http://hificollector.blogspot.com/2009/02/classics-marantz-2275.html#comment-form
Comments sections
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Receivers - Marantz 2270
http://hificollector.blogspot.com/2009/02/classics-marantz-2270.html#comment-form
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(Also under the 2275 rubric, slightly modified here)
I was quite surprised to find out that of all three top receivers in the Marantz line of the good vintage (blue on black and silver, not the depressing various latter shades of off-white), only the 2270 offers TWO phono inputs. Not the 2275, not the 2325, and none of the quads to my knowledge. As I plan to hook up at least six true vintage turntables, having two 2270s (I only have one now, and one 2275) would take care of most of the hook-up conundrum. Wanna know what TT choice I have in store? A 498, an HW19, a 160 MK2, a 4002 AND 1000, a DP52F AND 55K, a Zero 100, a 50H (four speeds, unlike the 50-H2), an SL1200 Mk2, at least those I consider keeping.
Most handsome? Zero 100 in its walnut base. Most elegant? 4002. Cutest? 1000. Rarest (and most stunning, tied with the 4002)? 498. Sturdiest? HW19. Most practical? DP52F. Most flexible? 50H. Hardest to love? 55K (hey, the DP52F helps disparage all the manuals), even with an SME III which can easily be relocated... Best all around? Thorens 124 which I am still hunting for and would take that SME III to, with a very slightly damaged Dynavector unless I determine that stylus compliance and arm mass are mismatched!
But this was about Marantz, wasn't it? First about the 2270: to label it (implied by association in the 2275 comments) as mass-produced is a bit unfair. So was the 1971 Mustang Mach 1, but still a beauty, never mind its American engineering warts. I always wonder why I never loved the Marantz turntables. Too much schmaltz perhaps, unsavory 1980s variety. All the Marantz, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sansui turntables seem a repetitive hodge-podge without much distinction, with perhaps Pioneer hanging onto its legitimacy earned with its early 70s belt-drives and Kenwood really trying on the sheer merits of one granite-base model, but ubiquitous Technics DD technology. All those turntables were mass-produced - my Zero 100 too, but it has a very original design!
Hold on to your tomatoes!
P.S. if you couldn't figure out the brands that go with the models I listed, here is the whole paraphernalia:
Empire 498, VPI HW19, Thorens 160 MK2, Bang and Olufsen 4002 AND 1000, Denon DP52F AND 55K, Garrard Zero 100, Miracord 50H, Technics SL1200 Mk2. I left out the Projects and the MMF, they are for my kids so they learn how to use a turntable, now that they finally figured out my rotary phone!
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Speakers - Acoustic Research AR-3a
http://hificollector.blogspot.com/2009/08/speakers-acoustic-research-ar-3a.html#comment-form
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(also under the AR 3a - The "Keeper" Pair rubric, but revised here)
Beauty is in the ears of the belistener. That being said, I have a pair of AR 3A AND a pair of the original AR 3, arguably the better pair because they still have the AlNiCo (that's Aluminum, Nickel, Cobalt not copper) magnet alloy. Legend (or is it?) has it that at least early AR 3 speakers have cabinets made of Navy surplus teak wood. One of my AR3 pair has a nasty dent in its cabinet, though it has not resulted in a hole - the wood is pushed in but not cracked. The two AR pairs will have a dominant part in my six-turntable cum Marantz receiver matching - see my comment under the 2275.
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