Replace Marantz PM4001 amplifier with same again?

[fdd322]

I bought a separates bundle from Richer Sounds around 2005:
Marantz CD5001 CD player
Marantz PM4001 amplifier
Mordaunt Short Avant 902i speakers

I use it all the time for TV audio, CDs and with a Google Chromecast Audio for streaming. I'm happy with the sound but I haven't compared it to anything else.

The amp has developed a problem with the left outputs - sound is muffled and quiet most of the time (turning up the volume high momentarily fixes it). I've swapped the speaker cables around and it's clear the problem is with the amp, not the speakers or cables.

I'm thinking of buying a second-hand Marantz PM4001 amplifier to replace it like-for-like. That way I can still use the remote with the CD player and I know it'll fit into my storage unit and connect with everything OK. It looks like they're around £120.

Is that a reasonable option or would I be better off getting something newer and/or more expensive?

I'm interested in your views on whether the price to replace such an old amp with an equally old one is too high, and whether I'd be better off spending similar money on something else (or investing in an upgrade though I don't feel a pressing need to do that but maybe because I haven't got any comparisons).

Thanks!

 

[Jaded1]

Good chance for an upgrade. If you like the marantz sound have a look at one of the 6 series. From the PM6002 onwards. There's plenty of them around for about £150 depending on the condition and exact model. I wouldn't stress too much over which particular PM6× as each upgrade only saw minor improvements and all of them will be better than the 4001.

 

[ipodziak]

I had exactly the same issue with my Marantz,very annoying .Fortunately managed to fix it by myself.Used a contact cleaner on all the knobs,especially on the balance one.
You'll need to take the top cover off.If you are not comfortable to do it by yourself go to a specialist,shouldn't cost a lot.
Joe.

 

[fdd322]

Good chance for an upgrade. If you like the marantz sound have a look at one of the 6 series. From the PM6002 onwards. There's plenty of them around for about £150 depending on the condition and exact model. I wouldn't stress too much over which particular PM6× as each upgrade only saw minor improvements and all of them will be better than the 4001.

Thanks, that's very helpful. I might try the cleaning option first and if that doesn't work out, go for a PM6x

 

[fdd322]

I had exactly the same issue with my Marantz,very annoying .Fortunately managed to fix it by myself.Used a contact cleaner on all the knobs,especially on the balance one.
You'll need to take the top cover off.If you are not comfortable to do it by yourself go to a specialist,shouldn't cost a lot.
Joe.

That's really interesting.

Is this technically difficult or dangerous (electric shocks etc)? I'm happy to have a go if fairly simple. What contact cleaner would you recommend?

 

[ipodziak]

Not really difficult,dangerous? Can be..just don't touch anything with bare hands.And obviously the unit has to disconnected from the mains.Here's a video on how to do it,not the same amplifier but same issue/s.But again ,if you're not confident to do it ,get someone to do it for you.



Contact cleaner

Amazon product

 

[fdd322]

Not really difficult,dangerous? Can be..just don't touch anything with bare hands.And obviously the unit has to disconnected from the mains.Here's a video on how to do it,not the same amplifier but same issue/s.But again ,if you're not confident to do it ,get someone to do it for you.



Contact cleaner

Amazon product

Thanks very much. That video is really helpful. I feel like it might be better for me to get a specialist so I'll pursue that route.

 

[ipodziak]

Thanks very much. That video is really helpful. I feel like it might be better for me to get a specialist so I'll pursue that route.

I totally understand you.Besides ,it is not new unit anyway so it'do with a treat of a service so it can serve you as long as possible and also it is a good amp for the money.Good luck.
Joe