FS: Marantz PM-74D Century - Integrated Amplifier

dorokusai

Marantz PM-74D Century - Integrated Amplifier - Black - 9/10 - *POOF!*

This is a classic example of Marantz hi-fi gear from the late 80's, specifically 1988-1989. It was the mid-line model of the new PM series which took its roots from some venerable Marantz such as the 7T pre-amplifier and 1200B integrated amplifier.

It's physically identical to the PM-84D. Internally, the PM-84D offered a trick copper coated chassis, increased capacitance and a encapsulated transformer. The topography of the guts also change but its moreso a by-product of the copper coated chassis and longer heat sink fins. The PM-74D uses as many of the copper screws that could have been used on the PM-84D.....so it's still kinda cool

In 1988, Marantz was marketing something called QuarterA which allows Class A amplifier operation at normal listening levels, with Class B transition during high power. At most listening levels you'll be 100% Class A and that's a good thing. That being said, it runs warm by design so keep that in mind in regards to placement of the unit.

They also utilize something akin to the NAD PowerDrive(Envelope) or Onkyo WRAT. The buzzword used by Marantz was "Automatic Voltage Shift Supply". It simply supplies more voltage to the output rails for brief high level passages or transients. That's pretty neat for 1988.

The unit is black and flawless, not a scratch or ding anywhere. The interior is dust free and all connections have been treated with CAIG products. The unit has been checked out by my tech and all is well. I have added roughly 1 lb. of Dynamat Extreme to the inside of the unit. All areas that were easily measured were covered in Dynamat. You will be VERY happy.

Anyways, here's some specifications:

100X2@8(Benchtested - 132x2@8 and 196x2@4) It's 4ohm stable.
6 Inputs (Inc. Tape Loop & Gold Plated Inputs on Phone/CD Stage)
Phono Stage (MM/MC)
AVSS (Automatic Voltage Shift Supply)
QuarterA (Class A Design)
Individual Tone Controls for L&R Channels (Bass & Treble)
Tone Control Bypass
A+B Speaker Outputs
CD Direct Mode
Loudness Contour
2 Switched/ 1 Unswitched Convenience Outlets
Weight = 28 lbs.

Includes: Hi-res copy of Stereo Review - Test Report circa 1988.

This unit was paired with a NAIM CDP running Magnepan 10.1 loudspeakers into dreamland without a complaint. If you have any questions or comments, contact me directly: dorokusai@verizon.net

Thanks for reading

571D47MPM E

dorokusai

I'm gonna Dynamat the inside tonight while I do some other stuff, so consider that a bonus

RuSsMaN

Great amp for some LSi's.

JimBRICK

you couldnt have had this 4 months ago eh

dorokusai

This business is all about timing and it doesn't always work

dorokusai

Here's a picture of the Marantz running some Spendor S5e(Rosenut) that happened to stop by for dinner and a movie.

dorokusai

I was able to get about a 1/2 lb of Dynamat inside and it did quiet the chassis pretty well. All surfaces have been treated in some way shape or form. Here's a pic....

dorokusai

Anyone need an Integrated Amp?

BottomFeeder

Hmmmmm. A long shot, but I know you've had a NAD C320Bee, as I have one now. How does your Marantz compare?

My NAD is powering Polk Audio RTA12C's & my cdp is a NAD C521Bee.

What do you think?

dorokusai

BF - I can't A/B that gear because of the timeframe of ownership. My opinion doesn't matter much aside from its a solid piece of gear. The design is solid and the components are well selected.

I'm a big NAD fan so I'm in a bind. I would offer that the NAD low end will be better but the Marantz top end will extend beyond the typically EU sound.

It's all subjective and worthless in the end but that's what I noticed between the two manufacturers.

BottomFeeder

I really appreciate your candor.

Sounds like maybe it'd be something of a lateral move for me, so I guess I'll bag it.

I don't NEED it (does anybody? Ever?), but I sure hope I don't kick myself in the future!

Thanks very much & good luck!

dorokusai

I appreciate your interest and comments.

dorokusai

Integrated anyone? How about I include some pictures of a couple Polkie's engaged in some strange activity during a Polkfest?

JimBRICK

Doro, where do you find this stuff?

dorokusai

Usually in my closet or a neighbors closet, or another neighborhood....sometimes I grab it out of their hands as they reach to change the volume. J/K.

danger boy

what does Dynamat do for an amp? I though it was mostly for like CDP's or the like. Educate my sorry ****

dorokusai

I believe its predominately done on CDP's because they are the most easily affected pieces of gear. I think it's a benefit for all electronics much like isolation.

The difference in the chassis on the Marantz is very obvious physically, will it help the sound? I don't know, maybe, maybe not but everything that could be done, has been done. The biggest change is that the main chassis cover doesn't ring when tapped anymore as its heavily dampened.