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!
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!
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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.
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
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.
