Marantz TT15 (TT15S1) turntable review (Part 1/2)

[@tachikaze7]

8:27 Absolutely one of the most brilliant statements on the "philosophy" of listening to music. There is much to contemplate with what is said.

[@rklmbd2934]

That was very well said about listening to sound versus listening to music. Another expression on the same lines - Music lovers use their speakers to listen to the music. Audiophiles use the music to listen to their speakers.

[@kaseylearner9462]

Thanks for the cool video/review. Finally traded up from a Fluance RT85 to the Marantz TT-15s1, just wish I had months ago. Quick observations (in no special order): 1. This looks amazing in most lighting, but lit from underneath, it's memorizing. Friends and family now want one! 2. The cuing lever is a little quick on the draw - no sliding right as a few others reported, but I'd like a little slower decent. 3. Directions were clear - set up not bad at all. While more complicated than the Fluance RT85, it really bonded me with the turntable and its operations. This is a musical instrument so a little care initially (and in maintaining it) will pay off over the years. 4. Adjusting the legs can set the motor lower; I just adjusted/leveled the isolation platform to spec and never had to mess with the feet (they are hard to turn initially, so do this before assembly not after). 5. Dead quiet motor and beautifully balanced platter. With the motor isolated you have to really look at the TT to see that it's actually working. I put a tiny USB LED lamp behind the motor pulley which helps visually see the TT is on. 6. I used a remote power supply to activate both the motor and LEDs. Works great! 7. Just ordered the AT Safety Raiser (AT6006R) to help extend the stylus life and avoid the inevitable rush to the TT after the last song ;-) 8. Last but certainly not least - the SOUND is amazing! Detailed clear, clean presence, yet not cold or thin. The bass is not over emphasized like some TTs I listened too yet comes through exactly where you expect it in the song. Yes Virtuoso Wood V1 has a very delicate stylus, so we handle it with great care.

[@bwest6275]

Hi Kasey, I just purchased this TT and am looking to add an LED to the bottom. Interested to know what you used for a remote power supply to unify operation of the motor and LEDs?

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Thomas you are spot on (as usual) when listening to vinyl i don't think I want all the details etc, just want to relax and listen to music.

[@TheWretchedWorld]

This is the one of the few modern turntables I actually like. I reckon it's better than most of Regas and pro-jects lineup. The cartridge is a rebodied at95e with a high end stylus.

[@1mctous]

"That was the turntable!" I've gotten that reaction for several young musicians who never heard a decent turntable and didn't expect it to be so sharp and clean nor convey the music so well.

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

Very nice review, thanks for sharing ! This Marantz probably represents one of the best buys in modern TTs....

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It has a very clean sound. A lot of people will like but I would guess many might not find it analog enough.

[@jerryandlisa27]

99 percent of the sound is the cartridge all you needed to do is install a more analog sounding cartridge

[@pnojazz]

I just purchased a dust cover for my TT15. Cost me $145. Not a bad price. Took them 1 week to produce. The seller promotes them on eBay.

[@geoffb8498]

Do you have a link for the dust cover please Sir ?

[@scottrogers4131]

Mine arrives this week! Super review, better because you explain this in 'normal' music fan terminology.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Great to hear!

[@TD402dd]

I think in a later post you've sold that TT15 turntable, but one thing I noticed is you have mat on it. They are made to play the record sitting on the acrylic platter, and yes it does change the sound (especially using their record clamp).

[@eschultzz]

How does it change the sound? Curious about getting an acrylic platter myself

[@fc872e1]

Thank you for these two videos on your Marantz turntable, Thomas! You did a great job, and I found them super informative. The second video sounds great, and I don't find it deficient in the low frequencies. I have a VPI Classic, and actually want to downsize a bit to something more manageable. So I am giving serious consideration to the Marantz

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Appreciate the feedback. The Monitor Audio RS6 have very good bass so that is why it sounded ok in the low frequency. This turntable low frequencyis ok but it's not it's strength. Maybe I am asking too much because for me, a $2k turntable should excel in everything which is not realistic.

