Marantz 2252 (1975–1978)

At 30.8 pounds, it sits in the rack solid and serious.

Overview

The Marantz 2252 isn't flashy. This solid-state stereophonic receiver, built between 1975 and 1978, sits in the middle of Marantz's 1970s lineup. It's not the entry-level workhorse and not the flagship, but it has a reputation for musicality. Owners report a sound that's both powerful and refined: "sweet sounding marantz with plenty of power," one enthusiast notes, while another praises its "punchy bass with good mids and highs." It delivers 52 watts per channel into 8 ohms. That's modest by modern standards, but it was more than enough for most living rooms of its era. One owner claims it has "more power than anyone would ever need in a living room," and others say they've driven demanding speakers without strain.

There's no digital trickery or exotic material here, but the 2252 was engineered with care. It uses a modular internal layout, with dedicated printed circuit boards for key functions: the FM front end on P.W.B. P 100, the full AM/FM tuner on P.W.B. P 200, the EQ amplifier on P.W.B. P 400, and the power amplifier on P.W.B. P 700. The split made service easier, and it helped isolate noise and preserve signal integrity. The design uses 45 transistors, 29 diodes, 3 integrated circuits, and a single field-effect transistor. That mix comes from the transitional period when discrete and integrated components coexisted in high-fidelity gear.

Specifications

Key Features

Modular Circuit Board Architecture

Inside the 2252, the functions are divided across multiple dedicated printed circuit boards. The FM and AM tuner sections are isolated on P.W.B. P 200, while the power amplifier sits on P.W.B. P 700 and the power supply on P.W.B. P 800. This made repairs more straightforward and reduced crosstalk between stages. The EQ amplifier, tone amplifier, and Dolby FM/tape monitor switch unit each have their own boards. Even the dial lamp unit gets its own board (P.W.B. PZ01).

45-Transistor Discrete Amplifier Stage

The power amplifier section uses 45 transistors in a fully discrete configuration, avoiding the op-amps common in lower-tier receivers of the time. Combined with a damping factor of 45 at 20Hz, that suggests a design focused on control over the speaker load. Total harmonic distortion is rated at 0.6% for the FM tuner section. That's modest by today's standards, but consistent with high-quality analog gear of the mid-1970s. The high-level signal-to-noise ratio is 88 dB, which indicates a quiet background.

Phono Stage with RIAA Accuracy of ±0.75 dB

The phono preamp is a standout. Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz with a ±0.75 dB tolerance, meeting or exceeding DIN 45507 standards. Input sensitivity is 1.8 mV and input impedance is 47 kOhms, which suits moving magnet cartridges of the era. The phono signal-to-noise ratio is 76 dB (and 45 dB unweighted, per DIN 45500), so it was engineered for low noise, though some owners may still hear a faint hiss with high-gain cartridges. The high filter, likely intended to reduce low-frequency rumble, helps turntable owners dealing with warped records or subsonic noise.

High-Level Input Sensitivity of 180 mV

The line-level inputs (Aux and Tape) are designed for standard consumer and semi-pro gear, with a sensitivity of 180 mV and an input impedance of 85 kOhms. That makes them compatible with tape decks, CD players, and tuners without overdriving the stage. The pre-out level is 1.5 V when referenced to 180 mV at the Aux input, which gives ample signal for external amplifiers. With the main amp disconnected, the pre-out can deliver up to 4.2 V, enough for power amps with higher input demands.

Historical Context

The Marantz 2252 was part of a family of mid-tier receivers that included the 2238, 2226, and 2216, all marketed during the mid-to-late 1970s. It sat below the flagship 2325, an option for audiophiles who wanted Marantz quality without the top-tier price. Two versions of the series exist: the original 2252 and the later 2252B, which arrived in subsequent years with minor revisions. Unlike some of its siblings, the 2252 didn't chase extreme specifications or cosmetic flair. It focused on solid engineering and musical delivery.

Collectibility & Value

Today, collectors describe the Marantz 2252 as "very rare," a claim supported by its infrequent appearance in well-documented condition. Refurbished units have sold for as much as €1,399, while others in working order list around €494, a wide spread based on condition and provenance. One persistent issue reported by owners is FM tuner instability - specifically, the need for warm-up time and "severe fading" in stereo or mono modes. Reddit threads point to cold solder joints as a common culprit. It's a repairable flaw, but it adds to restoration costs. Enthusiasts have responded with upgrades: LED bulb kits replace aging dial lamps, and some restorers reinstall vellum paper to recreate the original blue backlighting.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MARANTZ 2252                                                    Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $1,900                                  Latest            $592 │
│ Median    $1,050                                  Trend                — │
│ Low       $500                                    Volume           ~7/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ $2,000 ┤                                                                 │
│        │     .                   .                                 .     │
│        │     .                     .     .     .           .             │
│ $1,314 ┤                   .                                         .   │
│        │   ..             .              .                    . .   . .  │
│        │      .      .      .        .. .      .           .        . .  │
│        │.   ..                  .                .                       │
│   $400 ┤                .                   . ..   . .                  .│
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▂  ▂▄▆▂      ▂  ▂ ▂▂▂   ▂▂ ▂ ▄▂ ▂▄  ▂ ▂█ ▂ ▂ ▂     ▄  ▂ ▂  ▂▄▂▄ ▂│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-02                      2026-05                      2026-08│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay Listings

Recently sold on eBay: $585–$1,629 (median $1,050, based on 42 completed sales, past 12 months)

Marantz Model 2252B Stereophonic Receiver Clean/Tested/Servi

$1,700

Marantz Model 2252 Stereo Receiver Amplifier - Recapped Serv

$1,300

Marantz 2252B Vintage Stereophonic Receiver Tested and Worki

$1,400

MARANTZ 2252B VINTAGE AM/FM Receiver

$1,200

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Related Models

• Marantz 2226 (1974-1976)
• Marantz 2226B (1979-1980)
• Marantz 2235 (1974-1977)
• Marantz 2238B (1978-1980)
• Marantz 2250B (1978-1980)
• Marantz 2252B (1978-1980)
• Marantz 2265 (1974-1977)
• Realistic STA-47 (1975–1976)
• Teac A-3300 (1972)
• Teac A-3300S (1975)