Marantz

Technical Specifications Device type: Stereo cassette deck Speeds: 4.76 cm/sec (normal) and 9.5 cm/sec (high) Tape types: Compatible with four cassette types (ferric, chrome, ferro-chrome, metal) Channels: Two, each controlled by a single volume potentiometer Noise reduction: Dolby Noise Reduction (Dolby NR) system Positives Speed versatility: Choice between normal and high speed, handy depending on your needs and tape length. Compatibility: Handles all tape types — ferric, chrome, ferro-chrome, or metal. Dolby NR noise reduction: Reduces noise without sacrificing too much high-end, which is a good trade-off. Negatives No panning mixer: If you're only using one channel, the sound is either left or right. A panning mixer would have been a valuable addition. Limited features: Maybe a higher-end version of this model would offer more control, but I can’t confirm that. This player is solid in its field, but the lack of mixing features might frustrate users looking for more audio control.

What I like most/least? I bought this amp as part of my first quality "separates" system right out of high school, and almost 30 years later I still use it to power my outdoor sound system pool-side. Think about that - this unit is still going strong after 30 years and has never required repair. How many modern day amps would last half that long?! Even though its rated at only 40W (with 8 ohm speakers) this amp has plenty of power. In fact I got kicked out of my first apartment because of this system! LOL Only thing I don't like are missing features compared to modern units, in particular remote control. I've connected a Apple Airport to the Aux In which gives me at least some remote capabilities via "iDevices". Precision and quality of sound? I'm not an audiophile, and have no complaints about the sound of this amp. There is no ability to have separate settings for each input, etc. like modern amps would have and especially when switching from my Marantz ST-450 tuner to the Apple Airport I sometimes miss that feature. But that's an input issue, not an issue with the amp itself. Try other models? Back in 1982 yes. I'd say this component set was mid-range at that time as far as "separates" go. More recently I've used Denon and other mid/higher end amps. But they are much more complicated for my family to use.

- For how long have you been using it? I used this for years. - What thing do you like most/least about it? Looks great, sounds fine, almost no hiss even on max, looaads of features...very powerful...quite compact too. - Did you try many other models before getting this one? Tried a much cheaper Technics...was rubbish...some other old gear...and an Onkyo Integra A-9711. The Integra is the best. - What is your opinion about the value for the price? I got it for free, someone was throwing it out. Sold it a few years later for 120 €, so i'd say it was quite a bargain! ;-) The price when new must have been huuuge though. :-( - Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?... I think it's a good amp! It had low & hi filters, loudness, 2 or 3 phono input types, tape monitors, direct aux input, 5 band eq, 4 speaker outs, phones out, fancy lights...the volume is marked in -dB so very pro...and it just looks great. The only problem with this is that the volume knob is not a smooth run: so you have to practice a bit before you can set the volume right, or you'll put it up/down in big chunks: takes some subtlety.