Another silly-good-for-the-money tube piece from China. This tubed linestage preamp pours a tall glass of glassy loveliness. Calls itself the Marantz 7, which I guess means they copied the design, but who knows? Hefty power supply, tube rectifier (Chinese 6Z3), and a complement of (1) 12AU7 and (2) 12AX7s, with three inputs and two outputs, and a spiffy-looking wood faceplate.
An international bouquet of nice things other owners have to say. From a Canadian who's selling at a higher price: "The sound is remarkable from this thing." From an English audio forum: "It is well built and sounds really good."
I ain't gonna yank your chain and tell you this is the best thing since the hoola-hoop, but it gives two or three bangs for the buck and sounds really good, regardless of the bleacher seats price. I've upgraded the tubes from stock to a classic clear-top RCA 12AU7 and a nice pair of Sovtek 12AX7LPS. I'll throw in a spare 6Z3, too. Comes with stock power cord, but IEC connection lets you add your flavor of power cord. OB, no M. Paypal add 3%. $275.
I also have schematic for those with itchy fingers.
