Marantz 2238 Vintage Stereo Receiver – 38 WPC

Saul B. Marantz founded the company in New York in 1953. His first product, the Audio Consolette preamplifier, became the Model 1, and Marantz dates the first Consolettes to 1952–53. Marantz says the early factory was in Woodside, Queens.

The tube years. Through the late 1950s and early 1960s Marantz built a small run of tube separates in New York that collectors still chase: the Model 7 preamplifier (1958), the Model 9 power amplifier (1960) and the Model 10B tuner (1964).

Superscope and the move to Japan. In 1964 Superscope, the company that also distributed Sony tape recorders in the US, bought Marantz, and Saul Marantz resigned at the end of 1967. The Model Eighteen of 1968 was the first Marantz receiver, rated at 40 watts per channel. Under Superscope, design moved to California and, from the late 1960s, production moved to Japan through Standard Radio, which became Marantz Japan in 1975. Receivers such as the 2230 and 2270 are listed as designed in the USA and produced in Japan.

The power race. After a 1974 Federal Trade Commission rule tightened how amplifier power was rated, receiver makers competed on watts. Marantz's Model 2500 of the late 1970s was rated at 250 watts per channel and had an oscilloscope tuning display.

Philips, Denon and today. In 1980 Philips bought Superscope's stake in Marantz Japan and the brand outside the US and Canada. Marantz says its CD-63 of 1982 was one of the first CD players, and its "KI Signature" models carry the initials of Ken Ishiwata, who joined in 1978. In 2001 Marantz Japan bought the trademark back from Philips, and in 2002 it combined with Denon to form D&M Holdings. In September 2025 HARMAN, a Samsung company, completed its purchase of Sound United, the parent of Marantz and Denon.

Tube separates (1950s–60s): the Models 1, 7, 8B, 9 and 10B, built in New York. Rare collector pieces.

First receivers (from 1968): the Model Eighteen, followed by the Nineteen at the end of 1969.

22xx receivers (from 1972): the first set was the 2215, 2230, 2245 and 2270, with the champagne-gold faceplate, blue-lit dial and "Gyro-Touch" flywheel tuning. A higher number generally means more power: the 2230 is rated at 30 watts per channel, the 2270 at 70. Later "B" versions such as the 2220B and 2285B followed.

Big late-1970s receivers: the 2325 (125 watts per channel), the 2500 flagship and four-channel "Quad" receivers.

1000-series integrated amplifiers: for example the 1060 (30 watts per channel, from 1971), the 1070 and the 1150 (75 watts per channel). The slim 1030, 1040, 1060 and 1070 share their case size with tuners such as the 104, 105 and 112.

Tuners: from the tube Model 10B to solid-state models such as the 2130, with its oscilloscope display.

Wood cases: Marantz sold its wood cases separately: the WC-22 for the 22xx receivers, the WC-10 for the slim 1000-series amplifiers and 100-series tuners, and the WC-1 for larger models such as the 1200. That is why so many turn up bare. A customer who sold Marantz in Ontario in the 1970s told us the cases his shop ordered were built here in Canada, by Westinghouse. Our own cherry WC-22 and WC-10 style cabinets are made in Canada too.

CD players: from the CD-63 of 1982 to the KI Signature versions.

Dial and meter lamps. Burnt-out bulbs are common on 1970s receivers and are often replaced, sometimes with LEDs. Ask which, if the look of the dial matters to you.

The dial itself. The diffuser sheet behind the dial ages and can dull the glow. Check that the Gyro-Touch pointer moves smoothly and tracks the stations; dial cords are a common replacement part.

Controls and switches. Crackle when you turn a control or work a switch usually means dirt. Try every input, and walk away from a unit that drops a channel.

Capacitors and bias. Electrolytic capacitors in 1970s gear are often past their best, and full restorations replace them. Restorers also set the bias and DC offset.

Cosmetics. Pitting on the faceplate points to damp storage, and dents or water stains to rough handling.

Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.