[@fc872e1]

I enjoy your videos, Thomas, and your down to earth and accessible perspectives. You're right. No matter the cost, no component has achieved perfection. I like the drive, pulse, and energy of your system. That's one concern I had with the Marantz, and something I found lacking with my VPI Classic with Dynavector 20XL cartridge. In fact, I found it boring. I thought about more energetic cartrdiges, but I'd like a vinyl rig with a smaller and lighter footprint, and something less serious or involved. Beyond the Marantz, I'm thinking about a Rega RP6 or RP8, Clearaudio Concept, and after I found it's less than $2K, the Technics SL1210GR

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the feedback. Its interesting, I was thinking to get a VPI classic one day since I heard good things about it. I did listen to the Rega RP6 and found it very smooth with the Pathos and Sonus faber setup. It's one of those turntable I would get in the future to try. Let me know what you eventually get and how it compares to the VPI classic.

[@andylockwood1735]

@@fc872e1 did you ever get something else to use after the vpi classic? I have the Marantz tt15 and I have been looking to possibly upgrade but I'm not sure how much more money I have to spend to get a considerable increase in the performance. I have been looking at some vpi, clearaudio, and others but just not sure what to do. Right now I'm trying to enjoy the Marantz tt15. I just picked up a Fosgate Signature Phono preamp and it was a considerable upgrade over my parasound zphono, Pro-ject phono box ds, and Vincent pho 700 phono preamps. I am definitely curious about your thoughts on the vpi classic. That's one of them I have really been looking at.

[@fc872e1]

andy lockwood thank you for your message. I sold off the VPI Classic. It’s certainly a well made turntable, substantially built, and made in America by an incredible family I almost consider friends. However, I never could wrestle the snap and pace out of it I seemed to need. That said, if you are looking for a warmer, more liquid, and relaxed presentation, it’s an excellent choice. You obviously wouldn’t lose money on the transaction should you decide to sell it later. As for me, I have been using a Rega RP8 lent to me by a friend who doesn’t need it currently, and almost doesn’t want it back. But I will return it to him. I’m thinking about the Technics. It might not sound quite as good, but it’s a bulletproof solution that will last me a lifetime

[@markwinechairman]

I love the way you describe Vinyl....Magical...You are So Right!!! Worth the Hassle...Something about the Detailed Openess!!! S enjoy Yoir Sincere Reviews!!! Thank You!!!

[@zogzog1063]

I used to own one of these. As an experiment I took off the belt and gave the platter a spin. I tell you what: you could go and get married and divorced before it stops spinning! The bearing is just that good. (Later I tried out a Technics SL1210 and sold the Marantz.)

[@juandv930722]

Why did you pick the 1210? Which version?

[@ptg01]

@@juandv930722 No response?

[@JingoLoBa57]

Hi Thomas I bought that TT and plan to pair it with an upgraded Burmester 897 preamp. Testing the preamp gave me great hope for a super final result. In the meantime I have it playing through my AV8802A preamp. It sounds ok. But for convenience Tidal and other digital sources fly.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Congrats! I broke mine :( I hate the fact it does not have a dust cover. Fixing my now.

[@pedroluciano2643]

hi, nice review. I just sold 3 of those and they are amazing. Pairing them with the Model 40 Int. is quite magical and get you closer to high-end performance than many set ups i have heard costing much more. Cost is no longer necessarily correlated with performance, (but of course, sometimes you can buy yourself great sound through purchasing power).

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience of this turntable. I've just bought a Marantz SA10 SACD Player and PM10 Amplifier. I'm seriously considering investing in a turntable and bringing my vinyl collection out of storage, the TT15 is on my list but the lack of dust cover really irritates me- surely at that price it should be included! The belt drive also is a negative. I might opt for a more conventional and cheaper Technics SL 1500 direct drive- dust cover included and more convenient but certainly less stylish... then again... that TT15 sure is a head turner.

[@19Peace69]

Great video! I've seen this turntable without the stylus selling for about $400. I should have purchased one knowing what I saw. I'm curious though, would this turntable be a better option than a Technics SL1200mk5? Yes, I've been seeing quite a lot of Ian Hivinyws videos. Thanks for your video!

