Marantz Model 8B Stereo Tube Amplifier, Highly Collectible (A)

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale**

Once in a while we receive an interesting piece of equipment, and this is certainly up there in terms of interest and collectability.  

From one of our recent System of the Week features "...The Holy Grail of Vintage American HiFi", we are very pleased to offer one of these rare beauties for sale, along with a full video review from our newly launched YouTube channel.

Please see our detailed video review at the bottom of this listing for the full breakdown on this unique piece of vintage audio history.

This is the venerable Marantz 8B, from the 60's (about mid-60's), and a fierce competitor to the McIntosh MC240 amplifier and vintage Harman Kardon Citation amplifiers.

*Please note that we currently have two of these available for purchase and the only difference is the tube compliment.  Please watch the video for full details.

We went through this amplifier thoroughly to make sure it was in tip top shape before listing it for sale.  We also made some adjustments along the way.

This is a stereo tube amplifier using a pair of EL34 pentode tubes per channel producing about 35 watts, and it's a real 35 watts as proven on our test bench.  It's very well built weighing in at about 56 pounds which is pretty amazing for a compact amplifier.  It originally retailed for about $275 back in the 60's, and since the collectability is super high on these they're quite expensive nowadays and there are not that many left.  A lot of these suffered chassis rust, and because they are heavy and hard to handle many were dropped and dented and dinged.

This is what we call a true survivor in really nice shape.

It has a set of matched EL34 tubes that are either original or period correct on the amplifier and they both say made in Holland.  Then there are GE branded 6CG7 tubes for the phase inverters and the preamp stage.

Someone might actually choose to use this amp in a monoblock configuration, in which case this has actually been modified and is the only modification you'll find on this amplifier.  It has an internal switch which lets you parallel the outputs to get twice the power using the 16 Ohm taps.  It's a very simple modification, just a switch with several wires tapped into the terminals.  We decided to keep this in place as there is a good likelihood that the same owner will actually want both of these that we currently have for sale, and will use them as monoblocks or dual amplifiers.

If you're a purist and you want the switch removed, we would be happy to take care of that for you prior to leaving the shop.  

Unlike most amplifiers where you just set the bias on the tubes, this one actually has an AC balance adjustment that we went through very carefully using a dummy load (per the original schematics/service notes) and a voltmeter doing some measurements along the way.  So first we did the AC balance as there's a separate adjustment just for that piece, then we actually biased the tubes.  And it's all working wonderfully. 

On close inspection of the internals it is clear that someone has maintained this amplifier. There's quite a bit of parts that have been replaced to be super reliable and as quiet as possible.  Some of the signal path capacitors and some of the older resistors were in fact replaced.  So this is what we consider a fully serviced unit, probably ready to operate for another 30 years.  

On the back it's pretty simple, two sets of inputs and that's really the only unusual thing.  The second set of inputs are test inputs that are completely unfiltered, while the preamp inputs have a 20Hz rumble filter built-in to keep your speakers from getting damaged.  On the speaker side you'll see Common, 4, 8, and 16 ohm taps, typical for this type of amplifier.  Then a slow-blow 2-1/2 amp sized fuse, and a captive power cord.  The is also a cover for a plug where there is usually a tube socket.  I believe some of these amplifiers had a tube socket to power another piece of equipment, but this one has a factory cover in its place which is pretty nice as a tube socket is pretty useless nowadays.

The paint quality is super good, I would say probably an 8/10, tiny little scuffs in the corners, but nothing really rusted.  Also has a nice golden copper (almost corrugated) finish.  The writing is complete and intact, the meter works super well, the glass is clean, the knobs are clean, overall a very presentable piece of audio history.  

The other thing of note is we don't have the tube cage for this amplifier. I understand these did sell with cages, but we've never come across a set of cages as they usually get crushed or rusted. It's really pretty without it, and as long as you don't have babies or cats running around your listening room you should be good to go.

Lastly, we found this fantastic website that has many documents available for download related to this amplifier.  Manuals, Service Manuals, Vintage Reviews, you name it and it's there.  Click here for the full listing available for download.

Click here to view all Vintage Marantz pieces currently available for purchase.

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This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home. 

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

If we don’t have the original manufacture's packaging, we use heavy duty double ply corrugated boxes with Instapak expanding foam custom inserts.  In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging.  We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages.  Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

This item is available for pickup in Ridgewood, NJ or Union Square, NYC (with convenient parking in the building).

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Use the Buy It Now button and we will cover the PayPal fees.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call or text 646.852.2073 with any questions. 

Please also click here to visit our Audiogon store to see the rest of the items we have for sale.

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WHO WE ARE 

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment.  We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk. 

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold.  We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.  If you are local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

If you do not see a “Make an Offer” button, it means we are not considering any offers on that item.   

PAYMENTS

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card or bank transfer. We do not charge extra for any payment fees if you purchase the item at the asking price.  You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you are picking up an item we do not accept PayPal.  You must pay in person with cash, certified or bank check, or wire transfer.  If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, it will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions.  Simply ask and let us know the exact model, condition, and the accessories that are included (such as the original box, remote, cables, manual, etc.).  We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type.  We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we are running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment.  If you are looking for top dollar we suggest attempting to sell it directly to an end user on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We will also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market. Just drop us a note for a quote but be sure to include the condition and what is included. 

HOW TO VISIT US                                                                                                        

We are currently operating from a residence in Ridgewood, NJ.  You are welcome to make an appointment if there is a piece of equipment you would like to see in operation before or after purchase.  We have a well-equipped, dedicated listening room with tons of equipment of all makes and models.  We are not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you are just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds.  In essence, no tire kickers please.

If you are in NYC and cannot make it out to Ridgewood, we can arrange pickup in Union Square (14th Street) after the purchase.   You can call or text 646.852.2073 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.  We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune the gear in your listening room if you are local to the area.  This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers.  It is also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.  

Thanks for looking and please click here if you would like to receive a list of the equipment we receive from time to time.  We promise not to bombard you with junk email.   

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