I always like McIntosh’s MX 112 and 113 preamp tuner. Being someone who regularly listens to quality broadcast I do enjoy a tuner. Whenever I don’t have one, I miss it. I listen to quite a bit of Jazz, and here in the Chicagoland area we have a good jazz station WDCB. Listening introduces me to new artist and I hear tracks from classic artists that I am not familiar with.
I was intrigued by the Marantz 24. This to my knowledge is the only preamp/tuner they ever manufactured. It is technically the fourth preamp built by Marantz coming after the Model 7T, and before the Model 33. I found one locally, that had been properly maintained and cared for. A few minor blemishes, but that is to be expected. Mine was manufactured in December 1969 and is serial number 1032, or the 32nd one ever made. Several sites mention that these were introduced in 1971, but I beg to differ. Note the copy a service bulletin on the Model 24 dated 2/20/70, just two months after mine was built.
This is an immensely satisfying preamp. Not as detailed as the 7 or 7T, but it doesn’t disappoint. The bass and high end are to my ears noticeably better. Sometimes you will find a preamp that sounds amazing with, rock, classical or jazz. Whatever genre sounds best is often what you will end up playing the most. The Model 24 didn’t seem to have a preference. Everything you played through it sounded good.
The tuner was pretty good too, having no issue pulling in stations all across the band.
I had Dan Watts build a reproduction case for the 24 and as always Dans work is excellent. I enjoy a little color in my music and the Marantz added more sparkle than the 7 or 7T. As you will see from reading this blog, I changed up gear often attempting to find just the right blend of texture, color, feel and emotion. I want to be ‘there’, when I listen. This came close to doing just that. After comparing it to the 7, 7T and using is occasionally as a tuner, I decided to sell it to a local collector. If you love the vintage Marantz sound, the 24 is a superb choice. However for me, the search continues.
No comments:
Post a Comment