The Marantz 2270 is a powerful vintage stereo receiver that is still highly sought after even today. Audiophiles are not just simply collecting them, they want to listen to the exceptional sound quality which they possess. The Marantz 2270 even after so many decades can still make audiophiles fall in love with them, all thanks to how beautiful they sound. A classic stereo receiver will still require matching speakers to bring out their best though.
This is where we come in, we are going to share with you the best speakers to pair with the Marantz 2270, including modern designed loudspeakers. We will first find out more about their sound characteristics, learn more about their strengths as well as their weaknesses (if any). With a further understanding of this legendary stereo receiver, we will then be able to find the right speakers for them.
Table of Contents
Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Marantz 2270
At first glance, the Marantz 2270 looks exactly like the classic Marantz 2230 stereo receiver, with striking blue lightings, a silver metallic front plate, and the iconic gyro touch tuner. But in terms of sonic prowess, the Marantz 2270 seems to be one level up. It is more powerful with more than double the power output, this receiver is rated at 70 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. Able to drive speakers impedance load of 4 Ohms to 16 Ohms which opens up a lot more speaker options. Enabling us to go for both bookshelf and floor-standing speakers. Since it doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer output, we will leave the idea of adding an active sub alone.
The WC-22 wood case does help to soften up the aesthetic feel of the Marantz 2270, allowing it to easily blend in with your house decorations and visually match with most speakers. The wood case also gives a classic and retro look to it. Still, the sonic capabilities of the Marantz 2270 are what’s more important. The frequency response is certainly impressive with a range from 7Hz to 50kHz, and the total harmonic distortion is 0.3% which is not bad. It comes with a built-in phono amp and this will be a delightful feature for turntable users. There is also a headphone output which is handy for some quiet personal music listening sessions.
More Details at Amazon – WC-22 Wooden case for Marantz 2270
The Marantz 2270 can certainly still hold its weight after so many years, the sound quality of this stereo receiver might even beat some of the more expensive and modern amplifiers currently on the market. The smooth and fluid delivery of the music, the warmth that accompanies it, sounds pleasing to the ears and mind. Had a busy day and want to unwind, the Marantz 2270 can do just that. The sweet trebles don’t sound harsh no matter the volume you are playing, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy your favorite music.
The power of 2270 is astonishing, it may be only 70 Watts but it sounds higher than that. It is not just all about smooth and mellow sound quality, there is depth as well. There are plenty of details to boot, produced with clarity and cleanly. The bass and warmth also provide a fuller sound, giving the music more presence and weight. The overall music presentation may not be as faithful or as accurate but it sure sounds good and entertaining. The low ends are tight and agile, it doesn’t overstay its welcome thus providing us with musical quality bass. It can dig deep into the bass extension and is tautly delivered.
The midrange sound reproduction is probably the greatest strength, providing us with full-bodied and sweet-sounding vocals. The instruments are well-defined and have a nice texture. The overall sound quality is really easy on the ears and never sounded cringe even when played at loud volumes. Still, just to nitpick, the subtlest of details start to lose their clarity when the music gets very busy though and a little more insight will be great as well. The Marantz 2270 is one amazing stereo receiver and still stands tall among the modern amplifiers, now it is time for us to start sharing the best speakers to pair with this awesome vintage amp.
Marantz 2270 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 70 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 7Hz-50kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.3%
- Speaker Load Impedance: 4 Ohms to 16 Ohms
- Inputs: 2 Play/Tape inputs, 2 Phono inputs, 2 Record inputs, 1 AUX input, 1 Main input, 1 Dubbing input
- Outputs: Headphone output, 1 Pre-out, 1 Dubbing output
- Dimensions: 440mm x 137mm x 355mm (17.3″ x 5.4″ x 14″)
- Weight: 17.5kg (38.5lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Marantz 2270
One of the best vintage loudspeakers to pair with your Marantz 2270 will be the classic JBL L26. Aesthetically both the stereo receiver and speakers are well matched especially if you are using the WC-22 wood case for your Marantz 2270. Even their sonic characteristics are similar as well, both providing smooth and natural sound reproduction. The JBL L26 vintage speakers are also capable of producing a wide and deep soundstage, with terrific stereo imaging. The L26 has a high bass output and is punchy but at times may overshadow the higher frequencies.
The Klipsch Heritage Forte III is a classic loudspeaker with modern components while maintaining its original charisma, it will be a good match with the Marantz 2270. Klipsch Forte III is a loudspeaker with amazing clarity, thanks to its horn-loaded midrange driver and tweeter. This complements the 2270 stereo receiver really well, not to mention, the Forte III can make full use of the amplifier power due to its high speaker sensitivity. The Marantz 2270 has enough power to really drive these Klipsch speakers at loud volumes and injects some warmth into the overall sound reproduction. You might want to audition them and see how well they fare.
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch Heritage Forte III
The Wharfedale Diamond 230 will be one of the best speakers that you might want to match with the Marantz 2270 stereo receiver. The neutral sound quality of the Diamond 230 has a touch of warmth which is a suitable match, especially if you like a smooth and warm sounding system. This floor-standing speaker is also capable of producing a bold music presentation and projects a vast soundstage, providing you an entertaining music listening experience. The Wharfedale Diamond 230 are also punchy performers, providing a bit more energy to your music delivery. Furthermore, these speakers are capable of reproducing deep and authoritative bass.
More Information at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 230
The KEF Q150 is a gorgeous-looking bookshelf speaker with impressive sonic capabilities and your Marantz 2270 has plenty of power to drive them. The compact bookshelf speakers have quite similar sound characteristics as well, they deliver clean sound quality and do not sound harsh when driven hard. The KEF Q150 midrange has clarity and is very detailed, coupled with the warm fluidity of the Marantz 2270 amplifier, you’ve got yourself a home audio system that is adapted to most music genres. The Q150 punches above its weight when it comes to low-frequency production.
More Information at Amazon – KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale has its own legendary Heritage series and it is the Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary bookshelf speakers. It has a beautiful vintage speaker cabinet design and with premium matching stands, the Wharfedale Linton looks absolutely stunning and matches really well with the aesthetic of the Marantz 2270. The scale of the soundstage that the Lintons can muster is incredible and the dynamic sound reproduction engages you immediately. The sonic characteristic of the Marantz 2270 matches very well with the Wharfedale Linton speakers, delivering a detailed and full-bodied sound reproduction with warmth. Furthermore, the Lintons are able to produce prominent bass with plenty of details.
More Information at Amazon – Wharfedale Linton with Stands
Tannoy speakers are also quite well-match with the classic Marantz 2270, they also have fantastic vintage speakers such as the Tannoy Eaton, Autograph Mini, and more. The Klipsch Heritage series has plenty more choices such as the Heresy IV which is a legendary loudspeaker with a big reputation and one of the finest sound quality. The price point is reasonable and the Klipsch Heresy IV is well-match with the sonic quality of the Marantz 2270. If you are ever in need of more power, you can always use the 2270 Pre-outs and connect to an external power amplifier. We will suggest sticking with Class AB amplification and Parasound makes some of the best power amps in their price range.
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV
To Sum It Up
Marantz 2270 holds up nicely and its sound quality is really hard to beat. The speakers listed here are worthy partners and are capable of bringing the best out of your stereo receiver. You should hear them out, and see if you like the sound quality that they produce. If possible do the speakers audition at the comfort of your own listening room for an accurate result. More importantly, enjoy the process of hunting new matching HiFi speakers for your Marantz 2270 stereo receiver as listening to new speakers can be a fun experience.
