Marantz RM-235 Stereo Receiver 30 WPC Excellent Condition - Serviced by DALAUDIO - We have a copy of the service manual if you would like it, please bring a USB Stick. The FM was aligned, "bias" or amp section idle current was set per the manual procedures. A Curve Tracer and ESR Meter combo was used to check operation of the main filter capacitors, power supply caps, adn gain stage caps. This unit is operating well within its intended specifications. Please see all photos of the actual unit, as is in excellent physical condition.

Cash Sale No Holds Call or text - Happy to demo. Local Sale Only - No Shipping

More about the unit: The Marantz' MR-235 is a relatively unknown model, made between 1978 and 1981. It's from the blue back-lit silverface era which began in 1977 and continued till about 1984. We have also found this model badged in Germany with slightly different euro specs, but similar faceplate and features. Since it is not well known, it can still be had reasonably, under $500. It was designed in the USA (and in this case for the USA) like all 70s Marantz Receivers, and built in Japan during the Phillips joint ownership era like many other highly coveted units costings in some cases thousands.

This unit is very similar to the 1530 and the MR230. The basic differences per the actual parts lists in the service manual are in the power supply, fusing, phono board, air cap tuners and the faceplates front panel hardware. While I have seen folks indicate this is a "rebadged 1530", it was not, as its parts content optimized for only the USA market, varies, and hence the different part number.

The service manuals for the 1530, MR-230 and MR235 are one in the same. You have to dig a bit deeper to actually find the 235 in a Marantz brochure between 1977 and 1981. The MR235 output power was measured by DALAUDIO at 33.8 WPC RMS @1K Continuous with both channels driven into an 8 Ohm precision load at .082 % THD. The amplifier section is a direct-coupled topology, and it's Bass, Mid, and Treble is excellent given the realistic price range. For example high end is smooth and not shrill as in other units. The 235 features the typical lateral-mosfet-powered direct-coupled design.

The fact that the RM235 is still a bit obscure, makes it an ideal, inexpensive unit for those budding audiophiles looking for an affordable 1970s classic Marantz. What is the main difference between this model and the myriad of others with similar power? The RM-235/1530 units have a 1.4" Silver tuning knob similar to Pioneer models, and not the horizontal black and silver gyro-tuning of typical Marantz 4 digit models.

The MR-235 has outstanding FM performance with regards to fidelity, selectivity and sensitivity. It's analog signal meter, along with a LR center-channel meter, for fine-tuning, avoiding distant signal reception. Additionally, the AM tuner has fairly impressive hi-fi quality sound.

Printed Specifications:
Inputs: Phono, Tape1, Tape2, Aux
Outputs: Headphone (front) Tape 1 and tape 2 Out on Rear
Tuning range: FM, MW (AM)
Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 18Hz to 30kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.08%
Damping factor: 53
Input sensitivity: 2.8mV (MM), 180mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 72dB (MM), 80dB (line)
Output: 500mV (line)