The Marantz 2238 was introduced in 1976 and retailed for around $360. As the model number implies it produces 38 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It’s a 2 channel solid state receiver in the mid range of the Marantz offerings. It also has the classic Marantz styling with the silver face plate and gyro touch tuning wheel.
The WC-122 wood case was also an option with the 2238. It measures 17 5/16 x 5 3/8 x 14 3/8 and weighs in at just over 26 pounds.
The Marantz 2238 is a Direct Coupled design which provides wide power bandwidth, excellent low frequency response and superior damping. It also incorporates a highly sensitive dual gate MOSFET FM front end and Phase Locked Loop (PLL) FM stereo demodulator. These result in low distortion levels, superior noise reduction and excellent stereo separation.
The 2238 has three tone controls, one each for Bass, Treble and Mid. They are based on a Baxandall negative feedback circuit. This circuit design allows for more specific control over a narrower band of frequencies. In other words it can boost or cut the highest range of bass or treble without affecting the mid range frequencies. The user can then adjust the Mid control without affecting the highest and lowest bass and treble frequencies. That way you can adjust your Marantz to fit your speakers and other acoustic factors.
Other Marantz offerings for the model year were the 2252, 2226 and 2216. The 2238 fit in at the higher end of the midrange. It’s 0.1% Total Harmonic distortion was equal to the 2252. In fact the 2238 is similar in performance in almost every way except for the higher watts per channel.
The layout inside the 2238 is organized and clean and the components used are top notch. There is also a 2238B model made by Marantz. The 2238B looks different on the outside. The balance control was moved from the slider in the middle of the face to a knob control next to the tone controls and the dial face changed from the black to white. Internally there are differences as well. Most claim that the 2238 is the better built receiver.
You can’t really go wrong with a good Marantz receiver and the 2238 is no exception. It’s well built, sounds great and looks good too. If you find one and have it restored you’ll have a both a fine hi fidelity receiver and a good investment.
Just a quick note to bring to your attention a book I recently completed. It is a collectors’ guide to Heathkit hi-fi and stereo products. A compendium of every kit-form audio product the company produced from 1947 to 1991, with photographs, full specifications, and three cross-referenced indexes.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon:
https://tinyurl.com/y78x6n7o
I am looking for a wood cabinet for my Marantz 2238B receiver, which I bought from Fred’s House of Music, a vintage wonderland here in Portland, OR. Any chance you can direct me to one?
Thanks! And I love your website.
There are quite a few WC-22 wood cases on eBay but they aren’t cheap. But, that’s probably your best bet.
vintagehifiaudio.com
They make reproductions and are very good. I bought one for my Marantz 2238b.
I’m glad to see this blog rebirth! Thanks! Please keep going!
I own a 2238 which I’m willing to sell ,along with my sansui towers, awesome sound and in great condition,thanks for this page
How much and where located?
Hi, the Lafayette 3030 is something I’m curious about. What do you know about this brand and model?
Thank you,
Bob Koep
I just purchased a Marantz 2238B missing knobs for bass and treble. Do you know where I can buy the knobs? Thanks
You could try eBay. They show up there once in a while. I think the 2238B, 2252B, 2285B and 2330B knobs are interchangeable. Not positive so you might want to check around. Maybe ask on audiokarma.org.
I have an opportunity to pick up a 2238B for $400. But I doubt they can power Totem Forests.
I bought a Marantz 2238 (e) black edition today, but I can’t find the meaning of the (e) on the back of the receiver.
Can anyone tell me what that means?
That’s the European model. Only differences are the black face and I believe the euro models have 2 aux inputs.
the “e” stand for Europe. You have a European market Marantz. Also, black face plate Marantz’s were sold only in the European market.
I’m going to sell my 2238. I haven’t tested yet but it does turn on. The lights are a bit dim.
How much and where are you located.
I inherited the 2238B that my father bought new, it hadn’t been used since the mid 80’s so I had it refreshed by a local authorized Marantz service company late last year. I’ve hooked up a pair of new Klipsch RP-160M bookshelf speakers and a vintage Technics SL-1500, great warm sounds plus excellent cherished memories.
I added a small powered subwoofer and replaced the Klipsch speakers with a pair of ADS L570/2’s … the music never sounded so good!
I now have a pair of ADS L780/2s hooked up to my 2238B, and they are keepers.
I’m running a set of refurbished JBL 4301b studio monitors off a Marantz 2238b and it’s a perfect match.