So this is what vintage audio is about - LOVE my new Marantz 2230!

Just picked this up off of Ebay for a steal - it had a minor dent in the rear panel that the seller repaired wonderfully - and it sounds wonderful - that warm non-fatiguing sound everyone raves about. Have it hooked up to my kinda-vintage Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rods and it is taking me back to my days as a teen cranking Led Zeppelin albums on my mom's Pioneer, Technics and ADS system. It's not the last word in detail, but it is musical - wow!

 

Yeah, I think vintage works very well when you have a set of speakers like those.

 

I had one of those a few years ago.It was tired but still sounded good.I thought the 2230 sounded better than the big 2330b I had.

 

I have a 2220b. Sounds amazing paired with my AR 6's.

 

But now I have this dilemma....

 

Think you may be tempting me to pull my 2230 from storage. (Will never sell it) The mystique surrounding this particular Marantz in the 22XX lineup is spot on , so lush and musical. Love the weighty volume knob of these receivers . Try and track down a walnut plinth on ebay, there are several out there can prob land one for less than a hundred bucks.

Mine has a lamp or two that are burnt out, once I get more room for my 2nd sytem again and resurrect it I plan on sending it out to the irebuildmarantz guy to give it the ole spit and polish.

 

Garrard/Shure V15 + Marantz 2270 + Altec Model 9 = heaven

 

I used to have a pr of Meadowlark Kestrel Hotrods (Cherry finish) hooked up to a vintage McIntosh receiver. The combo sounded very nice and warm like you are talking about. You will get many hours of enjoyment from the 2230!

 

a clean looking beauty. enjoy. i love my 2325.

 

My wife loves my (her) 2270.

 

I have a 2238b. Sounds amazing paired with my Focal 826V speakers.

 

I have had a few vintage Marantz receivers, good stuff. I had a Marantz 2265 ran through some vintage KLH 6 speakers and it was a fun, musical non fatiguing ride. Eventually I gave the Marantz to a friend and went on to other stuff.

As far as the vintage receivers go I love the Pioneer silver face era, the Marantz silver face stuff and vintage Sansui (still own a 4000) which doesn't get enough love in my opinion.

 

A few months back I directed a buddy to an ad for a 2230. He asked me to keep an eye out for him for something nice in a vintage receiver. It was stone cold mint. One owner in a cabinet in the family room and only used for radio for the last 30 years. My buddy asked what he should offer and I said you don't.. just pay him what he's asking, say thanks and be on your way. It's really beautiful and it sounds wonderful.

 

About a couple of years ago I luckily found a 2240 in the wood case, original box/manual and everything… stone cold flawless. To the point I think it may not have actually ever been used. Absolute beauty. I use it as a pre-amp/tuner via its pre-outs.

 

Nothing like Marantz blue and a Gyro-Touch tuning wheel. Nice looking unit. Enjoy the vintage sound!!

 

I still have the 2238B I bought new in the late 70's. It's now my bedroom amp connected to a pair of Harbeths P3ESR. I'll never sell her!

 

Congrats! I'm not getting rid of my 2230 either. Got it off Craigslist in non-working condition for $20, and had a great local tech restore it from soup to nuts. Agree 100% with the evaluation of "not the last word on detail but very musical." Definitely a distinctive piece of gear, and will smooth out the rough edges on even the harshest-sounding recordings.

 

Gorgeous!

 

Now that I have an ideal [for me] restored Sansui and a beautiful minty one owner late 70's Pioneer I'm itching for a vintage Marantz for the bedroom.

 

I run tubes with my Kestrel HRs, but will try them out with my 2230 soon.

 

I hear ya. I just picked up a 2225 and can't stop listening to it with my iPod. Now I'm searching for a turntable!

 

Nice Orcas! Haven't seen those bass enclosures before.