Marantz 2226B (1979-1980)

Market Value: $250-$450 depending on condition and cosmetic appearance
Collectibility Rating: 7/10

Name: Marantz 2226B
Brand: Marantz

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Year of Production	1979-1980
Power Specifications	26W per channel (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD)
Impedance	4-16Ω
Sensitivity	Unknown
Key Features	FM/AM tuner, phono stage, tape monitor, loudness contour, bass/treble controls, walnut veneer case, Marantz proprietary power supply and amplifier circuits

Historical Significance

Sliding into the spotlight at the tail end of the 1970s, the Marantz 2226B captures a pivotal moment in audio design—the shift from sleek silver faceplates to the bolder, more refined black-fronted era. As part of Marantz’s revered B-series, this receiver wasn’t just a step forward in aesthetics; it delivered serious performance for its size, packing a punch well beyond its 26 watts. Built like a tank with a walnut-clad chassis and internal engineering that still earns respect today, the 2226B stands as a hallmark of Marantz’s golden age—where craftsmanship met sonic clarity.

Sound Signature

Expect warmth, richness, and a smoothness that invites you to play album after album. The 2226B sings with a lush midrange, ideal for vocals and acoustic textures, while its soundstage opens wide without ever feeling forced. Highs are detailed but never harsh—a signature Marantz touch that keeps listening fatigue at bay, even during marathon sessions. It’s not clinical. It’s musical, alive, and unmistakably analog.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

After four decades, time takes its toll. Electrolytic capacitors dry out, potentiometers get scratchy, and dial lamps often burn out. The power supply, while robust, can suffer from aging transistors. A full recap is almost always necessary for reliable operation, and cleaning switches and controls brings back that like-new responsiveness. Restored properly, the 2226B doesn’t just work—it thrives, sounding as intended when it rolled off the line in 1979.