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

When the cartridge was reviewed in stereophile they said it was equal to a $2000 cartridge, that’s what really sold the turntable for me , is that cartridge. Actually when I compared a record and a CD of the same artist I find the record in the bass department sounds better and fuller than the CD does; it just sounds more musical.

[@TheRsmacdon]

Start using DMM vinyl - that'll up the level or quality (although DMM has it's own sound bias), I just purchased the Marantz TT today (so, not thrilled at the time I'm going to need to assemble it) but have a RP3 in another room. Can't wait to compare them, but room speakers are different (Focal in both rooms but bookshelves in one, floor stands in another with Marantz A/V receivers in both - but realizing I may need to get a dedicated 2 channel amp eventually for this TT.

[@Fung-qh4jf]

Which one sound better RP3 or TT?

[@TheWretchedWorld]

Tbh this is the only modern turntable that I'd ever consider buying

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I picked up a modern Thoren Turntable recently, keep an eye on my videos as I will do a review on it someday, but will be a while.

[@TravisLambert]

@@ThomasAndStereo, bought this Marantz turntable, sounds great, I am unable to keep the belt on and it falls off when the motor is turned off.... Did you have any problems with the belt stay on?

[@spotty67]

What about the acratic pulley? Do you like that concept?

[@dmnrbnsk]

As usual, fantastic video. I just picked this table up yesterday and I love it. It has however, forced me to face the fact that I need a new phono stage. I'm running this table into a tube box s2 into a willsenton R8, driving a pair of Focal Chorus 807V. So I guess my question is as follows. If you had a setup like that and wanted to upgrade your phono stage while staying under $2,000.00, what would you look at?

[@matthewchrist9082]

Wow I finally understand what you're talking about when you say you're "listening to sound instead of music". I recently bought a Rega Planar 3 + Rega Elex-R + Kef R3 speakers and at first I was astonished by the clarity, presence, and separation. But then I found myself going through my records and listening for little details, or "sounds" instead of just listening to songs. It's strange, I enjoy it, but I'm not just relaxing listening to music anymore. I don't know. Maybe I'll go back to my $100 Audio Technica turntable and $100 Edifier Active speakers and sell my higher end stuff.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Ah, you are in the honey moon stage, eventually you either get more into it or it just becomes part of the music. Problem is it might take a long time to get over the honeymoon stage. I do understand you completely and I sold my TT15.

[@sidvicious3129]

No Thomas I did not hear the Marantz in person, but I wish I had. I had the chance to get it for 799.00 and 869.00, but the classic kept intriguing me and its prices were changing as well and I lost out on both of the Marantz turntables deals on Audio Advisor and Music Direct and bought a Musichall MMF 9.1 and later went to a VPI HW-19 mk4 and later to the VPI Classic. Thomas please keep doing the videos because I love hearing from a regular guy without a huge budget doing clear an concise videos, keep up the good work. I have owned a Dual CS 5000, Project Debut III, Project Expression III, Technics 1200 MKII, Musichall MMF 9.1, Music Hall 2.2se, Rega P3-24 with groove tracer upgrades, VPI HW-19 MkIV and now the VPI Classic 1. I still have the Music Hall 2.2se. The best of them is the Classic, pitch perfect without a speed controller with a big bold deep bass sound. It is as pitch perfect as the Technics. I have the speed controller for the debut three and the Musichall 2.2se. The HW-19 MkIV had a SME 309 tone arm. Through out of all of this I aquired a vast amount of experience with each upgrade and I learned the pros and cons of them all. I would like to try the new Technics 1200g or 1200gae.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, you are like the yoda of turntable! By looking at your experience, I think I should just aim for the VPI Classic. One day if I come across one, I will keep it in mind. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@sidvicious3129]

Thomas & Stereo I have as many power amps, preamps and speakers to now end with my current all Audio Research system. I have been an Audio Phile since I was 18 years old and bought my first system at 20. You don't have to spend a lot to get a lot. Being patient and buying preowned or dealer demo models will save you a ton. You have more time in this world than you have money. Establishing a relationship with a local dealer is a must because they will inform you when they get used products in and my local dealer will allow me to borrow what ever I want to test out, but I don't waste a lot of the dealers time as well. Audiogon is also good as well and I have bought there as well.

