Tubes Asylum

I am thinking about selling my Marantz 8 amplifier

66.177.115.111

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Thread: Display Email Next ] [ Tubes Asylum ] [ FAQ ]

audiogatorjim

(A)

and getting a Transcendent Sound OTL T-16 amp kit. Evidently, it's easy to build and the reviews have been favorable. My speakers are older Acoustat 2+2 with Medallion transformers. I like the Marantz but just get the itch to try some other gear. Unfortunately, my finances are such that I have to sell something to get something. Any opinions on this move would be appreciated.

Follow Ups:

Before selling your Marantz 8 amplifier.. - Bambi B 23:11:18 11/05/02 (1)
AGJ,
I don't have ecperience with the Marantz 8 but I did buy years ago a McIntosh MX110 (tuner/preamp) and MC240 (stereo 40W/ch). These were excellent one owner originals. I listened to the pair quite awhile with the various speakers at hand and found that while the sound was pleasant, it lacked the punch, clarity, and 3D qualities of my Ausio Research gear. Since I had two or three systems already, I thought to sell the McIntosh. Then, while I was having work done on my ARC SP10 and D115, I used the MC240 with my ARC SP8 preamp and Vandersteen @C speakers and I was hooked. Later I came to use the MX110 as an all-tube tuner through the SP10/D115 and a very nice combination it is.
I second the opinions here that you might try the Marantz with a happier preamp before selling. I'm very glad in the end that I kept my vintage gear long enough to discover what they do best.
BTW, I got into tube gear originally by hearing an ARC SP8 with a D70 amplifier and Acoustate 2+2s. The Acoustats, though incredibly directional, were astounding with tube amplification.
Cheers,
Bambi B
- Thanks for your insightful post! - audiogatorjim 05:20:15 11/06/02 (0)
  .
Re: I am thinking about selling my Marantz 8 amplifier - Rod M 19:40:18 11/05/02 (0)
Typically OTLs like highest and stable impedances. I don't know anything about the Acoustats, but usually electrostatics are easy loads. I'd talk to Ralph at Atma-sphere or check their user group and also talk to Bruce about how he thinks his product would work before I'd consider going further.
Re: I am thinking about selling my Marantz 8 amplifier - Chris Spafford 17:21:17 11/05/02 (6)
Hello-- it's true there is no getting it back but Marantz 8s appear regularly in immaculate condition. My e-mail is attached; just click on my name in the post. I am interested. Chris
- With all due respect, are you the same Chris Spafford who - audiogatorjim 18:31:53 11/05/02 (5)
  said the Marantz 8B is the most overated amp in history?
  You certainly seem to know your tube stuff, however, from your postings I've read. Do you think the OTL amp would sound much better, or different than the Marantz 8? Thanks.
  - How much does the Marantz 8 sell for? - airtime 18:41:52 11/05/02 (4)
    Telling ya it's all in the preamp for these old beasts.
    Charles
    - Airtime, you are right on the button.... - gware 19:12:55 11/05/02 (2)
      The Marantz 8 (and 8B) is only as good as the Preamp you run it off and the speakers it plays through, and if it's oin good condition, good, is very good!
      I've gone to 845 SET's and 300B Amps of different configurations and still think my 8B beats the heck out of them, it stays; the others are long gone
      Eric
      Tokyo
      - Thx for the followups. Actually, I am close to taking - audiogatorjim 19:16:00 11/05/02 (1)
        
        In Reply to: Airtime, you are right on the button.... posted by gware on November 05, 2002 at 19:12:55:
        
        possession of a Transcendent GG preamp, so I am excited to see how it mates with my amp/speakers.
        
        Re: Thx for the followups. Actually, I am close to taking - awm 01:08:51 11/07/02 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Thx for the followups. Actually, I am close to taking posted by audiogatorjim on November 05, 2002 at 19:16:00:
        
        Good. the Transcendent Grounded Grid is just the pre I was going to recommend. You're gonna love it. It'll probably be a significant upgrade -- fast, neutral, spacious. I started with one a couple of years ago when my tube adventure began. I first paired it with a VAL tube amp, then a CJ Premier Four, and finally, with a Transcendent T8 Stereo OTL . The OTL is by far the best. My point? You'll get a significant improvement in your sound with the Grid, but I bet it'd take another leap with the T16.
        Enjoy,
        Andy
        ps. I've tried many tubes with the Grid. Mullard 8136/CV4003 are the best, IMHO. Beautiful match.
    - I would guess between $800-$1000. However, I am seriously - audiogatorjim 18:55:33 11/05/02 (0)
      rethinking the decision based on your's and other comments. That's why I really like this forum!
Think twice before selling - airtime 17:11:31 11/05/02 (1)
Just a word of advice. Once you sell it - you aint' gettin it back. Why don't you change something like your preamp or speakers. As I have recently learned your preamp it the heart of your system. My new preamp actually made my amp sound like a complelety different system. There are some excellent preamps both new, old, modified kits and kits you can try. You maybe shocked at what you'll hear.
Charles
- Mothball it, your taste will change again - Sector-7G 17:41:24 11/05/02 (0)
  Just like a few before said, it won't come back. Put it away, someplace cool and dry, coat steel with some rust inhibitor and wait 'til you want her back, she'll be ready, esp. if you've been keeping her caps healthy, or as healthy as they might be....it is the only reason I haven't liquidated my 275's yet, cash strapped as I am.
  regards,
  Douglas

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Schiit Audio

You can not post to an archived thread.