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General Asylum: REVIEW: Marantz MR-235 Receiver by FRG7SWL General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
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Model: MR-235 Category: Receiver Suggested Retail Price: $50-100 Description: 35 watts-per-channel of under-the-radar direct-coupled Marantz amplification, combined with stellar f.m. performance & hi-fi-quality a.m. reception Manufacturer URL: Marantz Manufacturer URL: Marantz
Review by FRG7SWL ( A ) on April 12, 2004 at 10:24:46
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for the MR-235
Marantz' MR-235 is a re-badged Phillips-era Model 1530, and as such flys under the Marantz collectors' radar. Making it an ideal, inexpensive unit for audio hobbyists lusting after 35-watts-per-channel of classic Marantz lateral-mosfet-powered direct-coupled amplification! These units would probably be desirable to Marantz collectors(like the similarly lateral-mosfet-powered 2226B) if they had gyro-tuning, instead of its' still handsome chrome tuning knob. MR-235s have outstanding f.m. performance, both in fidelity & selectivity/sensitivity factors. It has an analog signal meter, along with a center-channel meter, for fine-tuning away co-channel interference, or quieting distant signal reception. And, as a reminder of a bygone era, the a.m. section has impressive hi-fi quality reception. So if you have local a.m. musical outlets, you're in for a retro tonal treat. With its' single conversion topology, however, this unit will disappoint a.m. dxers. Then there's that aforementioned amplifier section. Being direct-coupled topology, it excells in bass replication & valvesque midrange clarity. Treble is smooth but not shimmery. MR-235s are mod friendly units, for those willing to really unleash this unit's clarity-n-clout. 100 volt replacement caps will add clarity, and half-watt resistor replacements will deliver additional clout. Add an outboard pre-amp of choice to go that tape monitor route, and you've got a faux Model 8B replica! Herecy, thou sayeth? Those are Klipsch speakers, and sound astounding when driven by a modded MR-235!!!
Product Weakness: Amplifier section has aversion to two-ohm terrors Product Strengths: Sinfully inexpensive 35 w.p.c. of valvesque classic Marantz direct-coupled amplification; outstanding a.m. & f.m. sections; crisp magnetic phono pre-amp
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: Sony STR-6800SD Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Dynaco PAT-4 Sources (CDP/Turntable): Denon DCM-450 c.d. player; Yamaha P-07 turntable Speakers: Celestion Vintage 30s Cables/Interconnects: Radio Shack Monster Cable Music Used (Genre/Selections): Blues, Classical, Funk, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, R-N-R Oldies, Salsa Room Size (LxWxH): 10 x 10 x 10 Time Period/Length of Audition: 5 years plus Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Marantz MR-235 Receiver - FRG7SWL 10:24:46 04/12/04 ( 0)