Vintage Marantz 2230 vs $110 Denon 3803 - The sound results will surprise you

[@AlexMitchell-i1g]

The Marantz certainly has the looks! Looks fantastic.

[@kappandrew1]

I agree… they made some good eye candy

[@kennethmcmillen1147]

I've owned a bunch of 70s receivers including a few monsters from the stereo wars of the era. For reasons you have mentioned as far as costs I began my own search for an alternative. Several came and was resold immediately. That is till I won a bid on a Yamaha rx-v870. $20 winning bid free shipping. I'd say the seller lost money. Reflowed a couple solder joints and it was back to working order. Placed it as my main living room receiver, I instantly fell in love with it. Plenty of power, clarity, detailed highs and mids. A real solid performer. Not much to look at, basic and boring face but not horrible. For $20 this receiver surpassed all my expectations and I highly recommend it. It's still my main receiver and I'm on the hunt for a good deal on the rx-v870s bigger brother which is the rx-v1070.

[@kappandrew1]

Oh yeah, there are some hidden gems in the Yamaha world… stay tuned for the next video!

[@bradleydurbin6784]

I have a vintage Scott receiver that was gifted to me from my late next door neighbor. Yesterday I hooked up my Bowers and Wilkins speakers to it and played some Moving Pictures by Rush. Was pleasantly surprised by the sound of this 20 watt receiver.

[@davidstevens7809]

@@bradleydurbin6784 its because its underrated..depending on imp load..that unit will deliver more..thats the old school secret.. its almost 38 watts into 8 ohm..and 60 watts into 4 ohms. Even though its rated at 20 watts.

[@kappandrew1]

Don’t need many watts from old school equipment… folks are obsessed with “I need 100 watts”… yeah, true… if you go buy a new receiver you probably do. Not the old stuff though…

[@davidstevens7809]

@kappandrew1 haha. I wish I could show you my genesis physics collection.. just so you know I run 900 watts a side on my antiques..and 1800 on my subs.. haha..I build and repair amps for a living..I hand built amps for rockford fosgate in the 80s..

[@CraigLafferty]

I'm enjoying the series. I have the same affliction with collecting receivers, amps, and turntables. I'm definitely running out of room.

[@Zimmy_1981]

It can get additlctive pretty fast. I recall having 7 amps 1 time. Only was using 2. I realised & sold the rest sorta cheap😂

[@SurnaturalM]

I have 2 marantz separated system, one from 1976 and another earlier version. I love how they look and how they sound, but when I was young, I got a Denon stereo, it was in the early 90s and I still have it. In those days it was the best deal in comparison with other brands. I always loved how it sounded a lot.

[@kappandrew1]

They are both good units… like brothers from different mothers.

[@AlexMitchell-i1g]

Good content, I subscribed.

[@kappandrew1]

Thanks for the sub! Welcome to the party!

[@limulus61]

I have a 1990 Denon DRA 1025 RA that looks similar. It is a 2-chanel 125 wpc unit and I bought it new in 1991 for $999. I still use it to this day. I keep thinking about looking for a new 2-channel amplifier and use the pre-outs on the Denon but I just don't know if I'd be happy. It sounds really nice with my Linton 85s. But I've got new ampitis.

[@mmmbbq]

I’ve had my eye out for one of those for years. I had the 625 or 825 for literally like 15 minutes, as a channel went out and I took it back. It did sound really nice, so I’ve always wanted to find a 1025. Ironically, I exchanged it for a 3805 or 3. The 3803 or whatever it was totally sucked for 2 channel use.

[@limulus61]

@ yeah, the 1025 is a good unit. I went in to buy a different integrated amplifier and the sales person at hi-fi buys in Atlanta talked me into buying this instead and it's been in my rack since 1991.

[@kappandrew1]

Honestly, denon made some darn good stuff… maybe just stick with it! I always wanted the big mama jamma from late 90s… I have yet to stumble on one

[@owenjbrady]

I used that Denon for 10+ years a friend lent it to me because he moved into a apartment and it's a great amp, had tons of clean power

[@kappandrew1]

Agree… highly rated receivers but very overlooked on the second-hand market!

