Picked this up yesterday at an estate sale, I was in need of a new garage receiver for testing any new toys, hooked it up to a couple of Infinitys and was pleasantly surprised at the sound, I had to hook an old Akai cassette to it as the belts in the Marantz are bad, just wondering if anyone had changed the belts in one of these. :scratch2:

Really????
My expectations were pretty low, and it by no means is going to replace anything in the house, but yes, Really.

I think that it will serve it's purpose, and it is fun to look at!

As far as I have experienced, marantz has the easiest belts to replace of any cassette deck I have ever worked on.
Being a casseiver, I dont know however, all that extra mess might be a problem.

I have one. I know no one wants these, but somehow that big monster-sized thing with all the knobs, one of the most attention-getting beasts Marantz made, was too tempting not to play with at a peanuts price, so it followed me home.

I expected a much poorer sound, and like you I was very pleasantly surprised by what it produces. I decided it was a keeper as soon as I heard it. It makes MUSIC! :music: In fact, I like the sound of it enough that I'm gradually investing the time to make a new wooden housing for it and restore it, in between other projects.

Although it doesn't have the volume of some, and isn't quite up there with the bigger guys (like the 2285B), the sound quality is better than many of the lesser 22XX series I've heard. Based on direct comparison, I would put the sound quality on the level of a 2226B or 2230, perhaps better than a 2215 or 2216B; definitely that lush "Marantz" sound, yet with pretty good detail. Better sound than a Pioneer SX-440, for another comparison.

That said, my comparisons don't mean much since my unit hasn't been re-capped, and neither were most of the ones I've compared it with. A more fair and meaningful comparison would only be after complete restoration (of both units compared), including recapping and proper adjustment, so take these comments with a big grain of salt. Eventually, I'll have all my Marantz "babies" re-done, and will then make a more honest comparison. [Maybe at that time I'll admit the 4025 is a comparative "dog"? :scratch2: Still barks fairly sweetly, if it is! :D ]

I think Marantz cut production-cost corners on this unit in areas like the wooden case without any metal case inside, mounting the AM antenna in "nude" form inside the cabinet instead of encasng it and putting it outside etc... but NOT on the essentials that most affect sound quality. Instead of heavy shielding, they spaced components apart and only put shielding where it really mattered. The result is --in qualitative (and admittedly subjective) terms-- still classic Marantz sound.

If you want to know what that "two/three martini" sound is about on a cheap starting-out budget, this is a good unit for finding out, since these go for less than the other Marantz gear of the period. You get the complete "vintage Marantz" visual picture, too: the shiny metal knobs, classic lettering and glowing blue dial. Use it as a tuner/pre with a good power amp, and you'll probably shock the people who think this unit is just rubbish. I've even wondered if NOT having the extra metal shielding around it (which all other Marantz receivers have, AFAIK) perhaps actually helps the sound quality.

Overall, while this model is not the ultimate audiophile statement, it is an under-appreciated sleeper for a "smaller" receiver, and the cassette section just adds some fun and makes it more visually impressive and decorative. I haven't finished restoring the cassette section, so I can't comment on its sound quality. I wouldn't expect too much from it, though. The likes of the 5020, 5030, or SD-5025 would sound better, judging from what is inside of them.

Some disassembly is required to put in a new belt, but it isn't too bad. :D

I almost bought a second "parts" unit, but it sold while I was deliberating. I know where there is another for sale, but they want $60 for it :no: Anyway, I will buy another if I see it at a low enough price. I'd also wager that If you fully restored and set one of these up so people could hear it, you'd get a lot more money for one than they usually sell for.

I have had the hood up now, the belt doesn't look to bad to change, I may have to give it a go, I certainly can't figure out how to pull the label off! It seems to be fairly well built, lots of room for working on it :thmbsp: Arkay, I would like to see some updates on your case as you get it built

:ntwrthy: :ntwrthy: :ntwrthy: :ntwrthy: :ntwrthy: :ntwrthy:
http://www.classic-audio.com/marantz/pics/4025.jpg

:drool: :drool: :drool:
I was just toying with hooking my TT up to it, put on a DSOTM and give it a real test :banana:

:drool: :drool: :drool:
I was just toying with hooking my TT up to it, put on a DSOTM and give it a real test :banana:
I say just make it your main and get it over with, I mean look at it, aint she purty!
You can just use the adcoms in your garage. :banana:

That 4025 sounds WAAYYAAYAAYA better than your silly little adcoms. :yes:
I bet it will make your ohms sing!

Thought about it but then I would have to upgrade my speakers, can't hook those lowly ohms to a cassiever that nice :no:

How about a pic or two? I've never seen one of these before.

Thought about it but then I would have to upgrade my speakers, can't hook those lowly ohms to a cassiever that nice :no:
You can borrow my friend's technics 3-way speakers. Them thangs is loudz0rz!
15" woofers will roc yo s0x! :music:

I think I seen a pair of Yorx at GW yesterday :thmbsp:

I think I seen a pair of Yorx at GW yesterday :thmbsp:
YEAH! trash them walsh's and get some real speakas to go wit yo casseiver. It will be the best stereo on AK. :yes:

I love a Marantz like my Mamma but put her down!

I love a Marantz like my Mamma but put her down!
Obviously you have no idea what kind of audiopiliage that thing can put out! :D