Marantz MODEL 22 (1969)

The first solid-state Marantz receiver, and a quiet redefinition of what an integrated amp could be

Overview

The Marantz MODEL 22 was the first all-solid-state model the company ever released, and it marked Marantz's full departure from tubes. It arrived in 1969. It didn't shout for attention like some of the flashier Japanese competitors, and it didn't have the glow of its tube-powered predecessors. The front panel is gold and black, with a horizontal tuning wheel and piano-key speaker terminals. It laid the foundation for the Marantz sound in the transistor era: smooth, musical, and remarkably neutral when properly maintained.

Rated at 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the MODEL 22 wasn't the most powerful receiver of its time. Marantz's own Model 19 topped it with 50 watts. It was positioned as a serious alternative for audiophiles who wanted integrated convenience without giving up fidelity. It shared design DNA with the higher-end models, borrowing from the same engineering philosophy that would later define the 22xx series. But the MODEL 22 was built during the transitional phase when Marantz was shifting manufacturing overseas, likely to Standard Radio of Japan, though heavily modified to meet Marantz's standards. It uses a dual power supply design that isolates the sensitive preamp and tuner circuits from the demands of the amplifier section.

Owners who've had one serviced often report performance that exceeds its original specs. Distortion dips below 0.1% at normal listening levels, frequency response is flat within ±0.1 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, and the phono stage measures within ±0.7 dB of ideal RIAA equalization. The FM tuner has a FET front end and dual ceramic filters, and it delivers excellent stereo separation. It also has an "Antenna Tuning" function that lets you visually minimize multipath distortion, a rare feature even on separates at the time.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Marantz
Production Years	1969–1972
Original Price	$449
Power Output	40W per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Power Output (4Ω)	50W per channel
THD	0.3% (rated), under 0.1% (measured, 1–50W)
Frequency Response	20Hz – 20kHz (±0.1 dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	80dB (line), 65dB (FM tuner at 50µV)
Damping Factor	35
Input Sensitivity	2.4µV (IHF, FM tuner)
FM Selectivity	80dB
FM Stereo Separation	40dB at 1kHz
AM Tuner	Yes (first Marantz receiver with AM)
Inputs	2 phono, 1 auxiliary, 1 tape
Outputs	1 tape, 2 speaker sets
Power Outlets	1 switched, 1 unswitched
Dimensions	5.5" H × 17" W × 15" D
Weight	37 lbs

Key Features

Horizontal Tuning Wheel and Analog Elegance

The horizontally mounted tuning wheel is flanked by analog meters for signal strength and tuning. It gives the MODEL 22 a console-like presence that few integrated receivers ever achieved. The layout encourages hands-on operation. You tune, you watch the meter, you adjust the antenna. The push-button controls below handle channel selection, loudness contour, muting, and speaker switching, while the top panel has dedicated knobs for bass, treble, balance, and volume.

Dual Power Supply Architecture

Beneath the chassis lies one of the MODEL 22’s most significant engineering choices: a dual-rail power supply that separates the preamp and tuner sections (27V/35V rails) from the RF and front-end driver stages (12V tap). This isolation minimizes crosstalk and noise, a design approach more commonly found in separates than in integrated receivers of the era. The original power supply used two large metal-can capacitors (1000µF/50V), now routinely replaced during restoration with modern low-impedance, high-temp electrolytics like Nichicon PW or Panasonic FR series. This upgrade not only improves reliability but can enhance dynamic headroom and bass control, bringing the receiver closer to its original performance before component aging took its toll.

Phono Stage Precision and Service Challenges

The RIAA phono stage in the MODEL 22 is consistently praised in restoration circles for its accuracy and musicality. Unlike many solid-state designs of the period that leaned toward brightness or brittleness, this one delivers a balanced, natural midrange with excellent detail retrieval. It also holds some of the receiver's most failure-prone components, particularly the 2SC458 transistors used throughout the preamp and driver stages. These early Japanese BJTs are notorious for drifting in gain and introducing noise over time, and service bulletins from the era recommend replacing them with more stable alternatives. A full recap and transistor refresh can turn a sluggish, noisy unit into a reference-level performer, but it isn't cheap.

Historical Context

In 1969, the hi-fi world was shifting from tubes to transistors, and Marantz, long associated with hand-wired tube amplifiers, was under pressure to modernize. The MODEL 22 was its answer, a step into solid-state territory that kept the brand's sonic identity. It was also the first Marantz receiver to include an AM tuner, which broadened its appeal beyond the FM-obsessed audiophile niche. Competitors like Sansui, Pioneer, and Sony were pushing higher power ratings and flashier features. Marantz focused on refinement, building a receiver that prioritized signal purity and build quality over raw specs.

It sat just below the flagship Model 19 in the lineup, offering most of the same engineering at a more accessible price. The 22xx series that followed in the mid-70s is more collectible today, but the MODEL 22 was the prototype for that lineage, sharing circuit philosophies, layout conventions, and the same commitment to musicality. It was also one of the last Marantz receivers with significant hand assembly before production became more automated.

Collectibility & Value

The MODEL 22 sits in a quiet corner of the vintage market. People who know it respect it, but casual buyers are often drawn to the flashier 22xx series. In untested or as-found condition, it typically sells for $200 - $300, reflecting the near-certainty of needing a full restoration. A fully serviced unit, with recapped power supply, replaced transistors, cleaned controls, and realigned tuner, can command $400 - $600, depending on cosmetic condition and provenance. The optional walnut cabinet (WC-3 or WC-4) adds value, though fitment can be slightly off due to dimensional differences from later models.

Common failure points include degraded electrolytic capacitors (especially the dual can types in the power supply), oxidized potentiometers, and aging transistors in the preamp and driver stages. The speaker protection relay (P980) is another weak spot, with older LY relays prone to contact failure. Owners report that once restored, the MODEL 22 is reliable, but the initial service investment is non-trivial - easily $300 - $500 at a qualified technician. It's not a "plug-and-play" vintage receiver.

When buying, insist on a unit that has been tested for channel balance, hum levels, and tuner performance. Avoid units with cracked meter faces or heavily corroded binding posts. Check for service history. Some units were modified under factory bulletins, including resistor value changes (e.g., R617/618 updated from 10k to 9.1k) and transistor upgrades.