice sounding receivers. Very powerful, warm, smooth and detailed sound. I have repaired an SR-18, SR-14, SR-8500, and SR-8002. The build quality of the SR-18 is excellent. The SR-18 is built MUCH better than the newer models like the SR-8002. The main down side is it doesn't have HDMI inputs, which limits it's market value.

I suppose it is possible, but I highly doubt that the transformer is the problem. First things first, did you check to make sure all of the fuses are OK and not blown? Also, are all of the ribbon connectors properly connected? If so, you will probably need the service manual. Then the first thing I would do is check to make sure the various power supply voltages are present. Based on your symptoms, I would suspect a missing supply rail or a problem in that path, perhaps a supply to the CPU or the display.
 
#4
Thanks for the responses! No, none of the fuses are blown; I checked them with my multimeter for continuity and they're fine. And ESPECIALLY thanks for the service manual. It has several diagnoses pages and says that I need to check PS04 if I'm not even getting the standby light to turn on. It just so happens that PS04 is the bottom board...buried under three other boards haha.
 
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#5
Okay guys, I'm in a dilemma and need advice:

Talked to one of my technician buddies and he says parts are going to cost around 200-300$ Not sure how accurate this is...I'm still in the process of identifying the problem.

But then the bigger problem is this: from my experience (which is very biased in this case), Marantz equipment isn't the most reliable. Or am I wrong? Once I repair the receiver, could I expect it to last 10 years or so? I'm not one to abuse equipment, either.

I was looking at getting a 2 ch. Rotel RB-951 paired with the RSP-985 preamp (it's being offered locally for a decent price-$350 for both) unless someone knows of a better preamp to use) instead since I know Rotel is very reliable and still offers exceptional sound. I have some older B&W speakers and am just running a 2ch setup.

So do I keep the Marantz or sell it once fixed (or not fix at all) and get the Rotel components? I'm wanting the one with better sound, but because Marantz parts are ridiculously expensive, the reliability of the Rotel might be a key factor in my decision...need some input here from anyone with Marantz and Rotel experience. Thanks.
 
#6
You might want to look at this video, about half way through it after he fixed the blown channel he seems to have the same problem that you describe, hearing a relay click but nothing happening.
It was a 6V regulator on the power board which he conveniently points to in the video.

YouTube - ‪Marantz SR-18EX Repair Brief‬‏

That would be Q808 on the PS04 board, page 10 of the service manual.
 
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#7
Jexx said:
Okay guys, I'm in a dilemma and need advice:

Talked to one of my technician buddies and he says parts are going to cost around 200-300$ Not sure how accurate this is...I'm still in the process of identifying the problem.

But then the bigger problem is this: from my experience (which is very biased in this case), Marantz equipment isn't the most reliable. Or am I wrong? Once I repair the receiver, could I expect it to last 10 years or so? I'm not one to abuse equipment, either.

I was looking at getting a 2 ch. Rotel RB-951 paired with the RSP-985 preamp (it's being offered locally for a decent price-$350 for both) unless someone knows of a better preamp to use) instead since I know Rotel is very reliable and still offers exceptional sound. I have some older B&W speakers and am just running a 2ch setup.

So do I keep the Marantz or sell it once fixed (or not fix at all) and get the Rotel components? I'm wanting the one with better sound, but because Marantz parts are ridiculously expensive, the reliability of the Rotel might be a key factor in my decision...need some input here from anyone with Marantz and Rotel experience. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Parts at that price.......😀😀😀, thats enough to rebuild the whole amp maybe twice, that sure is no buddy........

In my opnion, you should try to repair it, maybe it is a lot of work but youll be learning somethings too. That regulator on the power supply is a good start, if thats not the problem the various other regulators.

How and when exactly did the amp stop working ??
 
#11
The document and the seller are awesome.
My amp needs 3 channels repaired - I believe PO messed up one channel in an attempt to fix the other dead one.
I am going to crack it open again this weekend and see how it goes.
Cool.
Srinath.
 
#12
Hello
I have recently been given a Marantz SR 18 that powers up - all lights and knobs function but there is no sound and I do not hear the classic relay click 3 seconds after power up. Would love to have some insight regarding what to look for and trouble shoot. Thank you for your help
 
#13
epoxyman said:
Hello
I have recently been given a Marantz SR 18 that powers up - all lights and knobs function but there is no sound and I do not hear the classic relay click 3 seconds after power up. Would love to have some insight regarding what to look for and trouble shoot. Thank you for your help
Click to expand...

Sorry about the delay. Life has got n the way, and now a dsp a1 is well ahead of it. As is a few other amps. No idea when I'm getting back to it.
Thanks.
Srinath.
 
#14
The recurring theme is replace the power transistors, the driver transistors the emitter resistors and those smaller wattage resistors and mod the cap for the protect circuit via the bottom and all should be perfect. I really hope someone tries it because I seem to be years away from trying it.
So much so, I cant even find the documents I bought, and I seem to have lost 1/2 my shopping cart on ebay cos the sellers dropped from ebay or something.

Thanks.
Srinath.
 
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