A Marantz 2252B Bluetooth hookup takes one RCA pair into the AUX input, with two tape chains and the front dubbing jacks as backups. The 52 W/ch output sits in the sweet spot for bookshelf and midsize speakers, and an LDAC or aptX HD adapter keeps the source honest. No soldering, no internal modification.
Spec snapshot
| Item | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production run | ≈ 1977–1979 | Offered from 1977 | CR |
| Power output | 52 W/ch @ 8 Ω | Continuous, both channels driven | CR, SM, HW |
| Phono inputs | 2 × 1.8 mV / 47 kΩ | MM with RIAA, do not use for line-level | SM, HW |
| Line inputs | AUX · 2 × Tape | 180 mV / 20 kΩ, the later B-series value | SM, HW |
| Tape extras | Dubbing In/Out | Stereo jacks on the front panel | HW |
| Pre / Main | Pre out · Main in | Separable pre/power section | HW |
| Weight | ≈ 14.2 kg | 31.2 lbs net | SM, HW |
| Original price | ≈ $460 | 1977 USD list | CR, HW |
Source codes: CR classicreceivers.com · HW hifi-wiki.com · SM Marantz 2252B service manual (AK Database scan). Data as of September 2026.
Where to connect
AUX input
RecommendedA dedicated line-level entry that is always active. Select AUX on the source knob and the 2252B plays Bluetooth like any other component.
Tape Monitor path
Good alternativeTwo tape chains, with front-panel dubbing jacks for quick temporary hookups. Feed the Tape In jacks, press Tape Monitor to listen, and switch the button back afterwards.
Phono input
Not for line-levelThe MM stage applies RIAA equalization and high gain. A Bluetooth receiver already outputs line level, so phono will overload and distort, and the turntable loses its input.
Set up in three steps
- Pick the input
AUX when free, otherwise Tape In with the monitor button noted.
- Connect and power
Bluetooth receiver RCA out to the chosen input, USB power attached, pair once with your phone.
- Level check
Start the volume at minimum, select the input, then raise. Fixed/line output on the adapter if it offers the option.
Quirks and notes
- Fuse-driven power failures (verified): the 2252B carries one fuse on the rear panel and two on the power supply board, and a blown fuse presents as a completely dead receiver. Check these before assuming a worse fault.
- Gyro-Touch tuning (verified): the 2252B carries Marantz's flywheel dial with the gyro-touch wheel, the family trait shared with the 2230 and 2270.
- European black-face version (commonly reported): a black-faceplate 2252B sold in Europe is the collector variant of this model. Unverified
What you need
- Bluetooth receiver with RCA output, LDAC or aptX HD preferred
- 0.5–1 m RCA cable
- USB power for the receiver, a phone charger is fine
FAQ
Plug a Bluetooth receiver with RCA output into the AUX input and select AUX. If AUX is taken, feed a tape input and press Tape Monitor, or use the front-panel dubbing jacks for a quick test hookup. No internal modification is needed.
Yes for typical home use. The 2252B sits in the middle of the Marantz range between the 2230 at 30 W and the 2270 at 70 W, and it drives efficient bookshelf and midsize floor-standing speakers comfortably in a home room.
Yes. The moving-magnet stage is rated at 1.8 mV and works with standard MM cartridges. Keep the Bluetooth receiver on AUX so the phono input stays free for the turntable.
Power-up failures usually trace to fuses rather than the amplifier: one sits on the rear panel and two on the power supply board. Confirm the Gyro-Touch dial spins smoothly and listen for selector scratch at low volume.
blafili B3 Bluetooth Music Receiver
RCA + XLR + optical out, LDAC and aptX HD, OLED status display. Matches the 2252B line-level inputs without adapters.
Spotted something off, or own this receiver and want to share a photo? Write to yourfriends@blafili.com. Photos are published under CC BY-SA 4.0 with full credit to you; corrections are verified and applied with thanks.
Share a photo or correction- Market period, 52 W rating, $460 price, Gyro-Touch detail and fuse layout: classicreceivers.com Marantz 2252B page
- Input configuration and line sensitivity: hifi-wiki.com Marantz 2252B page, verified against the Marantz 2252B service manual (AK Database scan)