Marantz 2245 traded for Eico ST-40 a fair trade?

[Lower Tones]

I received a call from a friend in Ottawa, Canada, who asked me what I thought about the subject line. He has a small collection of audio gear, and is thinking about swapping his Marantz 2245 in excellent condition, for an Eico ST-40, which looks to be in good shape. He likes both SS and hollow. Knowing it's difficult to compare apples and oranges, what think ye', ye men of ole (gear)?
Me? I'd probably do it. Or, would my friend be better off selling his Marantz and buying the Eico from the seller, who's asking $350?
Thanks guys, for your views.
Aidan

 

[joel27]

Sell and buy.

 

[wd409]

the marantz is worth more, particularly if it has the wood case. the tubes in the eico might change the value of it though.

 

[ZOOM]

If the Eico is in good physical condition, then it is a no-brainer. Lose the Marantz!

 

[SoCal Sam]

Soundwise, tubes are much more interesting.

 

[sheltie dave]

There is some calculus involved here, as either can be worth more or less, depending on condition. Without the case, and both working well, they are about equal. If either has had competent maintenance work done, the value increases accordingly. Good new tubes, or gently used old stock tubes, increases the $$$ of the ST40.

As a general rule, I always like trading from a strength to shore up an area of weakness. I would make a trade if you have another Marantz in the wings, or you don't have an Eico. Right now Marantzs are booming in price, while Eicos are always a little undervalued because the 40s and 70s are just butt plain and boring in the looks department, keeping their market value depressed well below their functional worth.