Strong solid sound, very crisp and clean sound. Extremely under rated. Blew away my A/V 200 RMS Teac Receiver. This receiver is a Marantz 2245 not 2250b. They are very similar

No remote control. But I don't mind gettin of my ass to to crank it up.

I was very suprised at the raw power of this little monster. The sound is amazing and it sent my big bad Teac, home crying with its tail between its legs. I am currently running two sets of speakers from the 2245 and they both sets are rated for 150 watts. This receiver makes all four of these speaker kick ten times more then my Teac. One set of speakers is Marantz RG 150 and the other is 150 watt paradigm. High quality and classic 70's style is the perfect summary for this review. Oh by the way, this reciever weights 38 lbs. Make sure you bend at the knees when picking this baby up!

Similar Products Used:

Marantz 2250b.

Very solid, built like a tank.

Minor problems associated with age.

I had a Marantz years ago before going down the digital high tech road like most everyone else. I was convinced that the sound coming from the black plastic recievers was how music was supposed to sound. Buying this reciever was an awakening for me. Everything I play through it comes out with a new life, and it still amazes me. I am using it with Sansui spx5500 front speakers and sometimes Marantz Imperial 7's in the rear (Marantz speakers were a bit of a dissappointment), a Pioneer CT-6262 tape deck, a Marantz 6100 turntable, and a mid-fi Teac CD player. The sound is very warm and colorful with that sizzling edge that is usually found only in tubes amps. There is a slight bit of muddling during complex passages at higher volumes, probably due to the smaller amp, but that icy precision of digital amps never really appealed to me. The bass is strong and clear, like it should be. Drawback is age, of course. Electronic components deteriorate over time, and minor repairs can be expected, but like a classic auto, they are worth every penny. No one makes them like this anymore at any price. Put your high tech equipment out where everyone can see it, and put the old Marantz where YOU can liston to it. Your albums will take on a whole new meaning and you won't be disappointed.
Just a note..if you have it serviced, check around for a good vintage tech. Some store techs will replace parts with cheaper ones instead of the ones Marantz used. Marantz used the best of everything and overkilled in the designs. That accounts for the heavy wieght of these great recievers and the very solid power and dependability. Lets keep them going strong for the next generation to enjoy as much as we do.

Similar Products Used:

Beomaster 4000, Pioneer sx880