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[Festooned]

Item: Marantz PS17SA converted to power amp only operation
Location: Adelaide
Price: 350
Item Condition: Good - modified - see pics, functionally excellent. 
Reason for selling: Too many ampliifers
Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only
Extra Info: This whole series of Marantz products is highly desirable and sounds great. You'll need a volume controlled source - PC/MAC, Streamer, suitable DAC or preamplifier etc to use this one. 
 

For sale - Marantz 19kg PS17SA Integrated amp converted to power amp only operation. The op-amp based A/V preamp and digital EQ sections were removed to leave a great sounding *entirely analogue* Marantz power amplifier functionally identical to their SM17SA in stereo. You'll need a preamp (or a level controlled input from PC/Mac, music streamer - like squeezebox say, DAC, CD player etc) for this one! These retailed for big bucks so it's a neat way to get really top shelf sound for less than a top shelf price. Silmic PSU caps, HDAM input buffers and beautifully designed heavy chassis results in *superb* sound. I think even to DIY with these kinds of quality parts would cost you considerably more money so the value is there. If you've been missing low-level detail and need something with both finesse and a reasonable amount of power this might be the one you've been waiting for. This is one very clear and grain free amp with excellent resolution and timing.

Marantz actually did make a power amp only version in this series (as well as another integrated, the PM17SA). You can see internal images of the PS17SA and SM17SA in the last two pictures. What you have here is a the first but converted functionally (and sonically) equivalent to the second, minus the bridging switch - for a lot less money. The mains side/PSU/switch on mute and speaker protection remains as factory shipped so there are no safety implications here. 

To quote an independent reviewer:

"Common sound attributes for the PS-17SA and SM-17SA:
- Musical
- Overall warm tonal balance
- Good bass control and extension
- Smooth through most of frequency range, but upper treble has very slight treble edge (not a issue with my loudspeakers)
- Very quiet, virtually no hiss even with ear against loudspeaker
- Precise sound staging, good channel separation
- Fast and transparent, particularly with simple music scores, but not as good on complex music passages (compared to the much more expensive Plinius SA250MKIV - see my review)
- Power output (60W/8ohm) seems to be more than adequate for my loudspeakers

Unlike the Hifi Choice review on the PM-17Mkii & SM-17, I do not find the PS-17SA and SM-17SA lacking in bass control or finesse. I do not know whether this is a reflection on the review or if there was marked improvement made to the SA version. Interesting, the PM-19 (older discontinued model) did sound flabby and constricted."

This is a high current design providing 60W real watts into 8ohm load and 100W into 4. The power amplifier sections across this whole series are identical and improved from the non-SA versions. I find the treble very clean and extended and to have excellent bass control of my multi-driver Peerless HDS towers at my listening levels levels in a large room - so I don't feel power will be a concern for the majority of people. My Dynaudio Focus 160s even sound lovely on it. It's able to deliver more power than the PM6004's 45W into 4 and 60 into 8ohm anyhow and people seem pretty pleased with those at $800. This series is true audiophile quality, made in Japan stuff and not just a big name with a pretty faceplate and Chinese cruft inside. 
ELECTRICAL DISCLAIMER
This product has not been manufactured by a qualified individual or company, therefore contains electrical circuits that do not necessarily comply with Australian Standards. I understand that as the seller, I may be liable to repercussions in the event of equipment failure. By advertising and selling this product, as the seller I also agree that I am solely liable, and the publisher of this website takes no responsibility for any injury or death resulting from, whether directly or indirectly, any accident that may happen as a result of the failure of the product being sold. If in doubt, seek the services of a qualified electrician to inspect the product to ensure it is safe for use.

Pictures:

 

 

Edited June 29, 2017 by treuben

[wolster]

@treuben

As this amp has been modified, you will need to add our electrical disclaimer to your ad,

Details can be found here.

 

Thanks.

[hotJ]

Well done. I've done similar oprations to my old Marantz receiver as well. The preamp, decoding and surrond prossesor is now look like crap, but the power amp section is pretty decent.

 

I'd suggest you even remove the video processing and dac circuit board to make it cleaner and less interference.

Edited May 15, 2017 by hotJ

[Festooned]

Disclaimer added (though none of the mains side is affected - only elements of the audio chain removed so safety shouldn't be compromised). The remaining boards aside from the softstart/PSU/speaker protection are unpowered as hotJ suggests. 8) 

[Festooned]

Sold locally.