[@toddclarke1580]

Onkyo and Denon made great sounding 1990s-2000s receivers , I owned a few of each. The power sections are very robust .

[@fordssuck]

Just downgraded from huge Marantz 7.2 AVS to Onkyo tx8220. Quite happy. Plenty of power. Opt inputs. Built in Bluetooth. 50w/channel @8ohms. Does all I need

[@kappandrew1]

Dude! I am removing my Marantz theater receiver and putting in one of these that I’m reviewing. The modern Marantz is missing the punch I want. And the darn thing gets hot enough to cook an egg.

[@galactusgalan4233]

For 2 channel the best deals in the world are the Denon Receivers in the late 90’s early 2000’s. I have a Denon 3805 I bought for $150 15 years ago. Other great options are the Yamaha receivers from the mid late 90’s such as the RX v870 and 990. These can be had for $50 to $100.

[@jamesbennett1634]

I've had the same experience with a near t o t l pioneer elite from the early 2000s. Picked it up cheap, and holy cow, great for two channel stereo.

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

I agree, I would also go as far as to tell you not sleep on late 80’s to early 90’s Denon 2 channel receivers. They were really something nice , along with a few of their well regarded cd players they made in that era.

[@matthawthorne-gu1zd]

I have a avr4800 I got for 50 bucks. It's insane. First THX receiver. Stereophile tested it at 1% THD at 254w 8ohms, 462w at 4 ohms 392w 2ohms equivalent to 14A. Way way beyond factory specs.

[@bigmacfullerton7870]

I had a Yamaha RX V and it sounded pretty damn good and it never quit until I decided to vacuum dust out if and I fried it 30 years later. So I went and got an A -S 801. It’s even better

[@raymiehershey1430]

I have a bunch of stereos going back to a 79 Technics. But my favorite is a 2008 Denon set up. Unwanted dra397 receiver, 12 dollar 1730 dvd for cds. Denon dp 500m and 1300mkll turntables (not budget). Best sound in the house. All made in China.

[@vincentrockel1149]

800$ for a 50 year old 30 watt receiver is crazy in my opinion.

[@kappandrew1]

Dude! I totally agree... and that's why I am doing this series. I have sooooo many folks "hell bent" on getting a Marantz and I'm like... but you could do better for less.... Marantz isn't bad; they sound freaking awesome as hell but, they don't fit into everyone's budget.

[@AlexMitchell-i1g]

@vincentrockel1149 I agree and some of these receivers are going for over 2k, some even more than that.

[@rxonmymind8362]

Pssst...Sony STR7045. Totally underrated receiver and goes toe to toe with my Marantz 2270. Easily. Also a Yamaha CR-1020 comes a close second to Marantz 2500. Mind blowing. I have a 2500 and was surprised as was my wife at the sonic clarity and musicality of the Yamaha. Oh the Marantz was totally rebuilt and the Yamaha wasn't. That ought to tell you something. Low power receivers are amazing sounding work horses.

[@damirhlobik6488]

the price is "realistic" just like the prices of a new McIntosh or Bang & Olufsen

[@vincentrockel1149]

@damirhlobik6488 if it's been recapped, maybe... otherwise, it's 50 yo electrolytic and nothing lasts forever.

[@thomaskendall452]

Apples and oranges. The Marantz 2230 dates from 1972-1974, just before the Receiver Wars and is strictly a stereo receiver. The Denon AVR-3803 dates from 2003-2004, 31 years later, and is an earlier, multi-channel AV receiver meant mainly for playing back multi-channel sound on DVD's, which can be pretty bad. Even to my 76 year old ears, there's a significant difference in the sound between the two. I prefer the Marantz sound. But is it worth ten times or more? YMMV, as they say. That being said, there's a huge "tax" on the Japanese receivers of the 1970's because of nostalgia or whatever. By contrast, the AV receivers from the early part of this century are in some disrepute, mainly because they don't have the newest connections, like HDMI.

