Marantz 3300 Owners Manual

The Marantz 3300 is a professional stereo preamplifier featuring dual-mono construction, high and low level inputs, tape monitoring, tone controls, loudness compensation, and precision volume/balance controls. Designed for audiophile-grade performance with low noise and distortion characteristics. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

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-mono preamplifier circuit, High/Low level inputs, Tape monitor loops, Tone controls, Loudness compensation, Headphone output.

FeatureDescription
High Level InputsFor turntable, tuner, and auxiliary sources
Low Level InputsFor magnetic phono cartridges
Tape MonitorDual tape loops for recording and playback
Tone ControlsBass and treble adjustment with defeat switch
Loudness ControlFrequency compensation at low volume levels
Balance ControlPrecision stereo balance adjustment
Volume ControlStepped attenuator for precise level setting
Headphone OutputFront panel 1/4" jack for private listening
Power SwitchMain power on/off with indicator light
Mode SelectorStereo/Mono/Reverse channel selection

Installation

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

  1. Connect source components: Use appropriate cables for turntable, tuner, tape deck.
  2. Connect to power amplifier: Use high-quality RCA cables to amplifier inputs.
  3. Connect tape decks: Use TAPE 1 and TAPE 2 monitor loops.
  4. Plug into AC power outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block cooling vents. Use correct phono cartridge loading for optimal performance.

First-Time Setup

Power on preamplifier; verify indicator light illuminates.

  1. Select input source: Choose PHONO, TUNER, or AUX as required.
  2. Set tone controls: Begin with flat position (12 o'clock) and adjust to preference.
  3. Adjust volume: Start at minimum and gradually increase to desired listening level.
  4. Set balance: Center control for equal left/right channel output.

CAUTION! Always turn volume to minimum before powering on/off to prevent speaker damage.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, INPUT SELECTOR, VOLUME, BALANCE, BASS, TREBLE, LOUDNESS, MODE, TAPE MONITOR.

Rear Panel: PHONO INPUT, TUNER INPUT, AUX INPUT, TAPE 1/2 IN/OUT, MAIN OUTPUT, AC POWER.

Input Selection: PHONO, TUNER, AUX, TAPE 1, TAPE 2. Tone Controls: Bass ±10dB at 50Hz, Treble ±10dB at 15kHz with defeat switch. Loudness: Compensates for Fletcher-Munson curves at low volumes. Mode: Stereo, Mono, Reverse channels. Tape Monitor: Allows monitoring of tape decks during recording.

Connecting Components

Source Components: PHONO for turntable, TUNER for FM/AM tuner, AUX for CD player or other line-level sources.

  1. Turn off all components before making connections.
  2. Use high-quality shielded cables for all audio connections.
  3. Connect turntable ground wire to ground terminal.
  4. Ensure proper phono cartridge loading (47k ohms, 100pF typical).

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

Operation Guide

Supports various audio sources with precise control over tone and balance.

  1. Source Selection: Rotate INPUT selector to desired source.
  2. Volume Control: Adjust listening level with stepped attenuator.
  3. Tone Adjustment: Use BASS and TREBLE controls to suit room acoustics and program material.
  4. Loudness Compensation: Engage for improved bass response at low volume levels.
  5. Tape Monitoring: Use TAPE MONITOR switches for recording and playback verification.
  6. Headphone Use: Connect headphones to front panel jack for private listening.
  7. Mode Selection: Choose STEREO, MONO, or REVERSE for special effects.

WARNING! Do not operate with cover removed. High voltages present inside chassis.

Maintenance

Unplug from AC power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior surfaces.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners or solvents. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No sound outputPower/connectionsCheck power indicator; verify all cable connections; ensure amplifier is powered on.
Hum or noiseGrounding/cablesVerify turntable ground connection; check cable shielding; separate audio and power cables.
Distorted soundInput overloadReduce source output level; check phono cartridge compatibility.
Intermittent operationControl wearClean controls with contact cleaner; check for loose connections.
Channel imbalanceBalance controlAdjust balance control; verify source material is stereo; check cables.

Service: Contact authorized Marantz service center for internal repairs.

Support: Consult original documentation or Marantz authorized dealers.

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