pre amp/amp vs. receiver

[carvin]

hey guys, looking for some opinions and input...how does the Marantz pre amp and amp 140/3200 compare to a receiver like the 2270 or 2275 since the wpc are the same, is there differences in the quality of the sound?

 

[wlhd1610]

Meters (and scopes)are ALWAYS way sexier looking!

Bob

 

[Gazdatronik]

I am of the opinion that an integrated can sound exactly the same as a preamp/amp combo if its designed correctly. Possibly better since the cable runs in the integrated are shorter than wires on the outside.

Having a separate pre is good if you want to use different amps one day, I think of it as a matter of convenience. If your amp goes down, you can substitute a different one, same story goes for the pre. You'l likely have a higher resale value for separates if you change out your equipment often. Plus, there are some special pre amps that have functions most receivers don't have.

As for the marantzes, you might have to study the topology of both combinations and take measurements. The amp boards may be identical in some cases, but simply split up and housed in separate chassis.

I am saving my MR220 to modify to be a preamp, as it has a great sound to it, but at 17wpc it runs out of gas.

 

[carvin]

one other question about the receiver option. I see on many forums that either the 2270 or 2285 as the most highly regarded in the 22xx series...why is the 2275 not

 

[hirscwi]

That becomes a religious question fairly quickly. In my opinion, it's not a clear cut answer. There are many devotees of the 2230 receiver and also the 2275 receiver. The 2245 is virtually the same circuitry as the 2270 and sounds identical in my opinion. I think some of the larger receivers have a following simply because they're some of the most powerful Marantz receivers from that period.

The best answer is to buy several and decide which sounds best to you...

 

[carvin]

thanks, from that im guessing there is a noticeable sound difference in the 2270 and 2275?