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Best vintage Marantz receiver for my little Polish apartment

J

JCTroncoso

New Member
Hi everybody:

Greetings from Warsaw, Poland.

Hope you can help me or give me some guidelines. I start by saying that I always wanted to have a Marantz since I was at college (long time ago) but at that time couldn't afford it. Now I'm decided. Here in Warsaw there are some offers, basically on some local pages like allegro or olx (sort of e-bay). I heard that most models like the series of 22xx are pretty good. Now here the selection ranges from less power to big monsters and from USD 300 up to USD 1,000 or more. There is pretty nice 4230 but I heard that it could turn out a bit complicated because of the quadraphonic elements if it happens to have any problem in the future.

My apartment is not very big and, besides that, I don't like to blow out the speakers if you know what I mean. I prefer lower sound but very rich in texture. Warm sound! as they say only Marantz can provide. So I guess I shouldn't go for "big monsters" because, frankly speaking, I will never be able to go too far with the volume and, as I said, I don't like it. I very much like Jazz, Classic and somo of the iconic bands of the 60s and 70s.

Any advise or recommendation?

Best regards,

Juan Carlos Troncoso
 
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My 2245 was my first Marantz, i got it in the 70's and lived in a few apartments over the next 30 years with it and was a great apartment receiver at 45 wpc. i expanded my collection after i bought a house but the 2245 is still my favorite and best sounding to me and it has that great warm Marantz sound. the 2230 is great too if you dont need a lot power, or 2270 if you want more power its the big brother of the 2245
 
I agree with my friend above. The 2245 is a good balance of cost and power. It's one of my favorites. But if it's more power than you need, the 2215, 2220 or 2230 are all great as lower power (and price) receivers.
 
Juan, welcome aboard to AK. Truly a global community this vintage stereo business.
I found a 2215 locally and updated it for my son who lives in a small Brooklyn apartment and it fills his space with plenty of sound. Very detailed and musical receiver.

Can recommend the 2010, 2215, 2216, 2216B, 2230, 2270, all from personal experience. Have a 2245 coming my way too and they are supposed to be superb.
 
Well, thank you so much. to all for such a warm reception :) I'm flattered to receive such a useful information and so quick :). What about the 2235B? it is offered at USD 350. Also a 2226 and a powerful 2285B are available right now. I see that all models have different THD starting from 0.3 or less depending on the model. Also the frequency response is different, ranging from 15hz up to 60khz also depending on the model. Questions: Does the THD have a big incidence when operated at a smooth volume? I guess the frequency response capabilities will be very much related to the type of speakers you will use. This is the other issue I have to take care of. 2 way or 3 way?

Best regards and thank you for helping me,

Juan Carlos Troncoso
 
Any of those would be fine.

The 2285B is one of Marantz's best. However it is a powerful receiver but if the price is right I would grab it and you would never have to upgrade. Neighbors might not like it though. :rockon:
 
the 2235B and 2285B are not as warm sounding as the previously mentioned receivers in my opinion but they are excellent receivers the 2285B is one of my favorites
 
I can only speak to one Marantz model. My 2215B continues to surprise with how much punch it has for just 15 watts per channel. It drives my Klipsch Fortes very capably.
 
What about the 2238? (not B). 410 Euros.
 

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The 2245 is a wonderful receiver, it was my first one back in high school, full walnut case and all. Plenty of power for a smaller space. I had the chance to get a 2230 un-restored a few years ago, versus a later-production 2216 that had been fully recapped and gone through by a audio friend. I went the latter route, and even though it's a later 70s unit, I love the sound of it. For a smaller space, it would be sufficient if you have efficient speakers. The only source where I typically have the volume past 12 o'clock is for phono (MM cart). If you were using a turntable with a MC cartridge, and were not going to use a separate phono pre, you might need a bit more power.
 
I only have experience with two Marantz units. The 2230 and 2275 both restored and both have the classic sound. For an apartment I would think the 2230 would be plenty as it has enough power to rock the room. The 2275 can rock the house. Mine is matched with some Dynaco A-25's which sound great to my ear.
 
siftu said:
I only have experience with two Marantz units. The 2230 and 2275 both restored and both have the classic sound. For an apartment I would think the 2230 would be plenty as it has enough power to rock the room. The 2275 can rock the house. Mine is matched with some Dynaco A-25's which sound great to my ear.
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Agree...Have 2 2230's and 3 1060's....2230 for a apartment would be Perfect!!!!
 
Whoa...what speakers are you planning on pairing to these low watt receivers? What efficiency? Klipsch then your fine. Focal & Wharfdales Kevlar you'll need a lot more power as they are power hungry not so much to get it loud but the power to listen to it well on low.
 
rxonmymind said:
Whoa...what speakers are you planning on pairing to these low watt receivers? What efficiency? Klipsch then your fine. Focal & Wharfdales Kevlar you'll need a lot more power as they are power hungry not so much to get it loud but the power to listen to it well on low.
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Many thanks to everyone. I think I will go for a little more power 2245 or 2250B as a minimum. Your question is very crucial and I don't want to be limited because the offer here is LIMITED. Which speakers you reccommend to me. I would like 3 ways instead of 2. I assume if the unit has a special control/knob for mids it has to be for a purpose or am I mistaken? Suggestions? (watts, impedance, etc.) Regards, JC
 
You might start a thread over in the Speakers section. There is tons of expertise over there. Just tell them what receivers you have narrowed it down to. I haven't had over a half dozen sets of speakers, so I'm no expert. But, while Marantz receivers are rated for 4 or 8 ohm speakers, I stick with 8. I think they were designed primarily with 8 ohms in mind, and from what I have read, 4 ohm speakers stress the amp more. Next decision will be vintage or modern speakers. All of my speakers are vintage, but I'm in this hobby for the nostalgia. I used these speakers when they were modern (yeah, I'm old). In general, modern speakers will be smaller, which might fit apartment life better. And some of those small speakers sound dynamite. Check with the Speaker experts and give them a budget figure. They will have good recommendations.
Steve
 
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