What is the best 70s Marantz receiver?
- Thread starter DirtyDog
- Start date
Parallax982
Super Member
Last night I had some time with the 2230, the 2235 and the 2270. When I tried to discriminate with my mind, I got nowhere. But then I noticed that I most wanted to listen to the 2230. The differences are subtle and they all sound great. The 2235 has a whole lot more power. Doesn't seem like the difference is just 5 watts. In fact, it's hard to distinguish the 2235 from the 2270 for the most part, whereas there's something different about the 2230. It's subtle but real.
The challenge is that I like each of them best in different ways. The 2270 because it's the most powerful and iconic. The 2235 is most beautiful of the three in my opinion. The 2230 is the sweetest, the one that fills my heart with the most happiness as I listen and most reminds me of what it was like to listen to music as a child and teen, when it all seemed so new and exciting.
The challenge is that I like each of them best in different ways. The 2270 because it's the most powerful and iconic. The 2235 is most beautiful of the three in my opinion. The 2230 is the sweetest, the one that fills my heart with the most happiness as I listen and most reminds me of what it was like to listen to music as a child and teen, when it all seemed so new and exciting.
Bruno Primas
Super Member
You prefer "cap-coupled" to "direct-coupled". So do I.
I also had the 2230; the sound was fantastic.
tubelectron
Super Member
Today, I have three Marantz receivers :
And I should never had sold this one :
But OK : what is done is done !
I'd say that any "Black Dial" Marantz is fine... Among the 4 above, the one that I would keep for "the only one" would be the 2250B, followed closely by the 2015.
But it's me, OK ?
T
Parallax982
Super Member
Yes, cap-coupled. I've heard the term. Can't say I really understand what it means other than "sounds more like tube gear". I've since acquired several tube receivers and amps. The 2230 is still right up there with them. For some music, I prefer the 2230, which is a bit more crisp and powerful. For some stuff, I prefer the tube gear, which is a tiny bit more warm. Of course, each has its own signature, though the differences tend to be small.
Parallax982
Super Member
I agree. Now that I've gotten into tube gear, my 2270 sits like a giant, very pretty paperweight but my 2230 is hooked up and used sometimes.
Not with my Klipschorns. Honestly, I've never tried the KHorns with the 2230. When I originally got them, they were driven by the 2270 and that clearly was not optimal. That's what caused me to obtain my first tube receiver, a Fisher 400. Once I had that, I saw no reason to try them with the 2230. They are clearly designed for tube gear. I use the 2230 in a system with Coral BX-300s. Coral was a Japanese company that, as far as I know, never marketed directly to the United States. Their speakers were sold in PX exchanges at military bases throughout Asia, so guys stationed in Vietnam, South Korea and Japan would bring them home. They're not as abundant as Advents but there are quite a few around. I've only heard the BX-300s but I love them. If they're in good shape. They used excellent components and they tended to be durable. No need to rebuild disintegrated surrounds. I've been told the rubber used could stiffen up if stored in the wrong climate but mine sound great, at least to my ears.
I only have the a 2275 and 2330B, I prefer the 2275. Bought both from the original owners. I put new lights and Deoxit the controls on both. New here so was wondering if there is a Marantz guru that's within 400-500 miles of NC that might be interested in checking these for me? Thanks...T
Audiophiles roll tubes. Perhaps some of you can roll output capacitors in a quick-change scenario. After burning them in for a period of time, say two or three weeks, a report can be made to compare if new Kemet or Vishay capacitors are more fluid, lush, transparent, etc. than say an old Ace or Elna capacitor. Who knows, perhaps next year this time we will see the smaller Marantz receivers selling in the one-to-two-thousand-dollar range! You have to start somewhere.
Bill S
Thread Killer
The 2230 had really 2 production runs. The early ones were cap coupled and layer ones were not. I suspect there are a lot fewer cap coupled out there. The 2225 is a nice receiver that puts out 30 wpc. It had a very short production run and was replaced by the 2230b non cap coupled receiver. It's very similar in design. 2240 is also a nice receiver with a short production run. Get some good, easy to drive modern speakers like Triangle Borea 3 or 4 and it will be louder than you need it.
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N2552
Super Member
I owned the 2215 ($65 dollars CAD mint Vancouver BC 2021 SPCA thrift store score), a 2245 and 2270 from these series Marantz. I would go for the 70! Not only for more power. Never ever spend your hard earned money on the 15, 20 or 30. It is just not worth it sound wise and power wise, And if you do buy these for today's prices; YOU WILL regret it. The 45 and above sound great an enough power for audiophile experience in most rooms at all volume levels . But unobtanium 'plug in' parts can cause issues! Some 30's in some markets and all 45's and above have all pre out connectivity. If knob wise reverse stereo functionality is essential for you and for me it is stay away from most mid 70 (and follow up series) Marantz receivers; because only the 23XX models of these and later series with or without a B, carry this option. My 2 cents. But as always taste and budget matters of course.
Parallax982
Super Member
I prefer my fully recapped 2230 to my fully recapped 2270. But are early examples of each model. Of course everyone's experience is unique.
N2552
Super Member
Taste matters. But yes the 30 is more mature sounding more dynamics then the 15 or 20. 30 sounds good but, only if used as a near field listening typesetting / application! Or used as background (living) room radio (receiver) The 40, 45 or upward are way more flexible with pre out and can also without external amp connected drive speakers without screaming in an average sized room. Fuller, better and more dynamic sound on low volume. then the30, 20,15. But again, as a said before, taste matters. And for what it is worth, I thought these are important aspects for somebody who asked about these series receivers. In the Netherlands some "crazies" ask €1200 euros for a 2020 or 600+ for a 1515 or 2015? But yeah except for the 1515 they all kinda look and are sized the same and that fools some buyers now and way back then. You like your Marantz of these series? I promise you will hate my 2x 80 Watts at 8 Ohms darker less subtle sounding Philips 22AH708. Again, this Marantz era gear sounds except for a few exceptions, magnificent. Of all Marantz I ever have owned; I still wish I had my 2265B (although it neither had reverse stereo selecting options), I owned at the same time sounded for me already to thin. Would I prefer the Marantz 2265B over my wonderful but darker sounding Philips 22AH708? Yes, without any hesitation. Best 70's early 80's vintage 2 channel receivers sound wise I owned (my taste) Sony V7 or Sansui 9090 and the Marantz 2065B.
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