Well can't post pics as I don't know how to *biggrin* but it's all set-up and working brilliantly!
Cons: Doesn't look as impressive as the Pioneer - the Marantz looks weedy in comparison; motor is strange in its de-coupled arrangment - have to be careful with the power switch otherwise the motor moves; belt squeals on start-up so best to give the platter a helping spin to get it going; O-ring in the balance weight - strange but novel idea; arm lift has a twisting motion at extremes of up and down; stylus is very close to the record surface even with arm lift fully raised; user manual is very poor, (thank god for vinylengine where I managed to download the US user manual); no dustcover.
Pros: All turntables should be packed like this, very impressive, (it was like opening the different tiers on a box of chocolates *biggrin* ), white gloves were a nice touch; very easy to set-up, everything you need is in the box, including a decent cartridge; I like the three feet supporting the plinth - much easier to level than a four foot set-up; really like the way they use magnets for the platter bearing and anti-skate, very innovative; you can tell by the finish and the way everything fits so precisely this turntable is a quality piece of kit.
How does it sound? Brilliant!! I fitted the MP300 to it and the detail retrieval is fantastic, there's a lot more in the grooves than the Pioneer could access, but the Marantz can. Between tracks it is deadly silent, almost CD-like. When you consider that the Pioneer cost £599 new, (without cartridge), with a 2M Black fitted the cost is the same as the Marantz! This purchase really is a no-brainer as the Marantz far and away exceeds the performance of the Pioneer. The only aspect where the Pioneer wins is on looks alone, oh, and it has a dustcover *smile*
I have a dustcover on the way from plasticonline. I've also decided to invest in a Dr Feickert protractor, as even though it sounds brilliant I want to make sure that everything is optimally dialled-in. I also managed to get a pukka schuko style EU to UK plug adapter online. Oh, and I didn't fit the earth wire to the bearing, no need, no hum. If the power switch becomes bothersome I'll fit an in-line switch to the mains cable. Must get a drill bit for the centre hole of my LP's as some are a very tight fit over the spindle.
Cheers bigfish *good*
Cons: Doesn't look as impressive as the Pioneer - the Marantz looks weedy in comparison; motor is strange in its de-coupled arrangment - have to be careful with the power switch otherwise the motor moves; belt squeals on start-up so best to give the platter a helping spin to get it going; O-ring in the balance weight - strange but novel idea; arm lift has a twisting motion at extremes of up and down; stylus is very close to the record surface even with arm lift fully raised; user manual is very poor, (thank god for vinylengine where I managed to download the US user manual); no dustcover.
Pros: All turntables should be packed like this, very impressive, (it was like opening the different tiers on a box of chocolates *biggrin* ), white gloves were a nice touch; very easy to set-up, everything you need is in the box, including a decent cartridge; I like the three feet supporting the plinth - much easier to level than a four foot set-up; really like the way they use magnets for the platter bearing and anti-skate, very innovative; you can tell by the finish and the way everything fits so precisely this turntable is a quality piece of kit.
How does it sound? Brilliant!! I fitted the MP300 to it and the detail retrieval is fantastic, there's a lot more in the grooves than the Pioneer could access, but the Marantz can. Between tracks it is deadly silent, almost CD-like. When you consider that the Pioneer cost £599 new, (without cartridge), with a 2M Black fitted the cost is the same as the Marantz! This purchase really is a no-brainer as the Marantz far and away exceeds the performance of the Pioneer. The only aspect where the Pioneer wins is on looks alone, oh, and it has a dustcover *smile*
I have a dustcover on the way from plasticonline. I've also decided to invest in a Dr Feickert protractor, as even though it sounds brilliant I want to make sure that everything is optimally dialled-in. I also managed to get a pukka schuko style EU to UK plug adapter online. Oh, and I didn't fit the earth wire to the bearing, no need, no hum. If the power switch becomes bothersome I'll fit an in-line switch to the mains cable. Must get a drill bit for the centre hole of my LP's as some are a very tight fit over the spindle.
Cheers bigfish *good*
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