Marantz 2230 vs 2250B?

[lordyeldarb]

Hi guys,

Haven't been on the site for awhile but I currently have the chance to buy either a Marantz 2230 receiver for $100 or 2250B receiver for $130. The 2230 has been serviced, the owner saying that its had the "switch/pots cleaned, soldered joints, replaced caps, etc." I don't know if any work has been done on the 2250B yet.

My system is currently an Audio-Technica AT-PL120 turntable with a Shure M97x head, plugged into a Technics SA-400 receiver and Pioneer CS-530 speakers.

I am not happy with the SA-400 because I have already had it repaired and sometimes the right speaker will go out until i unplug it and plug it back in. I am still new to this whole audiophile lifestyle but have heard good things about Marantz. I'm not looking for the best setup money can buy but I would like something modest that I can be proud to listen to.

Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Brad

[Alec124c41]

Either one will serve you well, if they are both working.
2230 indicates 30 watts/channel.
2250 indicates 50 watts/channel.
Marantz receivers do sound good, and stand up quite well. If there is any chance of listening to them both, then choosing, do it. If they are in good shape, those prices are good. Choose which one you feel good about.

Cheers,
Alec

[BenWaB3]

A lot of Marantz models have semi-cult followings. I don't know if the 2250 has one or not but the 2230 does. It's supposedly the same as the 1060 but with a tuner section. The 1060 has a cult following too. The phono section in the 1060 is one of Marantz's best so it stands to reason they would have that same section in the 2230. Again, the 2250 may have its own following as well. If there are any 2250 owners here that could chime in that would be very helpful. Another thing to consider is if the 2250 has had the same work done to it as the 2230. If you could find out that would help w/ /the decision. If it hasn't then the 2230 would be the choice. Anyone can do the cleaning but replacing caps would depend on whether or not you have soldering skills. Most of these things are a matter of time for vintage pieces so if the 2230 already has them done you would be a step ahead in the game. If they have identical innards up to the amp section then the 2250 might be the choice just to get those 20 more wpc. Different models rarely have the same innards though. Just gut reaction says go for the 2230 but if you can do research on the 2250 it may turn out to be just as good a deal.

Ben

[Blueblood]

I know this is way late but I would have snapped them both up immediately!!

[gofar99]

I Have a 1060, a 2250 and a 2265B. All are great and all have certain quirks. There is a Marantz site with a great deal of information on most models including retail values. The power switches in the 1060 and 2250 are prone to failure. I have replaced mine. The push button switches on all of them tend to get cruddy and need cleaning every decade or so. The 2265 speaker muting relays develop oxide on the contacts and need to be polished (very common on that model). The pilot lights in the 2250 and probably others tend to melt the plastic housings inside the unit. The bulbs are tedious to replace when they burn out as well. None of these units has been recapped and they don't seem to need it. Sonically all are perfect. The 1060 and 2250 are in constant use (one in my shop and a daughter the other). The 2265B is huge and in storage now. As noted above the biggest problems are mechanical. Nice sounding gear from nearly 40 years ago (43 for my 1060).

[doctorlivingstone]

I've got a 2252B and it sounds great - I use it pretty much every day - if you had the cash I'd buy both.

[Tedrick]

I have a 2245 as the foundation of my office system. It gets used 8-9 hours a day, 5 days a week. I had it fully restored 2 years ago, so it should be ready for another 30 years of trouble-free service.

[Superbarands]

I bought a 1060 a few years ago and was super dissapointed with the sound quality. Are the 2245, 2250, 2270 and the 4240 Quadro Reciever sonically a big improvement on the 1060?