[@sidvicious3129]

I almost bought this table twice because it was on sale and the great reviews. I ended up waiting for the Vpi Classic and I have never looked back. The Vpi has a huge amount of bass and it's very musical, the platter alone is 20 pounds and the table total weight with platter is about 50 pounds. The only negative is the unipivot arm can be difficult to set up, but worth it and a classic 1 is upgradable all the way up to a signature, even though the classic series is now the prime series. The prime's 3D arm can fit on the classic and the on the fly base can be added, but by the time you buy the new arm and on the fly base, you might as well buy the prime for the same amount.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Did you ever get a chance to listen to the TT15? If yes, how would it compare to the VPI classic? I would love to try a VPI turntable someday but they are so expensive. I was considering picking up my friend's Oracle Delphi Mk IV Turntable with SME Series V Tonearm but it was 4+ time the price of TT15 so I did not.

[@RumbleFish69]

"I'm just too lazy to go get the light..." Haha! That's hilarious! I was on the fence on buying one one of these, but I cant only spend the money when the prices come down. I have a great vintage Pioneer right now that has a Nagaoka MP200 stylus, so I will hang on to that, but I will be getting this Marantz the price to come down. I just can't see myself spending $1,500.00 for something without a dust cover. I would have got it as soon as it came out of a it had a dust cover. I have cats, so a dustcover is a need for me and that need makes this turntable almost $2,000 when I am done! Great video!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I broke the stylus recently because I did not have a dustcover and used a cloth to cover it. Thanks!

[@RumbleFish69]

Thomas & Stereo ouch! Yeah, after hear that, I will definitely wait until I can get it complete. Thanks!

[@vicg5323]

Love high res. I have a vintage pioneer pl 530 just to listen to my old school vinyl but I buy sacd or high quality recorded cd’s.

[@joshuaschneck]

Good turntable. I have one. Would recommend changing the included felt mat for a nicer mat like funk firm.

[@philrob4468]

U didn't just leave the mat off... why bother have a matt eith acrylic? I'm ordering this table on payday I think

[@chgofirefighter]

So I’m torn between the Rega RP6 and RP8 and now this one... this table seems to offer you a lot for your money!! I may end up purchasing one and try it out. Best thing that I could always send it back if it doesn’t fit my needs ;)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

This turntable is definitely worth trying. I heard the Rega RP6 a while and for me both sounds different. If you are looking for clarity, the marantz is a good choice.

[@mphosikhosana3685]

Hi Thomas. Great review. I finally bought the TT15 S1 and it's connected to the Marantz SR6007 receiver. I'm planning to get the Bowers and Wilkins 702 in three months. I was just wondering, would it be a great choice to get the Rotel RC1590 pre amp for this turntable and the Rotel RB1582 power to power the B&W?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I don't know Rotel as my experience was with the Rotel 1080.A friend of mine made a point to me that Rotel don't make high end gear so they might not have the chance to benefit from trickle down technology from their higher end series. They might learn from their higher series but I don't know how high end they go.

[@venturarodriguezvallejo1567]

Rotel MADE (past) very good electronics. Nowadays, I seriously doubt it. If you can find something, in mint conditions, from the "Michi" series (circa 1990), have a listening and decide. Cheers.

[@luizfreitas5359]

Dear Thomas, could you please post the detailed assembly of the Marantz TT15 turntable, I followed all manual instructions regarding arm height adjustment even though the arm lift does not work satisfactorily to raise the arm over the LP, to compensate This had to be set to two counterweights as standard. Thank you for your attention and I know that being helped to many with this same difficulty among others.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

So sorry Luis, I have sold this many months ago so I would don't know. Even when I had it, I did not set it up completly by myself.

[@luizfreitas5359]

@@ThomasAndStereo Dear Thomas, thank you for your attention.

