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marantz 2330 or 2385

joel27

joel27

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hi all

I have a 2245 that I'm running as a preamp and tuner into a 2385. My question is, should I sell the 2385 and purchase a 2330 to take the duties of both units. I was hoping for some pros and cons from those that have heard these units. The reason I'm using the 2245 is I prefer the warmer sound of it and I prefer the phono section to the 2385, but I like having the power of the 2385. Is it worth trading out or should I just stick with what I have. Damn addiction.

Thanks in advance. Joel
 
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Stick with what you have. The 2385 is very desirable and getting scarce. The 2330B is closer to the 2385 than the 2245.
 
I would stick with what you have. The 2385 is really getting hard to find. As SoCal Sam said, the 2330b is closer to the 2385 than the 2245.
 
Ok so I'm gonna keep the 2385. But how does the 2330 non B compare to the sound of it. Is it closer to the 2245?
 
I understand that this is quite an old thread at this point but what the heck. Maybe Joel is just sitting on his decision still?

I haven't had any exposure to the 2385 as it is quite rare and much out of my price range but I have come in contact with both the 2235B and the 2330 (non B), although the 2330 is in pretty rough shape. Other receivers I have to compare these to are a mint and restored pioneer sx 1010 as well as a sansui 8080db.

After having listened to all of the above, I think Joel would find the overall sound and power he is looking for in the 2330 non-B. It still has a warm sound of the earlier maranz series, however it is still quite articulate but definitely not as bright/ sharp as the 2330b and 2385 and other marantz products circa/ post 1978. It is easy to tell after even just a quick listen that once the 2330 is in prestine condition that it will easily take the throne over the 1010 and 8080db I currently switch between, boasting the best of both worlds.

Don't sell the 2385 ever! Start a slush fund and when that 2330 comes up grab it! They are quite rare as they were only manufactured for one year (1977) but their build quality and sound IMO are unparalleled in that of any other marantz receiver and I'm sure owners of a refurbished 2330 would vouch for that statement. I can't wait to have mine refurbed!

Happy hunting.
 
Wow didn't think I'd see another reply to this thread.

Well I'm no longer stewing over that decision. Although I really enjoyed my beginnings in this hobby I ended up turning to tubes and ultimately switched to all modern tube gear as my budget increased from buying and selling a lot of vintage gear locally. It has been a great journey and I will continue to keep an eye out for a 2330 but only of it is very inexpensive. The look is awesome but the resolution I get on my current system out weighs any of the rebuilt vintage units I had previously owned.

Thanks for the informative reply. I'm sure this will come in handy for someone down the road.
 
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