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Marantz 4300 vs 2285

M

MikeRam

Active Member
It has been raining Marantz on the local CL recently and I've ended up getting great deals on a Marantz 2275, 2285 and a 4300 in the last month.

I bought the 2285 because I've heard many people rave that it is one of the best sounding Marantz receivers ever made. I've also heard very good things about the 4300 which I picked up for a song. I know the 2275 is no slouch but supposedly not quite in the same league as the 2285 and the 4300. I've already partially rebuilt the 4300 in order to get it up and running but have not touched the 2285 yet.

My question is, would one would sound better than the other once fully rebuilt? I like the looks of the 4300 better, but in the end, quality of sound always trumps looks for me. I have too many projects and not enough time to rebuild all of them to fully test them for myself.

I will be thankful for any opinions from those who have heard both the 2285 and the 4300.

Thanks,

Mike

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The outside of the 4300 cleaned up well.

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All things being equal, I'd go with the 2285. It's easier to fix and has less that can go wrong. BUT - I see something is amiss with the volume control on the 2285, is the shaft intact? Both sides of the splined ends there that is? If so, it's just a matter of sourcing the knob. If not, volume pots if they have a loudness tap can be hard to find.

Hard to go wrong here though! :biggrin:
 
Yea, the volume control on the 2285 got bent as I was driving it home. I have another thread on how to best attempt to fix it and also bought an Alps volume control with loudness tap in case i break it.

The 4300 is already half rebuilt so it might be less work in the long run compared to fully rebuilding the 2285.

Would they both potentially sound the same when fully rebuilt or would one edge out the other?

Thanks,

Mike
 
MikeRam said:
Would they both potentially sound the same when fully rebuilt or would one edge out the other?
Click to expand...

This subjective question is further obfuscated by the fact that you're comparing 2ch to quad. Think about it this way: which is better, a 2x4 or 4x4 truck? Well, if you're never going to use 4wd, why add the complexity and inefficiency of all the extra running gear? The quad receivers sound fine in 2ch mode, but their bridged amplifiers and extra hardware (varimatrix board, etc.) add complexity and noise (0.15 vs. 0.08 THD). You haven't indicated whether you'll be using 4 speakers with the 4300, but if not, perhaps the 2285 is the best option.

Now, that said, I definitely prefer my quad receivers to their stereo brethren. If it were me, I'd add a pair of speakers and let VariMatrix fill out your listening space. Even better, if you get an SQ adapter, you can also enjoy discrete 4 channel. As I've said before, Alan Parsons quad mix of DSOTM is a spiritual experience :)
 
lurp said:
Now, that said, I definitely prefer my quad receivers to their stereo brethren. If it were me, I'd add a pair of speakers and let VariMatrix fill out your listening space. Even better, if you get an SQ adapter, you can also enjoy discrete 4 channel. As I've said before, Alan Parsons quad mix of DSOTM is a spiritual experience :)
Click to expand...

Agreed, until I want to 'crank it', then it's the SM-7 and a 3250B. Hope to have my 4300 back next week, will let you know how it sounds now. Rich
 
So far, I'm thinking in stereo mode. It did come with a SQA-2B adapter though :)

The only speakers I have right now are a pair of customized La Scala's. No room for anything else in the livingroom.

Mike
 
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