The Marantz 2225 receiver holds a special place in the world of vintage audio equipment.
Produced by Marantz in the mid-1970s, this receiver is not only a testament to the brand’s commitment to audio excellence but also a symbol of an era when audio enthusiasts sought the perfect blend of style and sound quality.
It also holds a special place in my listening room as the centerpiece of my own system.
Marantz, a name synonymous with high-end audio, introduced the 2225 in 1976 as one of their lower-powered receivers. In their model naming convention, XX25 would signify an output of 25 watts per channel, though I’ve seen where some tests come in at about 30+ watts per channel. Either way, it’s still plenty of power for most average sized rooms. Mine is currently running a vintage pair of Cerwin Vega D3s (main) and a set of Polk Audio TSi200 bookshelf speakers (remote) very nicely thank you.
One of the key differences between the Marantz 2225 and their earlier models was its use of a dual-rail direct coupled design, a departure from the single-rail cap-coupled design they previously used. This new approach was pitched as bringing about enhanced stability and precision to the audio signal processing, more accurate amplification, resulting in cleaner and crisper sound reproduction.
At least that’s what the marketing department said.
A quick search of the internet will provide you with varying opinions on whether or not that is true, but to me, those are the types of arguments that suck the joy out of actually listening to classic music on vintage gear.
All I know is Jungleland is playing as I write this and Bruce never sounded better.
With that as a backdrop, let’s delve into the world of the Marantz 2225 receiver, exploring its design, features, technical specifications, and the listening experience it offers. Whether you’re a vintage audio aficionado or someone just discovering the beauty of classic audio equipment, the Marantz 2225 would be a beautiful addition to your system.
So, let’s check it out.
General Review of the Marantz 2225
The Marantz 2225 receiver, born in the mid-1970s, is a classic example of Marantz’s dedication to producing high-quality audio equipment. It exudes a timeless elegance with its brushed metal faceplate, well placed controls, and iconic gyro-touch tuning wheel. The mid 70s was a time when audio equipment was not just about sound but also a statement of style, and the Marantz family of receivers was no exception. One of the key visual highlights of the 2225 is the blue glow of the tuning dial, and signal strength and FM tuning meters. It’s worth listening to it with the lights off.
With a power output of 25 watts per channel into 8Ω, it may not have been the most powerful receiver of its time, but it offered a balanced and refined sound signature that appealed to avid listeners then and now.
The front panel of the Marantz 2225 features an array of controls, including the gyro-touch tuning wheel that allowed users to smoothly and precisely tune in to their favorite radio stations. This receiver also sports a feature many competitors of that era lacked: a midrange control to complement the usual bass and treble tone controls. Once you go mid, you can never go back.
Control Knobs, Buttons, and Switches
Let’s take a closer look at the control knobs, buttons, and switches on the front panel of the Marantz 2225:
- Gyro-Touch Tuning Wheel: The centerpiece of the front panel, this unique horizontal tuning wheel allows users to smoothly and precisely tune in their desired radio stations. Its tactile feel and precision tuning make it a standout feature.
- Function Selector: This knob allows users to choose between various functions such as AM, FM, Phono, Aux, and Tape2. It determines the audio source that would be played through the receiver.
- Bass, Mid, and Treble Controls: These knobs allow users to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble levels to fine-tune the tone to their preferences. If you try to take away my midrange control, you’ll need to pry it from my cold, dead fingers.
- Balance Control: The balance control slider enables users to adjust the balance between the left and right speakers, allowing you to compensate for your specific room setup. Unlike most receivers where the balance control is a knob like volume, bass, or treble, Marantz went with a slider control, providing you with a visual representation of your right/left balance.
- Volume Control: The volume knob is, of course, responsible for adjusting the overall volume output of the receiver. Unlike the bass, treble, and midrange knobs which have tactile steps as you turn them, the volume knob has no increments marked around it and it turns smoothly. I suppose some would like it to have markings labeled around the knob, but I’m okay with the feel of it as is.
- Loudness Control: The loudness button, when engaged, boosts the bass and treble frequencies at lower volume levels. This feature compensates for the human ear’s reduced sensitivity to low and high frequencies at lower volumes. Whether or not to use the loudness control is a whole other area you can get into internet arguments over. I’m a user and not ashamed to admit it.
