I have the 2238B that my father bought new... my buddy and I used and abused it to power our makeshift mobile DJ business during the late 70's and early 80's. It was packed up in 1984 when I moved to Miami and it moved from state to state over a 40 year period, late last year I had it serviced and hooked it up to an SL-1500 turntable and a pair of new Klipsch bookshelf speakers. It sounds awesome... it's a keeper.
Greetings from Northern California. The 2238B is by far my favorite Marantz I've ever had (out of about 40) including a 2270. I am currently running a pair of Thiel CS 2.2 speakers on it and they sound incredible. I've heard things I've never heard before on music I've listened to for years. I paid $150 US for it and It's a keeper for me. Great review and I love your videos.
GrandCamino6 in the netherlands a marantz cost today(2015) also between 150 and 170 euro. But the 2270 have sanken transistors, how can it sounding better as a 2270. But maybe you are wright, I also think it was the best sounding marantz but i never heared a 2270, thanks for commenting and hope your 2238b will play for many years to come
You are the best person to review and demo a amplifier or receiver, they sound their true capabilities, they sounded good on my speakers or all my headphones. If they are not good so that is how they sound. You are my reference for equipment.
i bought a marantz 2238b new in the fall of 1977, for $500 cdn... it was my main amplifier for about 20 years, then i upgraded to a jvc a/v receiver... the jvc no longer works very well, so, about 3 years ago, i pulled the Marantz out of storage & hooked it up... the volume pot was a little scratchy & the left channel cut out occassionally, so i took it in for a tune-up... the guy at the shop, his eyes nearly popped out of his head as he hadn't even seen a marantz before... after the tune-up, my 2238b is singing great again... the guy said it was good for another 20 to 30 years... buying that marantz way back when was the best $500 i've ever spent...
@vintage stereo Hello Andrew, Thank you very much for your service to vintage audio. I very much love the way you narrate and describe things. You get your points across nicely. I wanted to ask your opinion as I feel that your ears are similar to mine (and my wive's). We are both noticing the following: I our house we currently have 3 vintage receivers mcintosh 4100 Marantz 2245 Marantz 2238b Everyone online loves the 2245 and the mac 4100 is treated almost like a unicorn (very rare). The 2238b is not really considered a receiver in the same league as the 2245 and mac 4100. However, my wife and I feel that the 2238b produces the best sound. Warm and tube-like just like you describe in your video. Are you surprised by what we are finding. Very tempted to sell the mac 4100 and the 2245 to keep the 2238b as our main receiver. It is currently hooked up to vintage speakers: Tangent TM1s. Please let me know if what we are finding makes sense to you.
GrandCamino6, your comment buoyed my spirits, as I tried twice to get my Marantz 2270 working correctly, bringing to audio stores, investing some bucks, neither of whom did the job. My backup is the Marantz 2238B, and , while I do like a lot, I had thought the 2270 was the more powerful, and therefore superior receiver, and was so frustrated. I'm happy you prefer it, I can hardly recall when my 2270 worked well (one channel is static-y), but I'm happy with the 2238b......still, I am wistful for the more powerful 2270...
+Rich Sigberman why not do a total recap, it have to be a small thing. the problem is there are not many good specialists. I would do a total recap because the 2270 is a collectors item and it's expensive. I sold both my 2238b's . I have now a sansui g-901db, I prefer the looks and the sound of the sansui but it is a bigger investment.
+Rich Sigberman I do like the 2270 a lot but they are pretty pricey in my parts. I've had 2 over the years. One was an early engraved champagne model. My 2238B has since died and I got a 2215B just to play records. That unexpectedly died after I moved it. Not sure what happened but it burned up ;( Now I have a very clean replacement 2238B to use with my Marantz 6300 turntable and a 2230 to replace my 2215B. I hope they last a long time. I've had a couple of Pioneer receivers (SX-650 and SX-950) as well and I always go back to the Marantz receivers for that tube like sound. The 2238B just does it for me. I am in a apartment too and I don't think I need any more power for my current set up.
I did not get to listen to the 2270 on my current primary speakers. I heard the 2270 on Klipsch La Scala II's & Pioneer CS-700R's. The 2238B sounds a little warmer to me. It sounds noticeably better than the 2230. I really like the 2230 as well. I really like the tuner in the 2230.
Today everyone is looking for massive power, they just don't understand real stereos and how little power it really takes to have great music, I have vintage Altec, Jbl ,and Bozak speakers and these old receivers with their small wattage played thru these old speakers will lay sound down that the neighbors 10 doors down can enjoy clearly. I too try not to disturb the neighbors though.
Hey, I recently got a 2238b and was wondering how would you know if the stereo is working? My stereo indicator light is out. Does that mean the led is out or that the stereo isn't working?
it's very easy to find out if the stereo is still working, just put your tuner on a stereo channel and listen, if you hear stereo it's only the bulb what need replacement. if you don't hear stereo the re is another problem
I was just gifted a 2238B from a family member and was wondering if you could recommend and good place to send it off for refurbishing and servicing? As far as I know it works well minus a knob that's missing but I'd like a complete overhaul on it. Preferably without it costing me a fortune.
