• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Received my fully restored Marantz 2230- WOW!

N

nyindallas

Well-Known Member
I just received my fully restored Marantz 2230. It was fully recapped and was tuned and re soldered by a master. It is incredible and I have to say even the big iron old Marantz receivers I have heard have yet to bring so much joy and pleasure. I already have 2 2230's in good condition but they don't sound anything like this.

When listening to Wotan's lament in Die Walkerie it seems like a big German opera singer was going to burst into the room with massive brass. When listening to Enya I heard details in the piano I never knew existed. I can go on and on. Also, like my other 2230's this unit effortlessly powers my power hungry 4 ohm Kef ref 102/2's.

I have heard and owned many vintage Marantz receivers including a 2238b, 2240, 2275, 2225, 2252, 2265b, and the 2270. IMO the 2230 is the best kept secret.
 

Attachments

  • 2230-1.jpg
    2230-1.jpg
    11.2 KB · Views: 1,296
  • 2230-0.jpg
    2230-0.jpg
    9.7 KB · Views: 893
  • 2230-2.jpg
    2230-2.jpg
    10.2 KB · Views: 857
  • 2230-3.jpg
    2230-3.jpg
    10.7 KB · Views: 1,025
  • 2230-5.jpg
    2230-5.jpg
    9.8 KB · Views: 1,089
Register to hide this ad
My Marantz 2230 sounds aces....but at 35 years old....is certainly living on borrowed time.
How did you guys find quality techs in your area, and how much did the restoration set you ($$$) back?

Steve
 
I hope nyindallas spills the beans, as to the other poster, folks, please put where you live in your profile, we aren't stalkers here, it helps alot of us help you as well, if we live nearby and you have a problem, most of us will take the time to lend a hand. Thanks, and welcome to AK folks!!

Craig

Thanks nyindallas!!
 
Last edited:
The 2230 is my favorite sounding of the 22xx series.
Your unit looks really nice (and I'm betting it uses my LED lamps, too - I never know where they are going to end up).
DH

nyindallas said:
I just received my fully restored Marantz 2230. It was fully recapped and was tuned and re soldered by a master. It is incredible and I have to say even the big iron old Marantz receivers I have heard have yet to bring so much joy and pleasure. I already have 2 2230's in good condition but they don't sound anything like this.

When listening to Wotan's lament in Die Walkerie it seems like a big German opera singer was going to burst into the room with massive brass. When listening to Enya I heard details in the piano I never knew existed. I can go on and on. Also, like my other 2230's this unit effortlessly powers my power hungry 4 ohm Kef ref 102/2's.

I have heard and owned many vintage Marantz receivers including a 2238b, 2240, 2275, 2225, 2252, 2265b, and the 2270. IMO the 2230 is the best kept secret.
Click to expand...
 
Guess the 2230 secret is out of the bag. I had a long and expensive journey to come to the conclusion that this unit is the one to have. If you are interested in WPC, size, amount of lights and dials, the 2230 might not be for you. If the most important thing is the sound it is.

This unit exceeds my expectations. Yes, I am opinionated on this.
 
Great project. I have a 2230 champagne face that when I purchased it I had no clue. it now plays proudly in my dining room set up.
 
nyindallas said:
Guess the 2230 secret is out of the bag. I had a long and expensive journey to come to the conclusion that this unit is the one to have. If you are interested in WPC, size, amount of lights and dials, the 2230 might not be for you. If the most important thing is the sound it is.

This unit exceeds my expectations. Yes, I am opinionated on this.
Click to expand...

I've got 2 2270's and just use the pre section, and of course heard all the hoopla about the 2230 sound:thmbsp: I rarely listen to FM on the Marantz, I prefer the Pilot tube for that, I do however, play alot of LP's. Was any work done in the phono-pre area? what are your feelings of that area if there was?
Craig
 
The entire unit was rebuilt. So far I have listened to the radio (pulls in everything w/o an antenna) and CD's and input from a music server. I gave up on analog sources such as records and tapes even though I have a bunch.

Here is what was done:

1. The complete recapping of the receiver: This is a replacement of EVERY aluminum electrolytic capacitor in the receiver with new, hi-quality, hi-temperature, long-life capacitors. I replace the large main filter capacitors with computer grade capacitors. Replacement of tantalum caps with new hi-quality foil or ceramic caps. Replacement of bi-polar caps with new electrolytic, ceramic or foil caps.

2. Complete hand re-solder of EVERY circuit board in the receiver with silver solder replacing the aged, oxidized, intermittent, resistive and otherwise bad connections with new, solid connections returning the balance and fidelity to the system.

3. Replacement of all incandescent lamps with new LED's. You will probably never have to change lamps ever again. Plus: no heat, no yellowing, uses less electricity, and best yet, it returns the true blue look from the days when the receiver was new.

4. Replacement of speaker protection relay and other necessary parts like the power cord and such, to bring the receiver back to solid and reliable again.

5. Complete cleaning of every contact, switch, connector, potentiometer, slip contact. Let's face it, oxidation after 30 years has caused intermittent connections throughout the receiver. I take care of that using the industry's best cleaners and lubricants already tested safe on Marantz gear.

6. All adjustments including AM and FM alignments, amplifier bias and idle current adjustments, power supply adjustments, PLL free run adjustment, stereo seperation adjustment, and more! Most reputable shops charge $100 just for tuner alignments.

7. Performance of all service modifications. Your receiver will be up to date with the latest Marantz service bulletin mods. Plus I add a few mods of my own from 20+ years of hi end audio experience.

8. Complete test, burn-in and readjustments.

stuwee said:
I've got 2 2270's and just use the pre section, and of course heard all the hoopla about the 2230 sound:thmbsp: I rarely listen to FM on the Marantz, I prefer the Pilot tube for that, I do however, play alot of LP's. Was any work done in the phono-pre area? what are your feelings of that area if there was?
Craig
Click to expand...
 
It's not in my area: Just scroll down and click "Vintage Electronics Restoration Service."

Work has just begun, but quality and quantity of contact with VERS to date has been top-notch.
 
i'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that nyindallas is a new york transplant now living in dallas.

how'm i doin'?
 
Hi there nyindallas, this is nyinny:D

I just looked at those nice pictures you showed us, and your 2230 looks brand new to me! Great job! In the stack of equipment, I think I see a McIntosh MR 1700. Am I correct? I was wondering, how does the restored Marantz 2230 compare to the MR 1700? I am really very interested in your opinion.

In any case congrats and enjoy!:music:
 
Very nice 2230, I remember liking that model in the day. How does it compare sound quality wise to the HK930 in the photo?
I want to have a nice sounding receiver (25-50 watts is fine) and will likely get a restored one. Have an HK330c now that sounds good. Will do some more research before spending much $.
Thanks, Don
 
If it sounds as good as my 2238B it is a gem!!

These units were rated consertively and honestly. The power is more than enough. But the real deal is the sound. I had the opportunity to compare mine with a high end tube SET amp in my home with my system. I could not hear any real upgrade.

After that A/B test I am sticking with the SS marantz. I guess I saved myself 2K in new amp "upgrade" that could not improve on the marantz sound. Or maybe my ears are just shot.


JSP
 
Interesting comparison. The 2230 has that warm sound that is just so smooth. It is actually a bit brighter than another nice 2230 that used to occupy that slot. I would say the 2230 really emphasizes the lows. Could not believe what the old Wagner and Mahler sounded like. The MAC 1700 produces very accurately without the warmth of the 2230. Both units have great radios and pick up tons w/o an antenna.

From a speaker standpoint the 2230 is so natural driving my newly rebuilt KEF 102/2 which are 4 ohms. I was not happy using the Mac with those speakers. But the MAC shines with my NHT Towers.

johnda said:
Hi there nyindallas, this is nyinny:D

I just looked at those nice pictures you showed us, and your 2230 looks brand new to me! Great job! In the stack of equipment, I think I see a McIntosh MR 1700. Am I correct? I was wondering, how does the restored Marantz 2230 compare to the MR 1700? I am really very interested in your opinion.

In any case congrats and enjoy!:music:
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom