Marantz 2220b - Rega RP3 and $1200 dollars

[KevinKpc118]

I have a very nicely maintained Marantz 2220b, a Rega RP3, and some lackluster JBL bookshelf speakers. I have been saving and upgrading my gear over time, and this setup is due for some new pieces. I am hoping to receive some guidance from the audiophiles here as to whether I should invest in just a new set of speakers, given the size of my listening room, or if I should get a new receiver as well. I love my 2220b, but I know it’s limitations.

I have a large listening area (probably 20x25). My wife and I have our greatly cared for, and decently large, vinyl collection as the center piece of our open floor plan living room and kitchen area. We don’t really crank the 2220b past 12 o’clock, usually it’s at around 10 or 11 o’clock, so I don’t know if it is necessary to get out of the 2220b, but I would like to take the next step. The JBLs are small and underwhelming entry level bookshelf speakers (I am traveling and can’t remember the model off the top of my head) so I want those out. I was look at Wharfedale 230 as a possible direction to move. I have $1200 to spend, but would happily keep that to $700-800 and just get speakers or move into a stronger receiver and speakers if that is a better path and spend the full $1200 and move the marantz and JBLs to my office. I would love. 2275, but the market on vintage Marantz gear is going up and up. What direction(s) should I be thinking and what would you all suggest?

I think it is important to note that I have a varied collection of music and I do not crank it. I like a truer representative sound rather than a colored tone (I’m a musician as well as a listener, so I play along to my records as I write out songs for students), but I know the Marantz is a warm receiver in nature. I want something that looks nice, seeing as it is a centerpiece to the room. My setup lines up perfectly with the lounge portion of the L shaped leather couch, and I love to sit and pay attention to the record, whereas my wife likes to move around the house and play the music a little louder volume. I want to fill the room without killing my bank account, but I will buy a great set of speakers and upgrade my receiver next year if that is the best path to finally round out the whole setup with the RP3.

What are your collective thoughts?

Thank your for your patience in answering what is very likely a common question

Kevin

 

[Old Guy8]

In my opinion, I think you likely would pay a high premium for vintage high wattage replacement Marantz, now adays. Then it is old and might have relability issues or need refurbishment on top of it. Possibly blowing all budget. High power vintage receivers often are for those not on a strict budget. Your current Marantz is not high power so efficient speakers, think higher than 90db spl, for such large area. Sure, there are very efficient speakers to make your Marantz power fill that room. I have not heard them, so won't recommend. I'll leave for others.
Alternatively, a modern quality stereo integrated amp or receiver, if tuner required. Higher power, with phono pre, preamp out and subwoofer out. Would open up future speaker options. How much to spend is up to you, depending on your budget and goals. New or used. Could add speakers later if that takes all current budget. But even if you do not buy speakers now, get ideas of what you want. Audio equipment sound best when well matched.
Your Marantz would make a nice small room receiver with your small JBL's.
You should get varied opinions, but choices arewhat you want to hear.
Welcome to AK.

 

[Bodyblue]

We don’t really crank the 2220b past 5, usually it’s at around 3 or 4,

You have the volume knob at 3 or 4????????? That is about 90% volume level! Are you sure you mean that?

I have a 2220B as well and with Imperial 6 speakers it will put out some pretty loud spl's at around half volume.

 

[KevinKpc118]

You have the volume knob at 3 or 4????????? That is about 90% volume level! Are you sure you mean that?

I have a 2220B as well and with Imperial 6 speakers it will put out some pretty loud spl's at around half volume.

I should have stated 3 or 4 out of 10 ... not 3 or 4 o’clock. Hahahaha. That is a tremendous difference. My fault.

I listen at around 11 o’clock and my wife at 12 o’clock.

 

[Bodyblue]

I should have stated 3 or 4 out of 10 ... not 3 or 4 o’clock. Hahahaha. That is a tremendous difference. My fault.

I listen at around 11 o’clock and my wife at 12 o’clock.

LOL that makes a lot more sense. I have a smaller room than yours but I am listening to my system right now, streaming Spotify Premium (fairly low signal level) and it sounds nice at the 9 oclock level. At 12 it would drive me out of the room. The Imperial 6s are around 94db sensitive. You have a great receiver and it works well it seems........keep it! I would look for a pair of more sensitive speakers. Do they need to be small bookshelves or can they be larger vintage "bookshelves" like my Imperials? Either way you can get something very nice, new or used, with your budget.

I will say that I have posted many times on here on how simply awesome the synergy is with the 22220B/Imperial 6 combo. The Imperials were designed to work with Marantz items and it shows. Massive base even at low level, they will seriously thump if you ask them too. I have had several people ask how many watts my receiver is when they hear it and are amazed when I say "20". Most Marantz 22xx series receivers are a bit under rated but it is the combo and the fact of sensitive speakers that make it so good. And the Imperials are nicely finished in real walnut veneer.

I agree with the poster above that anything 90db sensitive or above is a good idea.

 

[tom1066]

I used a 2220b with my Cornwalls while repairing my tube amp and it was a nice combo, I thought. They would seem to fit your needs and a used pair would be within your budget I would think. Where are you located?

 

[KevinKpc118]

I am located in North Central Colorado. Used gear is limited in the High Rockies, but I can drive to Denver/Boulder if I have to.

I have been looking at the Klipsch stuff. I would love to find some Cornwall series stuff.

I was looking at the new Klipsch gear as well, but I am worried I will be doing an injustice to my Marantz. Lol.

 

[KevinKpc118]

Do they need to be small bookshelves or can they be larger vintage "bookshelves" like my Imperials?

They don’t need to be bookshelf. I would be happy with a floor speaker.

It is sounding like the key is in the sensitivity of the speakers I am getting.

 

[Bodyblue]

I am not a fan of horn tweeters but Klipsch speakers are famously easy to drive. Imperial 6s are fairly hard to find, but there are usually some on eBay. With your budget shipping should not be a problem. Yes, they are that good with the 2220B