Low level listening Marantz 2285b

[AK577]

I’m wondering what other 2285b owners experience with listening at lower volume. My 2285b seems flat, lifeless, grainy at low volume but comes to life when cranked up. Amazing really.

I have other receivers and amps that sound great at low levels…full, rich, etc. Even my 2270 is a lot better at low levels than the 2285b.

The bias is correct, I recapped the tone board, the amp board is original, will recapping the amp board bring life to low volumes? I wouldn’t think so since it sounds so good at higher volumes but I don’t know

 

[icko30]

Are you using loudness? Tone mode could be issue also.
What speakers do you use?

 

[AK577]

Yeah I use the loudness button, it helps, but it still lacks compared to some other receivers/amps.

Speakers are JBL L100s

 

[icko30]

There are experts on AK and sure someone will know more.
Maybe also check PB and main caps voltage ; deoxit all pots and switches.
2285B is brighter in basics vs 2270. Bud difference is not that drastic that you described.
Is the sound good if you turn up tone controls all the way up?

 

[ampdan]

I run mine into the Marantz HD 770's it came with, tone controls out, loudness button on. Vinyl, cassettes, radio.
But, the speakers have been refoamed/recapped, and the receiver has been fully restored to factory spec.
I don't think it's ever been higher than 12-1 o'clock on the volume knob. Sounds great to me at any volume.

 

[AK577]

There are experts on AK and sure someone will know more.
Maybe also check PB and main caps voltage ; deoxit all pots and switches.
2285B is brighter in basics vs 2270. Bud difference is not that drastic that you described.
Is the sound good if you turn up tone controls all the way up?

I’ve checked the voltages, all is in spec.

It sounds better with the tone controls turned up. I keep them at 3 o’clock at low volumes, then back to 12 once I turn it up.

With the tone controls turned up, it still doesn’t have the full sound at low levels compared to my other receivers. It’s not terrible, and I could have unrealistic expectations.

I experience the same with my phase linear 700b, it doesn’t have that full sound at low levels. You have to crank it up for it to open up.

My fisher 500tx on the other hand, seems to fill the room with rich sound even at low levels.

It’s really the only compliant I have for the 2285b, it truly is an amazing receiver. Unfortunately I listen to music mostly at lower levels so I find myself often swapping it out for the fisher or 2270, etc….But those receivers seem to break up with high volume so I swap the 2285b back in to rock out lol.

 

[markd51]

Perhaps only my opinion, but I know I've heard some others also say this, that the Tone Controls on Marantz were not that great.

I had noted that it seemed the more you fiddled with the tone controls on them, the worse the sound became, muddied, just not good at all.

With that said, perhaps an outboard EQ might help? I'm sure nobody wants to mess with numerous sliders on a graphic EQ, but there are simpler options, and might fit the bill.

The new McIntosh EQ is quite pricey, but Schitt makes something more affordable, and such may help attenuate-boost certain frequencies helping you better tailor your sound without tons of knobs-sliders to monkey with.

They make 3 models, $149, $299, and $1499 with remote control.

I can't say such will be the band aid you need? It might possibly be. Pictured is their top tier model, but their lesser models aren't that cost prohibitive.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Made in USA

www.schiit.com

 

[markd51]

I'll add that an EQ might not offer joy. Maybe nothing will. Could be the mating of a particular Receiver-Speaker set-up, , could be other things?

You say in your original post, and when the volume dial is cranked "Amazing Really". Amazing in my book hopefully equates to very good fidelity, no hash, grits, eggs and bakky, really performing so well, that a good JBL Speaker in good health reveals what's going on.

I've had about 9 Marantz Receivers over the years, no separates though. Only two I liked, and one was a mint 2285B Euro Black Face. The other, a 2265. Both were running into JBL, the L-65.

I've had a few that were mutts IMO. Two beautiful mint condition 2330B Receivers, both worked the exact same, and both sounded the exact same. And I liked neither of them. Sure, I know their value today, should've stored them.

They had no operational problems that I could identify, both were really exceptional unmolested pieces. Yet, never personally happy with their overall sound.

Don't know what more I can further say? Maybe smaller speakers? Smaller speakers don't necessarily have to be crap speakers.

 

[icko30]

What is the source?

 

[AK577]

I'll add that an EQ might not offer joy. Maybe nothing will. Could be the mating of a particular Receiver-Speaker set-up, , could be other things?

You say in your original post, and when the volume dial is cranked "Amazing Really". Amazing in my book hopefully equates to very good fidelity, no hash, grits, eggs and bakky, really performing so well, that a good JBL Speaker in good health reveals what's going on.

I've had about 9 Marantz Receivers over the years, no separates though. Only two I liked, and one was a mint 2285B Euro Black Face. The other, a 2265. Both were running into JBL, the L-65.

I've had a few that were mutts IMO. Two beautiful mint condition 2330B Receivers, both worked the exact same, and both sounded the exact same. And I liked neither of them. Sure, I know their value today, should've stored them.

They had no operational problems that I could identify, both were really exceptional unmolested pieces. Yet, never personally happy with their overall sound.

Don't know what more I can further say? Maybe smaller speakers? Smaller speakers don't necessarily have to be crap speakers.

Yeah it could just be personal preference. I’ve only ever heard the 2285b and 2270. The 2285b is outstanding at higher volumes and the 2270 is better at lower volumes. I wonder how a non B 2285 sounds. That might be the sweet spot for me.

 

[AK577]

What is the source?

CDs, FM tuner, and vinyl

 

[icko30]

Well tuner is not relevant source but vinyl and cds are. I have Pc with sounblaster dac as a source and so have 2 options on eq. One is sounblaster s software an the other musicbee s. But my klipsches are quite bass heavy and easy driving so I could not be a reference.
Maybe like the markd51 said the 2285b & those Jbl s are not the combo made in heaven.
On oleg vintage audio blog the serviced 2285b measured I think about 89W/ch rms, 2275 around 91W/ch. Since I have both I can assure you that my 2275 blows the 2285b out of the water when crancked, but they are both nice at low levels. But it is a noticable diffrence. 2275 fells some kind more powerful.
If you could borrow some speakers and do the test.

 

[markd51]

Going back to your original post, and you mention a degree of overhaul-tune up done inside.

I might in my ignorant way say, "There are good caps, and there are bad caps". Besides a host of many other parts that are far from spec. In layman's terms it's safe to say that such can hamper any particular unit's best operation.

It's like an engine with a spark plug misfiring.

Cannot necessarily speak apples-apples when we're takig about 40+ year old gear. **** gets tired. And it means being properly bench checked-tested throughout. Goes for any brand-model.

Once that can be properly confirmed, there's then really no more a competent tech person can do. This is it.

Other options exist, a different receiver, or?

 

[AK577]

Going back to your original post, and you mention a degree of overhaul-tune up done inside.

I might in my ignorant way say, "There are good caps, and there are bad caps". Besides a host of many other parts that are far from spec. In layman's terms it's safe to say that such can hamper any particular unit's best operation.

It's like an engine with a spark plug misfiring.

Cannot necessarily speak apples-apples when we're takig about 40+ year old gear. **** gets tired. And it means being properly bench checked-tested throughout. Goes for any brand-model.

Once that can be properly confirmed, there's then really no more a competent tech person can do. This is it.

Other options exist, a different receiver, or?

I replaced the transistors on the tone board because one was bad, and I replaced all of the electrolytic capacitors with the red Wima ones.

Everything went great, I checked both channels on the scope and they were even and strong. Tested over 90 watts/channel. That’s pretty much the extent of what I did, I’m not an expert.

I don’t want to use the 2285b as my “daily driver” but it certainly has a place in the lineup. It excels with 80s pop music like Madonna, Prince, etc. It’s actually one of my best sounding pieces with music like that, but again just absolutely lacks at low volume.

