I am not going to spend a great deal of time on this preamp. Many in the audio world feel that the Model 7, (mistakingly called the 7C, the “C” meant it was shipped with a cabinet from the factory), is the greatest preamp of all time. Trust me on this one, it isn’t. I know, I can already see the hate mail coming my way, but remember this is my opinion. I can't speak for everyone else, I can only tell you what I have experienced. I never heard this with a Marantz tube amplifier and maybe that's what I would have needed to seal the deal for me, but I doubt it. Not a big tube amp fan.
Before using it in my system, I took it to my audio guru to test and replace anything needed. He called a few days later to tell me that "everything is in spec", and the original tubes all test strong. That's just impressive and remarkable for something that was 50 years old, but typical for the build quality in all of Marantz gear during this time.
While it’s a nice, non-fatiguing listening experience with a wonderful midrange and decent high end, the bass is soft and a little bloated. I paired my Marantz 7 with a SUMO Andromeda power amp, which was well known for having the deepest bass on the planet. Still, I found that the Marantz 7T, was its equal and better in almost all areas. Soundstage, depth, feel, bass, high end all better on the 7T. Audio snobs dismiss the 7T because it has transistors in it. That's hilarious! I have news for you audio snobs. So does nearly 95% of all recording equipment.
Saul Marantz himself famously used a 7T in his personal system. Sidney Smith, who created both preamps also used a 7T in his personal system. Sidney offered a private service upgrading the original model 7 to correct the softness of the bass. Jazz musician and all round great guy Louis Armstrong also used a 7T.
Frank Sinatra, who was a major McIntosh fan had a 7T. Tony Bennet was another. The point here is that these are musicians, Saul, Sidney, Louis, Frank and Tony. My personal 7T was formally owned by famous recording engineer Stanley Johnston. These men knew how music should sound, they had the budgets to purchase anything in the world, and they all chose the Marantz 7T over the 7.
If you must have a Marantz model 7, (I know I had to have one), be sure to also spring for a Marantz 7T and compare them side by side. (Don't worry, you won't lose any money on the one you decide to sell. They both hold their value well.) There are differences, but they are small. The bass is the most noticeable.
After months of comparing and listening, I sold the Model 7. I think I had it listed locally for about two hours when I had an old timer was at my door picking it up. I don’t miss it. It was pleasant enough, but I wouldn’t purchase another. I would however buy another 7T, or a Marantz 24. The 7 just doesn’t do it for me. Flabby bass, rolled off highs, nice midrange, and overall a pleasant listening experience. The search continued.
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