Are Vintage Marantz Receiver AM/FM Tuners Decent?

nature boy · « **on:** 31 Dec 2004, 12:01 am »

Anyone have experience with AM/FM tuner sensitivity and reception on the classic Marantz 2220 receiver?

Probably not in the same league as Sansui's, just want to know if they are half decent for reception. The receiver will be used in the Philadelphia area with plenty of good stations close by.

NB

ohenry · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 01:19 am »

You may want to check this site. I'm not sure if they have info on that unit but it's worth a shot.

www.fmtunerinfo.com or http://www.classic-audio.com/marantz/mindex.html

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 01:54 am »

The site above ranks Marantz tuners (whether seperate or in receivers)--
http://www.classic-audio.com/marantz/mfm.html

Looks like the 2220B comes in 8th.

warnerwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 03:27 am »

I use a Marantz 2220 as a headphone amp and it works wonderfully. It even has quiet background. I am using an outdoor yagi antenna. Was very pleased when I hooked it up as a headphone amp a couple of weeks ago. If you're in the city then the selectivity may be more of a concern than the sensitivity for picking up the stations where the little Marantz isn't that good. I'm in Portland, OR and have no problem. I even had to put an attenuator in the line for the antenna. I also use the same antenna for a modded Kenwood Kt 7500. If you can't use an outdoor antenna you can get an amplified Terk from Best buy etc. A decent antenna is mandatory.

Gordy · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 04:30 am »

Hello NatureBoy!

I'm just a few miles down the road from you (52 + 141) and have had both 2270's and 2225's receiving nicely even with simple loop antennas.
If your down in the valley of Hockessin you'll be wanting an outdoor antenna, but no matter where you are omni's just won't do it...

Sound quality is quite nice, just not up to my Sansui, but reception down around XPN etc. is actually more consistent, especially during the summer months...

HTH,
Gordy

nature boy · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:41 pm »

Hey Gordy,

I'm actually on one of the Hockessin hills and get decent Philly FM reception. Live right behind the Quaker Meeting House off Old Wilmington Road.

The receiver is actually for a colleague who lives in Philadephia proper. I'm trying to help her put together an inexpensive two-channel set up. She does a lot of listening to WHYY and WXPN. I thought a vintage Marantz receiver, old Rotel CDP, and a nice pair of bookshelf speakers would do the trick.

I am looking for a well cared for Marantz or Harmon Kardon receiver if anyone cares to part with one. A Marantz 2220 went above her price range on eBay last night.

NB

nature boy · « **Reply #6 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 06:01 pm »

Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions and information on Marantz tuners. Mission accomplished.

NB