[@luizfreitas5359]

@@ThomasAndStereo Dear Thomas, thank you for your attention.

[@scottlowell493]

It's a nice looking table...but at that price, makes me wonder if an actual clear audio table is a better choice?

[@ptg01]

My understanding is comparable Clear Audio Concept Emotion SE TT's are easily north of $3K USD ??? What kills me is these don't come with a dust cover and that's another $250 to $300 online.

[@eduardosaucedo6541]

So what is the Marantz preamp model? You can’t see it...

[@jameswilson5318]

Hi @Thomas & Stereo, thanks for spending the time to create these two videos I think it helped me decided on the marantz over a rega planar 6. I am on the verge of purchasing this TT. I would however have to put it together myself, did you find it easy to put together? Thanks

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Your welcome,I bought mine used so it was already assembled.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

By the way, i remeber hearing the p6 with sonus faber piano, pathos integrated and it sounded very smooth. More analog sounding.

[@waxwiresnwaves]

Thomas & Stereo the rp6 and Marantz both seem to have their positives but think the Marantz might be the one for me. Thanks for replying to my comments :)

[@tedpiliouras7341]

Is it the turntable that makes the music hi res or is it the cart?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would guess the cart has more to do with it?

[@tedpiliouras7341]

I’m looking to buy this TT but wondering if the rest of the table is any good. Thanks

[@jessielees]

200-300 for a dust cover? pfft. I'll just throw a pillow case over it when Im not using it . good enough. thinkin bout getting one of these soon whole they're still available... btw are those focals aria 948s? how did you like them? I have a pair myself and love em so far. big step up from the 936s i tried at first... granted Im gonna need to build a bigger listening room to get the most out of them....

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No, I had the 936 and the 926. I would love to try the 948.

[@jessielees]

nice. and oops, the 926 was what I meant that I started with. Didnt spend significant time with 936. I did audition all 3 in the store. didnt hear a substantial difference from 926 to 936 , at least in that particular room and *almost* didnt take the 948s home because they were boomy in comparison. Im glad I did though, they sound good in my room despite it only being 12' x 13' (one day I will build a new room, 30' x 40' , then they'll really open up even better lol)

[@johncahill6859]

I’m torn between the Marantz or Technics 1210 GR. I don’t plan on being a DJ. Just love to listen to good music that you get from vinyls. Any recommendations?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sorry, never heard teh 1210.

[@venturarodriguezvallejo1567]

You have hitting the dart in the center of the target, indeed. No matter what kind of audio gear one is using, sooner or later the problem of listening TO MUSIC or listening TO GEAR comes. Many times I've lost the occasion of a pure musical experience at home pursuing a perfection in sound, impossible to achieve but in live performances. Not very ocassional, I've been guilty of a misunderstood "audiophilia", a concept I'm disliking more and more, not because to be an "audiophile" should be a bad thing in itself, but because it can mislead to the real purpose: to get a realistic, involving and, at last, spiritual connection with the music.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes I get you. You just need to meet people who understands you. I am lucky that I know many audiophiles in real life. Thanks for commenting, I enjoy reading all your comments.

[@frederickfranchi6408]

Thomas hope everything is good turntables being high res I don't get it it takes years and years of experience for getting your turntable right to your ears the sound seems to always change. Personality love opening up a new album the smell and to me it's all about the sound if digital sounded better I would have all downloads and CDs✌

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

the cart that comes with that table is enough? I mean I don't need buy another?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, that cart is like close to a grand right?

[@davidtillwach5542]

That's a nice turntable I wish I could own one.too

[@davidtillwach5542]

If I win the lottery aka powerball Then Los Angeles and nice car and home I come . New audio equipment also . Marantz has nice equipment

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I am with you!

[@davidtillwach5542]

@@ThomasAndStereo Oh I forgot the beach boys albums too . California and the sun if I could afford lol .

[@mutantbaby1672]

Planar 6 w/Ania is on sale right now. Should I get that or this?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sorry, I never heard the planar 6 so no idea.

