Marantz - SR-50L - Stereo-Festkörper-Receiver

No Special Edition tweaks in this receiver, but then Marantz has tried valiantly to counterbalance the need for flexibility with the desire for a half-decent sound. To this end it’s transplanted an ST-40L tuner into a new IC-based integrated amplifier. Once again all the external inputs are logic-switched and so come under the command of Marantz’s system remote which also holds sway over the motorised volume control and AM/FM tuner.

An attractive blue display tells you which of the inputs is engaged or, alternatively, gives you a running count of the tuned frequency, tuning mode (auto or manual) and preset number. Unfortunately, tuning is not especially slick while the very low muting threshold lacks the confidence, say, of HK’s receivers. Marantz has also added a ‘Wake Up’ timer facility which can be programmed for once or twice daily operation. Other than this and the thirty station preset scan feature, the SR-50L is a pretty conventional piece of kit.

Sound quality

Right from the outset the extra expressiveness, the realistic ebb and flow of Marantz’s amp was abundantly clear. Where others had treated Brahm’s Violin Concerto with a rude carelessness, now it was possible to appreciate the differentiation of the string tone, the spirit that lay behind the solo violin. ‘It’s clear this guy’s not on a nine-to-five job,’ commented one listener in response to the thrill of these strings.

In a technical sense its imaging was not quite as pin-point as it should have been, yet the various instruments at both the front and back of the orchestra were incredibly solid. A little fuzzy about the edges, perhaps, but tactile nonetheless.

So what of the FM tuner? In this instance the receiver sounded a little less dynamic than it had via CD, a little squashed perhaps but still retaining that string tone, that coherence and the ability to withstand difficult sequences we had heard before. Now the amp itself revealed a slight thickening, a further loss of focus and detail. Mild effects that you’d expect from a tuner of this ilk, suggested the panel, without realising just how similar their remarks were to that of the ST-40L tuner.

Conclusion:

This Marantz is eazy, super bright at normal level. Still, the level that people use 95% of the time. This Marantz is unlike any other. In our opinion, a perfect purchase for anyone who likes to listen to music. It is 1 of the pleasant surprises that we were able to test this year. Marantz has done a very good job with this Receiver.

It doesn't come with an original remote control. However, we can add a perfect replacement remote control for you. This remote control costs us 27.50. If you want such a remote control, give us a message and we will add a remote control for purchase price


SPECS:

Tuning range: FM, MW, LW
Power output: 40 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.09%
Damping factor: 50
Input sensitivity: 3.5mV (MM), 220mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 76dB (MM), 86dB (line)
Speaker load impedance: 8Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 420 x 118 x 334mm
Weight: 6.5kg
Accessories: RC-60SR remote control
Year: 1990


Who are we?

We are from J&R Audio. Two ‘hobbyists’ who have been collecting and repairing ‘older’ audio equipment for years. A hobby that has gotten a bit out of hand. With around 800 pieces, we think it’s time to downsize the collection. Many products can be sold at a reasonable price. And this despite our professional way of working. All our products have been serviced, mostly by ourselves but also by our extensive network of many skilled professionals with whom we have been happily collaborating for years. Parts that needed replacing have been replaced, belts have mostly been renewed, as well as the lighting, which in most cases has been converted to LED lighting.

For many products, it is possible to offer a warranty. Ask about the possibilities. We also polish the covers of turntables and spray the exterior of equipment or renew the lacquer of your speakers.

We hope to make many people happy with beautiful equipment. The proceeds are invested in improving tools and equipment. And so we hope to continue improving and to carry on this work, which originated from friendship and hobby, for a long time to come.