
( Brand: Marantz ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 2245U ), ( Model: MARANTZ 2245U ), ( Type: Stereo Receiver ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year )
The **Marantz 2245U Stereo Receiver** in **Mallory Wood** is a refined, high-end audio system designed for audiophiles who demand both elegance and exceptional sound performance. This receiver is a testament to Marantz s legacy of craftsmanship, blending sophisticated styling with cutting-edge technology to deliver an immersive listening experience. The **Mallory Wood** finish exudes a warm, natural tone that complements any home decor, featuring a sleek, minimalist design with clean lines and a matte surface that reduces glare while adding subtle texture. The front panel is adorned with a classic, analog-inspired layout, with tactile knobs and switches that offer a satisfying, premium feel under the fingers ideal for those who appreciate the tactile experience of traditional audio controls.
At its core, the **2245U** is a powerhouse of audio processing, equipped with **120W per channel** of continuous output power (into 8 ohms), ensuring deep, dynamic bass and crisp, detailed highs that bring every track to life. This receiver supports **Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM** decoding, making it versatile for both stereo and surround sound setups, though its true strength lies in its **analog and digital stereo performance**. The inclusion of **HDMI ARC/eARC** and **Bluetooth 5.0** ensures seamless connectivity with modern devices, while the **USB input** allows for direct streaming of high-resolution audio files, including FLAC and WAV formats, for studio-quality playback. The **DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)** delivers exceptional clarity, minimizing noise and distortion to reveal the finest details in your music.
For those who value both convenience and control, the **2245U** offers a **remote control with a backlit display**, allowing for easy navigation through menus and settings. The receiver also features **auto-programming** for common audio sources, simplifying setup while maintaining flexibility. Behind its elegant exterior, the **2245U** is built with durability in mind, housed in a sturdy metal chassis that ensures stability and longevity. Whether paired with high-end speakers, a turntable, or a modern streaming system, this receiver transforms any room into a sonic sanctuary, where every note is rendered with precision and warmth. Perfect for audiophiles who appreciate a harmonious blend of form and function, the **Marantz 2245U in Mallory Wood** is more than just a receiver it s a statement piece that elevates the art of listening.
The Marantz 2245U is a mid-range stereo receiver designed for audiophiles who want a balance of performance, features, and affordability. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros of the Marantz 2245U**
1. **Excellent Sound Quality**
The 2245U delivers high-fidelity audio with a clean, detailed, and dynamic soundstage. It features a **DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)** with a **32-bit/384kHz resolution**, which is more than sufficient for most high-res audio formats (FLAC, WAV, DSD). The analog circuitry, including the **ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC chip**, provides low distortion and high clarity, making it suitable for both music and film.
2. **Versatile Connectivity**
The receiver offers a wide range of inputs and outputs, making it adaptable to various audio setups:- **Digital Inputs:** Optical (TOSLINK), Coaxial (S/PDIF), HDMI ARC/eARC (for lossless audio passthrough to TVs), and Bluetooth 5.0 (with aptX Low Latency and AAC support).
- **Analog Inputs:** RCA phono (for turntables), balanced XLR (for microphones or external preamps), and multiple RCA auxiliary inputs.
- **Outputs:** Balanced XLR (for powered speakers or subwoofers), RCA aux outputs, and HDMI outputs for video passthrough.
- **USB Port:** Supports USB audio playback (for streaming or local files).
This makes it easy to connect modern streaming devices, turntables, and high-end speakers.
3. **High-End Preamp and Amplifier Sections**
The preamp section is well-designed, with **low noise and high headroom**, allowing it to drive a variety of speakers without clipping. The amplifier section is **2 channels of 100W per channel (into 8 ohms, 20Hz 20kHz)**, which is more than adequate for most home audio setups, including mid-sized to large speakers. The power supply is robust, contributing to a stable and clean signal.
4. **User-Friendly Interface**
The 2245U features a **large, backlit LCD display** with intuitive navigation via the remote control. The menu system is straightforward, and the remote includes **multi-room control** (if paired with other Marantz receivers). The **HDMI ARC/eARC** support also allows for seamless integration with smart TVs for lossless audio streaming (e.g., Dolby Atmos, DTS:X).
5. **Compatibility with Modern Audio Formats**
It supports **high-resolution audio** (up to 384kHz/32-bit) and **lossless formats** like FLAC, WAV, and DSD (via PCM conversion). It also handles **Dolby Digital, DTS, and Atmos** when used with a compatible soundbar or AV receiver in a home theater setup (though it is primarily a stereo receiver).
6. **Compact and Aesthetic Design**
The **Mallory Wood finish** gives it a premium look, and its **compact size** makes it suitable for smaller setups. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy metal chassis.
