[ssrock64]

God, I need to get myself one of the Marantz units that keeps popping up on the Craigslist, just for looks. They simply can't be beat in the visual department.

 

[Destroysall]

  God, I need to get myself one of the Marantz units that keeps popping up on the Craigslist, just for looks. They simply can't be beat in the visual department.

I can safely say I agree. While I simply adore the look of Pioneer's integrated amplifiers, the Marantz have this enigmatic sort of "class" to them that I too feel can't be ignored. While I do wish the amplification were more powerful, it does have this warm "analogue" sound that is just wonderful. So I definitely recommend them if you do find them.

 

[kstuart]

LOL - that picture could have been taken in the 1970s  - no one would know. 

 

[harrinj]

  So finally have an excuse to post here, mind me. I have in my current possession, a Marantz 2220B receiver. While the receiver may need some cleaning work and bulb replacements, it has served me well so far. I currently utilize it as a phono preamp and speaker amplifier for my Technics SL-210 F.G. Servo turntable.

 
The record playing on the turntable is Mobile Fidelity's pressing of Miles Davis' Round About Midnight, which sounds fantastic (even in Mono). : - )

You like your 2220B? They are pretty. I have a mint condition 2220B, it sits atop my 4240. 

 

[claybum]

man, this 500c is beautiful....and someone is gonna pay some big bucks for it.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-FISHER-500c-12ax7-7591-Tube-Stereo-FM-Receiver-Fisher-400-800c-era-/111183475146?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item19e30d31ca

 

[Destroysall]

  You like your 2220B? They are pretty. I have a mint condition 2220B, it sits atop my 4240. 

I started off conflicted with the receiver. I personally enjoy a somewhat bright and detailed sound, and the Marantz is warm. While I still don't enjoy the amp with headphones, I do find it to work loudspeakers wonderfully. I plan on upgrading my speakers later this year and will most likely upgrade to a newer amplifier as well, but It would be hard for me to let this one go.

 

[harrinj]

 
I started off conflicted with the receiver. I personally enjoy a somewhat bright and detailed sound, and the Marantz is warm. While I still don't enjoy the amp with headphones, I do find it to work loudspeakers wonderfully. I plan on upgrading my speakers later this year and will most likely upgrade to a newer amplifier as well, but It would be hard for me to let this one go.

same! I never enjoyed it with headphones either but speakers sound decent off of the 2220B. 

 

[ssrock64]

I feel that way about the SX780, but that's probably because I have a DAC1 and an Auditor for my headphones. I've spoiled myself on that front, whereas I've never really had anything adequate to drive my speakers. I absolutely love jamming out to anything in my collection with my Missions.

 

[moodyrn]

  man, this 500c is beautiful....and someone is gonna pay some big bucks for it.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-FISHER-500c-12ax7-7591-Tube-Stereo-FM-Receiver-Fisher-400-800c-era-/111183475146?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item19e30d31ca

That is beautiful, and it has the one thing mine is missing....a mint original cabinet. I really hope I can score one soon and after seeing that one I stand behind my original premise of preferring the originals over any current production one. And that includes the gorgeous cabinets from McIntosh cabinets. Yes they look better overall, but the original walnut cabinet just mates perfect with that face plate. 
 
On the other hand, I feel even more privileged for have mine. Looking at the internals, the restore job on mine was way better. But yeah, that price is pretty typical for a refurbished one in mint condition. But fortunate for me, mine only cost me 502 shipped.

 

[kstuart]

I'm sorry but the Fisher amps may sound great, but they look like ass.  They have these little slide switches like from cheap kids electronics kits.  The knobs look and feel cheap as well. In my opinion, one might think they look good, simply because you know they sound good - a sort of "appearance placebo effect".

 

[moodyrn]

I'll have to disagree with that. And the notion of sound having a placebo affect visually is a bit funny to me. Ultimately  for me it's all about how it sounds. But imo the 800/500/400 receivers look stunning. Much better than most tube receivers from that era(save a select few). I feel the same way about the x100B/kx100, x202, and especially the x1000(not so much for the c series though). But beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
 
While it's true the knobs are plastic with brass caps, that have little effect visually for me. They don't have the feel of many solid state receivers. But even many of those have plastic knobs. Just take one off and have a look on the inside. There you will find plastic with an aluminum covering. Some of them even have plastic with a fake aluminum plastic covering. Very few actually have milled solid aluminum knobs.

 

[PhoenixG]

Speaking of knobs here - I am definitely guilty of judging receivers based on how their knobs are made, at least on some level. I reeeeealy prefer the quality milled knobs. Even though I know it is in no way directly related to sound quality.

 

[palmfish]

Let me put my nomex on...
 
I have always disliked the way Marantz receivers look. I hate the tuning wheel. But the silver ones look way better than the hideous gold receivers they made for a while!

 

[LugBug1]

I do like how the classic Marantz look (great knobs), but the appeal very soon goes out the window as you find better made and sounding amps. The Pioneers through-out the 70's are generally better to look at in 'real life'. The outsides are also - better made (even better knobs!). More attention to detail and the feel of the controls are very high quality even on the lower end models. 
 
Its the design of the Marantz that is eye catching and deserved of the aesthetic award. But compared to the big girls... They can be a little 'all fur coat and no knickers'. If you know what I mean  
 
I love my Marantz but wouldn't keep them over any of my Pioneer or Sansui's. 

 

[palmfish]

'all fur coat and no knickers'. If you know what I mean  

 
I have no problem with that personally, although I agree with receivers its not as appealing...