[@matereo]

The marantz preamp you mention, what model is it?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=ReferenceSeries&SubCatId=0&ProductId=SC11S1 Its the Sc11s1

[@matereo]

Thank you Thomas! :)

[@pnojazz]

Two thoughts. 1. It’s the cartridge that is producing light bass, not the turntable. Pair the table with a moving coil cartridge and you’ll have all the bass you desire. The cartridge that comes with the turntable is a MM, and it’s not the greatest cartridge. I paired my table with a Benz Micro Ace moving coil cartridge and the table lit up with sound. 2. It’s a budget turntable. It’s not the finest that vinyl can offer. It punches way above its weight, yet in the end it’s a budget turntable.

[@scchengmus]

Vinyl listening is different than other mediums, even other analog mediums. It's more about appreciating the whole sound from the direct surface. Cartridges are the key.

[@olaniyi570]

Good video! Sounds like the Marantz tt is on the analytical side, which I don't like.

[@ptg01]

GERMAN engineering and precision !

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

I understand your point but strange way of thinking, I mean: yes! I want hear the music but also I want it in a high quality!

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

This vs Clearaudio Concept?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Never heard the concept, sorry.

[@ptg01]

@@ThomasAndStereo It sure looks similar to the Clear Audio Concept Emotion SE like this one: www.thevinyladventure.com/product/clearaudio-emotion-se-turntable/

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@ptg01 yeah, I heard Clear audio made the tt15 so...

[@ptg01]

@@ThomasAndStereo It is very tempting but ClearAudio's cartridges are rather pricey as I am sure it is superbly made with German precision and German engineering ! Plus no dustcover really ticks me off as I have to source it for another $200 and up fo ar pre-made one from Upscale Audio in California.

[@zorst99]

I wonder how much the improved sound is because of the cartridge, rather than the turntable itself. Have you considered trading cartridges to test this?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I personally think the catridge is the most important component, i have consider swapping the catridge but just too lazy to align the head after that. One day I might do the test if I can find the time.

[@zorst99]

I agree. I used to be in the business and so long as the table is set up well and it doesn't have a lot of noise. And so long as the tonearm is not a huge mass on bad bearings etc. The sound should be mostly up to the cartridge. Back in the day after you got past about $175 on the turntable, the cartridge was the largest factor in the sound. But my gear wasn't as good in those days as it is not and so I can't make experienced conclusions without trying more turntables out for myself or as here asking questions

[@agx502]

A cartridge can only perform to the level of the arm and turntable base that it is attached to. It’s a common fallacy that the cartridge is the most important component in a analogue front end. Practical experience will show anything but. It could be the case here that the clearaudio cartridge here is a very good mechanical match to the arm.

[@riccardoronco627]

Dust cover for this kind of turntable? Check on Plasticonline.co.uk. There are several sizes and two designs: one classic box, one like the one you see on the Rega Planar 8 - 10,

[@k.thompson8549]

Exactly who I used, but submitted my own specs with side and rear cutouts.

[@jro7075]

Hello Thomas ,just wanted to say the turntable is very impressive looking but to spend 1500.00 dollars is too much for me especially when the cartridge cost more than turntable ,but that is just me but have you thought about a cloth turntable cover ,if not try digitaldeckcovers.com they might help you they are well made not expensive,and they look nice and come in different colors and they are made to order JRo

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I sold mine too, it was a bit too pricey for me. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@noureddineelaroussi7680]

What is your address sir?

[@sdiesel77]

Have the same TT, replaced the stock cartridge by a Goldring G1042, so SO MUCH better, really good bass with this one. Regarding the dust cover, I use this one and it fits perfectly on it and protect the platter and arm from dust: eistaudio.ie/shop/?product=e_cover

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I am so sad I broke my needle recently because i did not have that dust cover :( I just picked up another clearaudio catridge and would keep an eye on your catridge for future.

[@sdiesel77]

Thomas & Stereo get the dust cover I sent you the link earlier and mo more issues

[@rmzidann]

Oh dude., a $500 vinyl TT sounds better than a $2000 DAC. Anytime.

[@craigslue]

Ha ha ha brother its a disease with no cure!