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Marantz 3-Head 2-Speed Compudeck SD9000

Description:

Back in 1979, Marantz introduced a line of technologically advanced "Compudecks" - cassette decks utilizing advanced microprocessor circuitry to control tape movement, timer actuation, and program selection/retrieval. Offered through 1981, the SD9000 was the flagship of the Marantz Compudeck line; the only deck in the lineup offering three heads - an erase head, and separate dedicated heads for recording and playback. The chief advantage of having a three-head deck over a more common two-head machine is that, with a flip of a switch, you can immediately compare your recording with the original source material - a must for fine-tuning the deck to yield the highest quality recordings possible.

The Marantz Compudecks are true workhorses – very solidly built, but not overly-complex transports, precision mode control and tape movement controlled by heavy-duty solenoids and two separate DC servo motors, and each functional block of circuitry employs its own independently regulated power supply. No expense was spared in the construction of the flagship SD9000, built in a day where serious audiophiles were actually willing to drop $900.00 for deck capable of making recordings that were indistinguishable from the original vinyl. 

That said, unbeknownst to Marantz engineers, virtually the entire Compudeck line had a fatal flaw. All Compudecks used optical coupling devices or “optocouplers” to detect reel revolutions in order to provide tape motion feedback data to the onboard microprocessor. These first-generation optocouplers turned out to have a very finite life expectancy – starting to fail after approximately ten years, and approaching a 100% failure rate after 20 years. To make matters worse, replacement parts became unavailable soon after the failures began, and most folks either closeted their decks, or just tossed them out. The ‘silver lining’ here is that most surviving Compudecks – like this one – have very few hours on them, and look/perform almost like brand new once they are properly restored.

While single-speed SD9000s were marketed overseas, decks designed for US distribution offered a second, higher recording speed. Standard cassette decks, including the SD9000, record at 1-7/8 ips. It takes significant technology, coupled with high-density tape formulations, to properly squeeze the entire audio spectrum into 1/8” wide tape moving that slow without oversaturation and distortion. Now, when you switch the SD9000 to high speed mode, you double your tape speed to 3-3/4”, which allows you to spread your audio signal over twice as much tape. The result is that you can make recordings rivaling those made on top-quality reel-to-reel decks - without the bulky equipment and expensive reel tapes. Recordings mastered at high-speed on the SD9000 are truly remarkable.

Finally, there were two color variations of the SD9000 released; later production SD9000 decks sported a decidedly gold-themed cosmetic, with gold-toned faceplate and knobs and a gold-painted cabinet, indicative of the Marantz “Gold Series” offerings throughout the ‘80’s. This particular deck however, is an earlier production version with the silver face and black vinyl-coated case, which pretty much matches the standard cosmetics of classic 1970’s silver Marantz gear. 

Condition:

Regarding cosmetics, this particular unit is in outstanding condition, at least a 9 out of 10 - check the high-resolution pictures for yourself. The only notable cosmetic issues are some minor chatter-marks along the right top edge of the faceplate (not visible from the front) and a lightly engraved name on the back panel. The rest of the deck is next to perfect. The cabinet is completely scratch and dent free, the clear acrylic trim is excellent, with no obvious scratches or clouding, the knobs sparkle and are completely free of oxidation commonly found on these models. The interior of the deck is minty-clean, and clear of any trace of corrosion. Even the acrylic tape head shield, almost always missing from these decks, is in place to complete the package!

Functionally, this unit is a perfect 10 out of 10. Everything I thought to test (record, playback, Dolby tracking, programming, etc.) worked perfectly, smoothly, and noiselessly. All switches function quietly and positively, the rotary controls are smooth and noise-free. Plenty of fast-forward and rewind torque. The tape heads show minimal wear; with no grooving or pitting whatsoever. The rubber is soft and pliable; all optocouplers, belts and idlers have been replaced; the transport and capstan motor have been lubed, the power supply board recapped, and the heads meticulously cleaned and demagnetized. All in all, this is an outstanding specimen of a cassette deck that is getting to be very difficult to find. Don't let this beauty slip away!

Photos:

 

 

A close-up shot of the record/play head - in excellent shape with no grooving or pitting.

 

A picture of the interior, showing dual transformers, heavy-duty solenoids, and dual motors.  This is an extremely well-made deck, and now that the belts, idlers and optocouplers have been replaced, it should provide enjoyment for many, many years.

 

A picture of the included literature: Copies of the owner's manual, spec sheet, and test report from June 1980 issue of Stereo Review. The service manual is original, and in very nice condition.

