Jump On It
Mar 24, 2026
My caller this morning told me a friend was offering him a Marantz 2325 in unknown working condition that had been stored in a garage for at least 25 years. He wanted to know what it would cost to have it repaired. What could I tell him over the phone?? I explained that it would probably only need cleaning, lamps, and some alignment, because that beast was so well built. But even if it had crashed and burned before it was stored away, it would be worth repairing, I said. I conceded that it was hands down my favorite of the “power wars” receivers of the late 70’s and early 80’s.
What about recapping? he asked me. I told him what I tell everyone who asks: recapping is a myth promoted by solder jockeys who don’t know how to troubleshoot at component level, an easy way to take advantage of the vintage fan’s ignorance and make a lot of money doing unnecessary work. I replace the ones that need replacing. Period. I will do a complete recapping only when requested, and only after you hear my tirade about how expensive, how unnecessary, and sometimes counterproductive recapping is.
But what’s it going to cost? he kept asking me. I said look, how much does your friend want for it? A thousand, he said. What’s the appearance factor, I asked him. It’s nearly perfect, he said.
I told him to jump on it.
