Marantz 2265B - technics 1210 and ortofon stylus

Doormaus

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Jan 8, 2026
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I have an old Marantz amp, a Technics deck with an ortofon concorde mix stylus from my DJ days. I'd like to put the components together but the stylus is way too powerful for the Marantz phono.

I was thinking of getting a Rega Fono MM Mk5 to stop the distortion and plugging it into the aux of the amp, that should resolve any distortion at loud volumes (I think). Or should I change the stylus to the ortofon blue.

Any help with this would be really appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Of its the cartridge itself that's the issue then buying a preamp isn't going to solve any issues.
When you say too powerful what do you mean?
Ok, so more info.

I had an old Audio-Technica AT-VM95E kicking about and if I play that through the old Marantz 2265 I can turn it up and there is no distortion. When I put the original ortofon concorde and play at a medium volume output there is a lot of noise and reverb. Sorry trying to describe as best I can. It seems the old Marantz phono stage can't handle the ortofon. I was thinking if I add a phono preamp Player > preamp > aux marantz, it would handle the stylus with ease. Or perhaps just change the stylus to the ortofon blue, I think that might be a good pairing.

The AT-VM95E works fine, but it's a budget stylus, so was hoping to keep the ortofon or upgrade it. The phono preamp was a thought incase i want to upgrade later.

Apologies if this doesn't make sense. Old equipment isn't something I know much about, just love the sound
 
Ok, so more info.

I had an old Audio-Technica AT-VM95E kicking about and if I play that through the old Marantz 2265 I can turn it up and there is no distortion. When I put the original ortofon concorde and play at a medium volume output there is a lot of noise and reverb. Sorry trying to describe as best I can. It seems the old Marantz phono stage can't handle the ortofon. I was thinking if I add a phono preamp Player > preamp > aux marantz, it would handle the stylus with ease. Or perhaps just change the stylus to the ortofon blue, I think that might be a good pairing.

The AT-VM95E works fine, but it's a budget stylus, so was hoping to keep the ortofon or upgrade it. The phono preamp was a thought incase i want to upgrade later.

Apologies if this doesn't make sense. Old equipment isn't something I know much about, just love the sound
Them I would refer you to what @daytona600 said. However unless we know exactly what Ortofon cartridge you are referring to we will not really be able to help.
No point in keeping it if it doesn't work well.
 
Ortofon Hifi & Ortofon DJ are essentially two different companies in the same building

DJs want high output = Higher Volume
Robust/Rugged construction , Great tracking , Back Cueing / Scratch / Mixing

DJ & HIFI ranges have different internal generators/Styli
 
Ok, so more info.

I had an old Audio-Technica AT-VM95E kicking about and if I play that through the old Marantz 2265 I can turn it up and there is no distortion. When I put the original ortofon concorde and play at a medium volume output there is a lot of noise and reverb. Sorry trying to describe as best I can. It seems the old Marantz phono stage can't handle the ortofon. I was thinking if I add a phono preamp Player > preamp > aux marantz, it would handle the stylus with ease. Or perhaps just change the stylus to the ortofon blue, I think that might be a good pairing.

The AT-VM95E works fine, but it's a budget stylus, so was hoping to keep the ortofon or upgrade it. The phono preamp was a thought incase i want to upgrade later.

Apologies if this doesn't make sense. Old equipment isn't something I know much about, just love the sound
@daytona600 has explained that DJ cartridges have a much higher output. Distortion and ‘reverb’ might be just a dodgy cartridge or clapped out stylus though.

I’d be surprised that even an old Marantz could be overloaded that easily. But if you need a fix, then I’d say that your money is better spent on a suitable cartridge - and an upgraded stylus for the 95 is great value, maybe a ML version - rather than a phono stage.

As all the kit is nearing vintage we can’t rule out another fault, so maybe you can find a helpful dealer to check it over?

Welcome to the forum!
 
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