Hbomb - Marantz 8

[RuSsMaN]

HbombToo is stepping up to the audio plate.

Here is your amp broham, we'll discuss hand-delivery.

Cheers,
Russ

[RuSsMaN]

Quad of matched Amperex 6CA7/EL34, duet of GE 6GC7, and a duet of RCA 6BH6.

[RuSsMaN]

Built in Bias meter, EL34 push-pull greatness. This one belongs in a museum.

[RuSsMaN]

Ass-end. Got this one from the original owner, all components are original, and she sings WONDERFULLY. What an amp.

Cheers,
Russ

[Dennis Gardner]

I just love jazz on some vintage tube gear! That 8 looks really clean.

Did you get your ST70 sold Russ?

[RuSsMaN]

I had 3, Mike (BlueMD) bought one, an ebay crackpot bought another, haven't done anything with the last one yet.

Cheers,
Russ

[fireshoes]

Beautiful. :)

[Mothra]

One word...Wood! That is a beautiful piece of gear!

I would love to get a stereo tube amp, but with all the choices out there, I don't know where to start. Any advice from Russ and the rest of you tube gurus? Has anyone built one from a kit, rather than buy one? Any advantages?

Thanks!

[Tour2ma]

"Manufacture Years: 1960 - 1962 "

Museum... you got that right...

Unbelievably pristine for that age... A real find there, Russ...

Congrats, Henry.

[Mjr7531]

I feel dumb for asking, but...
Russ, what are the "Test" inputs for?

[nadams]

Don't worry... I was going to ask the same thing

Also, what's the output?

[danger boy]

Wow.

Simply amazing looking. I can only imagine how well it sounds.

[Tour2ma]

Found a couple references saying "Power: 30"... Based on similarities with the Dynaco ST-70, 30 wpc looks about right...

Found nothing on the test input question...

[RuSsMaN]

I have no idea on the 'Test' inputs, I'll ask my tech though.

Output is 25-27wpc. You can run EL34's at higher voltages and get more power - but a lot of GOOD amps don't like to run tubes on the ragged edge of their capabilties. By backing it down a little bit, tube life and overall reliabilty is substantially increased.

Cheers,
Russ

[HBombToo]

I am so stoked right now words can't even begin to describe.

Russ YOU ARE THE MAN!

Thanks and looking forward to setting her up.

Henry

[VR3]

The Test inputs are the ones to use on the 8B. Sid Smith, who did most of the design work on the 8B insisted that rumble filters be used to counteract the noisy turntables of the day. Marantz disagreed, so they compromised by adding the test input, which is unfiltered.

[HBombToo]

How in the eff did you know that Trey?

[VR3]

Who said "I" knew it?

A website on google knew it!

Search: test inputs, marantz

[HBombToo]

Good job there little bro.

I was thinking I may have some problem with my Spade lugs on my CV6 not fitting into the posts.

There is always a work around but has anybody encountered this and what have you done?

[Tour2ma]

Originally posted by HBombToo
How in the eff did you know that Trey? LOL... exactly my thought... Did seem a tad eloquent for our boy...

[VR3]

I thought it was funny, Sid Smith... musta been a smart man ;)

[Tour2ma]

Cool... now we can call you Mr. Smith, too...

H,
On your speaker connection question...

Yup, an issue with the ST-70 (and a lot of old gear for that matter).

I've seen mods to 5-way posts that do not involve butchering the chassis... which is the only way to go IMO with a piece of vintage gear.

I've got a link around here somewhere...

Here's one, but not the one I remember that included pic's...
http://www.netaxs.com/~vkalia/st70-rebuild1.html

[HBombToo]

Thanks for the kick start Tour and thats a pretty cool site even though there are no pics.

HBomb

[Tour2ma]

Still no can find the one I'm remembering, but building out from the chassis with mylar boards is the key...

And since you can give up two of the three pairs of positive terminals (the 8 and 16 ohm), you should have the added space you need for the posts...

Gotta go... Super Bowl time...

[nadams]

Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
Who said "I" knew it?

A website on google knew it!

Search: test inputs, marantz

Not to start anything or harp on you or anything, but you implied that you knew it when you didn't cite a source for the information (IE- a link to the page you got it off of).

Point is, you did the work to search when everyone else just sat and waited for an answer :D

[dorokusai]

Not everyone was waiting.

[gidrah]

VERY nice looking amp! I'm jealous.

[BlueMDPicker]

Originally posted by HBombToo
Good job there little bro.

I was thinking I may have some problem with my Spade lugs on my CV6 not fitting into the posts.

There is always a work around but has anybody encountered this and what have you done?

Congrats on the new amp! Looks like this was the inspiration for the VTL "L" amps as well.

