Marantz 2265 (1977-1979)

Name: Marantz 2265
Brand: Marantz
Availability: InStock

At 15.9 kg, it lands in your arms like a promise—solid, serious, and ready to sing.

Overview

The Marantz 2265 is a solid-state stereophonic receiver that emerged in 1977 as part of a revered generation of high-fidelity gear defined by performance, presence, and those unmistakable blue-lit meters. While not the flashiest of its era, it carried Marantz’s reputation for warm, musical sound and robust build quality into the late 1970s. Owners report it was built during a time when receivers weren't just amplifiers with tuners—they were command centers for the living room, and the 2265 filled that role with quiet authority. Its design reflects a transitional moment: fully solid-state, yet still grounded in analog clarity, with a front panel laid out for real use, not just show.

Unlike later models with digital displays or synthesized tuning, the 2265 leans into the tactile—knobs with resistance, switches with click, and a tuning meter that glows with a deep, even blue. It became one of the cultural icons of 1970s audio, celebrated not for specs alone but for the way it made people feel when they turned it on. The receiver includes inputs for phono, auxiliary, and tape sources, with front-panel dubbing jacks that made tape copying a breeze—a small but meaningful convenience in an analog world. Its fully backlit meters distinguish it visually from the later 2265B, where only the gauge cutouts are illuminated.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Marantz
Product Type	Stereophonic Receiver
Year of Production	1977-1979
Power Output	65 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency Response	from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
THD	THD and Inter-modulation under 0.05%
Tuning Range	FM, MW
Dimensions	440 x 137 x 365mm
Weight	15.9kg
Channels	2
Inputs	inputs for tape, phono and auxiliary

Key Features

Fully Backlit Tuning Meters

The 2265’s tuning meters are fully backlit, casting a smooth, deep blue glow across the entire meter face—a design detail that sets it apart from the 2265B, where only the gauge markings are lit. This gives the 2265 a more luxurious, seamless look on a dimly lit shelf. The meter itself tracks signal strength accurately and adds a visual rhythm to FM tuning that modern gear rarely matches.

Front Panel Dubbing Jacks

Convenience was built in: the 2265 includes front-panel dubbing jacks, allowing users to connect a second tape deck directly for easy cassette-to-cassette copying. No need to reach around back or reconfigure inputs—just plug in and record. This small feature speaks volumes about the user experience Marantz prioritized.

Variable Turnover Tone Control

The receiver incorporates a variable turnover tone control, an innovative approach at the time that allowed more nuanced shaping of bass and treble response. Rather than fixed frequency points, it offered a degree of adjustability that let listeners fine-tune the sound to their room or preference, a subtle but meaningful upgrade over standard tone circuits.

Collectibility & Value

Listings show restored units and working examples trading around $300, suggesting a modest but steady collector interest. Spare parts such as wood cases, faceplates, and internal components remain available through niche vendors, which helps keep units functional. A recurring issue noted by owners is failure of the power switch, a known weak point that often requires cleaning or replacement. Units described as “restored” tend to command more confidence, especially given the age of the electrolytic capacitors and mechanical switches. While not the most powerful or feature-rich receiver of its time, its reputation for musicality and solid construction keeps it relevant among vintage audio enthusiasts.