[@boneseyyl1060]

Excellent point about the lack of HDMI. I bought the Denon 2805 back in 2005. It had no HDMI. The next year, HDMI was available on most new receivers. It never bothered me too much back then as it was all changing pretty quickly anyway. I just ended up hooking my video direct to the display and running a digital cable for the sound. Kind of negated having an AVR for switching but it was what it was. Still, I kept that receiver for close to 20 years. I just switched this past year to the Marantz Cinema 70 as they were offering a trade in on old receivers, so that where the Denon ended up. I got about $160 off the Marantz on the trade. Scrapped for parts is where they ended up I was told. But who knows. I think some people still buy them for 2 channel use or garage setups. But yea, I took the offer because I didn't think I would get much more by selling it myself. Still, I certainly got my moneys worth from it over the years. Sad to see it go.

[@thomaskendall452]

@@boneseyyl1060 Yeah, the lack of HDMI on these machines makes them ultra-cheap in today's market and good bargains to drive speakers in non-critical situations. You got quite a deal trading in that Denon!

[@mikeg2491]

I’ve gotten to the point in life if an amp that’s smooth and non-fatiguing to listen to worth ten times something sibilant or cold? To my ears, yes. If you are committed to a hobby no matter if it’s model painting or card collecting, you’re going to be spending a lot of money so might as well get the best. For everyone else who listens to music once in a blue moon a cheapo black face is fine.

[@boneseyyl1060]

@@mikeg2491 What is your definition of a "a lot of money"? Because that is different for everyone.

[@mikeg2491]

@@boneseyyl1060 whatever is alot in relation to your budget. Everyone has something they splurge on whether it be clothes or their car. If you like audio that much why sell yourself short? And no I’m not saying go out and put $10k on the credit card but be thoughtful and research what you can afford and will make you happy.

[@stevengagnon4777]

I'm currently using a Yamaha RX-V850 as my main amplifier. The preamplifier in the Yamaha is pretty nice ,even the phono is fine. I'm only using as a two channel system. The rear amplifiers are out anyway. So the discreet component MOSFET power amplifiers now has an oversized power supply....plenty of current available to drive low impedance and difficult speakers now. Just something to consider. ...Anyway every time I think maybe I get something different...I end up saying to myself " why? ". Yeah it only cost me $50 and spend $500 for something that may not sound better? " Anyway I don't think all the current that was feeding the three power amplifiers is available for the two that are being used. But it doesn't ever seem to run out of juice either. These days I hardly ever use the first watt so it's sort of a non issue as it was when it got full power usage.

[@RanTausi]

For two channel stereo I listen to my ADCOM GFA 545 MK2 and I have the GFA 555 MK2 as well , ADCOM GFP 565 preamp is connected to my GFA 555 and I used my pre outs of Sony receiver STRDB 830 from the mid 90s to the GFA 545mk2. In my opinion any ADCOM power amps will eat for breakfast almost any receiver.

[@kappandrew1]

That’s a pretty good setup!!!

[@bpalpha]

I found a Denon DRA-685 stereo receiver from this same era at the thrift for $27! The replacement remote cost me more! Sounds fantastic and has gobs of power. Wouldn't trade it for the world now. Should've shown the backside of the receivers, connectivity is important.

[@kappandrew1]

I agree! These things are power houses! I should show the backside… good suggestion!

[@sneakerset]

I've been using Turtle Wax headlight cleaner-sealer for the clear plastic (only) - buffs out nice with micro cloth. I got a freebie set of Snell A/B speakers (GW), and gave them to my brother. I stored another set of GW freebies for a future unveiling - Acoustat 1+1 Medallions. The HV probe is a must to service these puppies. It's weird - I've been watching CL for a pair of reasonably priced STAX headphones. No sellers in LA. WTH ? Thanks for the lowdown on the Denon, Andy !

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Cool video, I do miss the days when you could find those cool old marantz receiver and integrated amps at flea markets and good will stores. Had some very good experiences with the older 2 channel Denon receivers from late 80’s to early 90’s. I remember I had a pair of more affordable series of 1970’s model Altec Lansing 2 way floor standers can’t remember the model at all, they sported 1-2 inch cone tweeter and 10 inch woofer. They were bright and abrasive sounding I had vintage 70’s pioneer and Sony receivers at the time, a marantz model 1060 integrated amp and an early 90’s Denon 2 channel receiver. Out of all the the amps the marantz came in 2 nd and then Denon 1st place at knocking off the edge of those speakers, I couldn’t believe it , those two made the speakers so much more bearable. Anyway, great fun video sir , good work! No🙏🏽👍🏽🔥🔥

[@kappandrew1]

I agree... those were the days. People have gone nuts lately on price. There are a few hidden gems out there... Oh... Altec speakers... I don't see too many of those but what I have seen... cool speakers!!!

