Replacement lamps for Marantz MR-235?

M

mrkmpn

Active Member
I recently acquired this receiver and when I took it apart my 1st thought was "wait... where the heck are the lamps?". That's when I noticed 4 fuses mounted in odd spots. I figured these must be the lamps, so I pulled the ones on each end of the unit since they didn't require any more disassembling of the receiver and noticed the glass on each was blue, so I assumed they must definitely be the lamps.

The only thing stamped on the lamps is F8V, and the service manual says they are 8V .2a lamps. So far the only replacements I have found are 8V 250ma lamps that are clear. Well... when I say "only" I mean the same fuse-type drop-in replacements. My question about those is... will they look the same as the original blue tinted lamps, or could they be "too" bright?

I also found someone on Ebay selling LED bulb replacements for Marantz/Sansui?etc... in both blue and clear. I read somewhere they require soldering in, which I have the soldering skills for something like that, but at the same time I'm a little "OCD" about vintage gear being original. (And I do know that in some cases it''s completely irrational)

So as Marantz owners... what do you guys suggest?

*Edit*
I just realized I didn't really clarify that all 4 lamps are burnt out. I've only accessed the ones on each end, but I'm assuming it's the actual bulb that's bad on the middle 2 that require taking another panel off the front to access, since the other 2 are obviously burnt.
 
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The replacements you found will work very well (8V, 150-300mA will all work, just get what is cheapest and easiest). Clear bulbs look the same as the blue-tinted ones.

I think LEDs are unnecessary. The new lamps will last a loooooong time.

The bulbs can be a little hard to reach, but I don't remember how to do it. You might need to remove the knobs and faceplate (which could be nice, probably needs a clean anyway).
 
I have replaced the lamps in two 15xx receivers, (the MR 235 is the same,) and getting to the lamps behind the meters is a PIA.

I found the best way to gain access to replace the lamps behind the meters is to de-solder the wires to the lamp holder on the left, and the wires on the right lamp holder behind the right meter. You can then remove the clip holding the meters in place and get access to the lamps.

IMO regular lamps don't look good in these - too yellow - I used white LEDs in both of mine and they look great. I have also seen one with blue LEDs installed which looked good, but was a bit too blue for my liking.

See post #5 in this thread. It sounds like it's a good idea and worth trying if you decide to use incandescent bulbs.
 
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Rasputin47 said:
I have replaced the lamps in two 15xx receivers, (the MR 235 is the same) and getting to the lamps behind the meters is a PIA.

I found the best way to gain access to replace the lamps behind the meters is to; de-solder the wires to the lamp holder on the left, and the wires on the right behind the meter on the right.

You can then remove the clip holding the meters in place and get access to the lamps.

IMO regular lamps don't look good in these - too yellow - I used white LEDs in both of mine and they look great. I have also seen one with blue LEDs installed which looked good, but was a bit too blue for my liking.

See the post 5 in this thread

It sounds like its worth trying if you decide to use bulbs.
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Hmm... learn something new every day. I had no idea you could buy "glass dye". And thanks for the tip on the two middle bulbs, I'll definitely go that route if it looks to be the easiest way.

I think I'll just go with the white LEDs. Everyone that uses them seems to be pretty happy, and looking at some pics I agree with you that the blue ones are too blue.
 
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Here she is

Got my bulbs in yesterday and just got them installed. It was actually a pretty painless procedure, although I had to cheat a bit to get one installed with no "surgery". The other 3 were all easily accessible. I don't know if they're all like this, but these LEDs seemed to be directional, so I initially had them aimed sideways pointing towards the meters/radio dial and it seemed too bright so I pointed them straight towards the front of the unit and that seemed to help. Thanks for the help guys.

IMG_20140720_122310_zps91ca326b.jpg
 
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mrkmpn said:
Got my bulbs in yesterday and just got them installed. It was actually a pretty painless procedure, although I had to cheat a bit to get one installed with no "surgery". The other 3 were all easily accessible. I don't know if they're all like this, but these LEDs seemed to be directional, so I initially had them aimed sideways pointing towards the meters/radio dial and it seemed too bright so I pointed them straight towards the front of the unit and that seemed to help. Thanks for the help guys.

I recently purchased a mr-235 and both bulbs that light the meters are out. I was wondering exactly how you were able to change them out without surgery. Any help is appreciated.
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*Edit*
Just realized the comment I replied to here was from 2014, and cant see a way to delete the reply,.
 
Hey thanks . I did find a set of cool white LED's . I wanted to try the tinted incandescent as well but I can't see that anyone has those.
 
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