Looking at all the replies looks like I should hold off on buying a new amp till I've heard a few 22XXs.
While a new amp has its virtues - hassle free, support and mod cons like a remote - there seem to be enough people here who prefer the sound of a vintage Marantz over comparable modern offerings.
Time to continue research.
Thanks all for your replies.
While you're right to do some more research before buying; listening to a few 22XXs receivers isn't likely to yield much RELIABLE INFORMATION.
I'll explain... The problem is, you have no way of knowing the genuine condition of those few receivers you may have a chance to audition, never mind the differences you will hear due to the different speakers and room acoustics. While extended listening is, no doubt, the final criterion when judging new equipment, where the rest of the system can often be controlled. The variations when trying to audition used equipment make a final buying decision very difficult, and are often misleading. Again, the real wildcard is the condition of the receiver itself. Even if it was refurbished, the completeness of the job AND the QUALITY of the replacement components will make a huge difference in the resulting sonic qualities of the receiver in question.
My advice...
look at a lot of Marantz receivers. They essentually come in three groupings:
1971~76: the 2230, 2245, 2270,
1974~77: the 2235, 2250/B, 2275,
1977~79: the 2238/B, 2265/B, 2285/B.
The earliest grouping were produced in the highest volume, and generally have the biggest following; but, being older, will need a refurb, especially the electrolytic capacitors, sooner than the others... and will likely sound accordingly.
The newest grouping will more likely have a few 'good' years left before a refurb is needed.
How many hours any used receiver has been player, and at what volume is a total wild card, as with it's likely need for a restoration.
Rest assured, to sound their best, ALL of the above receivers will need a full restoration by a skilled AND motivated tech, using BEST QUALITY AUDIO GRADE COMPONENTS to sound their best.
... this will NOT be the condition of any receivers you are likely to be able to audition.
So what is one to do...
First give some thought to the size of the listening rooms for your receiver over the next 20 or more years, what speakers you may want to use in your system and what music you want to listen to, and at what volumes.
This will help you to decide between a 2230, 2245 or 2270 for example, or a receiver from the newer groupings. How much POWER being the primary question.
Here's a good LINK to Marantz Legendary Audio Classics:
http://www.classic-audio.com/marantz/2245.html
Spend some time there.
Consider that the older grouping will need a refurb a little sooner.
Some prefer the 'busy' look of the newer groupings with all the extra buttons knobs and often a Balance slider.
To my ear, the newer 2 groups are 'brighter' sounding, especially in the upper-midrange. Not an improvement to my ear; but many would disagree.
In the end, they are all fine receivers that will sound between very Good ~ Excellent, depending on the QUALITY of the refurb... something you should plan for. Whether you refurb sooner or later, and who you chose to do the work will have a far greater influence on the sound than which receiver you eventually chose.
A last word of advice... for me, a little MORE POWER is always the better choice. You will be able to move your system to a bigger room, or upgrade your speakers without then, also having to upgrade your power amp, and having to start from scratch, designing a whole new system.
To the POWER point:
Marantz rated their specs, especially POWER, more conservatively in the early 70s, especially compared to the late 70s.
For example:
The 2245, 2250 and 2265 all make about the same power;
same with the 2270, 2275 and 2285.
The 'POWER WARS' (as advertised) were on in full force by the late 70s.
...How does that quote go?
"Lies, damned lies and statistics"... and receiver SPECS...
:thmbsp:
