• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Marantz 2285 vs. 2238B

B

Braat86

New Member
Hi all new here.
I have the option of buying 2 different marantz receivers; either a
2285 for $900 or a
2238B For $300
Both are supposed to be cleaned and serviced and in great working condition.
I have 2 KEF Q100 bookshelf speakers and a music hall USB1 turntable.
I might upgrade speakers and turntable in the future.
My question is should I go for the higher WPC for the price? Is it worth it and is the difference in sound quality that noticeable? Fairly new to the vintage game so any help is much appreciated thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
If you are indeed new to the vintage audio game, then may I suggest the 2238. It is a fine receiver with plenty of power. A great start without breaking the bank.......$300 is a great price for a 2238.
 
The 2285 seems priced a but high and while the 2238B is a fine unit the non "B" units were a little better.

Price on 2238B is fair, provided it is in good operating and cosmetic condition.

By the same token there are several nice NEW 2 channel stereo receivers and integrated amps within your budget range from Yamaha, Marantz, NAD and others.

I don't usually recommend vintage gear to new enthusiasts because when a vintage piece of gear fails they may become dissatisfied with the hobby and give up.

You will not loose anything sonically with a new unit, you will gain a warranty and probably Bluetooth and/or WiFi capability.
 
wmgwizard said:
The 2285 seems priced a but high and while the 2238B is a fine unit the non "B" units were a little better.

Price on 2238B is fair, provided it is in good operating and cosmetic condition.

By the same token there are several nice NEW 2 channel stereo receivers and integrated amps within your budget range from Yamaha, Marantz, NAD and others.

I don't usually recommend vintage gear to new enthusiasts because when a vintage piece of gear fails they may become dissatisfied with the hobby and give up.

You will not loose anything sonically with a new unit, you will gain a warranty and probably Bluetooth and/or WiFi capability.
Click to expand...
The 2238B is a beautiful sounding receiver. I currently have one in daily use. I don't know for sure because I haven't listened to them, but I strongly doubt that any NEW $300 2 channel stereo receivers from Yamaha, Marantz, NAD or others would come anywhere close in terms of sound quality.

And there is no reason to sound alarms over the 2238B failing.

I highly recommend that the OP get the 2238B. For $300 it's well worth it. Since the OP has the opportunity to acquire such fine sounding receivers, I believe your advice does him a disservice.
 
@bluemooze: I would venture to ask, is your 2238 your first stereo ?

Is it your only stereo ?

I doubt it for you, but would be willing to bet that for the OP both answers would be yes.

I based my advice on over 35 years in this hobby having owned and repaired hundreds of pieces of gear in that time.

I don't believe I said anything disparaging about the 2238B, it is a fine unit as you well know.

Based on the FACT that no matter the age or condition a piece of vintage gear is far more likely to have issues than a new one. Given that I wish to encourage long term enjoyment and involvement in the hobby as a whole I would rather see someones first foray into the hobby be trouble free.

I would venture to guess that you have not spent much time evaluating the newer offerings based on your misguided beliefs on "sound quality".

Yamaha RS-500 & Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 are both very nice receivers with 75/85 wpc and both under $400 and would give the Marantz a serious challenge.

I stand by my advice as it is your belief that old = good/new = bad that is the true disservice.
 
Another thiught. Do you listen to FM radio? If not why not look at an integrated amp? Many folk on here sell them in your price rage and they work fine, but I nly if you don't need the tuner part of the unit
 
I have the Q100's and i think both receivers would sound great on them. I dont think there would be that big of a sound difference between the 2 not $600 worth anyway. But if you are planning on getting some more power hungry and or larger speakers in the future the 2285 will handle them and probaly sound better
 
You guys are using the "B" and "non B" back and forth interchangeably.
There is a fair amount of difference between the 2238 and 2238B and the 2285 and 2285B.

The 2285 is a fairly rare unit(only made one year) and is actually the 2325's little brother in many regards.

Bob
 
The 2238b is certainly a nice receiver and in my opinion, belongs to the line of Marantz receivers that are the best looking receivers ever made. Something about the blue and red lights on the all-silver face. And if you need additional power later on, you can plug a power amp into the pre-outs and have all you need.

That being said, I'll agree with wmgwizard that contrary to popular belief, these oldies are not the be-all-end-all in sound quality. Many new units equal or exceed them, with more features, reliability, and power. The Onkyo A-9010 can be had for the same price new delivered to your door from Amazon, and offers everything the Marantz has (except a tuner), plus more power, a built-in Wolfson DAC, and remote control. Doesn't have the looks or the cool vintage vibe of course, and there's value in that, certainly. But I agree, especially for people new to the hobby, vintage isn't always the best choice.
 
Rex81 said:
The 2238b is certainly a nice receiver and in my opinion, belongs to the line of Marantz receivers that are the best looking receivers ever made. Something about the blue and red lights on the all-silver face. And if you need additional power later on, you can plug a power amp into the pre-outs and have all you need.

That being said, I'll agree with wmgwizard that contrary to popular belief, these oldies are not the be-all-end-all in sound quality. Many new units equal or exceed them, with more features, reliability, and power. The Onkyo A-9010 can be had for the same price new delivered to your door from Amazon, and offers everything the Marantz has (except a tuner), plus more power, a built-in Wolfson DAC, and remote control. Doesn't have the looks or the cool vintage vibe of course, and there's value in that, certainly. But I agree, especially for people new to the hobby, vintage isn't always the best choice.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. Anyone on the fence about the value and quality of any old Marantz should back off and instead buy new. That is truly the best way to go. Just post your situation here so like minded supporters of newer/better stuff can see what you are doing and support you. Also leave mention of that old marantz you saw, maybe some contact info too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom