Arkay
Lunatic Member
Today I picked up another Marantz 2230. I like the sound of this model, but that wasn't the main reason for getting it, since I'm paring back on gear. The main reason was the wood case it was in. It looked considerably LIGHTER in shade than the almost uniformly slightly age-darkened walnut I usually see.
In fact, it was enough lighter in shade that it looked as if it were made from a different kind of wood altogether. Not pine, but almost more the shade of aged pine or elm, than aged walnut. I recall seeing at least one pic here on AK that also had that lighter-wood look to it, but can't find the pic now. I vaguely remember some discussion about it, too, but can't remember details and can't seem to find it again.
Did Marantz offer a different wood case finish/veneer, other than the usual walnut? The ubiquitous darker ones do lighten up somewhat with sanding or stripping, but I've not seen one lighten up as much as this. I think it is original finish, or if it was stripped, it must have been done some time ago. The lighter wood looked very pretty with the 2230, and I paid less for the whole than just the wood cases usually cost, so I didn't resist.
Can anyone shed light on this?
Oh, the other thing different about this receiver that I did NOT like was that the nameplate/badge --the label on the back which says the model number, where it was made, etc...-- was missing! Just two small holes where it used to be attached. The power switch is also not working properly, a common failing on these. I'll fix it all up, but may decide to move the wood case to another receiver, if I decide to sell it as part of my paring down. I think maybe a 2285B would like nice in this lighter shade of wood, too.
In fact, it was enough lighter in shade that it looked as if it were made from a different kind of wood altogether. Not pine, but almost more the shade of aged pine or elm, than aged walnut. I recall seeing at least one pic here on AK that also had that lighter-wood look to it, but can't find the pic now. I vaguely remember some discussion about it, too, but can't remember details and can't seem to find it again.
Did Marantz offer a different wood case finish/veneer, other than the usual walnut? The ubiquitous darker ones do lighten up somewhat with sanding or stripping, but I've not seen one lighten up as much as this. I think it is original finish, or if it was stripped, it must have been done some time ago. The lighter wood looked very pretty with the 2230, and I paid less for the whole than just the wood cases usually cost, so I didn't resist.
Can anyone shed light on this?
Oh, the other thing different about this receiver that I did NOT like was that the nameplate/badge --the label on the back which says the model number, where it was made, etc...-- was missing! Just two small holes where it used to be attached. The power switch is also not working properly, a common failing on these. I'll fix it all up, but may decide to move the wood case to another receiver, if I decide to sell it as part of my paring down. I think maybe a 2285B would like nice in this lighter shade of wood, too.
