Marantz 3200 Preamp Manual

The Marantz 3200 is a high-quality stereo preamplifier featuring dual phono inputs, tape monitor circuits, loudness compensation, tone controls, and multiple source selection. With its classic Marantz design and robust construction, it delivers exceptional audio performance for vintage audio enthusiasts. Below are key sections for 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. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Dual phono inputs, tape monitor circuits, tone controls, source selector, volume control, loudness switch.

Feature	Description
Phono Inputs	Two phono inputs for turntables (MM cartridges)
Tape Monitor	Dedicated tape input/output for recording
Tone Controls	Bass and treble adjustment controls
Loudness Compensation	Enhances bass at low volume levels
Source Selector	Phono 1, Phono 2, Aux, Tape
Volume Control	Dual concentric knob for left/right channels
Power Switch	Main power on/off control
Headphone Jack	Front panel 1/4" headphone output
Filter Switch	High and low frequency filters
Mode Switch	Stereo/Mono selection

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface away from heat sources.

Connect power amplifier: Use RCA cables from PRE OUT to power amp inputs.
Connect turntable: Use phono inputs for turntable connection.
Connect tape deck: Use tape input/output for recording/playback.
Connect auxiliary sources: Use AUX input for CD players, tuners, etc.
Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block ventilation openings. Use correct phono grounding.

First-Time Setup

Power on preamplifier; verify all connections are secure.

Set source selector: Rotate to desired input source (Phono 1, Phono 2, Aux, Tape).
Adjust volume: Start with volume at minimum, gradually increase.
Set tone controls: Begin with flat response (12 o'clock position).
Engage loudness: Use for low-volume listening if desired.
Check tape monitor: Ensure proper tape deck operation.

CAUTION! Always turn volume down before switching sources or powering on/off.

Specifications

Input Sensitivity: Phono: 2.5mV, Aux: 150mV
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.1%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Phono: 70dB, Aux: 90dB
Tone Control Range: Bass: ±10dB at 50Hz, Treble: ±10dB at 10kHz
Input Impedance: Phono: 47k ohms, Aux: 100k ohms
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 15W
Dimensions: 17" W × 4.5" H × 12" D
Weight: 12 lbs

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: Power switch, source selector, volume, balance, tone controls, loudness, filters, mode.

Rear Panel: Phono inputs, aux input, tape inputs/outputs, preamp outputs, AC power cord.

Source Selection: Phono 1, Phono 2, Aux, Tape. Tone Controls: Bass (±10dB), Treble (±10dB). Filters: High cut (7kHz), Low cut (70Hz). Loudness: Compensates for Fletcher-Munson curves. Balance: Adjusts left/right channel balance. Mode: Stereo/Mono selection.

Connecting Components

Phono: Connect turntable to phono inputs (ensure ground wire connected). Aux: CD player, tuner, other line-level sources. Tape: Tape deck input/output for recording.

Turn off all components before connecting.
Use high-quality shielded RCA cables.
Connect turntable ground wire to ground terminal.
Ensure proper input/output matching.
Connect preamp outputs to power amplifier inputs.

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

Operation Guide

Proper operation ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Power sequence: Turn on preamp first, then power amplifier.
Source selection: Rotate selector to desired input.
Volume adjustment: Start low, increase gradually.
Tone adjustment: Use bass/treble controls to taste.
Loudness: Engage for low-volume listening.
Tape monitoring: Use tape monitor for recording verification.
Filters: Use high/low filters to reduce noise if needed.
Shutdown: Turn volume down, then power off components.

WARNING! Never operate without proper load connected to outputs.

Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. Deoxit for control cleaning if scratchy.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasives. Internal service by qualified technician only.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © 1970s Marantz Company; trademarks of Marantz America. For technical support or service, contact authorized Marantz service centers. Original manufacturer: Superscope, Inc.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	Power/connections	Check power; verify all connections; ensure amp is on.
Hum/buzz	Grounding/cables	Check turntable ground; separate signal/power cables.
Scratchy controls	Dirty pots	Clean controls with contact cleaner.
One channel dead	Cables/balance	Check RCA cables; adjust balance control.
Distorted sound	Overload/settings	Reduce volume; check source levels; adjust tone controls.

Service: Contact authorized Marantz service center for internal repairs.

Support: Vintage audio forums and specialist repair shops