Marantz 2265B (1978-1980)

Marantz 2265B (1977-1979)

The 2265B is one of the most handsome and well-proportioned units Marantz ever put out. It has enough power to be useful, without the heft and price of its bigger brothers. Made from 1977 to 1979, it came out of the "B" line refresh. The blue dial, the click of the switches and the glow of the tuner indicators are all 70s Marantz. Saul Marantz's company was on a roll in those years.

Specifications

Years of Production	1977 – 1979
Power Output	65 watts per channel (continuous, 8Ω, both channels driven)
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.05% max at rated power
Speaker Impedance	4-16Ω
Original Retail Price	$580.00

Historical Significance

The 2265B belongs to Marantz's 2200 series. It is a mid-range receiver from the peak of the analog era. It wasn't the biggest of the line, but a lot of serious enthusiasts could afford one and fit it on their shelf. By this point Marantz's "warm" solid-state sound was fully refined, and it offered an alternative to the more clinical Japanese competitors.

Sound Signature

Ah, the famous "Marantz sound." The 2265B has it in spades. It's rich, warm, and surprisingly detailed. The bass has a pleasing weight to it without being bloated, the mids are lush and present (vocals are a dream), and the highs are smooth, never harsh or fatiguing. The tuner section is a standout—incredibly sensitive and with fantastic stereo separation that can pull in stations you didn't know existed. Is it the absolute last word in razor-sharp detail? Maybe not, but what it gives you is a sound you can listen to for hours and hours. It makes music feel like music, not a technical exercise.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

These are getting old, so expect to do some work. The most common issues are scratchy pots and switches (a good cleaning with DeoxIT is step one), failing bulbs behind the dial and meters, and aging capacitors. LED upgrade kits are popular for the bulbs, but purists will seek original-style lamps. The power supply and amplifier board caps are the usual suspects for a recap. The good news is that these are built like tanks and are easier to work on than later, more cramped designs. A recently serviced one is a find. If not, budget for a tune-up.

Collectibility and Market Value

This is a highly desirable model. It has enough power, handsome looks, and a price that isn't completely astronomical. A clean, fully serviced example can easily command $500 to $800 on today's market. A project unit in rough shape might be half that. Given its reputation, it's likely to hold its value well. Collectibility Rating: 8/10.