Marantz Model 2226 Stereo Receiver – Specs, Sound & Buying Used | Audio Everywhere

The Marantz Model 2226 is a stereo receiver from 1977–1979 with 26 W per channel into 8 Ω and a PLL-FM tuner. Tested at Audio Everywhere: only minor signs of use, works perfectly. For EUR 449.99 you get a classic integrated amplifier with tuner in a solid vintage chassis.

Source of technical figures: manufacturer specification / inspected by Audio Everywhere.

What is the Marantz Model 2226?

The Model 2226 belongs to Marantz's receiver family, which in the late 1970s helped shape the brand's reputation as a maker of fine-sounding gear. It was built from 1977 to 1979. A stereo receiver combines preamplifier, power amplifier and an FM tuner in one chassis – so all you need to add are speakers and a source. The 2226 delivers 26 W per channel into 8 Ω at 0.3 % THD and covers a frequency response from 15 Hz to 60 kHz. Its tuner section uses dual-gate MOSFETs, PLL-FM and a 3-gang tuning capacitor – a solid tuner layout for the era. At 440 × 137 × 365 mm and 11.5 kg, the 2226 follows the tradition of the classic Marantz front panels with an illuminated dial and a tidy control layout. The MM phono input (1.8 mV) takes a turntable, line sources run at 180 mV. You will find this Marantz Model 2226 Stereo Receiver in our shop with all current details directly in our stock. More classics from the brand are listed under used Marantz gear.

Typical weak points of this design

Receivers of this era share a few age-related quirks – this is not a statement about this particular unit, but a general note on the design. Volume, balance and tone controls as well as the input selector switches can become scratchy over the years as the contact tracks oxidise. The electrolytic capacitors age and dry out over decades. The dial lighting is often affected too: bulbs grow dimmer or fail over time. In the tuner, the front-end alignment can drift slightly with age. All of these belong to the normal wear pattern of a roughly 45-year-old receiver and should be factored in when buying used. We have connected and tested our unit; it works perfectly and shows only minor signs of use. If you are generally interested in vintage technology, it is worth a look at our used hi-fi gear, where we carry comparable units. Advice and auditioning are available at Audio Everywhere.

Who is this unit for?

The Marantz Model 2226 is for you if you are after a compact all-rounder: amplifier and radio in one, without a stack of components. The 26 W per channel are well suited to small and medium-sized rooms and to efficient bookshelf speakers. If you like the more musical sonic character of classic Marantz receivers and value solid vintage build quality, this is the right choice – an MM phono input for the turntable is on board. Audio Everywhere (a hi-fi specialist shop in Goslar-Hahnenklee, Germany) has tested the unit and found it to work perfectly – we are a specialist dealer offering inspection and auditioning, not a repair workshop. For purists who want separate components and maximum upgradeability, a receiver is naturally less flexible than a pre/power combination. As a used all-in-one unit for a classic stereo setup, however, the 2226 is a coherent choice.

Sources

The technical figures come from manufacturer specifications (year 1977–1979, 26 W/channel into 8 Ω, frequency response 15 Hz – 60 kHz, THD 0.3 %, damping factor 45, input sensitivity 1.8 mV MM / 180 mV line, signal-to-noise ratio 75 dB MM / 84 dB line, tuner with dual-gate MOSFET and PLL-FM, 440 × 137 × 365 mm, 11.5 kg). No external specialist-source links are available for this model. The condition details come from our own inspection at Audio Everywhere.