Which vintage marantz models to consider?

[I Am The Lolrus]

Hey guys,
I am interested in acquiring a Marantz 22xx model but do not know which are worth greater interest... For example, I can view all of the specifications on classic-audio... but I do not know how to interpret it. The 2270 model, for example, is loved by many apparently yet it has a THD of .3%. Some models around it have THD of something like 0.04 to 0.1. Now, is the 2270 worth looking into even if the others seem to have relatively better thd specifications?

Which are the easiest to maintain/are most reliable? There seems to be a lot of opinion on which models are best for this, I do not really know which to take seriously.

I need something from around 35 to around 85 watts, so there are plenty of options to consider- but I am thinking of leaning towards the higher end in the event I ever get new speakers or need greater power (if a listening room gets bigger, etc...). This is to be a long term investment.

Is ebay worth it? Some of the sellers have excellent feedback and some ok Terms such as a week return policy, etc... Is it worth it? Ebay is the easiest, but I would rather get a fully functional and well cared for unit with some security if I can.

Any information would be greatly helpful, I now understand the importance of a good amp and I cannot afford new so vintage seems like the only way to go. Thanks guys! :goodie:

[vinyl anachronist]

Check out this recent thread for your answer about THD specs:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=108717

All of the Marantz 2200 series were really good for their time. Some people have their favorites, but overall there were so many models that it's hard to find a consensus about which ones were the best.

When shopping on e-bay, it's best to go with the one that is in the cleanest condition, and has the power you need to run your loudspeakers. Pick a buyer who has experience with selling Marantzes, and can answer all of your questions before buying.

I got a Marantz 2238B on e-Bay a few years ago for $75. It needs servicing now, but it was well worth it.

[I Am The Lolrus]

Check out this recent thread for your answer about THD specs:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=108717

All of the Marantz 2200 series were really good for their time. Some people have their favorites, but overall there were so many models that it's hard to find a consensus about which ones were the best.

When shopping on e-bay, it's best to go with the one that is in the cleanest condition, and has the power you need to run your loudspeakers. Pick a buyer who has experience with selling Marantzes, and can answer all of your questions before buying.

I got a Marantz 2238B on e-Bay a few years ago for $75. It needs servicing now, but it was well worth it.
thanks for the input, I will be reading the thread now. Yes clean seems to be key as it indicates how it was kept/stored.

Any marantz collectors here? They may be able to suggest particular models. Thanks again.

[51nocaster]

The 2270 (70 watts/ch) is a great model that sold in high numbers and is easy to find. Keep in mind, however, that it does NOT mate well with 4 ohm speakers. The top of the line 2325 (125 watts/ch) is also very highly regarded and can do well with 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers. Good luck.

[CChoi83]

cybermantis,

I am in no way a classic/vintage equipment expert but I have been a high-end purchaser/listener for quite a while now, from childhood actually.

In terms of specs, they are not everything. Listening is believing and although that is much harder to do these days since obviously, you can't just walk in to a dealership and ask for a demo, I'd ask for the opinions of experienced others and go from there. Basically, don't go to crazy over the numbers. I think most will agree that a good example of this is the Marantz 10B tuner. It is still considered by many if not most to be the best tuner out there in terms of musicality. Same goes for the older turntables from Thorens, EMT and Garrard.

I do own a lot of high-end gear (Meridian, Audio Research, Cary, B&W, Tara Labs, JM Lab, REL, etc) and I have others in my family that own it also (both in performance and $) but sometimes, you just want to sit down and enjoy the music. Debating and analyzing whether CD player A at 24/192 is better than CD player B at 24/96 sometimes keeps from doing just that.

To give you my opinion on reliability and long term usage; you might and probably will give up some reliability not because vintage/classic equipment had poor engineering but just because it is older. Things are bound to need some servicing and maintenance. That's just something you can't avoid.

My apologies for not being able to give you suggestions on any equipment but I just thought I'd give in my .02. Other than reading other threads/posts and forums, you could possibly try to contact Tom Cadawas. He was former QC and service manager at Marantz when the company was still in NY. He is considered to be the expert on the 10B but I'm sure he can help you with any other pieces of equipment from that time period. His e-mail is TCadawas@aol.com. I've been meaning to get in touch with him about servicing my 10B but I just haven't had the time. If I do get it done soon, I'll let everyone here know how it went.

Good luck and kudos!

Best regards,
Chris

[I Am The Lolrus]

Thanks Chris!
What you said makes perfect sense, as I am slowly (but surely!) learning the more I spend time on this board heh. I understand there is a bit of upkeep, but as long as the sound is there and I can get it as long as I put in a little effort what is 3 dollars in lamps/contact cleaning every once in a while? Thanks for the contact info too, I am hesitant to email him out of the blue but if something ever were just nagging at me and I needed to know for sure that is a fine option!! Thanks again.

