This is the classic low power Marantz 2225. Yes, it only puts out 25 watts per channel but, in this case, that’s a good thing. The lower powered Marantz receivers are known for their great warm sound. Some think that the higher powered Marantz units are a little too muddy due to excessive bass. But, each to their own ears. The 2225 was produced from 1976 to about 1977 and retailed for about $350.00. I’ve seen estimates that show around 8000 of these stereos were made.
The reality is that the 2225 is underrated and is the dark horse of the 22XX line from Marantz. Bench tests have shown it to produce closer to 30 watts per channel. In fact, the 2225 later morphed into the 2230B which is a 30 wpc stereo. The blue tuning display, push button controls and gyro touch tuning wheel give it that classic Marantz look.
Specifications:
- Tuning range: FM, MW, LW
- Power output: 25 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
- Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.5%
- Damping factor: 45
- Input sensitivity: 1.8mV (MM), 180mV (line)
- Signal to noise ratio: 77dB (line)
- Channel separation: 30dB (line)
- Dimensions: 434 x 134 x 350mm / 17-3/8″ wide x 5-3/8″ high x 14″ deep
- Weight: 26.5 lbs
One of the main issues with 1970’s Marantz receivers, including the 2225, are lamp problems. Usually they just burn out which isn’t a big problem as they can be replaced fairly easily. The stereo indicator and dial pointer lamps are soldered into place. The meter and dial lamps are fuse type which just pop into place.
Sometimes the plastic housing that holds the lamp assembly becomes brittle and cracks or breaks. This can be a problem as replacements can be difficult to find. When replacing the lamps in the 2225 remember that the plastic assembly itself and the tabs where the screws secure it can break very easily so handle them carefully. I’ve heard however that there are entrepreneurs out there using 3-D printers to remake these plastic housings which is very good news for vintage Marantz owners.
The 2225 was one of Marantz’s first lower-powered stereos to use a dual-rail direct coupled design instead of a single-rail cap-coupled design. The FM tuner performs well and is a 4 gang unit which you don’t find often in other receivers in the same price range. As you can see the interior is uncluttered, well organized and easy to work on.
I currently have a low watt 2220B that I’m using for my phono setup and I love it. The 2225 is similar. So, don’t get carried away with the wpc ratings on some of these receivers. If you find a 2225 at a decent price get it. Even if you decide that you don’t really like it the Marantz receivers all hold their value really well so you can always sell it and get back what you paid for it or more. This holds true for most any of the 1970’s Marantz receivers.
My dad had one of these, bought brand new in early 1978, when I was a teenager and I probably spent thousands of hours listening to this beautiful sounding receiver. When I was going to tech school for electronics in the early 1980’s, I had the opportunity to bench test it. Into 8 ohms, both channels driven @ 1KHz, clipping occurred just a couple watts shy of 50 WPC. Into 4 ohms it was just over 70 WPC! The 20 – 20KHz results were only a few watts less. To say that this receiver is underrated would be the understatement of the century, I wonder if the bruises on the bottom of my lab partner’s lower jaw ever healed fully.
The good news is that this receiver is now in my possession. I fired it up about 5 years ago and it was still working fine and still sounded pretty good, although a few of the lights are out, but is probably in need of a re-cap before being put back into long term service. Which I plan to do when I get done with the rebuild/mods on the Marantz 3800 preamp I’m in the middle of right now.
I am looking to buy an antenna for my 2225 and need to know what size coaxial connector I need. Can anyone help me?