Marantz 2235 Receiver - Need Advice

S

sbolduc

Member
I have come across a Marantz 2235 and I am considering picking it up. I know Marantz makes good equipment but I am not too familiar with this particular unit.

I currently have a mid 90s Kenwood KR-A5060 (2 channel 100W per channel). I am guessing this power rating is just a number compared to the true power in the 35W the Marantz posts. What is the difference.

I am currently using the receiver for my Thorens TD 160 turntable. My speakers (for the time being) are Bose Acoustimass5 Series III. I am looking at a pair of PMC GB1 as well.

What would I be giving up or gaining with this receiver. I am truly only interested in running my turntable - that's it.

Thanks everyone!
 
Register to hide this ad
If it is working and not to much $$$ Get it you will "NOT BE SORRY" !!!!!!!!

The 35WPC rating will surprise you.

Barney
 
The fellow tells me that it is in great condition. The lights on the left of the display are a little brighter and the volume control "scratches" when you turn it up. He says it is dust. Is this possible?

He wants $120 for it.
 
Wood case ? Some of the lamps are out is why the display is uneven . Simple fix many threads on AK about fixing that . Dirty controls also many threads about cleaning them .



$120.00 seems high to me but if it's in great shape , maybe you can talk him down .

Offer him less and see what happens , you never know . How's you poker face ?


Barney
 
He wanted $150 originally. Perhaps $100 would do.

So will this sounds nicer than my current Kenwood in your opinion? Thanks again!
 
In good shape, $100.00 to $150.00 would be in the ballpark. Since it has a couple of issues, I'd go the $100.00 and be prepared for him to say no. They come up on ebay from time to time in various states.
I have a 2235B and really like it.I don't think I'd take $150.00 for mine.
 
While I am here, I should also mention that I am also considering a Harmon Kardon 430 instead of this Marantz. Thoughts on that one?

Thanks again!
 
sbolduc said:
He wanted $150 originally. Perhaps $100 would do.

So will this sounds nicer than my current Kenwood in your opinion? Thanks again!
Click to expand...


I don't know about your Kenwood at all , but would think the Marantz would be better sounding if allowed to guess.



Barney
 
sbolduc said:
While I am here, I should also mention that I am also considering a Harmon Kardon 430 instead of this Marantz. Thoughts on that one?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Tough call. Both are "warm" receivers but the 430 is dual mono and typically costs less. The Marantz will probably cost more and its built a little beefier but only has one power supply... I believe both are 35 watt units.
Personally I would go with the Marantz and offer $100 unless you can get the 430 for $60 or less.
 
If it were me I'd go for the 430. It's a better design (dual mono vs. shared power supply in the 2235), it's got a better tuner, and it likely costs less. I also happen to like the look better than the Marantz but that's just me... The Marantz will have a "warmer" sound, the H/K will be more neutral. The phono sections in both are good.

In the Marantz there are 5 fuse-type lamps in behind the tuning scale, plus two more behind the tuning and signal strength meters. I replaced all mine with LED's, cost was about $40 shipped for all seven so, uh, about $6/ea. Add them to your cost.
 
Last edited:
Thank you all for the advice. I have also found a Marantz Model 27 - how is this unit. The fellow will take $50. I am a pain in the butt I know!
 
sbolduc,
I'd look seriously at the HK. I will have a more "neutral" sound than the Marantz, and a suprisingly good phono section. I have an HK 690i and a Marantz 2240. I love the Marantz. They are so pretty. But find in the last year I use the HK in preference to the Marantz.
 
In comparison to the Kenwood, you will find the Marantz to be significantly duller in the upper octaves. But they are great-sounding units and have very good FM. As far as it beating the Kenwood in the power department, nuh-uh, at any load.

If it's in good shape and just needs some minor TLC, heck, I'd go for it!
 
I am thinking I will go with the model 27 as it is in mint condition - no need to buy bulbs etc. I will likely keep the Kenwood for the time being ... just in case.
 
Got it

So I decided to go with the Marantz Series Twenty Seven. I picked it up today and it is mint. The fellow also included some Dave Brubeck, Wes Montgomery and Wynton Marsalis LPs - also mint. All this for $50.



Time to hook up my Thorens TD160 ($10) to it. It's amazing how ones junk is another ones treasure.

 
sbolduc said:
Any recommended "mods" for such a unit?
Click to expand...

It is a small, relatively low powered receiver. So long as it is in good repair, just enjoy it. If you want something that has more power or sounds different, you should get something else.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom