Marantz 17 Series System - Integrated Amplifier, CD Player, and Tuner

Free Shipping (Contiguous U.S. Only)

General:
The Marantz 17 Series was among the best Marantz components available in the late 1990s. Consisting of the PM-17, CD-17, and ST-17, it competed directly with Sony ES and Pioneer Elite systems, often proving superior in several ways.

This entire matching set is stunning to display together. Almost everything you see is metal, and all the physical controls offer a satisfying, premium feel during use.

PM-17 is a standout integrated amplifier. It is built like a tank with a centered, massive transformer and a thick, rigid chassis that rivals legendary 1970s Marantz gear. All input selection is relay-controlled; twisting the knob activates internal relays with a distinct, satisfying click on every turn. An illuminated temperature gauge on the front panel adds a super classy touch.

The CD-17 is equally impressive, functioning as both a CD player and recorder. This adds unique functionality along with a rare VU meter display, letting you visualize audio levels even when playing standard pre-recorded Redbook CDs. With the top open we could see tons of high quality Japanese parts and audio grade capacitors; Clearly some effort was made in creating a high performance and long lasting unit.

The ST-17 completes the top of the stack. It is a highly sensitive AM/FM tuner featuring a smooth tuning dial. During testing, it pulled in distant stations that are unattainable on many other stereo tuners. We liked it so much that we used it as a source at our test rig for some time.

Included with the system are printed manuals for both the tuner and CD player, along with the original remote control for the integrated amplifier.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Light Scratches on the VFD's and some marks on the aluminum chassis. Overall good condition.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA inputs, 75ohm Coax antenna connection, Optical Digital, Coaxial digital, 5 way speaker binding posts, IEC Power

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, Power Cords, Remote, Manuals for Tuner and CD player.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:

PM-17 — Integrated Amplifier

• Type: Stereo integrated amplifier

• Power output: 60 W + 60 W @ 8 Ω

• Power output: 100 W + 100 W @ 4 Ω

• Frequency response: 5 Hz–80 kHz

• THD: 0.01%

• Damping factor: 100

• S/N ratio: 110 dB (line), 90 dB (MM), 76 dB (MC)

• Inputs: Line + MM/MC phono

• Outputs: Pre-out + speaker outputs

• Weight: approx. 15 kg (33 lbs)

CD-17 — CD Player

• Type: CD player

• Disc mechanism: Philips CDM-12.1

• DAC: Marantz DAC7 architecture

• Digital filtering: Marantz digital filter/HDAM implementation

• Analog output: RCA

• Digital output: Optical/coaxial, depending on version

• Frequency response: approximately 2 Hz–20 kHz

• Weight: approx. 7–8 kg (15.4–17.6 lbs)

ST-17 — AM/FM Tuner

• Type: Stereo AM/FM tuner

• FM usable sensitivity: 1.8 µV / 16.4 dB IHF

• S/N ratio: 80 dB mono / 73 dB stereo

• THD: 0.08% mono / 0.08% stereo

• Stereo channel separation: 55 dB @ 1 kHz

• Presets: 60 stations

• Tuning: Gyro Touch Tuning

• FM bandwidth: Wide/Narrow selectable

• RDS: PTY, PS, CT, RT

• Features: Dual Gate MOSFET, PLL synthesizer, HDAM, auto tuning

• Weight: 6.8 kg (15 lbs)

Dimensions:
18.03 × 3.27 × 12.32 in, 18.03 × 3.39 × 12.40 in, 18.03 × 4.33 × 17.48 in

Weight:
70 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1999

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only.

We start by connecting the "Pre-Out" jacks of the integrated to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.

If the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.

Next we test the power amplifier section by connecting the integrated amplifier speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the "Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics.

This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

If the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it moves to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.