There is a seller on eBay (in HK as I recall) that occasionally offers barrier strip adapters for Marantz/McIntosh/Dynaco. I just did a search and don't see any listed at the moment. The adapter creates a 3-way binding after being installed on the original lugs to allow for normal spades, bananas, or bare wire. No chassis modifications are required and the adapters look to be very well made. I'll keep an eye out.

Enjoy!

Not what I mentioned above, but very well made with quality components and sexy for a classic amp like yours:
"Outpost" output adapter (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14968&item=5749589865&rd=1&tc=photo)

[BlueMDPicker]

Oh, and BTW - I made a set of speaker cables for my ST-70 by using Radio Shack gold-plated spades and some old Esoteric Reference wire laying about. I used aviation shears to trim the outside diameter of the spades a fuzz, then gently closed the gap on the spades to fit the Dynaco terminal strip without touching adjacent tap screws. The speaker end is terminated with dual bananas (again from Radio Shack) cinched on bare wire.

[HBombToo]

Thanks MD.

Ya know I been sitting on Polk Cobra Cable for a while. I have wanted to use it in the worst way but only in the right application and this may just be the ticket.

HBomb

[Tour2ma]

Cobras kill full range amps... Not sure your new toy is one... but not sure it isn't either...

That Outpost adapter is pretty neat. I can imagine what the other that mounts on the chassis looks like as well. Drawback is both add an extra connection point.

[BlueMDPicker]

Originally posted by Tour2ma
That Outpost adapter is pretty neat. I can imagine what the other that mounts on the chassis looks like as well. Drawback is both add an extra connection point.

I agree, Bruce - but I could live with either before the thought of modding that classic amp. Dynacos are a dime-a-dozen, this ones a rare bird.

[RuSsMaN]

Henry, you don't want to use that Litz crap on a tube amp, inductance is way too high, stick with AQ or similar.

Cheers,
Russ

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by Tour2ma
Cobras kill full range amps... Not sure your new toy is one... but not sure it isn't either...

That Outpost adapter is pretty neat. I can imagine what the other that mounts on the chassis looks like as well. Drawback is both add an extra connection point.

Really.... Looks like I'll roll back to plan A and use them for my home brew SDA interconnct cable.

I can't see the ebay pics because net nanny at work won't permit it.

HBomb

[BlueMDPicker]

Originally posted by HBombToo
I can't see the ebay pics because net nanny at work won't permit it.

HBomb

Eff that fun robbing beatch

[BlueMDPicker]

Now THAT wood give me wood! :cool:

Here's the description:
The "OUTPOST" for older McIntosh amplifiers. Vintage Mcintosh amplifiers such as the 240, 250, and 275 have always sounded great and been sought after by collectors. The problem is that it's almost impossible to attach any high quality speaker cable to them. Our "OUTPOST" will solve that problem. We use custom milled Cardas-Colver CCMS spades to attach to the amplifier. This spade is milled from solid copper with Rhidium over Silver plate. For the output terminals we use the famous Cardas ACBP binding post, with Rohdium over Silver plate and a brass nut with Gold plate. The 9-inch long pigtails are 13 gauge Oxygen-Free Copper with a soft nylon braid cover, and are long enough to accommodate a mono-bloc setup. the junction box is made from a solid block of Padouk, with it's natural red-orange color and a Danish oil finish. Now you can be free to use any speaker cable you wish with your old McIntosh, Marantz, or any other amplifier with barrier-strip output terminals, without sacrificing sound quality. Our "OUTPOST" will accept speaker cables with standard 1/4" spades, bananas, and dual banana plugs.

[Tour2ma]

Originally posted by HBombToo
Really.... Looks like I'll roll back to plan A and use them for my home brew SDA interconnct cable. I took my pair of original Cobras to the Chatleston gathering and Polk Paul talked about this. Something about the way their leads were woven together caused HF harmonic(s) to start oscillating to and fro which gained amplitude over time until... boom... fiull range amps went up in smoke. Limited bandwidth amps were unaffected.

The 2nd gen Cobras included a capacitor in one termination that prevented this... If you have the 2nd gen (or added the capacitor), you'd be OK with any amp.

SDA IC application??? You, better than I, could analyze the circuit and determine if this would be safe...


Originally posted by HBombToo
I agree, Bruce - but I could live with either before the thought of modding that classic amp. Dynacos are a dime-a-dozen, this ones a rare bird. No argument... That's why I was talking about building the mylar external mounts.

Use the existing terminal strips' screw holes... no chassis cutting... Can revert to original in a heartbeat...

[HBombToo]

You guys are WAY COOL with the help you are providing and I really appreciate it.

just for the sake of clarification... in the cut, copy and paste error in Tours post, I absolutely agree with MD that no physical mods to the chassis can happen with this unit. "I still can't believe how lucky I am"

That aside, WE will overcome this generational glitch and have fun doing it.

with best regards

Henry

[RuSsMaN]

Well Henry, you are fairly lucky actually. You know how much gear I get in, and move out. I've seen a lot of quirky, rare peices, but this one tops it.

