PHILIPS F3238 + PHILIPS F4238

Pre owned. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear. Without original packaging.

The F3238 is a stereo preamplifier designed for quality audio engineering and Hi-Fi use. Its frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with a very low total harmonic distortion of 0.005%. It supports various input sensitivity levels: 0.1 mV for MC (moving coil), 2.5 mV for MM (magnetic), and 150 mV for line input. The signal-to-noise ratio is approximately 79 dB for MC and MM, and reaches 90 dB for line input, while the stereo channel separation is about 50 dB. It dates back to around 1984.

The F4238 is a stereo power amplifier ideally designed to be paired with the F3238, produced around 1983. Technically, it delivers up to 2×100 W into 8 Ω, a figure also confirmed by specifications indicating 90 W per channel with a frequency response of 20 Hz–20 kHz and a total harmonic distortion of 0.009%. According to some sources, it features a robust metal construction, requires external speakers, and can support power levels up to 260 W (although the quality at that power is not specified).

The Philips F3238 and F4238 make an ideal pairing for those seeking a modular, high-quality vintage Hi-Fi system. The F3238 stands out as a versatile preamplifier capable of precisely managing both phono and line inputs, ensuring accurate signal control and good sound quality. Paired with the F4238, which serves as the power amplifier, the signal is boosted up to 100 watts per channel with very low distortion, delivering a rich, balanced, and well-controlled sound. The sturdy metal construction and intuitive controls make this combination especially appreciated by vintage Hi-Fi enthusiasts looking for a solid, reliable system capable of producing a clear and dynamic tonal character.

Technical specifications F3238:

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005%
• Input sensitivity: 0.1 mV (MC); 2.5 mV (MM); 150 mV (line)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 79 dB (MC); 79 dB (MM); 90 dB (line)
• Channel separation: 50 dB (line)
• Output: 150 mV (line); 1 V (Pre out)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 73 x 300 mm

Technical specifications F4238:

• Power output: 90 watts per channel into 8 Ω (stereo)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.009%
• Input sensitivity: 1 V
• Minimum speaker load impedance: 8 Ω
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 420 x 101 x 320 mm