Marantz 2238B Vintage Stereo Receiver 42WPC Made in Japan

Marantz 2238B Vintage Stereo Receiver 42WPC Made in Japan

One of the most visually striking and sonically satisfying receivers of Marantz’s golden era, the Model 2238B is a beautifully built, direct-coupled 42 WPC stereo receiver made in Japan — level one serviced, in very good condition and working beautifully.

The Marantz 2238B occupies a special place in the 22xx family: its distinctive extended tuner face design with white dial and iconic blue illumination makes it one of the most visually dramatic receivers Marantz ever produced, and the audio performance more than matches the looks. Rated at 42 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the 2238B uses a direct-coupled amplifier circuit that delivers wide power bandwidth, excellent low-frequency control, and the warm, musical Marantz signature sound that collectors and listeners have sought out for decades. The FM front end uses a dual-gate MOSFET design with Phase Locked Loop stereo demodulation — resulting in low distortion, excellent noise rejection, and strong stereo separation that makes casual FM listening a genuine pleasure. Many enthusiasts consider the 2238B to represent the sweet spot of the 22xx lineup: enough power for most real-world systems, outstanding build quality, and a visual and sonic character that remains deeply compelling nearly fifty years on.

This example has undergone our Level One service and testing which should ensure many more years of reliable performance ahead. The unit has been thoroughly cleaned inside and out, all pots and switches cleaned and deoxidized for silent, smooth operation, lamps replaced to restore full dial and indicator illumination, and bias and DC offset checked and adjusted to spec — it is performing exactly as it should and sounds wonderful.

The tone control section is among the most versatile in the 22xx series: separate Bass, Mid, and Treble rotary controls with Baxandall circuitry, a Tone Defeat switch for a direct signal path, High and Low filters, and a Loudness contour control offer precise and flexible sound shaping for any listening preference. Pre-out / Main-in jacks (1.5V) allow the 2238B to be used as a standalone preamplifier or power amplifier, adding useful system flexibility. Dual tape monitor loops with record/playback distinction, an MM phono input with precision RIAA equalization, AUX input, and two sets of speaker outputs with front-panel A/B switching complete a thoroughly practical and flexible connection layout.

Key Specifications:

Type: Stereo AM/FM receiver, solid-state, direct-coupled

Power output: 42 watts per channel into 8 ohms, both channels driven

Total harmonic distortion: 0.1% at rated output

Damping factor: 40

Frequency response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz

Input sensitivity: 1.8 mV (MM phono), 180 mV (line)

Signal-to-noise ratio: 50 dB (MM phono), 50 dB (line)

Output: 180 mV (line), 1.5V (pre-out)

Inputs: MM phono (RIAA equalized), Aux, Tape 1 & 2, FM/AM antenna

Outputs: Pre-out/Main-in (1.5V), Speaker A & B, headphone (front panel)

Tone controls: Rotary Bass, Mid, Treble (Baxandall); Tone Defeat; High/Low filters; Loudness contour

Features: FM Muting, Gyro-Touch flywheel tuning, extended tuner face with white dial, dual tape loops

FM front end: Dual-gate MOSFET with PLL stereo demodulation

Semiconductors: 3 IC, 46 transistors, 34 diodes, 1 FET

Years of manufacture: 1977–1980

Country of manufacture: Japan

Finish: Silver faceplate

Condition: Very good cosmetic condition, Level One serviced, fully tested and working beautifully

Dimensions: (Width x Height x Depth) 440 x 137 x 365 mm (17.32 x 5.39 x 14.37 inches)

Weight: 12.5 kg (27.6 lbs)

Made in Japan, this Marantz 2238B is one of the most visually and sonically distinctive receivers of the entire golden era — a direct-coupled 42 WPC powerhouse with the warm Marantz sound, versatile tone shaping, pre/main flexibility, and the iconic extended-face styling that makes it an instant centerpiece in any vintage audio system.

Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence; asking $1395.