DerekSwanson
Active Member
Wondering everyone and anyone's opinion on the worth of a Marantz 2238B receiver that while cosmetically fine and plays, has a static-y volume control, and is missing the mode selector knob?
What's a 2238b worth?
- Thread starter DerekSwanson
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slowpat
Slowly but surely....
My friend bought one for $100 from eBay and I saw one at the local flea market for $100. A missing knob will cost you $15-$20 on eBay, so I would offer up $75 or a few dollars more if everything else is working. Plan on DeOxit cleanup for statics and new lamps...
DerekSwanson
Active Member
Thanks... I relamped, and recapped my first receiver this week ( a Marantz 2240 ), and now I've got the bug! I'm going to offer $80 for the 2238B. I haven't found a 2238B mode selector knob yet, so if anyone happens to know where I can purchase one, that would be great.
jhoak
Super Member
I don't think that there's anything like a set value for a Marantz 22XX receiver. Depends entirely on where you are and how many people are shopping for one
Where I live I've seen absolutely trashed 2230s sell instantly at $300+ and pristine 2270s in wood cabinets languish for months at $50. No rhyme or reason at all.
I sure ain't figured out vintage Marantz values. At least not in my end of the world.
Where I live I've seen absolutely trashed 2230s sell instantly at $300+ and pristine 2270s in wood cabinets languish for months at $50. No rhyme or reason at all.
I sure ain't figured out vintage Marantz values. At least not in my end of the world.
DerekSwanson
Active Member
Yeah I get it, jhoak. Values change as much as the terrain... Was hoping to take an average, based on the feedback to this thread, for what that's worth, but I went and got the receiver today. I bought it for 80$ a couple hours ago, after checking to make sure all functions were performing. The mode selector knob is broken, the signal strength and stereo lamps are out, it's missing 3 feet, the volume and balance controls were scratchy, and the black top was a faded, dark gray. So far I've polished the top back to a nice dark black, did a general clean up on the whole receiver, and gave all pots and switches a Deoxit treatment, which took care of the scratchy volume problem, and almost completely eliminated the scratchy balance fader problem. I also ordered the mode selector knob and rod online for $20. I'll give the balance fader another couple blasts of Deoxit tomorrow, start making some LED replacements for the meter and dial lamps, and try and find some original Marantz feet on the Web somewhere. She's looking quite different already. Here's to my 2nd minor refurbishing...
DerekSwanson
Active Member
Thanks for the info., BeerLegs... dgwojo got me sorted at $28.75 for all the parts I named in my 3rd post. Total cost to date of minor refurbish on the Marantz 2238B including the receiver itself: $138.75. Knowledge gained: Priceless.
slowpat
Slowly but surely....
Good one! This will prepare you to work on the 2325 or 2500, when you run across one..enjoy your Marantz..
DerekSwanson
Active Member
Just finished up on the 2238B receiver and it's good to go, aside from the mode selector knob / rod and the stereo light which are both in the mail. I gotta be honest though, it sounds a bit like a tin can, haha! There's quite a few Elna Silmic caps in there, and I don't know enough about these receivers yet to know if Elnas were standard issue at the Marantz factory... Can anyone tell me? Also, does anyone know if replacing the caps that aren't " brand name " on the boards with Panasonics or Elnas will change this tin can like sound? This receiver is going to be a surprise Xmas gift for my girlfriend, along with some JBL L110's, and I sure would like to get it sounding fuller, if possible. Maybe it's time this thread moves.
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What speakers were you trying it on? I have a 2238b too. It does sound tinny with my "decent crap" kenwood speakers. But I think it sounds really good through my headphones.
DerekSwanson
Active Member
Don't laugh, but I only had access to some Bose SA200's today. Ok... LAUGH. HAHAHAHA... The thing is, I hooked those ridiculous Bose up to my Marantz 2240 today as well, and it blew the doors off the 2238B in depth, clarity, etc... So, tell me, am I going to waste some JBL L110's on this 2238B? It's hard to tell.
slowpat
Slowly but surely....
The "B" series with the silver dials were the new generation with more detail and accuracy, but sounds thinner compared to the older generation. You will find the same behavior with the 2252B, 2265B, 2285B, etc. The fuller sound is actually more "colored". So, depending on which sound you grew up with, you would prefer one over the other. For your 2238B, hook it up to a pair of speakers that are not as "bright". The L110 should sound fine, but Klipsch with horns may sound even thinner.
DerekSwanson
Active Member
Thanks slowpat! Also, In your opinion, which smaller bookshelf speakers would sound good ( more colored ) with the 2238B? I mean smaller than the JBL's. Is that even possible? My vintage stereo knowledge goes only as far as me having a Technics SA-202, SLD2 turntable, and Technics speakers as a kid back in 1982. I'm just now realizing what I should've asked for for Christmas back then instead of the Technics. Thanks
slowpat
Slowly but surely....
I'm only familiar with vintage stuff, so I would look to the Infinity RSa , RSb, RSe series where you may need to replace the foam surrounds or the Qa, Qb, Qe series with rubber surround woofers. They all have the EMIT tweeter and a nice warm sound with smooth mids. Otherwise, JBL Decade series L26, L36 (similar size to L110 though). Others like the EPI 100, and I think the Dynaco A-25's may be worth a try.
DerekSwanson
Active Member
As soon as I replace the mode selector control rod / knob, the stereo lamp, and put the 4 feet on the 2238B, it's gonna be up for sale... There are alot of people who are into the bright, accurate, sound of it. Got my 2240 playing " 1983... ( A Merman I Should Turn To Be ) " by Hendrix at the moment, and gonna pick up a 2220B tomorrow for $85 that is immaculate and has only 2 dial lights out. I've definitely got the bug!
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