Vintage MARANTZ vs SONOS Connect:Amp - Which sounds better?

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0:00 - Introduction
1:05 - Functional Comparison
3:30 - Power Comparison
4:25 - Regular Listening Volume Overview
4:50 - Sonos Heavy Metal
5:20 - Marantz Heavy Metal
5:50 - Sonos Ambient
6:30 - Marantz Ambient
7:10 - Sonos Jazz
7:40 - Marantz Jazz
8:07 - High Listening Volume Overview
8:45 - Sonos Heavy Metal
9:15 - Marantz Heavy Metal
9:45 - Sonos Ambient
10:25 - Marantz Ambient
11:05 - Sonos Jazz
11:35 - Marantz Jazz
12:02 - Analysis and Conclusion
Is old as good as new? Do they make 'em like they used to? In this video I compare a Sonos Connect:Amp to a vintage Marantz 2250B receiver. Honestly, the Connect:Amp sounds pretty good! However, at lower volumes, the Marantz shines with a more balanced sound and crisper highs. At high volumes, the amplifiers sound similar, but the Marantz 2250B can play music even louder than the Connect:Amp. If you're looking for easy wifi streaming from your smartphone in a smaller footprint, the Connect:Amp is an excellent option. But if you have more space and a larger budget, consider a vintage receiver with a wireless adapter!

[@juliocubias9600]

Agree, the marantz instruments separation is better, the highs are more detailed and extended, the bass sounds punchy but natural, not colored as much 👍

[@josevergara8920]

Marantz the best, vintage marantz 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@ahelectronics5757]

these old Marantz are wonderful pieces of electronics. I love them

[@michaelsuhajda9435]

So many years ago I had a Marantz 2250B that I was very happy with that I teamed up with a pair of "homemade" speakers before getting a pair of Celestion Ditton 22's that served me well. for many years before I got a Yamaha RX497 receiver once the Marantz "died" and Pierre Etienne Leon M1 speakers (used vintage from a friend) that I am enjoying as I write. I honestly don't know if my 73 year old ears would now the difference. All I can say is KEEP ENJOYING THE MUSIC!!! 😉 Of

[@26Jorgeb]

You're right on the money! It's the clarity of the Marantz and its base is not over emphasized.

[@soundman2604]

Actually the Marantz is rolled off on highs and lows, thats how they get their warm sound. Not my cup of tea, had many Marantz units...

[@MasterofPlay7]

​@@soundman2604why you own so many if you don't like marantz?

[@tylerjezowski5633]

Vintage iron is still king

[@tylerjezowski5633]

Plus it never wants to know your location 🤣

[@jogmas12]

I don’t know what you consider vintage. But I have a mission Cyrus one integrated amp from 1984. It’s ugly, I’m going to tell you right now. It has only 3 knobs on its front panel, one for volume and the other two for input selection and recording, that’s it! No fancy meters or lights. It actually looks like a shoe box with 3 knobs. But…… it will probably blow away the marantz. It’s rated at 25 wpc into 8 ohms and 40 wpc into 4 ohms. It’s capable of driving difficult speakers loads down to 4 ohms and delivers high current, up to 40 amperes on musical peaks ( complex musical passages). The casing on the Cyrus one is a non metallic carbon material, almost like plastic. No beautiful wood, no brushed aluminum. It has class AB circuitry, and a large toroidal, donut shaped transformer.

[@johnbishop6890]

Marantz kicks tail again. Simply amazing the great sound quality the vintage Marantz gear produces. Still have a 2330 and 2385b i wouldn’t trade for anything at twice their current value.

[@MichaelYates]

Thanks for the comparison, I was expecting the Marantz to end the probable winner here

[@bowenreed1137]

i guess I am kinda off topic but do anyone know of a good website to watch new tv shows online ?

[@carloshamza7344]

@Bowen Reed Lately I have been using Flixzone. You can find it by googling =)

[@garrettkairo1582]

@Carlos Hamza Yea, been using Flixzone for months myself :)

[@bowenreed1137]

@Carlos Hamza thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service :) Appreciate it!

[@carloshamza7344]

@Bowen Reed glad I could help xD

[@richgriffith5541]

The Marantz sound better but I may be bias since I've had my 2250b for about 45 years.

[@jsmorton674]

Got a mint Marantz 2230 in an aftermarket wooden case in the family room hooked up to a couple floorstanding B&W DM603's . Aside from the great aesthetics of the vintage Marantz look, the sound emenating from the set-up is truly mellow, warm and room filling. (Thanks for doing the comparo with SONOS!)

[@williamjverhagen]

The 2230 is such a great sounding receiver.

[@sirsuse]

No competition! Marantz for the 🏆

[@BullittJon]

I also have a 2250B. Love it!

[@fichambawelby2632]

In spite of the horrendous way to take and listen to te music tests (for s here from YT, I mean), it seems to be clear enough that the Sonos has much more level in the mid to high freqs, more definition than the Marantz, in both normal and loud tests. Of course, it is in mono; I don't know exactly what the input levels are calibrated: the mic position, etc. Taking into account that you have adjusted every aspect to be in the same conditions (really difficult, BTW), my humbre opinion is the one given above. BTW, I'm a recording engineer, producer musician and arranger for more than 40 years. This is my background, just if it helps you. Cheers, and congrats for your channel!.

[@S_M_0009]

👍👍👍. The Looks of the Marantz amp is Gorgeous.

[@martinjandijkstra3205]

Modern stuff: small as possible, quick to be replaced by upgrades, must be easy to be connected with other modern crap, cheap electronic remote switching. Old stuff: allowed to be seen, sturdy, no software upgrade needed, mechanical switching without additional sound degrading circuitry, build to last. A no brainer to me.

[@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices]

True but vintage will likely require periodic servicing by a qualified person.

[@kukko83]

@@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices Yes, maybe once in every thirty years. I don't expect modern stuff to last that long, and I don't think you can even get the proprietary components for them anyway. The units are designed to be replaced in a few years. I'm not blind to the shortcomings of vintage audio but the big thing for me, is the fact this stuff was made in an era when people really sat down and LISTENED to music. The consumers, and the industry was passionate about, and proud of the technology.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

I’m sure the Sonos won’t be still working 50 years in . Things were built to last then , now they sound good but you might not be so lucky on the longevity side ;-)

[@JMNTN]

On a pure component side class d amp chips should outlast transistor amps because they generate barely any heat. And let’s be honest old amplifiers aren’t that reliable, they are just easy and cheap to fix.

[@stefanegger]

The old ones break down all the time that is why he fixes them

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@stefanegger sorry that was a moronic answer

[@aaron74]

The Sonos hardware will still probably work just fine. But Sonos may stop supporting it with software, so you won't be able to use it!

[@WooferCooker]

@@JMNTN They’re not reliable? They’re only just 50 years old. Until we have a class d working in 50 years, you can’t make that assumption. Not to mention as soon as a surface mount component dies in a class D, that’s pretty much EOL. Don’t get me started on software support more likely bricking the entire thing in 10 years.

[@historymakesmesleep]

your dad is so lucky to have you stopping in and AH-FIXIT his stuff.

[@bigone137]

Love the Video Keep up the good work Old School. vintage Receiver love that stuff.

[@Oliba07]

I have the Marantz 2250B. The loundness button should only be deployed to adjust the frequency when playing at a low volume. It helps generate a fuller sound at lower listening levels.

[@georgecustanzza56]

Great review! I’d like to see a comparison between something like a 70’s Sansui or Pioneer flagship receiver vs. a modern receiver.

[@TheDynamiteGuy]

The Marantz is much cleaner, you can hear every instrument but the Sonos sounds muffled!

[@melockavich9596]

I spent a lifetime building a stereo thats great and these little boxes come out and sound just as good at low levels but 3000 watts 20 speakers beat it at high volume thank god but now everybody can have good sound for cheep.

[@yticnori]

Without access to the equalizer in the Sonos it's an impossible comparison. I have a 2215 and the newer AMP both hooked up to large Advents. Both can be dialed in to sound nearly identical, well except for the line noise, hiss and humm that my marantz may decide to develop. On the plus side the Marantz looks better and will never ever leave our family. The Sonos on the other hand is subject to the whims of the ever evolving digital world.

[@stefanbede5861]

The Marantz sounded better even through youtube via my phone. Not surprised. Amps from this era (pre watt wars) were made to make the music sound good. The 2250b retail price was around 450. That is ca 2200 dollars in todays worth. It is nothing but pure quality through and through. With that said: If you can get a Marantz today for the same amount of money as a new Sonos - I know what I choose. I have a 2238 that cost me 385 dollars (or 3600 Swedish krona) and I’m keeping it for sure.

[@jamestongas3554]

Congrats on using different genres of music. The marantz is noticeably cleaner it was better detail. I would take the marantz any day.

[@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices]

Around $1,200 for that model around here.

[@markrichards3747]

Nice video! I'm not surprised that the Marantz is underrated by the factory. That's how Marantz did it. If you paid for 50 watts you got 50 watts. I think there would be an even bigger disparity if you used an analog source instead of digital. My German pressing of Rush's Fly By Night renders my digital versions of it irrelevant. And I could say that about most of my analog recordings.

[@user-mg6ei4kk7l]

The Marantz had more presence in both low and high volume tests in my opinion.

[@MrPeterMerkin]

Much warmer sound.

[@624radicalham]

@@MrPeterMerkin warmer simply means muffled. Like if the music had a cloth over it muddying it up. That's not a good thing btw.

[@darrenwendell1723]

Thanks youtube for compressing the sound. No difference can be heard.

[@PioneerGuy581]

haha - i feel the same way - not 1 song sounded different i have my old sennheiser hd 420 headphones on , could not pick out 1 detail in difference .

[@chaladuraselectronicas364]

The Marantz amp sounds much better

[@robertdavis5714]

Marantz is a piece of art consisting of aluminum, glass and steel. SONOS is a gray/white disposable piece of plastic and more important who in the hell wants (class D).

[@Managua-f1n]

The instruments in the Marantz has increasing and decreasing resonance . The Sonos all the instruments sound flat and same volume.

[@9087125498172345]

The bass is more pronounced in the Sonos and the marantz seems more balanced.

[@albertbeauchesne2882]

Marantz #1

[@williamjverhagen]

Next video, please check for actual wattage on each unit. I'm sure Marantz blows its doors off.

[@alpe3911]

Interesting video. for a meaningful comparison, the restored device would have to be completely burned in. This can - depending on the frequency of operation - take up to a year!

[@test40323]

You can have a raspberry pi with a DAC hat for streaming Spotify from your receiver - fun project.

[@rajendrabareto8065]

Never test one in loudness on and other without the features. This is where many dislike natural sounding amp. Try with a external equaliser in case you need any loudness to both these amps.

[@inmatejason]

So my Marantz 2238, is pushing closer to 50watts?😮 thats awesome if true!

[@2shoestoo]

I grew up in the 60s &70s and Marantz all the way

[@VCR1117]

I feel like you need better recording microphone as you are a channel focused on audio. From what I can hear the Marantz has better sound. The instruments sound vibrant but not punchy. The Sonos might actually sound better in person. While being more flat it is more punchy and based on the genre of music I think I would pick the Sonos 75% of the time. If I was into classical or any sound with heavy piano/guitar presence I would choose the Marantz. For being an old device that is actually pretty impressive.

[@shadowgameplay2023]

Marantz sound is really good

[@edsonarbid7943]

The best !!! ....I like Marantz .....

[@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices]

Guys, do you think that little Sonos really packs more continuous power than the underrated 2250B? I'm skeptical in the way like they calculated horsepower in cars from brake horse power to horse power over the years. Also, another thing about Marantz, which two models are the best? If I had to bet, I would say the 2270 is the most popular model amongst the 22xx series, but is it amongst the very best Marantz produced? The bass was boomier with the Sonos and I think listening fatigue sets in quick with it. The cymbals on the Marantz are smooth like fine bourbon.

[@omnichords]

would be curious to see this comparison with the new sonos amp, the connect amp is pretty old, and the new one is supposed to be way better.

[@JMNTN]

Class d amplifiers have seen a big jump in quality the last years. There are pocket sized amps that cost under 100 bucks these days that will perform very similar to the marantz.

[@margix1172]

Even if the new would be the best sounding amplifier on this planet it would be always a piece of garbage aestethically......only a fool could buy such an ugly box.

[@SuperReyand]

@@JMNTN as if it is only about Performance… No modern gear can beat the special sound of vintage Marantz.

[@davidbland8153]

And the Marantz would still kick its ass.

[@g.fortin3228]

Sounds like the Marantz has more headroom in general to kick the bass a slight bit punchier. Clarity also. Better quality internals in general. They dont build em' like that anymore :- )

[@johnnyhoed]

the sonos may be fifty years younger but man what a difference give me the marantz greetz from holland pulse

[@sussibaki6503]

Marantz RULES i listen with my 2215!

[@kay3179]

Hi mate I saw your video I have marantz not the vintage , (pm8005) marantz still sounds good thanks as Japan is still assembling these bot china. I want to buy a small amp for my bookselfs I was decided denon pma60 then I saw your video Its pretty good but not sure about . Just need some suggestion . Thanks in advance

[@MrAWL83]

nice video thanks

[@johndonnell4284]

Can You recommend a reputable Marantz service if You don't do this commercially? 2238B...

[@flapaloduranche3087]

Question to all, can I connect SONOS connect AMP to my Marantz and enjoy it?

[@Ngcarson1337]

Yes. You can either use your Marantz as a pre-amp, or use the Sonos as a source on the Marantz - depending on how you hook things up. I recommend just using the Sonos as an input, if you prefer to adjust levels/EQ at your Marantz.

[@marvinmartian7281]

I prefer the tank

[@alcameron6071]

Pretty good comparison. Even listening to it on the iPhone 7 Plus, you can still hear the difference. Marantz definitely has the better sound. I recently purchased a Marantz 2230 and I am very happy with. I also have a Kenwood KR-7070 that I need to replace two burned out bulbs. But I’m having a problem removing the faceplate on the Kenwood. I have all the knobs off, I have all four nuts and washers off on the control stems, and remove the tuner knob. You would think that it would just simply pull off at this point like on the Marantz. But there seems to be something holding it on the bottom of the faceplate but after removing the bottom cover of the receiver I do not see anything that could possibly be holding the face plate from Being removed. This has me very frustrated. Do you have any knowledge on how that faceplate comes off the Kenwood 7070? Any help would be very appreciated. By the way that was a great video. I always look forward to your informative videos. Have a great day.

[@AHFixIt]

I'm not sure how to remove the 7070 faceplate unfortunately. Nice score with the 2230 though!

[@markproctor4885]

try it with analog input, not from a digital Source. then you see the Marantz sing. just like the old tube amps. they have there sound and it easier on the ears. a softer/better waves then Sharp digital waves. I found mine you had to turn it up tell you could hear the different when it got into it linearamplification. that when the volume Knob was turned to 11:30 to 1:00. that when it become alive. Love the old Marants

[@markproctor4885]

and I had the Marantz Speakers as well.😁

[@leonidbreshnew401]

Tell, this Sonos is D-type amplifier ? Then those two are not really comparable. Well, Sonos can be not bad, but I'd prefer odschool Marantz.

[@jonfoss3437]

Marantz all day

[@dariusschirrmeister8299]

The Marantz is cleaner

[@Cryptoman_5000]

The marantz should of been tested without the loudness. Too much bass made it sound muddy. The big difference between them is one is worth a ton of money, they other never will be, more of a "flash in the pan"novelty type of sound equipment.

[@williamjverhagen]

Actually, wattage ,Marantz is King.

[@Rob1972Gem]

Marantz wins the Sonos sound muffled on the low frequencies

[@panblue43]

Hi! Good but not so fair comparison.The marantz basicly plays in another league 😉🤭 And: my experience is that while You paired the marantz with retro loudspeakers - than You need to pair the sonos with some modern loudspeakers! My short opinion: I had several (oldschool) marantz amps and liked them, but after a time You feel that point old vs new - the new one is better. So I use now pm7005 and far better than the 2245 or 2275 what I got several years ago.Cleaner,nothing "noise",more dynamic, stronger on the edge of the freq ranges. It is just subjective, of course.

[@mistastylz8313]

I have a 2245 need some work are you in Michigan?

[@gioscervelo]

You can hear the detail and attack and fade. The other one sounded like the speakers were under a blanket. Guess which one was under the blanket. Ill give you a hint if you're deaf... the crappy one .

[@Gabrielishere]

I don't care WHAT'S coming out of that waffle iron in the video, when I look over at my stereo, its a Marantz 4400. 😆

[@PioneerGuy581]

can we do the Pioneer vs Marantz model wars sound test ?

[@624radicalham]

What for? If all you're doing is bitching about you having sennheiser hf 420 cans and you "could not pick out 1 detail in difference" ... then why request a soundtest? You have hearing issues which is unfortunate. But the difference on this video is extremely noticeable.

[@yyeltsov]

Sounds about the same, it’s more about aesthetic and “religious” preferences 🙂

[@phillipallen5564]

Why does he have a monster amp with tiny speakers

[@waynepollard6879]

Is the sonos a class D amp ?

[@adrianoamatucci989]

Sono due prodotti tecnologicamente differenti. Non si può paragonare il sapore di una mela con quello di una pera....

