Marantz 7 Questions

Brian was right on the money when he said "There is only one model, the 7, which is erroneously called the 7C. 7C refers to the optional wood enclosure ("C"ase).
The 7T was the transistor model."

I recently traded a Marantz 8 and 7T to a local Metrology Lab aka "Calibration Lab" for test equipment. They want to start restoring these units and offering calibration to OEM specs for these units, hence their desire to own and become intimately familiar with each of the various models that Marantz offered. Given that the owner of the Lab already owns hordes of vintage Marantz gear, he wanted these for his personal collection. You can believe me when i say that i came out quite well in our "trade" : ) Sean
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The 7 had several designations and added letters to distinguish variations. The most substantial difference in design was the tube/solid state models 7,7c,7p (all tube models) 7t (solid state) There were some used commerically that had a set of rack handles (oem - not after market handles) they were designated 7cr and 7tr. The 7p is the rarest of all.I have only seen one,and I don't know why the p was added,or what the difference was about the design to give it a "P" designation----anyone know more about the 7p?
Olenorge

I have the chise to buy a Marantz 7T for a little money, but I know that the tuve version is the most famous. I really better or not? What's about the solid state version sound?
Thank you
Alberto