[@robertclark9]

The 2230 sold upwards of 185,000 units from 72-74. My 2245 sold approximately half that (89,000). When you think about it, that’s not really a lot of retail sales compared to other big ticket items of the day. Yet so many still remain circulating out there. If that’s not a testament to their build quality, I don’t know what is.

[@kappandrew1]

I need those figures for the next video! Where did you get them! Numbers are good… I like numbers!!!

[@robertclark9]

@@kappandrew1. Google Marantz 2245 production numbers. Scroll to “AMK products”. Scroll down and there’s a color chart. These numbers may not be precise, but pretty reliable.

[@RanTausi]

In the 90s my brother had Denon DRA 365 I think, I remember I was impressed with the sound quality, I also remember in the back it was made in Germany.

[@kappandrew1]

Interesting… I’ll have to look at all of mine!

[@JohnCiaccio]

It’s an interesting idea. But honestly if the sound is all that matters just like you show in graphs it is easy to get. And with better distortion ratings for dirt cheap second hand. Before I got into the vintage gear I had just picked up a similar Denon for $35 at my local goodwill. I got into the vintage recently when I remembered my uncles big silver faced receiver back from the late seventies early eighties. I remember how beautiful the face was with its slightly green tinged glass front and impressive sound. Still haven’t been able to ID it. Mostly it’s the quality of the build and easy repairability of these units more than the sound. And Marantz is the top when it comes to this.

[@kappandrew1]

I would tend to agree with this assessment!

[@alexmodel5005]

Marantz has a look to it that people like but made by Standard Radio Inc. everything is designed and built on the edge of underdimensioned starting with the small undersized transformers, cheap meters etc.

[@stevejones8660]

After Saul Marantz sold the company.

[@resistorstudios]

Straight up wrong. If anything the newer 90s and 2000s stuff is far more built to a price point, and made in china/indonesia etc and are non serviceable. Yes, some manufacturers made decent ones, but most of them are empty boxes. The 22xx series are made of a very high quality. He's comparing the low end lower power model 2230 Marantz to a higher end more modern denon. Of course the transformer is going to be smaller. How ridiculous. They only put the smaller size power transformer to offer a more affordable option for people that couldn't afford the expensive ones. A true comparison would be a PM8, 2270 or something that is higher end that is more powerful. The older stuff is also through hole and has less in the signal path.

[@slpcorner]

Any idea what would make a Marantz MR-255 howl and thunder like crazy? Seems to be independent of the volume control. Usually doesn't do it until it's been playing nice and loud for a while. Good videos! Keep up the awesome work.

[@Zimmy_1981]

Bad caps?

[@kappandrew1]

Man, I had one that was doing that and I just rebuilt the entire thing. It didn’t do it after that. I try not to invest in specific issues on these because that can cost as much as “just rebuild it”.

[@Zimmy_1981]

@@kappandrew1 agreed. As you're in there, u may as well...

[@charlyvanbuuren2947]

I have a Kenwood krv 8020 receiver that bought in 1989 still works and sounds like a dream. But a few months ago i replaced it with my NAD T748 from 2010. And that sounds better in my opinion. The Kenwood is 100watts per channel the NAD 80 watts...

[@kappandrew1]

Ohhhhh… stay tuned… I may have found something similar…

[@hightech346]

I'm a Denon 4806 fanatic and the last one I got cost me around $100 bucks with shipping on Ebay...Seller said it was untested...So took a chance... All seven channels work and it sounds wonderful...6volt pre-amp section, THX Ultra2 certified...Will run over 100 watts per channel RMS with all 7 channels going and is stable to 3.2 ohm...I've never had a 3803 but I've installed many 3805, 3806's 4306's (6 volt pre amp section on 4306's also) and they would run 4 ohms with no problem...Even the newer and cheaper made 3808's could run a 4 ohm load with ease..The 4806 Will knock your socks off..In 2 channel mode I saw a review stating that with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, it reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 188.1 watts and 1 percent distortion at 210.3 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 277.6 watts and 1 percent distortion at 352.0 watts. They can be had CHEAP in many cases...4 rows of heatsinks and the round transformer checking in at 52 pounds...They cost around $4000 dollars out the door in 2005/2006...One of the best hidden gems on Ebay...They come up often...

[@kappandrew1]

This comment got me to go out and look… now I want one!

[@hightech346]

@@kappandrew1 If you are talking about the 4806 they are truly at another level..Even at very low volume the sound quality is far superior to any of the 3 series Denon units and all the 4 series..Including the newer 4308 that was $2800 new..The THX Ultra2 certification means that it has to play clean at reference levels (105db) and is suitable for rooms up to 3000 square feet...I have a 4806 in my living room running 4 Yamaha ceiling speakers, 4 polk audio bookshelf speakers, 2 Sony Tower speakers and a large Polk center..4 of the channels are running at 4 ohms, the other 3 channels are 8ohms...Just effortless insane power and sound quality, but hey, for $4000 dollars back in 2005/2006 in HAD to be awesome...If you get one make sure that the serial number starts with 6 as they are the newer versions that can still actually be ran with a phone app.today..They also seem to sound better than the earlier versions..I think Denon ramped up the power on the later units due to Yamaha having a unit out that had more little more power... And get the owner manual...You can set manual time delay and configure each channel with a separate EQ or select all for the EQ to set all channels the same..Also has built in electronic crossover for highpass...It needs to be connected to a monitor to set up...😎

[@firebladeclements]

In 75 at 15, I had a used pioneer, couldn't afford a new anything. Around 95 I got a Marantz 2250b for a hundred bucks, refurbished for 125 bucks. Still in the woodshop running today. It's nothing special, other than a reminder of those magic days as a kid. Who couldn't afford a new Marantz! Guess it all depends on your era.

[@kappandrew1]

Exactly! So many folks want to experience that. I think that’s what is driving the market.

[@tonyhedgepeth6382]

DENON Avr-3300, $1000 new back in 2001 🤔. Absolutely dynamic for Rock or Jazz low-end bass power ⚡! Im guessing the 3803 your showing was a few years after my 3300 unit. Had it since at my local home theater specialist store 23 years ago. They carried everything from Pioneer Elite to McIntosh equipment. Looking to upgrade now since obviously no HDMI or USB-c, or WiFi of course.

[@kappandrew1]

I remember wanting one soooo bad back in the day. I just didn’t have the cash at the time…

[@PeteNice29]

Had a 3803, then a 3805 back in the day. Better sounding than you'd assume.

[@kappandrew1]

Agree! And cheap now!

[@markanderson350]

I have a dennon, which belonged to my late brother, worked for a while, 5 volt regulator went out, fixed that, tgen the phono stage got really bassy, i just put it on the shelf and am using an old Kenwood, the stereo fm stays muted. Old stuff always needs service now.

[@kappandrew1]

True, it does. I am always amazed when something comes in that’s 50 years old that still works… then something 2 years old and just out of warranty comes in broken. 😞

[@mattm3t3]

marantz's sound is wide, clear, and unrestricted while denon's inclined towards a bit pinched, narrowed, and restricted. i like the marantz.

[@kappandrew1]

I completely agree! I love the warm sound of the Marantz... especially on some vintage Pioneer or JBL. It doesn't do so hot on modern speakers though... IMHO

[@KentTeffeteller]

The Marantz is maintainable and repairable. And worth repairing. The Denon when it fails, is likely landfill unless inexpensive repair. The Denon is less likely to be around with over 25 years of age on it.

[@kappandrew1]

Agree… I pull and keep the transformers, sell the dials and feet… the rest hits the landfill. They still have a few years before they start to fail in mass… but you are correct!

[@MU-io5en]

For my own listening, I’ll send my Marantz receivers through the age appropriate speakers. Dynaco, AR’s, KLH, etc. I’ll send my very early 90’s Denon receivers through the same, such as the Mirage 460’s…and so on. Are there differences? Yup. I like to hear what people heard from those time periods. For listening it’s cool. If we’re ever talking tube tv from the 70’s to our LED’s now, that’s a different ball of wax.. haha

[@kappandrew1]

Oh man! I do that! I love period correct matching! I have a set of klh, ar and advents sitting around just for that purpose! I used the lascalla because they are aoooo soooo revealing. But, would I choose them for daily listening on a vintage Marantz… nope

[@DethFromAbove1985]

I love the Marantz but those things were not worth much a few decades ago. The guy who sold me mine said in the 90s you could buy them in a pawn shop for $40. Now $1000... $2000... $3000 depending on condition.

[@kappandrew1]

Yes! Exactly my point. And what you can get for that kind of cash opens up all sorts of options!!!

[@vincentrockel1149]

What is the efficiency of your speakers? Low watt receiver needs more efficient speakers. The denon has a lot more wattage you would expect more punch, especially if the speakers are inefficient.

[@kappandrew1]

They are 1980 rebuilt LaScalla. They run somewhere around 105db efficiency. Each receiver is set to 75db at 500hz before listening.

[@vincentrockel1149]

@kappandrew1 klipsch are about as efficient as you can get. Perfect for that marantz. I have a set of epic cf-4's that l picked up at the goodwill a number of years ago for 100 bucks. Most I've ever spent on hifi. I have a mid 60s Fisher 400 that I picked up for 20$ that eventually I will recap. I keep moving backward in time, although I picked up an onkyo 2 channel receiver recently from the 80s, which is quite nice.

[@robertiannucci1667]

How is the Marantz 2325, Just your opinion ?

[@kappandrew1]

I have to be honest, unless you need that much power… just stick with the lower models. To my ears they sound similar but, with more power comes more speaker options (low efficiency speakers). That can/may equate to a totally different experience!

[@mrboat580]

I have two of the 3805s for a total of $75 invested. Have been flogging one in a 2.1 near field setup for around 7 years now. The other one is in my bedroom. Best way to get a low distortion amp over 100W/8Ohm for the $, not to mention it has pretty comprehensive bass management features as well and bypass mode. This receiver was given to me to hold me over when my vintage Pioneer from the '70s became unlistenable. While shopping for a new amp, this old Denon was blowing me away and will play any speaker I have of the 12 pairs that I own. This old 3805 will handle a 1 Ohm load. Here I am, 7 years later, still not having replaced this temporary fix. It's made my legacy gear list and now I am hoping it lasts. No hum or hiss from the speakers, no worn analog pots and just a quality feeling piece all around.

[@kappandrew1]

Exactly!!! Eeeeexxxactly my point… awesome receiver.

[@VetusMobile14]

You can make a pretty nice system around 1000. Instead on spending your money on a overpriced Marantz, buy a nice HK or Luxman receiver. My second system is a Luxman R1050, which i bought for 150 (mint but not working) spent 350 on restoring. Bought some big handmade dutch floorspeakers (translator impact 50) for 300 and a Denon cd / dvd5000 (38 poumds 4 x burrbrown dac chips) for 225. This one you can use also as a dac which i do. It sound very smooth and natural, you can listen for hours. Or buy a harman kardon amp like 6650r or pm665 for 150 -200 and you have a great start for a affordable great sounding system.

[@kappandrew1]

This is exactly my point. An informed buyer with some patience can really do some damage for the price of a Marantz. But, if the buyer just wants the Marantz, get it… it sounds good.

[@thisislogout]

I liked the marantz sound better. More clear, less distortion.

[@kappandrew1]

It does sound good… doesn’t it?

[@holmbergaudio]

Denon 1082 which is the same as 3802, Holmberg Audio stereo speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m363q55tg51ohZI

[@kappandrew1]

Thank you!!!! I always wondered the cross model number matches. There for a while they were selling at all sorts of retailers and they all had the same thing but different model numbers.

[@davidstevens7809]

The marantz is only 30 watts a channel..

