Vintage Asylum

Posted by airtime (A) on November 21, 2009 at 10:40:12

I've had the 2330 back for about a week now. During it's absence I was enjoying using my 2270 more than I normally do. So when the 2330 went back into the rack I did log a few more "refresher" hours on the 2270.

Clarity - the 2330 definetly has a clearer more articulate sound. You CAN pick out the instruments - so to speak. Where as the 2270 having more of that vintage sound can get muddy with less definition during more complex music. But overall I never had an issue with the 2270 as long as the source was good.

Seperation - I find them to be about the same. Perhaps the 2330 having a cleaner sound may give the illusion, or not, of having more. But I find it too close to call.

Dynamics - The 2270 is clearly not as dynamic. It can fill a room with sound. But the 2330 as that sudden crisp strike that can make you jump. Like when a bass drum sounds it's crisp, sharp, clean and CLEAR. A sound really only found in better separates and not typically the receiver class. Also finer detail is notice even in low volume passages. The 2270 can loose that quality quickly.

Tone - Now here is why my 2270 will be advertised at airtime's estate sale. The 2270 does have a very full and lush sound. A great example of the vintage sound. It's full, moving and has feeling. But the 2330 having more "air" between instruments and punchier makes for a leaner tone and heavily towards being VERY neutral. I mean VERY VERY neutral. Like a Yamaha. And again it's tone is more in line with a good separate system. What I would like to add is the 2270 has a much fuller sounding bass. Not that the 2330 is weak or lacking. But the bass is more natural sounding. It's there and strong were it is supposed to be. Not simply like a bass control turned up.


FM - Well considering the state of FM I don't know if it's worth much discussion. But here it goes. THe FM sound on the 2270 is far and away better. On the 2330 you do enjoy better specs. So you can pull in stations better. And you do have more tuner controls to tweek the signal. Much like the 125, 150 or higher tuners. But what you do get on the 2270 is pure audio gold. I don't get that feeling with the 2330.

In short - The sound of the 2330 is in line with a quality separtes unit. Excellent dynamics, separation, clear, crisp, bouncy with tons of power. On par with the best receivers ever made. However the 2270 does have the sound. An excellent vintage unit with great sound that I still enjoy. Even with my higher ended toys.

charles