Marantz 1152DC Owners Manual

The Marantz 1152DC is a high-fidelity stereo receiver featuring DC power amplifier circuitry, Dolby noise reduction, phono input for turntables, tape monitoring, loudness contour, and tone controls. With 52 watts per channel RMS power output, this classic audio component delivers exceptional sound quality for music enthusiasts. Below are key sections covering features, installation, operation, specifications, and maintenance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Components 7. Operation Guide 8. Tape Deck Operation 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: DC power amplifier, Dolby noise reduction system, phono preamp, tape monitoring, tone controls, speaker selector.

FeatureDescription
Power Output52 watts per channel RMS into 8 ohms
DC AmplifierDirect-coupled power amplifier circuitry
Dolby NRBuilt-in Dolby B noise reduction for tape
Phono InputMM cartridge compatible with RIAA equalization
Tape MonitoringDual tape monitor circuits
Tone ControlsBass and treble controls with defeat switch
Loudness ContourCompensates for low volume listening
Speaker SelectorA/B speaker switching
Headphone JackFront panel 1/4" stereo headphone output
Power MeterLED power output indicators

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.

  1. Connect speakers: Use speaker wire to connect to A or B speaker terminals.
  2. Connect turntable: Use phono input for magnetic cartridge turntables.
  3. Connect tape deck: Use tape 1 or tape 2 inputs/outputs.
  4. Connect auxiliary sources: CD player, tuner, or other line-level sources.
  5. Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block heat sinks. Use correct speaker impedance (4-16 ohms).

First-Time Setup

Power on receiver; allow 30 seconds for stabilization.

  1. Select input source: Turn FUNCTION selector to desired source (Phono, Aux, Tuner, Tape).
  2. Adjust volume: Start with volume at minimum, gradually increase to desired level.
  3. Set tone controls: Adjust bass and treble to preference; use tone defeat for flat response.
  4. Select speakers: Choose A, B, or A+B for connected speakers.
  5. Engage loudness: Use loudness switch for enhanced bass at low volumes.

CAUTION! Always turn volume down before powering on or changing sources.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, FUNCTION selector, VOLUME, BALANCE, BASS, TREBLE, TONE DEFEAT, LOUDNESS, SPEAKERS A/B, TAPE MONITOR, DOLBY NR.

Rear Panel: AC outlet, phono inputs, aux inputs, tape inputs/outputs, speaker terminals, FM/AM antenna terminals.

Input Selection: PHONO (turntable), AUX (CD/tuner), TUNER, TAPE 1, TAPE 2. Tone Controls: Bass (±10dB), Treble (±10dB) with defeat switch. Special Features: Loudness contour, dual tape monitoring, Dolby NR for tape playback.

Connecting Components

Speaker Connections: Use A or B terminals, observe polarity. Source Components: Match inputs to source type (phono for turntable, aux for line-level).

  1. Turn off power before making connections.
  2. Connect turntable ground wire to ground terminal.
  3. Use high-quality interconnects for best performance.
  4. Ensure secure speaker wire connections.
  5. Connect FM antenna for radio reception.

Tip: Keep signal cables away from power cords to minimize hum.

Operation Guide

Basic operation procedures for optimal performance.

  1. Power sequence: Turn on sources first, then receiver; reverse for shutdown.
  2. Volume control: Start low, increase gradually to desired listening level.
  3. Input selection: Choose appropriate source with FUNCTION selector.
  4. Tone adjustment: Use BASS and TREBLE controls to suit room acoustics.
  5. Balance control: Adjust for centered stereo image.
  6. Loudness: Engage for fuller sound at low volume levels.
  7. Speaker selection: Choose A, B, or both for active speakers.

WARNING! Avoid maximum volume settings to prevent speaker damage.

Tape Deck Operation

Using the tape monitoring and Dolby noise reduction features.

  1. Connect tape deck: Use TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 inputs/outputs.
  2. Recording: Select source to record, engage TAPE MONITOR for that deck.
  3. Playback: Select TAPE input, disengage TAPE MONITOR to hear tape.
  4. Dolby NR: Engage for tapes recorded with Dolby B noise reduction.
  5. Dubbing: Connect second deck for tape-to-tape copying.

Note: Dolby NR must match recording/playback for proper decoding.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior; compressed air for controls.

Clean controls: Use contact cleaner if scratchy operation occurs. Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow around unit. Storage: Cover when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or aerosols near controls or vents.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Manufactured to Marantz quality standards. For service or technical support, contact authorized Marantz service centers. This product should be recycled or disposed of according to local regulations.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No soundSpeaker connections/input selectionCheck speaker wires; verify input selection; ensure volume up.
Hum or noiseGrounding/cable issuesCheck turntable ground; separate signal/power cables; clean controls.
One channel deadBalance control/cablesCheck balance setting; verify RCA cables; test speakers.
Distorted soundOverload/speaker impedanceReduce volume; check speaker impedance (4-16 ohms).
No FM receptionAntenna connectionCheck FM antenna; ensure proper connection; adjust antenna position.

Service: Contact authorized Marantz service center for internal repairs.

Support: Consult qualified audio technician for complex issues.

Marantz 1152DC Owners Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025