Differences between Tape & AUX input on Marantz 2220b?

[v60sound]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone had any specific convictions on the idea that these inputs are functionally the same on a Marantz 2220b.

Basically, I have been trying out a Tube Box S2 just out of curiosity to see if I like it better than the built in phono-stage. Further complicating this shootout is that just before receiving the Tube Box in the mail, I finally took the time to remove the built in preamp on my AT LP120 and have been loving the changes it made to the sound (I have decided keep this player just because I got it for a steal and have upgraded the cartridge as well so lets just ignore the fact that I definitely could have gotten a better turntable with the money and time put into the following endeavor).

Upon first listen (after warming up the tubes and giving it several hours of playtime for a few days) the Pro-ject preamp honestly sounds duller, like a big round block of uniform sound instead of the wonderfully open sound, and definition I've been experiencing with my modded AT LP120 going into the Marantz's internal phono stage.

I will of course give the thing more time to break in, but first impressions have me wondering if I should just send the thing back and be happy with the onboard pre-amp. This is also my first piece of Tube Gear so perhaps I'm just finding out I don't like the flavor of tubes ( more likely the stock tubes and/or this specific pre-amp).

But then I thought about which inputs I was using.

At first I was plugging the Tube Box into the AUX input, which for no particular reason I've never really used on this receiver. I have been playing my digital music (iphone through a DAC) into the Tape 2 input and love the way that sounds. With the Tube Box through the AUX input, I am firmly in the camp that the built in phono-stage sounds better.

But then I plugged the tube box into the Tape 2 input and it seemed to have redeemed some of the musical detail and dimensional qualities that I was disappointed with upon first listen via AUX. The Tube-Box through Tape 2 input compared to the internal phono stage is a little harder for me gauge which I like better.

The difference in sound between the two inputs is subtle and has me going a little crazy, so I open this to the floor. Are these inputs supposed to be equal? Or is it not surprising that there's a difference in sound between the two?

Let's assume that we're talking about a world where my amp has been serviced and everything is known to be operating to spec (which is certainly not true but suspending belief on that still I think makes this question worthwhile). It could very well be that the AUX input just isn't working fully, or they're both off in their own unique way but if possible I'd like to learn if there are supposed to be any differences in how those inputs sound. I'll get around to having someone more skilled give the amp a good run through one of these days.

Thanks for any .... input.... sorry (not sure the rules here about terrible puns)!

 

[E-Stat]

The name.

Input sensitivity and impedance are the same. Perhaps the jacks could use a good cleaning with Deoxit.

 

[v60sound]

Cool thankya! Exactly what I was looking to know. That will help hopefully making this decision! Yes they probably could use a cleaning. My first pass was so focused on getting the dust and must out from the boards that I think I just ignored the jacks since they all seemed to work.

 

[tonyg88]

I think some the input sensitivity is different but by only a little bit

 

[v60sound]

Probably should have checked this beforehand but found the service manual for the 2220b and it lists all "High Level" inputs:

Input Sensitivity: 180mV
Input Impedance: 100,000 ohms

So assuming that it's referring to Tape and AUX as the "High Level" inputs (the only distinction it makes is "Phono" listed just beneath the "High Level" input specs) that just about settles it, I need to clean these suckers.

Thanks all!
J

 

[Pecrobet]

Probably should have checked this beforehand but found the service manual for the 2220b and it lists all "High Level" inputs:

Input Sensitivity: 180mV
Input Impedance: 100,000 ohms

So assuming that it's referring to Tape and AUX as the "High Level" inputs (the only distinction it makes is "Phono" listed just beneath the "High Level" input specs) that just about settles it, I need to clean these suckers.

Thanks all!
J

Yes, I agree. Cleaning "ALL" the RCA Inputs/Outputs, and the speaker terminals. It's crucial to do the basic maintenance on any audio component (at least once every year). I've been in the HiFi Vintage Audio Trade for over a decade, and cannot stress the importance of doing basic cleaning regularly. Also, I'd recommend buying some RCA Caps, that can be bought on eBay for around $10. Place caps on any RCA's that are not in use.

I think of vintage audio units like muscle cars, and in order to keep those cars running smoothly, basic maintenance must be done regularly (i.e. oil change, air filter & spark plug replacements, etc).