[@kappandrew1]

The testing takes this into account by adjusting all units to 75db at 500hz. It then becomes a question of, how does it sound at that volume.

[@resistorstudios]

​@@kappandrew1you cant test in this way, because a lower power amp will have way less headroom and low end in a given dB level. Its not the same.

[@mikeg2491]

I will say they make awesome headphone amps if you feel they’re not powerful enough in the speaker department.

[@davidstevens7809]

@@mikeg2491 they? You cant categorize by brand name.. its about voltage swing.. are we discussing the preamp and tone stage and associated headphone drive circuit? Or are we discussing power supply ability and output stage ? Its not related topics..

[@mikeg2491]

@@davidstevens7809 sorry meant the Marantz. My buddy has a 2220b which is only 20 watts and my Grados sound awesome on it. Real rich and full sound.

[@resistorstudios]

You're comparing a low end Marantz to a high end Denon. Get a 2270,2275 or something that was considered higher end to do a proper comaprison. I assure you, that Denon does not have as much low end or punch as one of the better Marantz power amps or receivers.

[@kappandrew1]

I agree... but then comes the debate that, if I were to spend 1,500-2000 dollars on a 2270/5/85 etc. now... when doing a compare, I'd have up to that same amount right? With that kind of money you then get into some serious competition from boutique Sony/Yammy/Pioneer as well as NAD, Carver and others. The point of this series isn't to call anyone's baby ugly, it's to question... "if I had $800 what could I get". Honestly, you don't get much anymore. But there are some good deals out there.

[@resistorstudios]

@@kappandrew1 thats not really fair either because those prices for vintage Marantz are a recent phenomenon, people have realized the topology and quality and repairability as well as the collectability of these silverfaced receivers.. The 22xx series could be bought for a few hundred bucks like 8 years ago, some could be had for as cheap as the 2000's, 90's stuff like that Denon AVR. The topology of the older 60s and 70s receivers is unique, through hole type , hand built, versus the 90's 2000's best buy stuff, which are all littered with mass made CNC stamped SMT disposable IC electronics. There is a reason why they are so cheap. They are basically unserviceable. As far as finding cheap vintage there is a Marantz tax now so you have to look at other brands like Technics, Sansui, Nikko, Rotel. Those can still be had for reasonable prices. And I will stand by my statement that pound for pound, watt for watt, for music, the older dedicated stereo stuff blows away more black box AVRs with a few exceptions, that Denon not being one of them. way too much in the signal path to have any transparency whatsoever.

[@resistorstudios]

​@@kappandrew1 there is a reason they went up in value. Those newer 90s, 00's best buy AVRs are mass manufactured SMT type pcbs littered with ICs and are all basically non serviceable disposable electronics. The vintage stuff is hand built and of a much higher build quality, is fixable and collectable. If youre looking for cheap vintage, marantz is literally the opposite approach ("marantz tax"). Vintage technics, Rotel, Nikko, can even find some Sansui sometimes that would be watt for watt a much better comparison.

[@davidstevens7809]

The denon is 110 x 7..the test is unfair.. test a higher power marantz..jeez.

[@kappandrew1]

If I do that I get to spend the same dollars on the competition… $1,000 - $2,000 (price of a 2270) gets you into some serious competition with vintage NAD, Carver, boutique Yamaha/Sony/Pioneer/etc. the point of the video is to bring attention to the variety of options when it comes to price. I meet too many people who hyper focus on “I need a 70s marantz” rather than taking the time to explore the full spectrum of options. Thanks for your comment!

[@resistorstudios]

Exactly what I said...

[@ThePlumbum1]

Kirby

[@mmmbbq]

I had one for a bit. I mostly used it for HT use. However, for 2 channel use, I think it was the worst AVR I ever heard. A little dinky Onkyo TX-2000 sounded way better. Other than bass and power, it had no character, completely boring. Just awful. I had a couple comparable Sony AVRs that were much better for 2 channel duties.

[@kappandrew1]

Stay tuned… Sony is coming up…

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

WTF is a Kerby?

[@cartoonjellyjar1]

Extremely expensive way overpriced vacuum cleaner company.

[@kappandrew1]

My spirit animal