Marantz 2285B: Best Sounding Receiver?
- Thread starter SoCal Sam
- Start date
It is not a b model. Thanks for the input.
The straight 2285 is a fairly rare unit as it was only made for one year.
Basically a more powerful 2275 which many consider to be one of the.best Marantz receivers.
Bob
Mac4100HK930
I like the pretty tones!
I personally like the non B version. IMO Marantz was transitioning to the "more modern" look with the b version with the more silver appearance. Probably thought that the black and blue face was outdated. But then again I like the x2x Pioneer series over the x50 series. But I am looking 40 years retrospectively. Also I think that the non-B version probably cost more to build than the B version. However, cada loco con su teme! 
Trucker1964
Member
Mac4100HK930
I like the pretty tones!
I wonder how the black face versions would have sold back in the actual era of manufacture? Again, are we implying the current tastes retrospectively?
I was a partcipant in the economy back then and I probably would have just been thankful to afford any of the higher wattage receivers. My first was a HK 330a.
I was a partcipant in the economy back then and I probably would have just been thankful to afford any of the higher wattage receivers. My first was a HK 330a.
Trucker1964
Member
The “e” sometimes “E” versions designated Export, not for delivery in the US. These units were black faced at the time of manufacture and some were delivered to PX’s all over the world where US Servicemen could buy at a discount; quite a few of them were returned to the United States. One of the cool things about these units is that they are multi voltage and can be configured to work all over the world.
My blackfaced 2385 was purchased by a US serviceman in Germany and returned to the US. I was the third owner. The 2285 pictured above was exported to Canada where I bought it. At the time, I paid way to much for both but it was worth it to me. It’s only in the past few years that people (some members here) have begun to fabricate black faces for retrofitting. I’m not surprised, they’re cool.
Actually, Bob (above) heroically restored my beloved 2385. Thanks again Bob !
My blackfaced 2385 was purchased by a US serviceman in Germany and returned to the US. I was the third owner. The 2285 pictured above was exported to Canada where I bought it. At the time, I paid way to much for both but it was worth it to me. It’s only in the past few years that people (some members here) have begun to fabricate black faces for retrofitting. I’m not surprised, they’re cool.
Actually, Bob (above) heroically restored my beloved 2385. Thanks again Bob !
dgunnr
Marantz Owner
First my disclaimer, all units I mention have been fully restored so an accurate comparison is being made. View attachment 1636633 View attachment 1636633 Out of the 22xx series I would have to agree that the 2285B is the best sounding. My next choice would be the 2275, then the 2270. My 2285B is also an original black face that took me 7 years to find.Attachments
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
There is a lot of praise for the 2285B but very few comparisons to the 2285 because of the rarity of the 2285. Seems the non-B might be the one to get with the comments made about it.
Ciakow
New Member
Hi Guys,
Weird story; I had a 2270 and bought a 4270 (that only worked in stereo) the seller sent me a 2285bd. After reading up, I understand it's quite rare?
It does not have the Dolby cartridge, but I understand that doesn't matter because there is no Dolby FM broadcasts anymore.
It it really rare? What are good speakers to go along with it. I was always looking for good Bose 901, but I changed my mind.
Cheers,
J
Realize this is an older thread but it seems to have been bumped throughout the years. Anyhow, out of the 22xx receivers I have owned (and still own most of them), My 2285B is definitely one of the best. However, my 2265B(e) really, really gives it a run for the money. If I were forced to pick only one (between those two), I'm not sure I could.
And the Black models just aren't all that attractive to me. I think part of the lure is that they are different and more rare, but from purely an aesthetic point-of-view, I would never choose a black 2285B over an all silver one. I think the problem is the silver tuning area and silver knobs just seem a bit out-of-place with the black faceplate.
Now, for something different I wouldn't mind having a lower-powered black model, but I'm not spending the premium for a more powerful one that doesn't quite look as good to my eye.
And the Black models just aren't all that attractive to me. I think part of the lure is that they are different and more rare, but from purely an aesthetic point-of-view, I would never choose a black 2285B over an all silver one. I think the problem is the silver tuning area and silver knobs just seem a bit out-of-place with the black faceplate.
Now, for something different I wouldn't mind having a lower-powered black model, but I'm not spending the premium for a more powerful one that doesn't quite look as good to my eye.
markpilk
Active Member
I enjoy my 2285 and have always been curious to the difference in sound compared to the 2285B. I purchased a set of Marantz HD880 speakers from a guy that had a 2285B and It looked great. I felt I could have talked him out of the 2285B, but didn’t push too hard...maybe I should have!
DAnny45acp
Active Member
Just another vote for 2285B .. Having owned most of the 22X line at one time or another still kept my 2285B. I believe the 2285 "B" stands for Best or maybe beautiful it definitely has that Marantz sound and is a looker to boot.
I used to own the 2230, and the sound was fantastic; today I have a Marantz 2285B (in pristine condition), a Sansui 771, and a Pioneer SX-1050. The Sansui 771 sounds better than the 2285B—neither has been serviced yet. The Pioneer SX-1050 has been serviced and sounds just as good as the Sansui 771. I also have the feeling that the 2230 sounds better.
Go Giants
Super Member
I just grabbed a 2285b recently. I'm not the biggest Marantz fan but I couldn't resist one on FB Marketplace. It has a the wood cabinet...in good shape with a couple of chips in the veneer.
It's been a while since I've had a Marantz in the house. Wow -- I was happily surprised when I hooked this up and put it through its paces. I have tons of gear and tested it with some RSL Magnificient speakers I found a while back. It sounded great!!
It reminded me of a 2230 I had a while back. I liked the 2230 quite a bit, but it was just a little under powered.
The 2285b needs some new lamps and the pots need some cleaning, but other than that, I'll probably leave it alone. I bought it to flip it...but based on what I'm hearing I might have another piece I won't want to sell....lol
It's been a while since I've had a Marantz in the house. Wow -- I was happily surprised when I hooked this up and put it through its paces. I have tons of gear and tested it with some RSL Magnificient speakers I found a while back. It sounded great!!
It reminded me of a 2230 I had a while back. I liked the 2230 quite a bit, but it was just a little under powered.
The 2285b needs some new lamps and the pots need some cleaning, but other than that, I'll probably leave it alone. I bought it to flip it...but based on what I'm hearing I might have another piece I won't want to sell....lol
