Marantz is a famous brand that makes some excellent audio equipment.
The Marantz TT42P is an entry-level turntable that is a few steps above what is generally sold to newbies.
But there is one huge problem with it.
It is no longer being made.
As a result, you can only get it used (which generally means overpaying).
The good news is that the Denon DP-300F exists. It is basically the same turntable, but it is still available and sell for a lower price.
It makes sense the two are so similar, because both the Denon and the Marantz brand are both owned by the same company.
Here is some brief info on the DP300F.
- Lower vibrations, for a noiseless, rich and detailed sound
- Automatic operation means no scratches from someone mishandling the tonearm
- Built-in phono EQ gives you full control over the sound
- Great value for money
- Stock cartridge is average (I'd replace it immediately)
- Lack of USB output
- Does not play 78s
We’ll compare the two players more directly further down. First, let’s get right to the review of the Marantz TT42P.
Contents
Marantz TT42P Review: Overview And Features
The Marantz TT42P turntable is a belt-drive, servo motor-driven model with a built-in phono preamp. Unlike many turntables that are popular today, this one is automatic, meaning the tonearm will position itself on the record when you press start. It will also return to the resting position when the record is over.
The TT42P has a sleek minimalist look without many buttons and lights on the face. It is no longer being manufactured, but it can be found used. Let’s take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of this turntable.
Pros
The TT42P has a lot going for it. These are its big advantages.
Fully Automatic
You just have to press play and the tonearm will go to where it needs to go. And when the record is over, it will return to the starting position.
Sleek Design
The unit looks slick in a black semi-gloss finish. There is very little to distract you from the straight minimalist lines.
Built-In Preamp
This saves a great deal of money by preparing the very low phono level signal to be used with a stereo system. Good preamps cost several hundred dollars.
Quiet
This is a belt drive unit with a DC servo motor, which helps minimize self-noise.
Great Brand
Marantz is a well-known brand in the audio industry and they make good stuff. You can find lower-end Marantz items (like any brand) that are just so-so, but that is not what this turntable is.
Cons
Of course, this record player also has some major drawbacks. They are the reason I do not recommend this model (see below). Let’s take a look at the big disadvantages.
Limited Speed Options
It only offers 33 and 45 rpm speeds, which omits the 78 rpm speed. Many won’t need it, but it is a necessity if you are a fan of old big band, swing, or jazz records that were produced on the big shellac 78 records.
To be fair many of those releases have been repressed on normal vinyl with a 33 1/3 rpm speed. Still, if you are a Benny Goodman completist, or a jazz completist, you will need a 78-speed deck.
No Adjustment Strobe Or Markers
As somebody who owns an AT direct drive unit, I have become accustomed to being able to easily adjust my unit using the marks on the edge of the platter and the built-in strobe.
This unit is so minimalist that there is no light or any sort of markings on the platter, meaning if you need to adjust it, you have to pay a nerd at a shop to do it. No good.
Expensive For What It Is
This turntable is more expensive than many others that do the same thing. It is also no longer produced so you may have to deal with the bloodsuckers on eBay charging five million dollars to get one (just being hyperbolic, you can probably find them for just over $700-800). Of course, you can find reasonably priced ones if you look for them.
Has A Ground Wire For No Apparent Reason
Since there is a built-in preamp, there is no need to ground the unit with a ground wire. That is usually used when you connect to an outboard preamp. There is no option to turn off the built-in preamp either, so the inclusion of a ground wire is a real head-scratcher here.
Key Features
Next, let’s take a look at the key features of the Marantz TT42P. These are the things that (theoretically) set it apart from the competition.
Built-in Phono EQ
This is a nice feature and not something you find on most turntables, especially belt-driven models with servo motors.
Quiet DC Servo Motor
This unit has a quiet motor. The motor on turntables is where a great deal of the attention goes. This is not a high-end unit, but for what you pay, the motor is quite impressive. I have seen no real complaints from anyone citing self-noise or buzzing from the motor.
Newbie Friendly
With the fully automatic operation, this is a good unit for somebody who is new to the vinyl world and has a big enough budget for an upper mid-level entry-level model. It is much better than the $200 starter models out there from Crosby and the others. If you can afford it, it’s a great first turntable.
Marantz TT42P Vs Denon DP-300F
Remember how I mentioned above that the Denon DP-300F is basically the same turntable for a lower price? It does all of the same things just as well. Moreover, it is still being made and you can buy it new. Let’s take a closer look and compare the two models.
The Denon DP-300F
The Denon DP-300F is a fully automatic turntable with built-in EQ and a slim design. It is a direct competitor to the Marantz TT42P, though there are some differences, too. Let’s start with the major similarities.
- Lower vibrations, for a noiseless, rich and detailed sound
- Automatic operation means no scratches from someone mishandling the tonearm
- Built-in phono EQ gives you full control over the sound
- Great value for money
- Stock cartridge is average (I'd replace it immediately)
- Lack of USB output
- Does not play 78s
Similarities
- Both are fully automatic turntables
- Both have a sleek minimalist design
- Built-in EQ
- Newbie friendly
- Black with a heavy base
- Quiet DC motor
- Belt-drive operation
- Both are part of the same corporation (Marantz and Denon share the same parent corporation, D&M holdings, so it makes sense they are so similar).
Differences
- The Denon is currently available for purchase on Amazon and elsewhere, while the Marantz is discontinued.
- When it was still available, the Marantz was slightly cheaper than the Denon is new.
- The Denon has a high gloss finish while the Marantz has a semi-gloss matte look.
- The Denon has start and stop buttons on the front in a sensible spot that you can reach with the dust cover closed, while the Marantz does not.
Which One Is Better?
These are very similar units, so choosing which is better is going to come down to some fine detail. Obviously, it is easier to get the Denon, since the Marantz is not being made anymore, so that factors in.
If I had to choose one, the Denon would win, simply because it is easy to find. Plus, since the company still makes it, you can get replacement parts more easily.
Who should buy the Denon?
Anyone looking for the Marantz, but not able to find it. Or finding it, but only for jacked-up eBay prices. Also, anyone who wants more value for money.
Who should buy the Marantz?
Only a Marantz completist should bother tracking down one of these, since the Denon has everything, and more, for a better price.
Marantz TT42P Turntable Review: Conclusion And Rating
The Marantz TT42P is a high-quality turntable that is newbie-friendly and will provide years of enjoyment for your listening pleasure. Of course, if you are looking for one of these you will find out they are discontinued, sadly.
However, the Denon DP-300F is the perfect substitute for the Marantz. In fact, it is an upgrade in my opinion. If you simply must have this one, you can find it out there, but be prepared to pay discontinued prices.
Even though it is not available anymore, it is still a great turntable, so it (and the Denon DP-300F) gets a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
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