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Help me choose? Marantz 2215b, 2238, 4100 - all excellent cond.

NedvonBundle

NedvonBundle

New Member
Hey there, tune-hounds! I have an opportunity to purchase one (or all!) of these bad boys:
  • Marantz 2215b - $200
  • Marantz 2238 - $300
  • Marantz 4100 quad - $225
All of them work great, are cleaned and lubed by a pro with new lights.

I already own a Marantz 2230 (which I love), but am wondering if I've found an opportunity to make a great situation even better. I listen primarily to vinyl on a Technics SL-1700 through four Klipsch Heresy speakers in my living room. Especially newfangled layer-fests like Radiohead and My Morning Jacket.... to quiet-loud, finely detailed, wide-dynamic feel-like-you're-in-the-room jazz and acoustic instrumentals... to balls-to-the-wall fuzzed out live rock 'n' roll.

Would any of you Marantz lovers mind sharing any preferences, tidbits, or other helpful advice? Sound... quality... rarity... value (assuming condition is great with each). My main goal is sound quality, depth, dynamics.

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Bonus Question! My right phono channel slowly begins to hiss after prolonged listening sessions. Only happens to phono, and never on the left. I'm assuming it is something heating up, but lack the expertise to pinpoint. Is that easily diagnosable? If so, is it easy to repair from a local stereo guy, or is that worth taking 2 hrs away to a Marantz dealer?

It's my first post here, so thank you all for doing what you do!
 
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On your 2230, there are a couple of 2SC458 transistors on the P700 phono board that are known to go noisy. Lots of things could cause hiss, so a logical diagnostic is in order. But these transistors would be prime suspects. As for the three new candidates, the 2215b and 2238 aren't that much different from your 2230. I would jump on the 4100 if it's in good condition. Beautiful unit!
 
2215b less power, 2238 a bit more power, 4100 similar power x 4 or double power x 2 for your listening pleasure. The integrated amp is the one to get. Use your 2230 as the tuner after you get the 2SC458 swapped out.
 
Idunno if it matters to you, but Marantz 4-Ch gear is decidedly more difficult to work on than 2-Ch stereo stuff. I'm speaking as a former high-end audio technician.
 
The 2238 and 4100 are both a very good deal at those prices.
I would get both and sort it out later!

Bob
 
4 channel more complex to fix, receiver more complex, integrated amp simplest of the 3 in a given power output range. If AM/FM output important, receiver worth considering. If AM/FM not important, integrated best. Avoid Quad unless 4 channels your priority or a lot less expensive in top condition. Choose wisely, you are armed with how to decide.
 
wlhd1610 said:
The 2238 and 4100 are both a very good deal at those prices.
I would get both and sort it out later! Bob
Click to expand...

Wow! Thanks, gents! I think I'll follow the consensus. 4100 for sure, maybe also the 2238... see what works best for my setup.

As for the 2230... Since AM/FM is definitely not a necessity but a bonus (I volunteer at a local community radio station; we stream online, but it's nice to hear our programs come over the real waves!), rather than spend the hundreds of $ for diagnostics + travel to Sac + then replacing transistors and getting solder retrace.... I suppose I *could* just have an extra fancy 2230 glorified TUNER in the stack! Unless transistor replacement is easier than I think?

Hmm. Thanks for all the tips!
 
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