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The Marantz 2238B is a highly-regarded vintage stereo receiver produced between 1977 and 1980, known for its warm, classic sound, Gyro-Touch tuning, and iconic silver faceplate. It delivers 38 to 42 watts per channel into 8Ω. It is a desirable, durable piece of 1970s hi-fi equipment, often updated with blue LED lights for a modern look, in fact one of the original incandescent dial lamps appears to be out (or very dim) and these receivers benefit greatly from the LED upgrade. It still sounds terrific.Power Output: 38–42 watts per channel into 8ΩFrequency Response: 10Hz to 40kHzTotal Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%Damping Factor: 40Dimensions: Approximately 17.3" x 5.4" x 14"Inputs: Phono, Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2Tone Controls: Bass, Mid, Treble (with concentric adjustment).Key Features: Gyro-Touch tuning, FM muting, Loudness, High Filter, Low FilterService History: No service records were included from the prior owner. Here at the shop we did routine testing, a thorough cleaning and inspection.Cosmetic Condition: Overall we rated this at Good, the case shows some wear.In the Milwaukee Area? Stop in our shop to inspect/demoSee our feedback and thank you for considering. All the gear we sell is packaged with great care for safe arrival in the condition advertised.
This is a buyer’s market at this price point only if you can verify condition, because the ask sits exactly at the median of recent comps: US$800 versus a US$475 to US$900 spread. That makes it fair, not a steal, and it leaves little room for cosmetic issues or needed service work.
The appeal is the usual Marantz one: warm, musical vintage receiver sound, solid FM/AM-era charm, and a loyal following that keeps well-kept examples easy to move if you ever resell. At US$800, the upside is mainly in a clean, original unit with documented servicing, strong cosmetics, and all knobs/caps intact; if it has not been recapped or tested, budget accordingly, since age-related drift and switch/pot noise are the main watchouts on gear this old.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Marantz originated in the United States, founded in 1953 by Saul Bernard Marantz, a music enthusiast and amateur musician born in Brooklyn in 1911. Dissatisfied with the audio equipment of the era, he crafted the groundbreaking Audio Consolette preamplifier in 1952 from his New York home, selling the first 100 units rapidly and prompting the formal establishment of the company in Woodside, Queens. Though production later shifted to Japan in partnership with manufacturers like Standard Radio in 1966, and the brand evolved through ownership changes including Superscope and eventual integration into larger groups, its heritage remains rooted in American ingenuity and a relentless pursuit of musical fidelity.
The brand excels in high-end audio components, particularly amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated systems that defined its golden era. Iconic models like the Model 7 preamplifier (1958), Model 9 power amplifier (1960), and Model 10B tuner (1964) set benchmarks for performance, while later offerings expanded to tuners, receivers, and CD players. Marantz briefly ventured into speakers under designer Ed May in the 1970s but focused primarily on electronics rather than turntables, headphones, DACs, or cables, emphasizing separates renowned for their "Most Musical Sound."
Marantz commands a premium position in the hi-fi market, revered as a high-end pioneer that shaped the audiophile landscape through the 1970s zenith. Today, it blends vintage allure with modern elegance, appealing to discerning buyers who value durability, innovation, and warm, detailed sound signatures over mass-market accessibility.
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