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NOTE: READ THIS FIRST!!! This is a service listing. We are offering the service
required so a Marantz 2270 or 2275 may be restored to premium condition and may
have very high performance and reliability. If you have a 2270 or 2275 and would
like for it to be as close to new as possible, or if you enjoy reading my
listings, then read on. If you are looking to purchase one of these receivers,
most of the ones you might find out there in the world need this same service
before they will really perform well, so read on. Note also that this same
listing will apply for similar Marantz receivers, so if you have a 2265 or a
2265B, or perhaps a 2285 or a 2285B, the work is the same, and this listing will
apply. I do all of the Marantz receivers but it is difficult to write a listing
for each and every one, so if you have a different Marantz, then call and tell me
your model number and symptom, and I will tell you your best options.
Okay, so you have this really pretty Marantz 2275, Uncle Otis went to his
considerable reward and left it to you. You tried it out, and it almost works.
The channels come and go, the radio is hard to tune, it is making some funny
noises, and some of the lights are out. In spite of all of that, it has its
moments.....when it feels like it, it will briefly sound WONDERFUL, so you suspect
that it would be really nice if it actually worked all of the time. It is rather
like being at the really cool scenic overlook on a foggy day....you just know the
view would be dynamite if the damn fog would just go away. So you trundle the
receiver off to "Television and Washing Machine and sometimes Stereo Repair
Superstore". You tell Gomer about it and He says "Well, I don' know, it's kinda
old.....mebbe we can kinda look it over and see if we can tell 'bout it". You
decide that another alternative is necessary. That alternative is here. Circle
Stereo has serviced Marantz's of this style since they were new, so we know them
VERY well. Since any stereo receiver of anywhere near the quality would cost you
much more money, you MUST get this one restored.
Ok, That sounds good, you don't doubt that the Marantz has really good vibes
hiding down inside, besides, you know that Uncle Otis up in heaven would be
pleased to know that you liked his receiver well enough to restore it (and he will
know). Perhaps you are a bit hesitant though, you figure it would be just your
luck to have the receiver that has some screwy problem so it doesn't work out
well. That doesn't sound like much fun, so this is how we deal with uncertainty.
First, either send me an email, or call at 512-294-5635 and tell me which model
you have. Tell me what it does. I will either tell you that it sounds routine
and we should just do the restoration service, or I will say that it is uncertain
and we should instead run a diagnostic. In that case, go to my eBay store listing
"DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE---VINTAGE AUDIO COMPONENTS" purchase that listing. You will
get the pleasure of finding out everything you need to know about your Marantz
before you are committed to the service. Note also, that if you have a different
Marantz or for that matter even a different brand of vintage receiver, the
DIAGNOSTIC is a good way to get started, and it keeps the whole matter neatly in
an eBay context.
Now, some of you reading this might be curious as to just what a "Complete
Restoration" is. Since it is unlikely to be magic or paranormal, there must be a
bit more detail available. By all means, let me give you a sense of the
procedure. The first step is bench evaluation to establish the starting point. We
test it on all functions, to see what works, and what doesn't. Frequently, it is
a good idea to run the machine for a day or two to see if it has any intermittent
failures. Once all of this is done, we know exactly what is needed. The next
step is to disassemble the unit down. We remove the case, the front panel, all
the knobs, and are left with the chassis alone. At this point, it is appropriate
to clean and deoxidize all of the switches and controls and the tuning capacitor.
Then parts replacement begins. The critical areas on stereos of this vintage are
the regulated power supply, the amplifier section, the phono section, and the
protection circuit. In all of these sections, the electrolytic capacitors are
replaced wholesale. These capacitors over time change their value so their
replacement makes a big difference in both performance and reliability.
Besides the capacitors, various models contain transistors which have high failure
rates, so these are routinely replaced. The entire unit is scanned for bad solder
joints, especially in areas where it runs hot, and these are re-soldered. When all
of this has been done, the overall function of the unit is confirmed to be within
spec, and alignments are done. The unit can then be burned in for a day two to
confirm proper function over time. This is done before reassembly so everything
is still accessible. By this point, we are satisfied with the overall function of
the unit, so it is time for lamp replacement, cosmetic cleaning, and reassembly.
The unit is should look sharp and its functional condition should be very close to
original.
So as you can see, restoring receivers such as these is a pretty precise matter,
and as you may well anticipate, vintage receivers such as these Marantz models are
really something when they are done properly. The keys to success are pretty
obvious. You have to start with a piece of equipment that was well made to begin
with. Then you have to be very familiar with the inner workings of the unit in
question, and also with the types of failures that you are likely to encounter,
not just the overt failures mind you, but also the latent stuff that is likely to
fail later. This is only accomplished by much experience. Finally, you have to
have the patience to very carefully work through each and every item that requires
attention. Nothing may be missed.
So there you have it, now you know pretty much how this is all done. Whether you
select the complete restoration or the diagnostic, your name and address will all
appear in my inbox when you purchase the listing. I will then send you an email
with instructions as to what to do next. Packing is critical. We want to be sure
that it travels well both ways. The warranty on service is 90 days and is
available on request. So look at that cool stereo you have had for all these years
and say: "How do I love Thee......". Then box it up to send it in. I'll be glad
to make it like it was many years ago. Thanks, Bill
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