Marantz 6300

Marantz 6300 Dustcover

The Marantz 6300 is very popular these days and they command some pretty high prices. When it was released to the market in 1975 Marantz was still seen as making hi-end audio equipment. Of course, Superscope had owned them for some time by then and, while they did produce good equipment, the mid to late 1970’s stuff didn’t really live up to perceptions. The 6300 probably falls into that category. Some feel that it’s the best looking turntable ever while others feel it is a little bulky and overdone. A failed attempt to convey opulence they say. Now, I’m not saying the turntable is bad. It’s not. It’s a direct drive turntable with a DC servo motor, optical auto-off, and both vertical and lateral balancing. But, by the time it came on the market, most decent turntables had those features and more.

Marantz 6300 Platter

The Marantz 6300 sold for $249.95 in 1975 and was on the market until around 1977. I believe part of the reason for the high demand is that a lot of vintage audio enthusiasts own Marantz receivers and want to complete an all Marantz system. So, they need a Marantz turntable. Of course, an all Marantz system in the audio cabinet would look good!

One nice aspect of the 6300 is that it has adjustable feet. This makes it easy to level the turntable. You can adjust them by turning the outer ring on the foot. Viewing from the top, turn the ring clockwise to elevate the base and counter-clockwise to lower it.

Marantz 6300 Tonearm

Tonearm and head shell adjustments can be complicated with the 6300. Below are the relevant instructions for making those adjustments.

Specifications:

  • Tonearm: S-shaped
  • Effective length: 231mm
  • Overhang: 15mm
  • Stylus pressure: 0.5 to 4.0g
  • Motor: Servo controlled direct drive
  • Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
  • Speed control: +-3%
  • Rumble: -60dB
  • Wow and flutter: 0.04%
  • Platter: 31cm
  • Platter weight: 1.6kg
  • Dimensions: 17 1/8″ x 7 1/32″ x 14 13/16″ (435 x 180 x 381mm)
  • Weight: 21.4 lbs. (10.0kg)

One common problem with the 6300 is that the pitch, or speed, control gets out of line over the years. This is usually due to a potentiometer, or two, inside the turntable becoming dirty. A quick cleaning with some DeOxit could solve the problem. Also, the feet tend to go missing and they aren’t cheap to replace.

Marantz 6300 Ad

Is the Marantz 6300 turntable overrated as some claim? Maybe. But, if you like the looks and the sound, and you want a Marantz, then it’s a great table. Some improvements can be made such as replacing the original RCA cables with higher quality versions, replacing the feet with better vibration dampening feet, cleaning all the potentiometers with DeOxit, and replacing the original thin platter mat with a thicker sound dampening mat.

The Marantz 6300 isn’t a budget minded turntable to say the least. It commands pretty hefty prices and a person could very likely get a better turntable for less. Because it’s so expensive it’s not really a good entry level turntable. But, if you have experience with turntables and a decent vinyl collection, and you really want a Marantz, then the 6300 is a good choice. Besides, prices have done nothing but go up over the years.

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34 thoughts on “Marantz 6300

  1. i bought my 6300 back in 1975 and still own it. still performs flawlesssly. my question is my head stock is stamped aluminum(like sheet metal if you will) i see others on ebay that are a solid aluminum. did they offer two styles or is only 1 correct for the 6300?

  2. Thank you for writing about the Marantz 6300 . I’ve been looking for turntable to buy for quite some time .I ran across a 6300 yesterday I’m 99.5% sure I’m going to buy the turntable because I have Marantz 2240 receiver .
    In my receiver this sounds beautiful hooked up to my Boston acoustic T 1000 . Also have a pair of Marantz pair 7 running to my Marantz 2240 I love how they sound thank you for writing about the turntable.
    Have a great day.

  3. Hi Donna Mahlmann … do u still have your Marantz turntable because I would like to make u an offer. Please email me back and let me know.
    Thank you
    Dan

  4. hello again Donna … not sure if you ever got my first message about your Marantz turntable. I’m still interested, never really had a descent turntable over the years. Please let me know …
    Tx
    Dan

  5. Hello Donna , I email you in Dec . How about 150 for dustcover and hinges. Send me a email one way or the other Thanks

  6. I bought my 6300 (generation one motor) in mid 1976. It is still 98% cosmetically perfect (even the dust cover), only the strobe light was replaced, and the crappy “optical auto shutoff” failed many years ago. But its still speed-accurate as heck, and fully adjustable. I still have 25 to 40 year old carts that work perfectly with it. No need for a modern plastic turntable.

    1. Hey Blake…i may have a platter…havent decided whether or not to restore this in full…i have a lot of time on my hands these days..what’s it worth to ya?

  7. I have a 6300. Works pretty well. A few issues are that on the 45 speed the pitch constantly shifts, the up cue button stopped working as did the “Auto return” feature. It was my father’s and the turntable I grew up listening to. I recently purchased an Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-SV as an upgrade (it’s very nice by the way) and I am thinking about selling the Marantz. I did replace the stylus a couple of weeks ago with a 4825-DE from thevoiceofmusic.com, a great website, and helpful folks.

      1. I have a one owner Marantz 6300 that is in phenomenal condition. The dust cover has only very minor scratches like those from dusting/cleaning it that you don’t even notice (could surely be buffed out), and the walnut is perfect. It still has not only the original Marantz box with styrofoam but also the shipping box from the factory. There is no corrosion, pitting, etc. I am not someone who is qualified to give an educated assessment of each system but it works great in my estimation. From sold listings on Ebay around $2,800.00 I believe that $3,000.00 is the market value.

  8. Hello. I recently acquired a 6300 but it is missing some parts to make it functional. Missing are the platter (for some reason it does have the mat), headshell, and counterweight. Also missing but not needed for functionality are the hinges, dustcover, and “servo control…” emblem on the front. Does anyone happen to have these parts and willing to sell them?

  9. I have a one owner marantz 6300. It is 100% original and works flawlessly. The dustcover is also perfect. I need to sell the unit. What should i ask for it to be a fair price?

    1. Restored units sell for over $1600+. Parts units for around $600-. So, somewhere in between depending upon condition. I would try for $1400 or $1500 and work my way down if it really is super nice. You can find the latest sales on eBay HERE.

  10. I have a Marantz 6300 that needs some TLC and a needle for sale. It belongs to an elderly neighbor of mine and has been sitting in his rumpus room for who knows how long. We would like to sell it to help him out, make an offer if someone is interested.

    1. Hi – I’m interested in your neighbors 6300 if still available. I don’t live too far from you. Please let me know if still available. Thanks

    1. From about $700 for a non-working “parts or repair” unit up to $2400 for a fully restored unit. You can see current sales on eBay HERE.

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