Amp Recommendations for Marantz 7c

Rumor has it RAM Labs/Music Ref is coming out with an updated RM10 Mk3 in a few months.......if I didn't already have a pristine RM10 Mk2 bought new from Roger in 2011 I'd be onboard.

@bdp24 yea, I see one up by me in Canada for 3k CAD. 

c_cocobean: I haven’t seen an RM-10 for awhile either, and when I have they went fast. Of course there is also the RM-9 Mk.2, itself a great amp (at least as good as a Mac MC75). A quartet of EL34's per channel for 125 watts, plus classic styling that would look great in your application. I got mine from my old pals at Brooks Berdan Ltd. for just under two grand. Money well spent!

 @bdp24 a couple yrs back I was close to buying a MF RM 10-At the time there were a few on sale. I have not seen one up for sale lately. I also owned the Moscode 300-Gottta say, I was quite impressed with it. I had it restored, but still couldn't get rid of the transformer hum that some suffer from. 

@c_cocobean: I have owned and enjoyed the Dynaco Stereo 70, a pair of the Quad 2 mono’s, an early 50w ARC (the Dual 51), and have heard (admittedly briefly) VTL’s, Jadis’, New York Audio Labs Moscodes, Conrad-Johnson’s, a modified (by Robert Fulton) Stereo 70, and numerous other smaller tube amps.

If I was now looking for a small tube amp to buy it would be the Music Reference RM-10 Mk.2. Since it was introduced in the 1990’s and it’s designer/builder is no longer with us, I guess it can be considered a vintage piece ;-). Occasionally available for around $1500, it is a beaut!.

Appreciate the feedback. I am leaning towards Quad 2 mono amps or an Eico HT87. Challenge is finding one of these properly restored. 

And of course there is no output transformer as good as none, so if you have the $ and the "right" loudspeaker (the higher and most even its’ modulus of impedance the better, and relatively sensitive) and room (small-to-medium), look into Atma-Sphere’s fantastic S-30.

Roger Modjeski of Music Reference/RAM Tubes said he considered the 8B superior to the Model 9, and didn’t much care for the Citation amps at all.

I think the 8b was a better amp than the model 9 as well. But the Citation 2 was better than either; one way that it was better was better output transformers. I do prefer some of the construction of the Marantz power amps but the Citation is no slouch in that regard- most of its circuitry is built up on turret boards.

Fred’s Sound Of Music in Portland Oregon has the 7C/8B combo for sale. I don’t know if they’ll separate them, but a call to them will get an answer.

Roger Modjeski of Music Reference/RAM Tubes said he considered the 8B superior to the Model 9, and didn’t much care for the Citation amps at all. But Roger was (R.I.P.) a very opinionated SOB ;-) .

Ya know, for the price of modified/updated Dynaco Stereo 70’s, you can get the wonderful little Music Reference RM-10 Mk.2, a far better amp (I’ve had both). If you do want an ST-70, the redesign Frank Van Alstine did is a good one.

@atmasphere yes, power supply is being addressed. @yakbob I have had that same set up. Once ran a restored st70 (not BL Mod) with a marantz 7t. Sounded great, that is why I thought to look into an ST70/ST120 Bob Latino mod. I am also considering vintage quad ii monos- Eico HT-87-Pilot sa-260. 

I recently acquired a Marantz 7 with intentions in setting up a second system that would be more or less a vintage set up.

@c_cocobean I hope the work you are having done is having the power supply rebuilt in that preamp (or it was recently done prior to purchase). If it is stock and still working, it won't be for long and when it fails it can take out the power transformer which would be tragic. It also will not sound right if the power supply is compromised!

It will work fine with any vintage amp. One of the best vintage amps is the Harmon Kardon Citation 2. If you have one that is properly refurbished, and if your preamp is also, you may find the 'vintage' sound to be quite excellent. Have fun!

I own a restored 7T in my home office system, and have paired it with both a lightly restored Dynaco st-70, and a Bob Latino ST-70. I prefer the latter as it is not as tubby sounding as the original. The VTA amps are a great value.

You might consider this too.

A pair of Quicksilver mid-monos would look great. The amps sound great and would be a nice pairing. No need for older gear with these, instant antique with world class sound. 

thanks! I will do some reading up. 

Maybe something like this? I haven't heard the amp but those are great output transformers my prior amp of 15 years used those same transformers. Accrosound gear almost never comes up could sell pretty fast I have no connection to the seller.