I've only seen two Marantz 8's in person, in my life. This one, and an 8b a guy had in a locked display case. I may never see one again.

Cheers,
Russ

[dorokusai]

Let's all hope he doesn't get all hogged up and start blowing tubes.

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by RuSsMaN

I've only seen two Marantz 8's in person, in my life. This one, and an 8b a guy had in a locked display case. I may never see one again.

Cheers,
Russ

I pay homage Russ and will never let our club down!

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by dorokusai
Let's all hope he doesn't get all hogged up and start blowing tubes.

blowing tubes is a lost art in our high speed world unfortunatly...

:D

I'm 40 today and feel like a kid;)

1/4twin

[Tour2ma]

Well in that case... Happy Birthday junior...

[mlong]

Happy Birthday.

I turned 40 last Friday and celebrated by buying a pair of Polk SDA SRS 2.3's and a Parasound 1200 II THX Amp. I definitely feel like kid because I have to ask F1Nut and Dorokusai 1001 questions about every piece of equipment I am looking at.

Congrats on your purchase!

Mark




Originally posted by HBombToo
blowing tubes is a lost art in our high speed world unfortunatly...

:D

I'm 40 today and feel like a kid;)

1/4twin

[dorokusai]

Originally posted by mlong
Happy Birthday.

I turned 40 last Friday and celebrated by buying a pair of Polk SDA SRS 2.3's and a Parasound 1200 II THX Amp. I definitely feel like kid because I have to ask F1Nut and Dorokusai 1001 questions about every piece of equipment I am looking at.

Congrats on your purchase!

Mark

You're only as old as the amount of money you spend.

We are all here for your questions, don't limit yourself to us, because I assure you we will work ourselves into your "Living Will".

[F1nut]

A Happy Birthday to both!!!

[RuSsMaN]

Easy guys.

Let's not say anything immature, or non-professional.

This audio shit is SERIOUS business. Where is my Aqua-net? Fuck that, gimmie a sack of quick-crete.

As you were,
Rooster

[F1nut]

Time and place for everything, ya know. So, don't be a dick.

[michael_w]

If ya don't mind me asking what is an amp of that stature worth?

Congrats Hbomb on the excellent buy.

[RuSsMaN]

$1500 or so. Some less, some more.

Cheers,
Russ

[BlueMDPicker]

Originally posted by dorokusai
You're only as old as the amount of money you spend.

I resemble that remark! ;)

[George Grand]

Happy Birthday Henry. At least you're not as old as Jesse.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

Nice Model 8. I can't believe you've only seen two in your (short) life. I used to give one of those to a customer if they spent X amount of dollars or more at Sounds Grand. Didn't realize they were collectible.

[F1nut]

GG......lol


Here's another one for sale if anyone is interested.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1113078166

[michael_w]

Fairly pricy (compared to what I'm used to spending .. for now) but I can't even imagine how good it will sound. Have fun Hbomb!

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by michael_w
If ya don't mind me asking what is an amp of that stature worth?



I mind. I'm not in it for cash so I can't understand the point.
The twin is protecting a piece of history.
Henry

[michael_w]

Henry,
I was just curious so that I know what I will need to spend to get that kind of quality in a vintage amplifier. I had no intention of implying that you were buying it for cheap and going to resell it or something. I'm only trying to learn more about audio stuff as I have much to learn about the hobby.

[dorokusai]

You know he's messed up when he refers to himself in the third person, then signs off as "Henry".....if you didn't work for Sprint, I might think you are sane.

Mike - Use F1's Audiogon link value and consider it a benchmark.

[michael_w]

Thanks doro... from now on I will just use audiogon and other sources like ebay to figure out an average price.

[reeltrouble1]

Very sweet looking piece their Henry. A great grab, how about I live vicariously through its sweet sounds!! When you get her hooked up would love to see some pics.

RT1

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by dorokusai
You know he's messed up when he refers to himself in the third person, then signs off as "Henry".....if you didn't work for Sprint, I might think you are sane.

Mike - Use F1's Audiogon link value and consider it a benchmark.

Funny stuff here when you see Henry and Sane in the same paragraph.:p

Mike I hope no offense was taken by my comment because I was just illustrating that sometimes cash and value are two very different things.

Henry

[michael_w]

Henry,

No problem.... I've been a little stressed lately because of work and school and I guess I took it the wrong way. Enjoy your new amp / piece of history. ;)

Michael

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by michael_w
Henry,

No problem.... I've been a little stressed lately because of work and school and I guess I took it the wrong way. Enjoy your new amp / piece of history. ;)

Michael

School heh.... another EE in the making?

