Greetings all. This is my first post, and what a wonderful community you have here!

I am looking to pick up one of two receivers (Marantz 2230 or Marantz 2238B) to try out with my Klipsch Forte IIs. As you probably know, these speakers are very sensitive (99dB), so they don't require a ton of power to sound great, which is why I want to start with one of these two, and then pick up a 2270 sometime to do some A/B comparison listening. I will be curious to see if the 2270 headroom gives me a more solid bass at higher volumes (and still sound as smooth and "tube like" as the baby Marantz receiver sound... hopefully!)

I've absorbed about all I can take in and find about these two vintage Marantz receivers.... so I guess I'm just looking for anyone with experience with either of these two with Klipsch Heritage speakers.

Is the 2238B cap or DC coupled? I know the 2230 is cap coupled, which is why many feel they sound so good with the Klipsch horns.

Both receivers have been cleaned, serviced and adjusted to spec, and both are in very nice wood cases... I think I can pick up either for $175, so I'm tempted to buy them both, take them home, and then decide which one I like?!?

p.s. I know there are many other great vintage receivers, and I'm not discounting them... I kind of have my heart set on trying a vintage Marantz first... I just love the wood and blue I guess, and the reviews are great, especially with Klipsch heritage.

Thanks!

OK, I JUST read the "Welcome to the ... Forum" sticky, and realize that I unintentionally violated "rule" #5! With my first post, I asked for some help. :nono:

I'll leave my question above, but I'll backtrack and introduce myself... and I won't leave anything to chance! :scratch2:

I live in Coralville, Iowa with my wife and two youngers kids (3 and 7). My oldest daughter just graduated college, and my son is in college and plays football. Kids have consumed my time, which is why I am just now rekindling my interest in my music and equipment. Mountain biking, bicycle touring, bowhunting, and great beer are my other interests, when I can find the time. My background is in IT, but I diverted from that 5 years ago and co-founded a Florida-based marketing promotions company. I now do my part with my company from Iowa (no offense to Florida... just not for this old "farm boy"!)

My Mom & Dad were really into music. When I was younger, Dad had a really nice Marantz system. He sold it when I was in High School, but when I was at my parents' house a while back, I saw it in some photos Mom has (which is really what piqued my interest again in vintage stuff). I couldn't make out the model numbers on the amp and preamp, but matching it with photos on classic-audio.com, I'm fairly certain they were a Model 15 Amp and Model 7T Preamp, hooked up to some Marantz speakers, which I think are one of the 900 series, but I'm not certain.

I asked my Dad if he by chance knows who might have the stereo (it is a small farm community, so he very well might have known!), but he didn't. I'd love to have his original stuff back! Then I told him how much his system is worth, and I'll abbreviate what he said to "Oh B.S." .... it was too funny.

Sorry for the rambling! There is a bit of my story, and why I want to start off with a Marantz. I bought my Forte IIs new back in 1989 I believe it was, and love them... they have been mated to a Yamaha RX-730 receiver and Sony CDP-77ES CD player almost their entire existence, and only now am I learning how much better my speakers might sound hooked up to some vintage power... plus it will just look nice!

I am not an audiophile by any stretch, but I love great music. I love any good music, but I mostly listen to classic rock, newer alternative rock, and classical... oh, and some country when my wife gets a hold of my stereo (I have to say that Big & Rich sound pretty awesome cranked up on my K2s!) I did run sound for a local band all the way through college... I'm not sure how much I learned about music doing that, but it was a great way to meet girls! :thmbsp:

If you made it this far, you have patience! I look forward to learning and sharing my experiences on your excellent forum as I try out new stuff!

Aaron Comer

Welcome Aaron!

I too have a pair of Forte II's and I agree they are very efficient. I'm driving mine with a vintage Yamaha preamp power amp combo so I can't really comment in regard to a Marantz setup. I can tell you that they sound real good in my setup. :thmbsp: :yes:

Welcome to Ak.I don't think you can go wrong with either unit.They are probably very similar.I can tell you this though.Once you try the older Marantz you will wonder why you hadn't done it years ago.

For $175.00 each buy them both

I would go with the 2230, I don't think the "b" models are cap coupled (my 2240b is not) but still sounds sooo good, my 2220 IS cap coupled and sounds even better.

Welcome to AK!

Welcome to the AK forum!!
I'm using a pair of late 60's KLH 17 speakers.....driven by a Marantz 2230 receiver.
I'd be hard pressed to find a nicer sounding vintage combo?!

Steve

I'm using a Marantz 2220b with my Klipsch. Sounds BEAUTIFUL. I think the vintage Marantz receivers work well with Klipsch. Good luck with either of your choices.

Klipsch aren't too picky. I've run one of my LaScalas off of an AM radio before.

The 2238B is the better looking to my eyes. I've run both on Altecs and liked both of them. There really isn't a whole lot of difference to my ears.