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Marantz 2238B "Stereo" and "DLB-1" lamp replacement

cfensch

New Member
Hi! I'm a novice with tinkering with audio equipment, but I'm really enjoying it!

I recently acquired a very nice Marantz 2238B with a wood case. Several of the fuse bulbs were burned out, but I successfully replaced them with LED bulbs. I broke one of the plastic tabs of the light assembly housing, but it still holds nicely in place. I think it's virtually impossible to NOT break one...time and heat have made them brittle. A bit of electrical tape has been applied just to make extra-sure it's secure. The LEDs look great!

There are two lights that are still burned out, and I want to be sure I order the correct ones. I've seen a bit of conflicting information on which ones to order, so I wanted to pose the question here.

The two that are burned out are the "Stereo" indicator lamp (not the dial pointer) and the "DLB-1" lamp. They both seem to have the red-and-white wires, which appear to be 8v 60ma lamps. I read elsewhere that the "Stereo" lamp is a 12v, but looking under the hood, I don't think that it it.

It's also my understanding that the "DLB-1" light will not work regardless, as the unit does not have Dolby FM adapter and that it's technology that isn't even used any more. I may change it just to change it, but I probably won't so I don't screw something up.

I haven't removed the lamps yet, as they appear to be original and glued in. What would be the best way to remove the two existing lamps so as not to damage the housing?

Am I correct in the assessment that BOTH are 8v 60ma lamps? Also, does it need to have a red lamp cover, or does the display have a red film or coating to show it as red (like the blue parts of the dial does)?

Thank you for all of your help!
 
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The Dolby lamp is energized via a small microswitch in the back of the DLB1 receptacle housing on the rear of the receiver.
When you plug in the DLB1 module it physically closes the switch.

You can try it by inserting a plastic pen inside to actuate the switch(there are two-one is for the dolby lamp).

The "stereo" and "dolby" lamps are 60ma 8v with red and white 12" leads.

Some Marantz units use a 12v 60ma bi-pin lamp for the "stereo" indicator and these come with a blue colored base to distinguish them from a 8v bi-pin lamp.

The lamps are clear, the red color is in the inner faceplate plastic.

AK member dgwojo has all the lamps.

Bob
 
I've seen the assemblies on eBay for fairly reasonable prices. I don't know if they are NOS, or replacements. They would be alot easier to install, you wouldn't have to worry about breaking the lamp housing.
 
Received and installed the lights last night! I was able to get the original, burned-out lights out without breaking the housing...whew! Everything is working great!
 
Received and installed the lights last night! I was able to get the original, burned-out lights out without breaking the housing...whew! Everything is working great!
Good job! The plastic is the only part of those receivers, that weren't built to last. I don't think I've ever replaced bulbs in one without breaking at least one tab.


BTW the 2238B is my favorite of the series. I've had all of them except the 85,. And the 38 keeps ending up back in the rack.
 
Good job! The plastic is the only part of those receivers, that weren't built to last. I don't think I've ever replaced bulbs in one without breaking at least one tab.


BTW the 2238B is my favorite of the series. I've had all of them except the 85,. And the 38 keeps ending up back in the rack.
I love my 2238b but it's the only one I have had... I often hear this about this model. What makes it stand out of the pack, especially given its mid-range, low powered status?
 
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I love my 2238b but it's the only one I have had... I often hear this about this model. What makes it stand out of the pack, especially given its mid-range, low powered status?

It just has a different tone than the rest of them that I really enjoy. All of the Marantz receivers have a sound that just mellows me out. It's low power pairs really well with modern speakers with higher efficiency. I have it hooked up to a pair of Klipsch Reference RF-82 IIs and it has more than enough power for them. It probably wouldn't be the best choice for a pair of vintage JBLs or Altecs.

It's good enough to stay on the shelf with the McIntosh. It gets just as much play.
 
Yeah, I agree. I have it connected to a pair of Klipsch Kg 3.2's and it more than does the job.

Compared to my CR-1020 it does not seem to have the same punch but remains my primary unit due to the "mellowness" it brings.
 
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