2325 OR 2330b ???

[700m&JBL]

Okay,I admit it-I regret parting with my mint 2275 a few years ago.Now I am looking for a new Marantz.An opportunity presented to me of 2 Marantz's.A 2325 and a 2330b.(same big price tag for both and both serviced by pro)I know they are very close in power,and the 2325 has the black glass in the front panel,but I dont know the differences.Is the 2330b just a later version of the 2325?Are there other differences aside from styling?I am a bit partial to the 2325,as with the 22XX series.
What would you Marantz enthusiasts choose?Is it a matter of esthetics?
Any input would be appreciated.:scratch2:

 

[Jailtime]

I'd lean toward the 2325, it has better build quality. Separate heatsinks for the L and R channels, the 2330B has the heatsink on one side of the receiver. The 2325 has shielding for all the boards inside. The 2330B isn't as warm sounding as the 2325.

 

[700m&JBL]

Thanks,I wasnt sure but I kinda thought the 2325 was a better amp.Saw some info online,and the interior layout of the 2330b surprised me.Both heatsinks over to the one side,and from what I have read the earlier 22XX receivers are preferable.Towards the end of the 70's did build quality become comprimised?Is this the point where Marantz's were made in Japan?I guess the 2325 is like the 2275 with more power?I do prefer the looks of the 2325.The receiver is presently being serviced,not sure exactly what is being done.I wont part with this Marantz........
Thanks for the input!!Gotta love AK!

 

[Jailtime]

Well, all the 22xx receivers were made in Japan. Marantz tube gear, and power amps like the 500 and 510 were made in the USA. The earlier 22xx receivers generally have better build quality. The silver faced B series (like the 2330B) would be at the lower end of Marantz build quality, but they are still bulletproof. Oh another reason to avoid the 2330B, it has dual core filter caps which are unobtainium now. There is a work around for them, but it's difficult to do.

 

[PB196]

All this is great information, thanks. Wasn't aware of how it compared build wise to the later models.

I have a 2325 that's under the knife right now and I do miss it. Bought it in 1976 and it drives just about anything with ease. I love the midrange control on it and the full bodied sound it puts out. Wish it had updated speaker wire terminals though - they are tiny.

 

[airtime]

If I had to do a B series I would go for a 2265b or 2226b. I own a 2330 and feel it's definitly in the top level of marantz's best. But then again marantz has a big best list.

From the little I know about the 2330B, I don't think it was particularly special amoung the big receivers.

I think, but I'm not entirely sure, the 2325 shared a lot with the 2275. Or was it the 2330????

charles

 

[fazman]

I'll take the other stance on this one.
Dual filter caps aside... I liked the sound of the 2330B better than the 2325.

I've had two 2330b's and seven 2325's.

I think the 2325 has a bloatier mid bass response. The 2330b I found tended to be a little more neutral in this area. As far as the 2325 being warmer? Not so sure on that one. I found the 2325's all to sound a bit grainier on top then the 2330b. The 2330b was a little more revealing on high end but it was also cleaner sounding.

I think both are fantastic recievers and you can't go wrong with either of them really. But, if you are concerned about service issues down the road, the 2325 will be much easier to service than the 2330b will.

If sound quality was the only criteria... 2330b it is. (For me anyway!)

 

[SoCal Sam]

Unless you need the power, the 2275 sounds better than either the 2325 and 2330B. Of the three, the only one I miss is the 2275.

 

[superdog]

I'll take the other stance on this one.
Dual filter caps aside... I liked the sound of the 2330B better than the 2325.

I've had two 2330b's and seven 2325's.

I think the 2325 has a bloatier mid bass response. The 2330b I found tended to be a little more neutral in this area. As far as the 2325 being warmer? Not so sure on that one. I found the 2325's all to sound a bit grainier on top then the 2330b. The 2330b was a little more revealing on high end but it was also cleaner sounding.

I think both are fantastic recievers and you can't go wrong with either of them really. But, if you are concerned about service issues down the road, the 2325 will be much easier to service than the 2330b will.

If sound quality was the only criteria... 2330b it is. (For me anyway!)

Glad to hear something positive about the 2330b.I have one in the repair shop and have not really listened to it.

 

[vonriess1]

Seeing this post a bit late but thought I'd chime in since I've owned both the 2325 and a 2330B. I recapped my 2325 and it still couldn't compare to my 2330B. The 2330B had a bigger soundstage to my ears and better clarity. And this was not by a small margin, the 2330B really was a clear winner.

I really don't see any differences in the build quality between the two models, they are both solid and well built. And while one can discuss design and layout aspects of both receivers the sound is what matters to me. And there is the dual filter cap issue but just sit back and enjoy the music and worry about them if, and when, they ever become an issue.

In the end I sold my 2325 and kept my 2330B.

 

[Rasputin47]

Interesting topic, I was just about to ask the same question.

I would also like opinions on how the 2330 factors in to the comparison between the 2325 and 2330b?

I was leaning towards finding a 2330b but the dual filter cap issue mentioned above is a big cause for concern.

 

[DENNYDOG]

Any good tech can work around the dual filter caps. Not an issue if I was in the market. The Sansui G-9000 has dual filter caps also and that wouldn't keep me from buying one if the opportunity arose.