 

Replacement parts, including brand new idler tires and belts, optocouplers, and a replacement for the damaged take-up tension idler assembly originally in this deck.

 

The tape transport was completely disassembled, cleaned, re-greased and re-lubed. Plenty of time was spent to get this deck back into tip-top shape!

 

The replacement optocouplers, installed.  Since the new optocoupler assemblies were too large to fit, the IR LED and phototransistor elements were extracted from their housings and mounted separately.

 

Services Performed:

  • All idler tires and belts replaced with new
  • Defective optical couplers replaced with new
  • Transport disassembled, cleaned, re-lubed and reassembled (top-quality silicone grease and synthetic lubricant used)
  • Tape heads and tape path thoroughly cleaned; tape heads demagnetized
  • All rotary and slide switches (internal and external) cleaned with Deoxit Gold G5 contact cleaner/preservative
  • All potentiometers cleaned with Deoxit Faderlube F5 cleaner/lubricant
  • Capstan and rew/ff motor cleaned and lubricated

Included in the Auction:

  • Marantz SD9000 2-speed cassette deck, serial # 02U060055 
  • Copy of Marantz SD9000 specification sheet
  • Copy of SD9000 owner's manual
  • Original SD9000 service manual with fold-out schematics
  • Copy of SD9000 test report from June 1980 Stereo Review magazine
  • 90-day parts & labor warranty

Features:

  • 3 head, 2 motor design
  • 1-7/8 ips and 3-3/4 ips recording speeds
  • Programmable music search - songs may be played in any sequence!
  • Solenoid controlled full-logic tape transport 
  • Dolby B noise reduction
  • MPX Filter
  • Microprocessor-controlled music search and programming capability
  • Front-panel microphone jacks, with mic/line mixing capability
  • Remote control compatible (remote NOT included in this auction)
  • Auto tape slack removal circuitry
  • Built in clock and timer for timer-controlled recording and playback
  • 400 watt rear accessory outlet (switched AND timer-controlled!)
  • Metal, CrO2, FeCr, and normal tape formulation capability
  • 12-segment, dual color LED peak level display
  • Bias fine control, output level control, headphone jack...and more

Specifications:

Frequency Response (high speed):
Metal:     25 Hz ~ 23 kHz (±3dB)
FeCr:      25 Hz ~ 22 kHz (±3dB)
CrO2:     25 Hz ~ 22 kHz (±3dB)
Normal:   25 Hz ~ 20 kHz (±3dB)

Frequency Response (normal speed):
Metal:     25 Hz ~ 20 kHz (±3dB)
FeCr:      25 Hz ~ 18 kHz (±3dB)
CrO2:     25 Hz ~ 17 kHz (±3dB)
Normal:   25 Hz ~ 16 kHz (±3dB)

Wow and Flutter:
High speed: 0.03%
Normal speed: 0.05%

Signal to Noise Ratio:
Dolby NR On:            High speed: 72 dB  Normal speed: 69 dB
Noise Reduction Off:  High speed: 62 dB  Normal speed: 59 dB.

Dimensions (W x H x D):
16-3/8" x 5-3/4" x 11-5/8"

Weight:
22 lbs., 1 oz. (10 kg)

Additional specifications available upon request

Terms:

If you are not 100% satisfied with this unit, you may return it within 14 days of receipt for a full refund of your purchase price and original outbound shipping (yes, return shipping would be your responsibility). Full refund would of course be contingent upon receiving the returned unit in the same condition in which it was sent, without any missing or exchanged parts.
As most failure-prone parts in this deck have already been replaced, I have no problem offering a full 90-day warranty on this unit. Should you have any problems within 90 days of receiving this item, I will repair it free of charge, including parts and labor, provided you handle round-trip shipping.
Due to eBay guidelines, I accept only PayPal payment. Buyer pays fixed FedEx Ground shipping rate of $39.00, which includes shipping insurance and absolutely bulletproof packaging, for any destination in the continental US. 
Buyer MUST respond within 3 days of the auction end or transaction will be void. Payment MUST be received within 10 days of the end of the auction or the transaction will be void. I reserve the right to cancel bids from any party with a feedback rating at or below zero, or any party with negative feedback. Good luck and happy bidding!

 


On Sep-21-13 at 20:02:53 PDT, seller added the following information:

PLEASE NOTE: I just noticed that there is a statement in the description to the effect that the power supply board in this deck has been recapped. This is incorrect, and was inadvertently copied over from a previous auction. If any bidders wish to retract their bids as a result of this disclosure, I will completely understand. I sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused.