it's good, really good / 2238B

[JSP24]

I bought a Marantz 2238B new back in 78 (I think) and have had it since. It did need a repair a few years ago when one channel went south, but it has been a jewel in my system.

I have toyed with the idea of "upgrading" to a tube amp. (As many have claimed the tube liquid sound is so fine) I even tried a SET amp and while it sounded very nice, frankly, I could not hear a significant improvement (even though it costa plenty), so the Marantz will rule until something audibly better can dethrone it. It could be me; my ears are in their 50's.

The power is 38 watts, and is more than enough with the efficient Altecs.

The only thing that I think might improve it is a better FM antenna. I just have one of those wire jobs that is about six foot long. Any suggestions? Should I connect the cable TV coax line as it has some music channels that are nice??

[jstang]

I bought a Marantz 2238B new back in 78 (I think) and have had it since. It did need a repair a few years ago when one channel went south, but it has been a jewel in my system.

I have toyed with the idea of "upgrading" to a tube amp. (As many have claimed the tube liquid sound is so fine) I even tried a SET amp and while it sounded very nice, frankly, I could not hear a significant improvement (even though it costa plenty), so the Marantz will rule until something audibly better can dethrone it. It could be me; my ears are in their 50's.

The power is 38 watts, and is more than enough with the efficient Altecs.

The only thing that I think might improve it is a better FM antenna. I just have one of those wire jobs that is about six foot long. Any suggestions? Should I connect the cable TV coax line as it has some music channels that are nice??



Well you might want to consider a full restoration..... Recap, resolder and cleaning.....on and on.... 30 years old units do degrade some... But the smaller units hold up better over time than the big ones.

Every unit that I have refurbished has sounded better in the end.... Some take more work than others and some improve more than others.... But every one has improved.... Done right, it's like going back in time to when these units were new....

But like every thing else.... it will either cost you time or money or both....


johnk

[chauncy]

when I started collecting Marantz (5 peices now) my first find was a greasy nicotine covered 2238b, used and abused, no backlighting...just looking for love....well she's turned out to be the jewel in my collection.
I may sell or trade other peices but that little 38b aint going nowhere.....enjoy:music: