The Marantz 2220 was an entry level model in 1973 but was still a very good performing receiver which retailed for about $300. While officially producing 20 watts per channel many report that it is underrated. The 2220 receiver also has the classic mid 70’s Marantz styling with a silver face, gyro or fly wheel tuner, and blue dial glow.
While most 2220’s have a silver faceplate there seem to be some out there that have a more gold anodized or champagne look to them. The blue dial sometimes has a more green tint to it as well. This is because the vellum paper behind the dial face has yellowed over the years. The vellum can be replaced and/or new LED lamps installed. The LED’s do tend to give it a brighter than original look though that some don’t like.
The entire Marantz 22xx line is known for its warm and musical sound quality and the 2220 is no exception. It also features a Signal Strength meter, both Low and Hi filters, Loudness, Muting, and Bass and Treble tone controls. Buyers could also purchase the optional WC-22 wood case which gives the 2220 a very elegant look.
Marantz 2220 Specifications:
- Tuning range: FM, MW
- Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8 ohms (stereo)
- Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.9%
- Damping factor: 45
- Input sensitivity: 1.8mV (MM), 180mV (line)
- Signal to noise ratio: 77dB (line)
- Channel separation: 35dB (line)
- Speaker load impedance: 4 to 16 ohms
- Dimensions: 17-21/64 x 5-25/64 x 14 inches
- Weight: 26.4lbs
Many wonder what the difference is between the 2220 and the 2220B is. The answer is – quite a bit. The B version hit the market a little later than the non-B and has a Balance slider control directly in the middle of the unit as well as a mid range tone control. While the 2220B seems to have more features, the 2220 is considered to be of better build quality. Just to confuse matters more there is also 2220 c version. The ‘C’ is not designated on the front faceplate but on the rear panel instead. What it stands for I’m not sure as it looks just like a regular 2220 to me. Possibly there are some variations to the internal circuitry.
As mentioned above the 2220 is a well built receiver. It is cap-coupled and incorporates a low-noise, low-distortion FET, RF and IF circuitry, good sized heat sinks, and automatic protection for internal circuitry and speakers. Repair, however, isn’t always an easy task. The amplifier and power supply boards and filter coupling caps are not easy to get out of the unit.
The Marantz 2220 is a lot of receiver for a reasonable price (relative to other Marantz receivers). It has excellent reliability and its 20 watts per channel is easily enough to power a set of 2-way bookshelf speakers in a small to moderate sized room. The styling is classic vintage Marantz as is the warm sound. It was a good buy when new in 1973 and is a good buy today as well.
