Marantz describes the TT-15S1 as an audiophile-quality turntable that brings to life the old-world charm of your vintage vinyl records. But does it really achieve this? I explore the deck’s performance, build quality, and other features to answer this question in detail.

Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable Overview

The Marantz TT-15S1 turntable is made with an acrylic platter and chassis. It comes with an MM-type cartridge and a detachable power cable that minimizes hum. Customers generally love the deck’s sound quality and appearance. They also note that the setup manual is clear and easy to understand.

Technical Specifications

Here are the technical specifications of the turntable:

  • 2 drive belts
  • MM-type cartridge (ClearAudio)
  • 2-speed (33 1/3 and 45 rpm)
  • Speed variation: +/- 0.2%
  • Detachable Power Cable
  • Acrylic chassis and platter
  • Power Consumption: 5W
  • Non-Servo Controlled Type AC Motor
  • Non-replaceable diamond stylus

The turntable features two belts, one of which serves as a spare, which is good. The cartridge is a moving magnet type from Clearaudio. You find no doubt about the quality, but I just don’t like that you have to install it yourself. Anything could go wrong and lead to damage. 

I also find it disappointing that a dust cover is absent. The danger with it is that the white finish may accumulate dirt and present the exposed stylus to numerous problems you won’t wish to encounter.

Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable Drive Mechanism

Like many turntables, the Marantz TT-15S1 is driven by a belt mechanism. The motor connects to the platter through a belt and pulley system. So, when the motor starts running, the belt transfers motion to the platter, causing it to rotate and play records. A silicone belt is used, which is more durable and offers more stable rotation than conventional rubber belts.

Is Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable Automatic or Manual?

You guessed it—this turntable is fully manual. There are no automatic features for cueing the tonearm; you do that by hand. Cool, right? 

Whether you agree or not depends on how much you value connecting with your music. Many brands opt for this mode to help vinyl fans actively participate in the playback process for a more authentic and enjoyable experience.

Usability and Portability of Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable

You can use the turntable with ease when it comes to playing records and controlling the tonearm movement to facilitate playback. The only issue I have is that the system doesn’t come pre-assembled, which is odd as many high-end models offer this convenience. You have to set up almost all the components from scratch, which can take up to 90 minutes. You also risk damaging the cartridge and the stylus.  

A portable turntable is often characterized by a lightweight design, built-in carrying handle, integrated speakers, or battery operation for regular transport. The TT-15S1 doesn’t fit any of these criteria; it’s heavy and lacks portability-friendly features.

Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable Design & Build

This turntable is simply stunning. The white frost finish on the acrylic plinth gives the deck a simple, yet elegant look. The overall design is minimalist, with no buttons on the surface.

There’s a thick and heavy acrylic platter that sits on a suspended spindle and has two cutouts. Overall, it does a commendable job of reducing resonance.

At the bottom, you have 3 height adjustable aluminum feet to stabilize the turntable on different surfaces and dampen vibrations. A simple felt slipmat and a South Clever Clamp are included to help stabilize records.

Connectivity & Sound Performance of Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable: Excellent, but…

The deck offers analog audio output, characterized by standard RCA phono outputs for connecting to audio systems of your choice. TT-15S1 comes with a ground wire essential for eliminating interference and hum, ensuring an enhanced sound quality.

I love that the turntable sounds excellent. It’s apparent that the materials and technology Marantz applies on the deck pay off. Silent backgrounds are guaranteed, so your music shines more. It’s also possible to hear violin strings as they echo with authority. 

However, bass emphasis is lacking, which is disappointing for bass lovers. The TT-15S1 may even worsen the highs if your audio system emphasizes higher frequencies.

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Main Technology Perks of Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable

The turntable has a high-precision DC motor that ensures the platter rotates stably and consistently, which is crucial for records to produce good sound. 

Another evident technological advantage is the thick acrylic platter; it dampens resonance so you can have a clean and detailed soundstage. I can’t fail to mention the high-quality tonearm with magnetic anti-skating and cartridge that contribute to a refined listening experience.

Pricing

This unit is available on Amazon for $1799.

How to Setup & Use Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable?

Setting up this turntable is quite involving as it requires you to assemble some components from scratch. Don’t worry, though. You can get everything done by carefully following the installation process. Here’s a guide:

  1. Put the chassis on a stable surface.
  2. Slide the motor pulley onto the motor shaft, leaving a gap of about 1 mm between the motor’s upper edge and the pulley’s lower edge. Tighten the pulley screws securely.
  3. Lift the chassis and position the motor from underneath while ensuring it aligns with the pre-cut hole in the chassis. The motor should be centered in the hole without touching the chassis.  
  4. Place the platter on the upper bearing part, utilizing a gentle up-and-down movement to allow it to settle onto the bearing.
  5. Take the threaded bolt and use the appropriate Allen key to screw the threaded bolt into the winding near the tonearm cutout on the chassis. Ensure the bolt’s front is flush with the inner side of the cutout.
  6. Place the enclosed counterweight on the chassis in front of the tonearm cutout. Then, slide the tonearm’s interconnect cable through the hole, followed by the tonearm shaft.
  7. Gently push the tonearm down into the hole until the pickup lift rests on the counterweight. Align the tonearm tube parallel to the right edge of the turntable. Secure the tonearm by tightening the pickup with an Allen key, then remove the counterweight.
  8. Connect the cartridge to the tonearm.
  9. Place any LP record on the platter and remove the stylus guard.
  10. Set the tracking force as recommended, and connect the interconnect cable with the phono input of your phono-preamplifier. Connect the power cord to the mains.
  11. Put the belt around the platter and around the pulley.
  12. Switch on the turntable and allow it to run for about half an hour before placing the tonearm on the record to begin playing music. 

To achieve a better experience with the turntable, use clean records and a quality phono preamp that complements the unit’s performance. It’s also vital to keep interconnect cables well organized and ensure they don’t come in contact with power cords to minimize potential interference.

Overall Impression About Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable?

The TT-15S1 is an excellent listen. You don’t have to deal with annoying hum from the motor or vibrations from the chassis or platter.

Pros

These are the advantages of the deck:

  • Effective drive mechanism.
  • Good quality sound.
  • Elegant look.
  • High-quality features.

Cons

The cons include:

  • Time-consuming installation.
  • Expensive.
  • No modern connectivity options.

Who Is It For?

This deck is ideal for audiophiles who are keen on sound performance and don’t mind the hassle that comes with the lengthy setup process.

Final Verdict

If you have over a thousand bucks to spare, consider investing in this turntable. You will love the sound and its solid build. The unit also has a nice look and will definitely beautify your space. The TT-15S1 is not without flaws, however. Setup is lengthy and exhausting, and it doesn’t make sense why a dust cover is missing.