Marantz 1030 Integrated Amplifier:

This is my 1971 Marantz 1030.

A quick internet search says these were produced from 1973 through 1978, but mine is factory stamped “Feb 71,” and I think I have a 1971 issue of High Fidelity advertising this amp as well. This was Marantz’s lowest-powered integrated amp, rated at 15 WPC into 4 or 8 ohms. I can attest that it is certainly low powered — if you want to use it as a power amp, aim for speakers with 90+ dB sensitivity. My 1974 Sansui 551, rated at a humble 16 WPC, will blow this little Marantz into the weeds. Still, that usually isn’t the way I use it.

I bought this many years ago used and had it recapped (that should be a story in itself — what a nightmare). I’ve really mostly used this as a preamp. It’s an early version, serial number 1471 (the 471st produced), and it has the rare preamp/amp out along with the lovely engraved face. The cabinet is an early one as well — especially well made and heavy.

As a preamp the 1030 shines. It’s exceptionally smooth with no fatigue whatsoever. If you love classical, solo instruments, or a jazz trio, this could be for you. Calling it “laid back” is an understatement; it soothes rather than pushes. I still use it, and when it isn’t doing office duties as an integrated amp, I’ll put it into my main system when the mood calls for its particular character.

I’ve paired the 1030 with a variety of power amps over the years: a Phase Linear 400, a SUMO Andromeda, a Nikko Beta ONE, and a Crown XLI 1500. The Marantz was happiest with the SUMO — a fabulous amplifier by any measure.

One of the things that attracted me to this little Marantz was its size and its just-right set of basic controls. I’ve always thought it looked better than the busier, more powerful Marantz 1060. For those seeking a compact, elegant preamp with a warm, relaxed presentation — especially for acoustic, classical, and small-ensemble jazz — the 1030 remains a excellent choice.

Welcome:

For years my friends have encouraged me to write about hifi and music.  I have loved music since forever and have been a hifi nut since I first saw my 2nd cousins hifi when I was 11 years old.

One of the things that have held me back from doing this, is that I really don’t have any quality images of my hifi through the years.  Crummy camera and iPhone grab shots.  So you will have to endure those, but I promise if I keep this up to actually shoot some good images in my studio.

My first post will be of a 1971 Marantz 1030 with an engraved face plate and main and pre amp outputs.  Both of which were later discontinued throughout the 1030’s production run.

One thing you will notice as I talk about music and gear, it my stereo stand.  It’s will be the most consistent thing you see.  I purchased it back in 1995, as my wife insisted that if the hifi is staying in the living room, that it has to look nice.  

I also want to say that I am not an audiophile.  I am a music lover.  I am also a musician and at one time early in my life worked as a studio musician.  So, I know how music should sound, how it is recored and have extensive knowledge of working in recording studios.  This has really benefited me when it comes to selecting components.  I don’t particularly care about the way something looks, I care about the way it sounds.  I don’t look at it, I listen to it.  

Feel fee to comment, but please be kind.  We already know the images are substandard, but hey, I wasn’t planning on doing this.  Let me know if you have owned the same thing, I am am hoping to incite some nostalgia and memories as we visit music and gear.  Mostly, thanks for stopping by.

Norman a.k.a.  oldhifinut