General Asylum: REVIEW: Marantz MR-235 Receiver by FRG7SWL

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
IP Address: 198.81.26.75

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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

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