[@christopherhines2718]

why do you have the loudness on with the marantz? Its therefore not flat.so that is not a fair comparison.as the sonos is playing flat.so no lift on bass and treble.I dont know much about the connect,but i guess it is a digital amplifier,not analogue like the marantz.The only fair comparison is both set to flat. And you say the marantz is restored,What do you mean? Again not a fair comparison,due to its age,if its not re-capped fully,and bias reset to as new,again not fair comparison. A lot of amps the age of the marantz have aged electrolytic capacitors,that decay over not so many years, A good indicator with an old amplifier , Is it loses its ability to produce a full pleasant sound when flat,and largely its the power supply big caps to blame,then you need to have loudness on to get any kind of reasonable sound out of it.so full restored and re-aligned marantz,bass and treble set to flat,No loudness on VS sonos connect is the only fair comparison. But also using the same line level source.And at the same volume level. Otherwise its no comparison at all!

[@bentnickel7487]

Well, the Sonos doesn't have any blue lights, so there can be no fair comparison.

[@phillipallen5564]

How did he not blow an amp hooked up to an amp that way

[@timbottman3479]

Marants is the winner!!! I hate modern tech sound!!

[@svtcontour]

Flat with the exception of the loudness being turned out? Well thats not flat is it.

[@zoranstojanovski8407]

Just use old NAD 3020 if you tight on space, and SONOS has no chance.

[@martinmercado4449]

Sonos sounded more clear and upfront & spacious. Marantz sounded far away not so clear or bright.

[@jfb6726]

Blue lights always sound better

[@janicehopkins4432]

God only knows what spyware is in the sonos. I do not blame you for not wanting to put your info into that thing. "They" will eventually be able to control what you are listening to(and who knows what else). Same with the new cars(control how you drive and when/where/if you drive). Love the marantz. Probably beats the socks off the sonos on old analog recordings and can last much longer (of course it's already got about 50 years on it). Love your vids!

[@miguelcastaneda7236]

Marantz will still be around versus the new tech in five years.....today's tech a lifetime warranty is not what it once ment now it means one year ask at any store electronics..auto parts..lifetime is one year

[@phillipallen5564]

The marrants sounds way clearer

[@airwatersun]

With all due respect, how can you possibly evaluate sound with one speaker shoved in a corner? You negate all your efforts that way.

[@raykuiper4979]

Have no idea why on earth you do this comparison at all, the Marantz is on all levels beating his competitor in this content

[@Ben-rj7xs]

If you like the sono amp better how about selling me that maranze receiver

[@stefanegger]

Is the same

[@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices]

No it's not. Marantz is clearer and Sonos is muddy

[@frankgomez7066]

10 years from now that sonos device will make strange digital noises if it even ever turns on anymore . Devices nowadays are built to fail.

[@gman5218]

Use a proper intergrated amp by arcam, Yamaha or Rega not that Sonos toy for casuals

[@soundman2604]

Yep, Marantz wins in the looks department...lol

[@henrikl1394]

Sonos sounds like crap.....But not surprised.

[@melockavich9596]

sonos sounds better it is sad to say

[@dennislynch4783]

Are you kidding?

[@starmc26]

"VS" ????...... Sonos is garbage.

[@MartinnGri]

Do not but Sonos, very bad. If you have android can not conect to wifi

[@ANDYROBINSONFOLK]

they both sound dreadful with a mono condenser in a room. Waste of time.

[@FRCVIDS]

Sounds the same.

[@margix1172]

Sonos looks like shit and sounds even worse than the beautiful Marantz.....Audio engineers must have some mental problems if they decide to build such an ugly stupid box like the Sonos.

[@monsterleather9621]

Both are not good.. If a legendary Marantz, this new generation can barely cope with a poor box, it is not possible to talk about hi-fi sound systems in this environment.. But if it was a Kenwood Kr-1000 Galaxy Commander It would take both poor boxes and they would hit each other.. Most Vintage receivers produced in the 70s are just legends and are overrated... But some Vintage receivers produced in the early 80s are even more powerful than most power amps produced today.. But nobody knows this.

[@lehelszaszdi23]

Lol you cannot compare Kenwood to Marantz in build quality how comes the kr-1000 comes with an all plastic front panel. Also 70s gear was better made than a lot of crappy 80s and 90s systems.

[@monsterleather9621]

@@lehelszaszdi23 I think you are living in a dream world. Receivers or devices from the 70's may seem better than devices from the 80's and 90's. When you watch them and look at their large illuminated dials, the sound they produce may seem better to you.. But in reality, the 80's and They can't be as good as the reference Amplifiers from the 90's..