Again, the amp board is all original, is it likely a recap of that board will solve the dullness at low volume? I can certainly do that. Hopefully it’s not terribly difficult to service that board.

 

[icko30]

What about dual main caps?

 

[markd51]

What about dual main caps?

While like I say, good caps-bad caps, and assume these too can be tested.

I know I was once told that the main Power supply caps are not in the audio chain. Not sure though if such is not exactly to spec how this may then influence the low volume dislike the OP has spoken about?

 

[icko30]

I am not a tech afterall but I assume and imagine that when power hungry moment (heavy bass in tune for example) needs power to move that cone main caps are a stability supplier.
Maybe I am completly wrong with this statement, but when there were times that I had 2x300w rms 12V pioneer mosfet power amp in my car, 1farrad cap makes a huge difference in sound.

 

[markd51]

Again, I mentioned an external EQ. Such could be considered a "Loudness Control" to add some beef at lower listening levels. Of course with the added BS of forever tweaking controls till the cows come home for any particular listening session, whether at doctor office levels, or wake the dead.

And again I'll say if this Receiver really sounds super great at higher volumes, with whatever source components you have, these JBL L100's you have, then it doesn't sound like anything is out of order by any large extent. Trust your ears.

I'll commit a sin here, that many like the Marantz-Sansui-Pioneer and 100 others had a loudness "switch", it's either on or off. Many loved the variable control on a lot of the older Mac Gear.

A fresh 2285B that was 6 months out of the factory can be out of whack any way you look at it, and things are starting to drift as parts break-burn in, and age. Could anyone care to guess how long a Tuner Alignment lasts on anything? Maybe on many units, they weren't really spot on the day they left the factory?

Like going to buy yourself a brand new Plymouth 340 Duster, you might get a decent one, and then you might get a total freak! You're tearing all comers a new asshole! LOL (Shut Down!)

Same with audio and these receivers, good ones and not so good ones, but I'm certain if one lacks in some manner, it "can" be made whole. Just like if that new duster I bought was burning a qt of oil every 300 miles, these issues can be addressed-fixed

Getting to the L-100. Yeah, it can throw some bass. Many looked down on the L-100 as a "Whizz-Boom" Speaker, and of course 100% west coast sound! But it is a 12". Throw in a pair of 4315, 4331, 4333, 4430/35, L-200-300, you are going to note a difference in presence, and authority.

Another little toy that could add muscle is a subwoofer.

 

[Swanny88]

I run mine into the Marantz HD 770's it came with, tone controls out, loudness button on. Vinyl, cassettes, radio.
But, the speakers have been refoamed/recapped, and the receiver has been fully restored to factory spec.
I don't think it's ever been higher than 12-1 o'clock on the volume knob. Sounds great to me at any volume.

Great idea. Just got the owners manual for my 2285b and had not thought about trying this. The whole “In/Out” button on the front is a bit confusing to me

 

[AK577]

Reviving this thread because I have the Marantz and JBLs setup again and enjoying them, mainly at higher volumes of course.

When I replaced the capacitors and transistors on the tone board, I never checked the bias on the amp board. I was under the impression it was set correctly from the previous tech that supposedly did it…but anyway. It was way out of spec, very low. I let it warm up and set it to spec and it actually helped with low leveling listening. It’s still not like my Fisher, but definitely a noticeable improvement.

Since the Amp board and power supply board are all original, I decided to order all of the parts to rebuild them along with the phono board. I’m hoping those refreshed boards will make it even better. Is it likely I’ll notice an improvement? Fresh capacitors and new transistors should have an impact on low level listening surely? The parts should come in this week, I’m very excited to rebuild them.

I’ve been listening to it all day and running it pretty hard. I sure have enjoyed it.

The JBLs still have their original capacitors, I ordered some new ones for them as well. I’ll carefully preserve the original capacitors and have them able to wire in again if needed.

I took this picture of them today using my old Sony MVC floppy disk camera. I like the vintage look!