HBomb

[organ]

CONGRATS HBOMB!!!! It's rare to see them in that kind of condition. That thing looks brand new. Take good care of her.

Maurice

[Gary Robertson]

I might just take your amp over my bryston..

[HBombToo]

My amp made it to KC. Instead of shipping a friend was kind enough to to pick it up in Dallas since he was there visiting family so at least it did not get tossed around by a shipping company.

Looks like I'll be spending some time in the Bomb Shelter tonight:D

Line Up:

Cal Audio CL-20 Transport
Harm Tech interconnect --->
Quicksilver full function tube preamp
AQ Jaguar interconnect --->
Marantz 8
AQ CV6 --->
SDA2B

I'm not going to integrate my Audio research Dac until my senses are fully tuned to this new set up.

My only issue will be the CV6 has standard Spade lugs but I'll just remove them for this little prize I was fortunate enough to find through my man the Russman.

Thanks again for thinking about me Russ. It is appreciated.

Henry

[BlueMDPicker]

Enjoy the music, Henry!

[RuSsMaN]

Henry, biasing is pretty straight forward. Since there is no power switch, make sure you've got a load connected before you plug it in.

Guys, you may want to say whatever you need to say to Henry now. I'm afraid once he goes in the room and listens to the Quicksilver / Marantz combo, we may never see him again.

Cheers,
Russ

[F1nut]

Nice chatting with ya H, remember to come out for food/drink once in awhile.

[HBombToo]

Well what can I say. I made it home by 7:30ish and went to work converting the spades on my AQ CV6's to a silver crimp lug which is about 22awg. I was thinking it did not make sense busten up these wires because the build quality is so awesome but I pressed on.

Just as I finished hooking up the interconnects, popping in the tubes and double checking everything for one last time the phone wrang. Russ had his extra sensory audio taps engaged and knew I was about to hit nirvana;) He patiently walked my dumb ass through the bias procedure and finally the time for my awakening was at hand.

I Popped in buddy Elton(I love his work on the piano) and immediatly was taken back by sound of this amp is. I was enveloped immediatly by a sound in which I never heard before. Natural is all I can say. The vocals are real and right there and the highs are so articulate and just seem to hang in space for what seems like an eternity.

There is no going back man. My STASIS is an outstanding amp but I have to say an all tube set up is really what I have been searching for. And lets not forget to thank Polk for SDA's. Good Lord I'm going to be late for work tomorrow.

HBomb in the Bomb Shelter living an Analog heaven :D

Henry

[BlueMDPicker]

Originally posted by RuSsMaN
Since there is no power switch, make sure you've got a load connected before you plug it in.
Russ,

Trying to expand my knowledge here. Why was the amp designed without a power switch? Was it assumed that it would get power from a switched outlet on a pre?

Mike

(Henry probably slept in the Bomb Shelter last night - if he slept at all!)

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by BlueMDPicker
Russ,

Trying to expand my knowledge here. Why was the amp designed without a power switch? Was it assumed that it would get power from a switched outlet on a pre?

Mike

(Henry probably slept in the Bomb Shelter last night - if he slept at all!)

That is a great question MD. I was thinking about using the switched outlets on the back of the Quicksilver. This should prove interesting dialog.

I did not crash until the wee hours of the morning. My head will probably hit my keyboard by noon:cool:

This really is a great new experience for me.

HBomb

[RuSsMaN]

No idea fellas, throughout history there have been numerous amps without power switches. Some of the new Sunfire stuff is like that.

Cheers,
Russ

[TroyD]

Some Carver amps are like that as well...

BDT

[HBombToo]

I received a note back from Mr Atkinson of Stereophile stating that he not only owned this unit but also considers it a classic.

If I could only express what I'm hearing at this point. Not sure about the rest of you but I like Barry White and WOW does this CD ever sing. Much better than that friggen race on the HT right now;)

HBomb

[Toxis]

without reading the entire thread, what are you running on this?

[RuSsMaN]

You only have to go a couple posts up - and he spelled it all out.

[HBombToo]

A well respected friend (both professionally and personally) spent the afeternoon with me listening to the above configuration. He brought media that he is most familiar with but allowed me and Tally to play ours first.

My set up is worth at best, worth less than 10% of Daves total cash basis. That said, WE WOWWED him with the Marantz 8 and Quicksilver preamp.

Something that we all should consider is that the only piece of gear I have not purchased from the Club is a Cal Audio CL-20. I consider this a win for the club and more fun than I have had for a long time. Mr. Atkinson of stereophile even sent me a note back on his impression.

Club Polk Rules even though we are just a bunch of hobby guys....

Thanks Russ. My afternoon has been most magical!

Henry

[HBombToo]

oops

[HBombToo]

.... I'm getting another beer and turning into the twin!

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by HBombToo
i need to learn more about message boards.... I'm getting another beer and turning into the twin!