Best vintage Marantz receivers?

Hello Hitter,
I wouldn't suspect the Silver-Faced 2285B version sounding different than the Black-Faced Euro version.

Only differences I saw, was the different Power Cords, the 2285B had already had the Power Cord Changed, but I did have to convert the 5025B to a US Power Cord.

As for aesthetics-cosmetics, the Silver Face Version is also very beautiful, especially when lit up in the dark, but the Black Faced Unit really made all those Silver Knobs, Silver Buttons, and Silver Dial Face really pop!

I reckon never say never though, as there could've been minor differences interally with different brand electronic parts? I've never had a US version 2285B to compare it with.

As always, there can be subtle variations between even the exact same two models.

Ben Blish on his vintage Marantz site himself could probably comment more on this, and also perhaps some of the gurus in the Marantz section of the AudioKarma Forums. Hope this helps, Mark

I have to go with the Marantz 2270 too. I purchased one in 1972 and sold it to my Uncle in 1974. He is still using it and it looks fantastic. About 10 years ago I told him he should take it to this tuner specialist in the NYC area and get the inside cleaned. I am still amazed at how sweet it sounds especially with the EPI 201 speakers I sold him too.

Model 18. Sonic superior to all the others. Last component and only receiver built by Marantz before it was sold to Superscope, distributor of Sony tapedecks. Less power than the 19 but more open and rounded sound. A classic!

When I was a post-doc at Stanford, I spent a month's stipend on a Model 18 that one of the grad students was able to buy at a discount because he also worked for a recording studio. I still have it, sitting on a shelf in our media room. It may have had only 40 watts per channel, but it drove any speakers I used with it to insane levels, including a pair of the notoriously inefficient AR3as. It's not used now, but it has great sentimental value to me; I wish I had a place to use it -- I still have the old AR3as in a closet as well. I highly recommend the 18.

db

My 2270 just became my main system with Polk Monitor 10As. Both are near mint and all I can say is I do not miss my separates. The music is just there. Plenty of power and detail for all music. Also collectable and gorgeous looks.