Marantz
Marantz 2238 Stereo Receiver
Best vintage receiver for audiophiles seeking classic warmth and reliable performance.
Experience the warm, rich audio of the Marantz 2238B Stereo Receiver, a classic from the late 1970s. This beautifully restored unit (9/10 condition) offers crisp highs, smooth mids, and deep bass, thanks to upgraded components and new LED lighting. It delivers over 38 watts per channel into 8 ohms, ensuring a truly immersive listening experience. Verified for all inputs and AM/FM tuner operation, this receiver combines iconic Marantz aesthetics with exceptional sound quality for your home entertainment.
$1399.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
245
/ 560
#245 in Audio & Video Receivers
Price vs Category Average
-47%
Below average
Power Output
2388
/ X W RMS at ohms
Who it's for
- Vinyl collectors needing a high-quality built-in phono stage
- Design enthusiasts seeking a classic mid-century centerpiece
- Audiophiles who prefer a rich, non-fatiguing listening experience
Who should skip it
- Users requiring modern digital connectivity or remote control convenience
- Buyers wanting a plug-and-play experience without maintenance costs
- Listeners with power-hungry speakers or very large rooms
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
Delivers the signature lush, analog character sought by vintage audio enthusiasts.
Restoration Quality
Upgraded components and modern LED lighting ensure reliable, long-term performance.
Power Headroom
Thirty-eight watts per channel handles efficient speakers with ease and clarity.
Phono Stage Fidelity
High-quality internal circuitry provides a rich, detailed experience for vinyl playback.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty chassis construction reflects the robust engineering of the late seventies.
Control Responsiveness
Refreshed contacts provide smooth, noise-free adjustments for volume and tone settings.
Key Specs
Power Output
2 X 38W RMS at 8 ohms
Frequency Response
10Hz to 60kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.08% at 8 ohms
Damping Factor
45
Output Impedance
8 ohms
Dimensions
440 x 137 x 362mm
Weight
12.5 Kg
Phono Input Sensitivity
1.8 mV
Features
- Recently restored with new electronic components
- Upgraded dial and meter lighting to LEDs
- Fully verified AM/FM tuner operation
- Cleaned and refreshed control contacts
- Delivers warm, rich audio reproduction
- Classic late 1970s Marantz design
- Verified functionality across all inputs
- Exceptional sound quality
What customers say
The Marantz 2238 Stereo Receiver earns overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on its iconic vintage design and signature audio quality. Owners praise the sound profile as warm, rich, and non-fatiguing, ideal for vinyl listening. The 38 watts per channel provides excellent clarity, especially in the mid-range. Beyond performance, the physical presence—featuring the blue tuning dial and brushed aluminum faceplate—is frequently cited as a major satisfaction driver, often called 'audio jewelry.' While vintage maintenance is expected, buyers consider restoration a worthwhile investment due to the unit's high build quality, enduring performance, and strong resale value. It is viewed as a beloved classic artifact delivering superior musicality.
Know before you buy
The unit has been fully serviced, which includes replacing aging electronic components to ensure reliability and cleaning all control contacts to eliminate static or noise. Additionally, the original incandescent lighting has been upgraded to modern LEDs for better longevity and a cooler operating temperature.
Yes, this receiver features a dedicated phono input, making it fully compatible with most vintage and modern turntables. You can plug your turntable directly into the phono jacks without needing an external preamp.
For most home listening environments, 38 watts per channel is plenty of power to drive standard bookshelf or floor-standing speakers to comfortable volumes. It is best suited for speakers with moderate to high sensitivity ratings.
No, this is a purely analog receiver from the late 1970s and does not feature digital inputs, Bluetooth, or HDMI ports. To use modern digital sources, you would need to connect an external DAC or a Bluetooth adapter to one of the available analog auxiliary inputs.
The Marantz 2238B is known for a 'warm' and 'rich' sound signature, which many listeners find more musical and less clinical than modern digital amplifiers. It excels at providing a smooth, immersive midrange that is characteristic of the classic Marantz house sound.
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$1399