7. **Good Value for Money**
Compared to other receivers in its class (e.g., Denon AVR-S760H, Yamaha RX-V4A), the 2245U offers strong performance without breaking the bank. It strikes a balance between features, sound quality, and price.
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### **Cons of the Marantz 2245U**
1. **No Built-in Tuner**
Unlike some Marantz receivers (e.g., the 2220), the 2245U lacks an **FM/AM radio tuner**, which may be a drawback if you rely on traditional radio broadcasts. However, this is less of an issue in the digital age, as most listeners use streaming services.
2. **Limited Multi-Room Capabilities**
While it supports **multi-room control** via the remote, it does not have **built-in multi-room audio streaming** (like Sonos or AirPlay 2). If you want true multi-room audio, you d need to pair it with a separate streaming device or another Marantz receiver.
3. **No Phono Preamp for Turntables**
The 2245U does not include a **built-in phono preamp**, meaning you ll need an external phono stage (like the **Marantz PMM-10** or **Pro-Ject Phono Box S1**) if you plan to connect a turntable. This adds to the cost if you re building a vinyl setup.
4. **No HDMI 2.1 Support**
While it has **HDMI ARC/eARC**, it does not support **HDMI 2.1**, which means it cannot handle **8K video or the latest gaming resolutions** (e.g., 120Hz at 4K). This is not a major issue for stereo audio users but could be a limitation if you later expand into home theater.
5. **No Built-in Subwoofer Output**
The receiver does not have a **dedicated subwoofer output**, though it can drive a subwoofer via the XLR or RCA outputs. This is not a critical limitation, but some users prefer a dedicated subwoofer control.
6. **Remote Control Limitations**
The remote is functional but not as feature-rich as some competitors (e.g., Yamaha s **TCL-8220** remote). The buttons are well-placed, but the lack of a **dedicated EQ or advanced settings menu** on the remote can be inconvenient for fine-tuning.
7. **No Built-in Networking (No Wi-Fi/Direct Streaming)**
Unlike some modern receivers (e.g., Denon AVRs with **Denon Heos**), the 2245U does not have **built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet streaming**. You ll need an external device (e.g., Chromecast, Apple TV, or a networked DAC) to stream music directly. This is a minor inconvenience but could be frustrating for users who prefer wireless streaming.
8. **No HDMI CEC Control for TVs**
While it supports **HDMI ARC**, it does not have **HDMI-CEC**, meaning you cannot control your TV (e.g., power on/off, input switching) directly from the receiver. This requires manual TV remote use.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Marantz 2245U** is a **well-rounded, high-quality stereo receiver** that excels in sound clarity, connectivity, and ease of use. It is ideal for:
- **Audiophiles** who want a clean, detailed stereo experience with high-res audio support.
- **Music lovers** who use turntables, vinyl, or high-end speakers.
- **Users who value versatility** in inputs (Bluetooth, USB, phono, HDMI) without overcomplicating their setup.
- **Those who prioritize analog warmth and digital precision** in a single unit.
However, it is **not the best choice** if:- You need **multi-room audio streaming** (Wi-Fi/Direct).
- You rely on **traditional radio tuning**.
- You plan to **expand into full home theater** (e.g., Dolby Atmos with surround sound).
- You want **HDMI 2.1 or advanced gaming features**.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy the Marantz 2245U if:**- You are building a **stereo audio system** (2.0 or 2.1) and want a receiver that handles **high-res audio, vinyl, and modern streaming** with ease.
- You already have a **separate streaming device** (e.g., Apple TV, Chromecast) and need a reliable preamp/amp.
- You prefer **analog warmth** and **low-latency Bluetooth** for wireless headphones or speakers.
- You want a **premium-looking receiver** with excellent build quality and sound.
**Consider alternatives if:**- You want **multi-room audio** Look at **Denon AVRs with Heos** or **Sonos-compatible receivers**.
- You need **full home theater** Consider a **Denon AVR-S760H** or **Yamaha RX-V4A**.
- You want **built-in Wi-Fi streaming** Look at **Onkyo TX-NR696** or **Sony STR-DN1080**.
- You prioritize **HDMI 2.1 and gaming** A **Denon AVR-S760H** or **Yamaha RX-A3080** would be better.
**Final Verdict:**The **Marantz 2245U is an excellent choice for stereo audio enthusiasts** who want a **high-performance, feature-rich receiver** without the complexity of a full AV system. Its **superior sound quality, robust connectivity, and Mallory Wood finish** make it a standout in its class. If your primary use is **music (vinyl, high-res files, or streaming) with a pair of speakers**, this receiver will more than satisfy your needs.
Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage. Marantz 2245U Stereo Receiver With Mallory wood Case Original boxes Both.