The Marantz 2245 is a classic solid-state Marantz receiver. It was produced from 1971 to around 1976. Marantz was a big player in the receiver industry in the 70s. In those days, you could pair this with a classic bookshelf speaker like the JBL-L100 and a Dual turntable. In this article, we will review the Marantz 2245 including all its features, sound quality, build quality, price, power, and more!
The 22XX series represents Marantz’s first serious foray into the receiver arena. The 2245 is the mid-level model and the little brother to the Marantz 2270. However, it pushes more power, offers better features, and has a better tuner section than the entry-level 2230.
If you are looking for the manual, here you go: Marantz 2245 Receiver Manual
Specifications
- Tuning range: FM, MW
- Power output: 45 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.3%
- Damping factor: 45
- Input sensitivity: 1.8mV (MM), 180mV (line)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 80dB (line)
- Channel separation: 35dB (line)
- Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
- Dimensions: 17-21/64 x 5-25/64 x 14 inches
- Weight: 34.5lbs
- Year: 1971
Sound Quality
Marantz receivers are well known for their warm sonic presentation. It’s a pleasant, somewhat warm, and friendly tonal balance that is hard to find in many other receiver brands like McIntosh at the time.
This sound quality is the reason that Marantz receivers were ahead of other brands during the 1970s.
For audiophiles, intense listening will disclose a soft low-frequency presentation. However, you may also notice a lack of a coherent three-dimensional soundstage. However, this device was built in the 70s, so what can you expect?
FM Tuner
The Marantz 2245 is shipped with an FM tuner. The FM section is fitted with a dipole antenna that offers healthy signal strength and low background noise. However, there were receivers at the time that had better tuners.
Additionally, the Marantz 2245 offers a Mid-tone adjustment. It also offers a low and hi-pass frequency filter along with loudness and muting.
Design and Build Quality
This receiver is nicely designed with a wood-grain cabinet, which is the typical look of a mid-1970s Marantz receiver. You can get it with a brushed aluminum faceplate or fully brushed aluminum as well.
Please however keep in mind that the wood case can inhibit the flow of air into the unit somewhat which can result in overheating.
To complete the design, the 2245 receiver comes with a blue tuning dial and flywheel tuner, which they called Gyro Touch Tuning.
Power and Impedance
The 2245 is able to put out 45 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
Dimensions and Weight
The 2245 is a heavy receiver which is typical of receivers but around its time. It weighs just over 30 pounds.
Price
Back in its heyday, the 2245 was originally sold for $449. At the time, this was a premium price compared to other receiver brands like the Pioneer SX-828 and Kenwood KR-5150.
However, you certainly won’t get something this good for $449 today. In other words, if you were to adjust for inflation, this unit would cost much more than $449 new today.
If you were to restore and perfect condition a Marantz 2245, it will still cost around $450. If you have one that is in good condition, meaning some minor cosmetic flaws, you may get it for about $400 or so.
Of course, if the unit is in bad condition, you can get it for much less. There are models on eBay that start at $150.
The fact is, there is high demand for this product even today and that keeps the price high.
Marantz 2245 Restoration
If you have a working 2245 with slight cosmetic flaws, a little cosmetic cleanup will bring the unit right back to life. However, what if you want to completely restore a broken until?
In general, restoring Marantz receivers isn’t difficult because they are very well but. In fact, if there is internal damage, most technicians should be able to easily fix it.
The circuit board is neatly laid out and not too compact. In fact, some of the boards can be swiveled out without removing them completely.
Marantz 2245 DIY Fixes
If you have a 2245 that has been laying around for quite a while, it may not work if you just try to power it up. The fact is, vintage receivers use switches and potentiometers that will become dirty over the years.
This can cause the receiver to behave strangely or not even work at all. So, the first thing you should try to do is to clean the knobs. This is often a problem with Pioneer receivers, but it occurs with all vintage receivers.
Finally, if you check out pictures or videos of the original receiver, you may notice that the tuning dial is blue. However, with your receiver, the tuning dial will likely be yellow or green. This is because of the vellum paper used. It simply changes color over time. You can also change out the original LED lamp for a color of your choice.
You can learn more by checking out our comparison of Marantz and other receivers: