Marantz 7 Questions

the 7 is the classic tube design...it was also brought back by the good folks at audioclassics and vac for a limited run as the 7 seriesII. the 7c is a solid state design. the 7 has been with me for longer than any other component(18 years)and although i have purchased several fine preamps over two decades of this hobby , the marantz is indeed graced with that intangible 'something' that makes every recording (new,old,rock,jazz,classical,cd,vinyl)sound absolutely natural....it commands that high price in the used marketplace because it is still indeed a reference product. the re-issue was also outstanding...the 7c however has been ecplipsed by other designs, though it is still more versitle than most....by the way, the 8b is a power amp.

I think the 7C is the tube preamp and the 7T is solid state.

you are correct.

So is there a different between 7 and 7C?
Is there a 7B?

Atranz:

The "7" is SS (medicore even in it's time) and the "7C" is a tubed unit (stellar in it's time) but now surpassed, both line and phono sections, by current standards when compared to decent modern designs - some of these being even low cost/budget offerings.

Sorry if this upsets anyone. My opinions are based upon using these units long prior to them having any vintage distinction and since thrn using a restored 7C in my setup in order to compare it to more modern designs.

This is not to say that a refurbished/stock 7C does not sound nice and musical (it does), but most of its value is of a historic nature, IMO.

On a sound quality only basis many dumped their 7C's in the mid/late 70's (in my area anyway) and replaced them with the preamp/phono sections of the then new Advent 300 SS receiver (probably spent the proceeds on herb:-).

So, does one run out an pick up an Advent 300 for better sound quality? Well, probably not w/o having it rebuilt/refurbished (same thing for a 7C) as with any vintage piece the caps and other time dated parts are well past their prime.

Never heard of a 7B.