Antenna for Marantz 10B

You need a standard balun or matching transformer. They are available at any big box electronics store or your local RadioShack. One end goes to the tuner 300 ohm antenna terminals (ground is not used), the other to the 75 ohm coax.

I am curious to know which tubes tested marginal. I have an original Marantz Model 10 and Model 10B and both had strong tubes in them at the time of purchase.

If the unit works fine, I would leave it alone. Run it with a VARIAC set at 117V to prolong life of the tubes and filter caps. I installed a thermistor in line with the AC, that provides soft start and reduced AC voltage fed to the tuner.

Once you have the tuner operating, put your hand on the three aluminum filter cans located in the back of the chassis. They should never get hot to the touch. If they do, you will have to replace them at some point.

Since these filter cans are no longer available, I usually stuff them myself with modern electrolytics to preserve the original look. Any "expert" out there will simply add axial caps underneath the chassis which destroys the original look.

Congrats on your 10b.

Crooner gives excellent advice on these vintage pieces. He's helped me with my 10b's and 8b, so pay special attention to his posts.

What does your scope look like in the tuning mode? How high is the horizontal line? It's a great tool for optimizing antennas.

Get the balum that Crooner suggested. I'm thinking it will work better hooked up to Charter than your outside antenna. You usually lose 3 db of strength going thru the adapter but try it and let the scope show you.

I got the best signal from the Radio Shack 300 ohm folded dipole. They are about $6 and have little spades on them that slip right under your screws. You might try that also.

For "Oracles", you don't say which part of the country you live in. For the east coast I would use AudioClassics in Vestal, NY: west coast Mike Zuccaro in San Diego. Pack extra well. Enjoy.

I have had good reception with a C. Crane dipole connected to a Radio Shack transformer.

Crooner,
Thank you for all the valuable info. I tested the tubes with a tube tester I bought on 'gon a while back for my other tube stuff. When I install the balum I will note which tubes were marginal since I will need to order some soon. Again, thank you one and all.
Denny

Onemug is right recommended a simple folded dipole. Works wonders in strong reception areas where there is not a whole lot of multipath.

The original Audio magazine reviewer back in 1965 went one step further and glued the dipole to a wooden cross piece that could be rotated to reduce multipath. Excellent idea.

Marantz developed a couple of antennas for the Model 10B but unfortunately were never released.