Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable! Any thoughts?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Manufactured by Clearaudio, this turntable came to my attention from someone over at Audioholics.

Seems like a tremendous value and has received some nice reviews as well.

I would love to hear some of your opinions/thoughts on this table. Is it worth considering?

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

Manufactured by Clearaudio, this turntable came to my attention from someone over at Audioholics.

Seems like a tremendous value and has received some nice reviews as well.

I would love to hear some of your opinions/thoughts on this table. Is it worth considering?

John

Hi John,

While Marantz is not known for Turntables, Clearaudio certainly is. I do not know the Turntable at all. But all 3 reviews sound rather consistent. If correct, a like prepared (or similarly prepared) Clearaudio Turntable would sell for $2275 as indicated. It seems like it would be a good upgrade from your Revolver. Basically it is an $800 or $875 MM Clearaudio Wood bodied cartridge with the rest of the Turntable, tonearm, other parts and the special feet. Of course, if you want to change the cartridge to another MM or a MC cartridge, this is not as good a buy. Also, be aware that it only plays 33 & 45 RPM records and does not offer 78 RPM if you have them.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi John,

While Marantz is not known for Turntables, Clearaudio certainly is. I do not know the Turntable at all. But all 3 reviews sound rather consistent. If correct, a like prepared (or similarly prepared) Clearaudio Turntable would sell for $2275 as indicated. It seems like it would be a good upgrade from your Revolver. Basically it is an $800 or $875 MM Clearaudio Wood bodied cartridge with the rest of the Turntable, tonearm, other parts and the special feet. Of course, if you want to change the cartridge to another MM or a MC cartridge, this is not as good a buy. Also, be aware that it only plays 33 & 45 RPM records and does not offer 78 RPM if you have them.

Rich

Good morning Rich!

It's the Clearaudio connection that grabbed my attention and the value proposition ($2275 vs $1600) that Marantz is providing which have me thinking seriously about this.

I'll be auditioning it this week (maybe even today) and I'm hoping that the included Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge is a pleasing one to my ears. If it isn't, then I will pass for sure.

I haven't resurrected my 2-Channel Audio Wishlist thread just yet, but may have to in the next few days. You see Rich, my beloved Revolver is again giving me some trouble and I may have to consider a lesser turntable than originally desired, as I cannot live without one.

John

[naturephoto1]

Hi John,

I can not recall off the top of my head, were you considering the VPI Scoutmaster Turntable? If so, could you take the cartridge that you have now from the Revolver and transfer it to the VPI and replace it later? If so, and you could swing the Scoutmaster rather than the Marantz, that would be an option to consider.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi John,

I can not recall off the top of my head, were you considering the VPI Scoutmaster Turntable? If so, could you take the cartridge that you have now from the Revolver and transfer it to the VPI and replace it later? If so, and you could swing the Scoutmaster rather than the Marantz, that would be an option to consider.

Rich

Hi Rich,

Yes that is exactly what ran through my head as well. I was considering the VPI Aries 3, but in light of my Revolver problems, the Scout and/or Scoutmaster is now a serious candidate as well. The Aries 3 is not in my budget today unfortunately, unless I decide to forego a TT all together for the next 6 months or so. And even then, it may be a little rich for me.

The dealer I'm auditioning the Marantz at is also a VPI dealer, so I'm hoping to have a chance to listen to it as well.

You kinda read my mind on that one Rich!

John

[naturephoto1]

Hi John,

Here is still another option even if just for the short term, a Revolver Rebel Turntable in fair condition on Audiogon:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....elt-drive-turn

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi John,

Here is still another option even if just for the short term, a Revolver Rebel Turntable in fair condition on Audiogon:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....elt-drive-turn

Rich

That is so different from the version I have
002 (2).JPG

Mine still works, but I'm having to constantly make adjustments.

I think it's time for something better....much better!

She's given me 20yrs of pleasure and I shall miss her. But I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

That is so different from the version I have
Attachment 4838

Mine still works, but I'm having to constantly make adjustments.

I think it's time for something better....much better!

She's given me 20yrs of pleasure and I shall miss her. But I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

John

I can understand that, it has taken me till just recently to finally go forward with my replacement of my modified Thorens 125 MKII and Rega RB300 Tonearm (turntable purchased as a demo unit in 1977). It has only required belt replacements. The Thorens has not been used to speak of in years, but still works OK.

Rich

[naturephoto1]

Hi John,

I just came upon this new listing over at Audiogon, one of the in question Marantz turntables. It is 6 months old, comes with a dust cover, is rated a 9, and has an asking price of $1000. It is marked for US only, but may be worth contacting the seller.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....abl&1238184624

Rich

[rded]

Originally Posted by John72953

Good morning Rich!

It's the Clearaudio connection that grabbed my attention and the value proposition ($2275 vs $1600) that Marantz is providing which have me thinking seriously about this.

I'll be auditioning it this week (maybe even today) and I'm hoping that the included Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge is a pleasing one to my ears. If it isn't, then I will pass for sure.

I haven't resurrected my 2-Channel Audio Wishlist thread just yet, but may have to in the next few days. You see Rich, my beloved Revolver is again giving me some trouble and I may have to consider a lesser turntable than originally desired, as I cannot live without one.

John

Hi John,

I don't know if you know, but musicdirect has B stock VPI Scouts for $1399.99. I live 5 minutes from them and the told me flat out that the prices they have online are negotiable. You should come to chicago dude and but the TT here

[rded]

BTW, I did hear the clearaudio performance table- It had a lot of slam and it looks great too. I feel that its a rock and roll turntable if that helps you out.I just didn't like the Usher Bookshelf speakers it was connected to