[Michael]

I found a 2235B! It's beautiful! sounds great and the price was right...

[I Am The Lolrus]

I am leaning towards a 2270, everyone seems to rave over them. What do you guys think? Any 2270 owners here?

[TONEPUB]

I really like the 2270 and the 2275. I believe the 2275 is a little bit newer, but they are both a nice balance of features and power without being to crazily overpriced. The 2325 can go for almost a thousand bucks...

Either way, hold out for a really nice one. It will cost you better in the long
run!

Always fun to have a vintage marantz reciever!!

[Scott J]

I have two Marantz receivers, a 2245 and a 2252B. The 2245 has the champagne face plate, and the 2252B has the clear window. Both are beautiful.

I love the sound of both, but find myself running the 2245 most of my listening time for the past few months.

[www.records]

cybermantis, you might want to do some searching and reading over on the vintage audio asylum board. The Marantz models you are interested in have been discussed in great detail there. My only experience was with a 2252B that I used for several years and enjoyed. It performed flawlessly. I gave it away to a friends son last year who was returning home from Iraq and showed interest in building a vintage system.

Like suggested above, take your time, find a good one and enjoy.

[Chris C]

I attended my friends annual "March Madness" party this past weekend and while noticing that he had a completely new TV and sound system set up, I asked him what he did with his old sound system. He said that it was just sitting in his back basement, I said, "let's go have a look". He had a Marantz 2215b, with the wooden outside case and although the case had some flaws, he said that nothing was wrong with the receiver. I said, I'd love to have that and he said...TAKE IT!

It's funny how some people just don't value what they have? To him, that old sound system was just cluttering up his back basement, instead of EVER thinking of hooking it up in a spare room, as a "vintage" system...He was VERY pleased to see it go. Another month and I'm sure that it would have ended up in the trash!!!

Chris C

[daveman]

Used to have a 2270 but it bit the dust. If it weren't for the weight, I'd buy another; they're simply SO HEAVY and as I tend to be fairly transient these days, just don't feel like messing with it. But boy did it sound sweet...

[I Am The Lolrus]

heh. Well I dont quite know what to look for in a good one, there are some I have looked into that seem to have had their innards updated so to speak. Should I consider one of these models or go full vintage? Having some of the bad parts (or problem parts) already replaced for me is very enticing. Is it worth it?

[James RD]

I had a 2230 in the early seventies. Eventually sold it for next to nothing. Bought another one about five years ago to use in a bedroom system. They are wonderful sounding receivers.

Get one with the wood case. That is a proper, classy look. They look like a hairless cat without one.

[pablo]

Not to confuse the issue, but unless you just need the tuner, the integrated amps sound good, too.

The 1060 is cool, and I have a 1070. You can plug any signal source into them - from turntable to I-pod.

[Done A Ton]

The 1200 integrated is also nice.

[MMM]

Get one with the wood case. That is a proper, classy look. They look like a hairless cat without one.


They do look nice with the wood, but I was afraid of the receiver running too warm with it on, even though its top is vented too.

[Mal]

...Get one with the wood case. That is a proper, classy look. They look like a hairless cat without one.

http://www.don-sphinx.ru/gallery/images/cat_41b.jpg

[I Am The Lolrus]

http://www.don-sphinx.ru/gallery/images/cat_41b.jpg

heh. I would rather get a cat with no hair than no cat. The wood is extremely expensive :shake:

[Scott J]

http://www.don-sphinx.ru/gallery/images/cat_41b.jpgheh. I would rather get a cat with no hair than no cat. The wood is extremely expensive :shake:

In the case of the photo above, I think I'd rather have no cat. ;)

[I Am The Lolrus]

http://www.don-sphinx.ru/gallery/images/cat_41b.jpg

In the case of the photo above, I think I'd rather have no cat. ;)
maybe the hair will grow? :p

[Metalcreature]

I can only comment on the 2240B i just got, i love it. The sound is so great for every kind of music. In Metal, it brings your guitar sound out alot more than most models, which is exactly what i wanted. Acoustic guitar sounds clean and wonderful, vocals are clear and on. I think no matter what model you go for you will be satisfied with the 22xx series, as ive heard they all are excellent.

[phallumontis]

I've got a 2238b that's been in the family since it came out and it sounds awesome. Laid-back, warm sound that does justice to just about anything played through it.

[Rolf Erickson]

Reliable for older gear, well built and most still work well. Re-lamp the panel lights, clean the switches and pots, and you have a solid performer that looks classic, and won't kill your wallet. Pay between $80 to $175.00 for one. Higher power is the main factor in price/value.