In this second article on the Marantz SC-80 and SM-80, we look at the SM-80 power amplifier and a tricky repair and restoration. The Marantz SM-80 stereo power amplifier is a reasonably powerful, well-made, mid-range consumer amplifier from around 1990. It typically sold with its companion, the Marantz SC-80 preamplifier and I have just finished […]
I’ve recently restored an immaculate Marantz SC-80/SM-80 pre/power combo. In this article, I look at the SC-80 preamplifier. The Marantz SC-80, and its partner, the matching Marantz SM-80, are quality mid-range separates hailing from around 1990. They are unremarkable in terms of circuit layout and construction, but well made and thoughtfully laid out, making service
In this article, I discuss problems with my 2009 BMW R1200R motorcycle. Warning: the list is extensive, but the biggest problem isn’t the bike… Updated: 2023, with a twist! This isn’t an article I enjoyed writing back in 2015, or updating in 2017 before I sold the bike, but it’s the sort of article that
I recently worked on a very cool and lovely old JVC QL-F4 direct-drive, fully automatic turntable. Let’s take a look inside. The JVC QL-F4 is a mid-range deck from the once-great JVC. Even in the late ’70s and early ’80s, JVC was not known for its hi-fi separates. This is a shame because this series
I’ve just serviced two gorgeous Kenwood D-3300P CD players for a customer of mine. He loves his classic audio gear and owns three of these beautiful CD players. Background The Kenwood D-3300P CD player dates to 1986 and is a superbly built component. In fact, this unit is built from such quality hardware and components,
Classic Kenwood D-3300P CD Player Service & Repair Read More »
The classic Dual 601 turntable isn’t as well-known as contemporaries from Thorens and Rega, but it is a great turntable. Features The Dual 601 is a lovely belt-drive deck and offers quite a bit that other contemporaries don’t in terms of deck automation, vernier speed adjustment and noise isolation. I should note that these decks
I was recently asked by a customer to repair and service his Marantz CD-63 KI Signature CD player. The player was misbehaving, not reading the table of contents (TOC) with some discs and was also skipping occasionally. I was actually really pleased to work on one of these classic disc spinners again. The Marantz players
Marantz CD-63 KI Signature CD Player Service & Repair Read More »