Hi, Im thinking of buying one of these but in black colour for 250 Euros. And I want a pair of vintage JBL speakers for under 500 euros. Which speakers do you recommend?
hi...have just purchased a 2238BL...works in stereo fine but the stereo lamp has blown and I'm having trouble removing it to replace..(it seems stuck )....any ideas anyone ? thank you.
use some force to get it out, i replace a few of those stereobulbs now and they never come out easy by only pulling. need to find a small plier/pincer with good grip. try to take as much from the end of the old bulb with the plier and then twist it and pull togheter, good luck
Great review. Thanks! I have the possibility to get Marantz 2238b or the Marantz 2270 (more expensive). Each one do you think have better sound? The power for me does´nt meter. Thanks a lot. Paulo
Hi..bought one of these recently and the phono section is very very quiet even on full it's very low..I'm using a technics 1210 with mm cartridge. .getting the same amount of volume when I plug it into the aux input...any ideas
That could be easy the problem. Just take away the hood and clean the switch with contact spray....try to spin a record and turn the switch several times, look if the sound get louder sometimes. also click all other switches several times when you are playing the record maybe the dirt is somewhere else
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Bought my 2238b new in 78.Used it everyday for 35 years.Great sound,one of their best receivers from the late 70's.
I had many receivers, only kept the 2238b and the luxman r-1050
I have the 2238B that my father bought new... my buddy and I used and abused it to power our makeshift mobile DJ business during the late 70's and early 80's. It was packed up in 1984 when I moved to Miami and it moved from state to state over a 40 year period, late last year I had it serviced and hooked it up to an SL-1500 turntable and a pair of new Klipsch bookshelf speakers. It sounds awesome... it's a keeper.
Greetings from Northern California. The 2238B is by far my favorite Marantz I've ever had (out of about 40) including a 2270. I am currently running a pair of Thiel CS 2.2 speakers on it and they sound incredible. I've heard things I've never heard before on music I've listened to for years. I paid $150 US for it and It's a keeper for me. Great review and I love your videos.
GrandCamino6 in the netherlands a marantz cost today(2015) also between 150 and 170 euro. But the 2270 have sanken transistors, how can it sounding better as a 2270. But maybe you are wright, I also think it was the best sounding marantz but i never heared a 2270, thanks for commenting and hope your 2238b will play for many years to come
I just purchased one the other day for $500, nice condition, needs a few lamps.
You are the best person to review and demo a amplifier or receiver, they sound their true capabilities, they sounded good on my speakers or all my headphones. If they are not good so that is how they sound. You are my reference for equipment.
i bought a marantz 2238b new in the fall of 1977, for $500 cdn... it was my main amplifier for about 20 years, then i upgraded to a jvc a/v receiver... the jvc no longer works very well, so, about 3 years ago, i pulled the Marantz out of storage & hooked it up... the volume pot was a little scratchy & the left channel cut out occassionally, so i took it in for a tune-up... the guy at the shop, his eyes nearly popped out of his head as he hadn't even seen a marantz before... after the tune-up, my 2238b is singing great again... the guy said it was good for another 20 to 30 years... buying that marantz way back when was the best $500 i've ever spent...
wait another 10 years and you can sell it for the same 500$, but if you are wise you never sell it
+vintage stereo yeah, i'd never sell her...
built like a tank, solid as a rock, sounds awesome...
she's a keeper...
@vintage stereo
Hello Andrew,
Thank you very much for your service to vintage audio. I very much love the way you narrate and describe things. You get your points across nicely.
I wanted to ask your opinion as I feel that your ears are similar to mine (and my wive's). We are both noticing the following:
I our house we currently have 3 vintage receivers
mcintosh 4100
Marantz 2245
Marantz 2238b
Everyone online loves the 2245 and the mac 4100 is treated almost like a unicorn (very rare). The 2238b is not really considered a receiver in the same league as the 2245 and mac 4100.
However, my wife and I feel that the 2238b produces the best sound. Warm and tube-like just like you describe in your video.
Are you surprised by what we are finding. Very tempted to sell the mac 4100 and the 2245 to keep the 2238b as our main receiver. It is currently hooked up to vintage speakers: Tangent TM1s.
Please let me know if what we are finding makes sense to you.
Thank you Andrew! An outstanding review.
GrandCamino6, your comment buoyed my spirits, as I tried twice to get my Marantz 2270 working correctly, bringing to audio stores, investing some bucks, neither of whom did the job. My backup is the Marantz 2238B, and , while I do like a lot, I had thought the 2270 was the more powerful, and therefore superior receiver, and was so frustrated. I'm happy you prefer it, I can hardly recall when my 2270 worked well (one channel is static-y), but I'm happy with the 2238b......still, I am wistful for the more powerful 2270...
+Rich Sigberman why not do a total recap, it have to be a small thing. the problem is there are not many good specialists. I would do a total recap because the 2270 is a collectors item and it's expensive. I sold both my 2238b's . I have now a sansui g-901db, I prefer the looks and the sound of the sansui but it is a bigger investment.