- Speaker Selection Buttons: Users can select Main, Remote, or both sets of speakers connected to the receiver. It provides flexibility in configuring speaker setups. As I mentioned above, I’ve got a set of Cerwin Vega D3s and a pair of Polk Audio TSi200s in my system. Way more speaker than I need for my office/man cave, but go big or go home.
- High Filter Filter Button: This switch is used to reduce high frequency noise that is common with worn or poor condition vinyl. It can also reduce the annoying whistling sound caused by AM interference, if listening to AM radio is your thing. Personally, I’m not listening to much (any?) AM radio and try to keep most of my vinyl in decent shape, so I rarely employ this filter.
- And the usual Tape Monitor, Dolby FM, FM Muting, and Mono buttons that you’ll find on most receivers of the time.
Nothing earth-shattering here, but everything you need, with a midrange knob as the cherry on top.
Marantz 2225 Technical Specifications
- Tuning Range: The receiver covered FM, MW, and LW bands.
- Power Output: It promised 25 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), which, while not the most powerful, was ample for most home audio setups of its time. As I mentioned above, I think actual performance is probably closer to 30+ watts per channel.
- Frequency Response: The frequency response of the 2225 ranged from 10Hz to 50kHz, ensuring it captured both low and high-frequency audio with precision.
- Total Harmonic Distortion: With a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.5%, the Marantz 2225 aimed for high fidelity and minimal distortion in audio playback.
- Damping Factor: The receiver boasted a damping factor of 45, contributing to its ability to control speaker drivers effectively.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 77dB for the line inputs ensured a low noise floor and clean audio reproduction.
- Dimensions: The Marantz 2225 measured 17-3/8″ wide x 5-3/8″ high x 14″ deep.
- Weight: Weighing in at 26.5 lbs, this receiver was built to last and had a reassuring heft.
The 2225’s specifications, while not groundbreaking, were solid and ensured a reliable audio experience for its users.
Years of Production and Retail Cost
The Marantz 2225 was produced from 1976 to about 1977, aligning with the peak of the vintage audio era. During this time, audio enthusiasts sought not only great sound but also aesthetically pleasing equipment to showcase in their homes.
The retail cost of the Marantz 2225 in the mid-1970s was in the neighborhood of $350. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to $1888 today. Not cheap, but not outrageous.The receiver’s price positioned it as a mid-range option in Marantz’s lineup, making it accessible to a broader audience.
As I’m writing this, a fully serviced 2225 in mint condition is going to fetch $1000 or more on ebay. A fully serviced unit in average to good cosmetic condition goes for somewhere between $500 and $1000. Untested or parts only models are getting bid up to a couple hundred dollars.
Comparable Receivers of the Era
To understand the Marantz 2225’s place in the vintage audio landscape, here’s some of the competitors’ receivers from the same era. Several manufacturers were producing receivers with similar price ranges, features, and functionality during the mid-1970s. Here are a few notable models, in no particular order:
- Pioneer SX-650
Pioneer’s SX-650 was a formidable competitor to the Marantz 2225. It offered 35 watts per channel, AM/FM tuning, and a stylish brushed metal front panel. These days it lives in the shadows of its bigger siblings, but at the time it was on par with the 2225. - Sansui 771
Sansui’s 771 receiver was another contender in the mid-1970s. It featured 30 watts per channel, a sleek design, and a reputation for producing warm and lush sound. - Kenwood KR-4400
Kenwood’s KR-4400 was a budget-friendly option with 20 watts per channel. While it may not have matched the power of the Marantz 2225, it delivered good sound quality and was an affordable choice. - Yamaha CR-1020
Yamaha’s CR-1020 was a high-end alternative to the Marantz 2225. It provided 70 watts per channel, an array of inputs and outputs, and Yamaha’s signature natural sound. It targeted audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.
Each of these receivers had its unique strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences within the audio enthusiast community. The choice between them often came down to personal taste in sound signature, design, specific features, and of course price.
In Conclusion
The Marantz 2225 receiver remains an iconic piece of vintage audio equipment that epitomizes the blend of style and substance sought during the 1970s, as well as by vintage audio enthusiasts today. As someone who relies on one as my daily player and the driver of my setup, I can say with confidence that you won’t be disappointed if you have the opportunity to add one to your collection.