2220B vs 2275 (& 2270)

ZeroG

ZeroG

Super Member
The title seems a little strange - these two shouldn't go head to head.

I've acquired a couple of Marantz receivers - One is a 2220B which is a restoration project, & the others are a 2270 and a 2275. I thought I would practice recapping and repairing a 2215 (fubar when I got it) and/or 2220B prior to attempting the recap with the 2270. Then I found the 2275 and couldn't resist.

After acquiring the 2275 - (in great condition, just needed a little cleaning), I was testing out the 2220B for sale, since I thought I had more receivers than I could use and figuring that the 2275 would be the best of the lot.

I was struck by how much better the 2220B sounded - warmer & sweeter - than the 2275.

Of course maybe the 2275 needs recapping, but I would suppose the 2220B would also. I thought the 2275 would replace the 2270 I got last summer which I thought sounded good (but needs re-capping) but I haven't yet A/B/C'd them.

Is it just that these earlier low-powered receivers are sweeter in general? Would the 2275 just be better attuned to a different speaker than the 2220B?:scratch2:

After listening to this comparison, I don't want to part with the 2220B. It's a reclamation project, but I wonder if the 2275 will ever come "up" to that same level of sweetness, even with a re-capping. I would still think the 2275 would be the one to keep over the 2270. But the ears like the 2220B right now.

Regarding the 2215 that was fubar when I got it: AK members have been generous and kind with their help, and I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone that contributed to the thread - you've been really great! - but I don't seem to be able to get it to work. I think that one will become a parts unit.

I guess we all have our addictions, and this could be just another interpretation of audio karma.:yes:
 
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the 2220B i have is a very nice receiver. it is warm sounding. as for comparing i think the obvious difference is power. the 2220B is my bedroom unit because even though i love the sound it just doesn't have the oomph i need in the living room when i want to really crank her up. living room is powered by a 2325 or a 2265.
 
It was the 2220B that I started with way back in 1977 that got me hooked on Marantz. I still have the same unit and doubt I'll get rid of it. It's in need of some TLC. I haven't tested it head to head with my restored 2275. The 2275 will obviously stomp it in many regards, but the 2220B sounds great with efficient speakers. I paired it with my Altec Model One speakers for many years and will in the future. The 2220B and Altecs will remain in my line-up for a long time to come. I just need to find space to set them up.
 
The 2275 should sound better than it sounds like it does. Have you cleaned the controls, adjusted bias? The protection relay can be a problem on the 2275.
 
hdewees said:
The 2275 should sound better than it sounds like it does. Have you cleaned the controls, adjusted bias? The protection relay can be a problem on the 2275.
Click to expand...

The controls were well cleaned with Deoxit. I have not adjusted bias or anything else. Just got it and it looks to be in very good condition. I did think it lacked some warmth even prior to the test with the 2220B.

Is bias adjustment difficult - is it in the service manual?

Thanks
 
Haven't heard the 2270/2275, but I really liked my 2220B. Decent power, it sounded really nice with my EPI 100s. But it suffered a recapping accident, and now I'm trying to track down some right channel issues. It's well laid out, fairly easy recapping job. Just be careful when you replace those filters, pay attention to the polarity.
 
I always thought the lower powered units were actually Marantz's stronge points. I never really took to there high ended or high powere stuff. The 16-125 watt range seems to be their sweet spot. They really did get it right over the other big brands of the time.

charles
 
I've heard the same about lower powered amps sounding sweeter. One quote I read from a tube manufacturer was "If you like my 10 watt amp, wait til you hear my 3 watt amp".

One possibility, especially with solid state, is that transistors are not very linear. Negative feedback gets added to correct the non-linearities. The bigger the amp, the more transistors the more NFB. Someone who is in tune with the sweetness in music might appreciate an amp having less corrective measures.

That's just in general. There are many well designed hi power amps and many horrible low powered amps. Always go by your ears and not by specs.
 
The 2275 should sound alot better than the 2220b. I think you need to adjust the bias and offset of the 2275. All that info should be in the service manual.

Now, if you have the 2275 recapped, it will sound WAY better than the 2220b.
 
hdewees said:
EchoWars is awesome - For bias this is a very good link - If you have never used a DVM before you probably should not attempt this. Your service manual will show you how to do this.


http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5634
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I checked the DC offset, and curiously enough it was fluctuating so much I couldn't get a decent reading - on both channels.

I've checked the DC offset on other amps with stable reading but this is a surprise, as I thought all the Marantz receivers after the 2220 were not DC coupled, or whatever the term is that means that the DC offset can't be checked per Echowars' method.

The meter varies from about 0.8 to about 3.2 on the 200m scale with an occasional spike higher, and about the same for both channels.

Any clue if there is a problem with the 2275? Or perhaps the DVM?
 
ZeroG said:
I checked the DC offset, and curiously enough it was fluctuating so much I couldn't get a decent reading - on both channels.

I've checked the DC offset on other amps with stable reading but this is a surprise, as I thought all the Marantz receivers after the 2220 were not DC coupled, or whatever the term is that means that the DC offset can't be checked per Echowars' method.

The meter varies from about 0.8 to about 3.2 on the 200m scale with an occasional spike higher, and about the same for both channels.

Any clue if there is a problem with the 2275? Or perhaps the DVM?
Click to expand...


How long did you let the 2275 warm up until you started measuring the DC offset?

Because you are supposed to let the receiver warm up for about 30 minutes until you can measure the DC offset.

Otherwise, it will go up and down and all over the place until it bottoms out.
 
ZeroG said:
I checked the DC offset, and curiously enough it was fluctuating so much I couldn't get a decent reading - on both channels.

I've checked the DC offset on other amps with stable reading but this is a surprise, as I thought all the Marantz receivers after the 2220 were not DC coupled, or whatever the term is that means that the DC offset can't be checked per Echowars' method.

The meter varies from about 0.8 to about 3.2 on the 200m scale with an occasional spike higher, and about the same for both channels.

Any clue if there is a problem with the 2275? Or perhaps the DVM?
Click to expand...

The 2275 is DC coupled, the 2220 is capacitor coupled. The 2230 and 2215 were also capacitor coupled, and you check DC balance in those cases. It is a different procedure. Your readings on the 2275 are fine.
 
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