+Rich Sigberman I do like the 2270 a lot but they are pretty pricey in my parts. I've had 2 over the years. One was an early engraved champagne model. My 2238B has since died and I got a 2215B just to play records. That unexpectedly died after I moved it. Not sure what happened but it burned up ;( Now I have a very clean replacement 2238B to use with my Marantz 6300 turntable and a 2230 to replace my 2215B. I hope they last a long time. I've had a couple of Pioneer receivers (SX-650 and SX-950) as well and I always go back to the Marantz receivers for that tube like sound. The 2238B just does it for me. I am in a apartment too and I don't think I need any more power for my current set up.
Very good review my friend.
I have Marantz and Kenwoods as my favorite, the Kenwood model 11, very nice receivers.
Very nice Marantz.
I did not get to listen to the 2270 on my current primary speakers. I heard the 2270 on Klipsch La Scala II's & Pioneer CS-700R's. The 2238B sounds a little warmer to me. It sounds noticeably better than the 2230. I really like the 2230 as well. I really like the tuner in the 2230.
the complete serie sound perfect, had them almost all only the 2285b miss on my list. that one is hard to find.
Just won this in one of auctions, can't wait to put my hands on it, and thanks for video
congrats
Today everyone is looking for massive power, they just don't understand real stereos and how little power it really takes to have great music,
I have vintage Altec, Jbl ,and Bozak speakers and these old receivers with their small wattage played thru these old speakers will lay sound down that the neighbors 10 doors down can enjoy clearly.
I too try not to disturb the neighbors though.
Hey, I recently got a 2238b and was wondering how would you know if the stereo is working? My stereo indicator light is out. Does that mean the led is out or that the stereo isn't working?
it's very easy to find out if the stereo is still working, just put your tuner on a stereo channel and listen, if you hear stereo it's only the bulb what need replacement. if you don't hear stereo the re is another problem
You did a nice job on it.
Sounds very nice! I have a 2216B for my bedroom that I like quite a bit.
Which marantz is your favorite. I like the bass and disco tech sound, would the 2238b be the best one?
Hello!!! I like your videos, I want to ask you a question: which receiver is better? The Marantz
I was just gifted a 2238B from a family member and was wondering if you could recommend and good place to send it off for refurbishing and servicing? As far as I know it works well minus a knob that's missing but I'd like a complete overhaul on it. Preferably without it costing me a fortune.
Kun je die muziek onder je video’s niet weglaten? Of veel zachter!
Hi, Im thinking of buying one of these but in black colour for 250 Euros. And I want a pair of vintage JBL speakers for under 500 euros. Which speakers do you recommend?
Great review! Thanks
Who does restoration, I have a 2265 and a 2265b, I live in WA St
Thanks. Greg
Voor 50 euro heb je met geluk een 2215/2216. Maar als je geduld hebt kom je misschien een tegen die voor weinig weggaat.
Hoi Vintage man, what do you use to clean the knobs and the face plate? And how do you go about it? Really would like to know. Thanks :)
hi...have just purchased a 2238BL...works in stereo fine but the stereo lamp has blown and I'm having trouble removing it to replace..(it seems stuck )....any ideas anyone ? thank you.
use some force to get it out, i replace a few of those stereobulbs now and they never come out easy by only pulling. need to find a small plier/pincer with good grip. try to take as much from the end of the old bulb with the plier and then twist it and pull togheter, good luck
did you remove the facia or did you manage to get to it from the top..(is it easier to remove if I take off the facia..? thanks again..!
no need to remove the faceplate
listening to this video using a Marantz 2238b ,got bit a of a ground loop noise issue thoe while using it with the computer.
Great review. Thanks!
I have the possibility to get Marantz 2238b or the Marantz 2270 (more expensive).
Each one do you think have better sound? The power for me does´nt meter.
Thanks a lot.
Paulo
just take the 2238b , think the 2238b would cost 150 and the 2270 about 350 euro,
vintage stereo Ok, thank you so much. I will fallow your advice!
Hi..bought one of these recently and the phono section is very very quiet even on full it's very low..I'm using a technics 1210 with mm cartridge. .getting the same amount of volume when I plug it into the aux input...any ideas
try to clean the selector switch
Other inputs work fine. .have cd player in the aux..and mp3 player in the tape . both play perfectly
Just to let you know the cleaning worked. .thanks friend
I can see replaced capacitors.
Could that be the problem even though the other inputs work perfectly. .is so what's the best way to clean it
That could be easy the problem. Just take away the hood and clean the switch with contact spray....try to spin a record and turn the switch several times, look if the sound get louder sometimes. also click all other switches several times when you are playing the record maybe the dirt is somewhere else
dont use dw40
Thanks for the advice friend. .will take a look
Olá que pena que não sei o inglês.
Tenho um reiciver marantz 2238 e é muito tooop
Ik had 2 marantz receivers gezien gereageerd maar het was al verkocht 2225/2220
mình muốn mua amly ma rantz 2238b
Em đang có 1 cái
MONSRER RECEIVER dream
Sorry nog van whats app ik zoek eigenlijk een goedkope marantz receiver max €50