2. amps-preamps
  3. 1407705517

Is it worth refurbishing my tube Marantz?

The Marantz equipment is currently at L&M Electronic Service Co (the only long time shop that repairs and refurbishes this equipment in the Bay Area).It will cost me $500.00 to refurbish the Amp. I know at one time these were in demand but I've no idea how to sell it. The equipment, as identified below would be in perfect working order. The Pre Amp serial number is 7C &-19051 and the Amplifier's serial number is 8B-8-7286.

This equipment was my fathers and has been carefully stored all these years. Any feedback would be enormously helpful as I have to come up with an answer soon.

In addition I have my own 1969 JBL SA660 solid state amplifier: serial number is 7194.
toniomaran
bdgregory
1,714 posts
 
a quick ebay search on those 2 pieces shows they are selling
for $2000 - $3500 for the 8b, and as much as $5000 for the 7c
in great condition. I didn't see what they sell for in
"needs work" condition, but would expect them to
also bring 4 digit sales unless they are trashed (which it
doesn't sound like yours are.

If it was me, I would have them refurbed and hang on to them
since they were your father's, unless I really needed the
money and didn't really play music that much.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,834 posts
 
Its also nice sounding equipment and if properly refurbished does as good as many new pieces.

Unless you really don't want the equipment its definitely worth fixing. Just make sure you have it done by someone that does good work otherwise the value up the gear will be damaged.

If you plan to sell it you are probably better off selling it without rebuilding and let the new owner deal with that issue.
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Still crying about selling my Marantz 7C!
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,698 posts
 
You're kidding right? Vintage tube Marantz is always in high demand. Especially the pieces you have that are from the 1960's.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
08-11-14: Atmasphere
If you plan to sell it you are probably better off selling it without rebuilding and let the new owner deal with that issue.
Great point. Depending on what is done during the refurb, the compromised originality that may result could easily reduce value considerably more than the performance improvement might increase it.

Also, be aware that with highly collectable pieces such as the Marantz tube models, cosmetic condition will often affect value to a much greater degree than functional condition.

Regards,
-- Al
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