The Japanese company Marantz is a cult favorite among audiophiles. Its designer, Ken Ishiwata, created numerous models that still delight music lovers and have become icons among experts and amateurs alike.
For a detailed examination of these devices, Marantz manuals are available.
Maintenance and Repair Guidelines
Vintage equipment can vary in condition depending on operating conditions and age. However, in all cases, a number of mandatory conditions must be met:
- The external condition of the devices is examined, then the case is opened without being plugged in and the presence of dust is checked.
- The dust must be removed with a vacuum cleaner, followed by a visual inspection of the circuit board, all contacts, transformers, and other components. If no external defects are found, a hardware inspection is performed.
- To examine the technical specifications and performance of the devices, a multimeter and oscilloscope are used to examine the characteristics of the components, an oscillator to check the voltage in the power supply, and a series resistor to determine the phase shift.
All detected faults are resolved by replacing parts. Repairs are usually futile, as time is the main enemy of electrical and electronic equipment. Original components are now virtually nonexistent, so similar ones with similar technical specifications can be used.
Receivers should only be serviced and repaired when disconnected from the power supply, otherwise electric shocks or short circuits may occur. The main rule for servicing is to read the user manual. For repairs, consult a specialist familiar with similar equipment and experienced with this brand’s receivers.
Tips
If the receiver is in good working order, it is important to connect it only to the load it can handle. Vintage units require careful handling and connection to a power source that is free of both high and low voltage surges. Any malfunction can cause failure of individual components or entire circuits and cascades. It is best to use a voltage stabilizer or UPS for connection.
When repairing, it is necessary to carefully select replacement components. If using parts from a modern range, it is essential to strictly adhere to all technical specifications and compare them with the old components.
Overall, there has been positive experience with repairing and operating these receiver models.
