What's the value of this package

This is about my Marantz 4400 Quadraphonic that I bought new in 1973. Most of those years I simply used it as a 250 watt stereo. Three years ago I decided to get all my equipment cleaned and refurbished by a specialist in 1970s audio equipment in San Diego (2018/2019). It works just like it did in 1973.

It's taken me three years to get the SQA-1 & SQA-2 decoders (in good condition). It took that same amount of time to acquire two RC-4 remote controllers in good condition. The remote is REALLY important to adjusting the speaker balance when you have four channels. That's why I have two.

I just found a pair of super rare Acoustic Controls 648 speakers in amazing condition … speakers and cabinets virtually perfect. This is the top of the line home speaker they made (two 15" bass speakers, a midrange horn and tweeter). I FINALLY have a complete quadraphonic system with four Acoustic Controls speakers… 626s in the front and those 114 lb. 400 watt 648 beasts in the rear.

Those speakers, driven by the Marantz 4400 with a Garrard 100c Zero tracking turntable, make a great set. With the SQA-1 and the SQA-2 decoder and the two RC-4 remotes for the Marantz it's a complete set (except for the SQA-2b decoder... I'd never use this but I may pick one up to comlete the set. I've already located two.)

I also put in a NOS Hitachi 50TB31 oscilloscope tube... another super rare find. I had trouble finding used ones! (I still have the working, but weak, old tube.)

I bought the Marantz, the Garrard 100c and the Acoustic 626s new in the early 70s... so all of that is one owner... me.

I’ve got the original ads for all this equipment cut from the actual 70s magazines framed and on the wall in my entertainment room.

It’s only taken 46 years to get this all together… loving the music and the memories.

I haven’t had any problems with the neighbors to date but these Acoustic 648s may change all that!

Be interested to know what the value of this total package might be … not that I’d ever sell it… but my kids might at some point :-)

December 24, 2019 at 9:55 AM