Yes, a Marantz 2226B Bluetooth connection needs no soldering. Best path: a Bluetooth receiver with RCA output into the AUX input (180 mV line level, per the service manual's high-level spec). If AUX is taken, use the Tape 2 loop. The 26 W/ch output is the honest number to size speakers against, and the pre/main jumpers stay untouched.
Figures on this page were checked September 2026. Every table row carries its source.
Spec snapshot
| Item | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production run | 1977–1979 | Introduced 1977; hifi-wiki lists the run through 1980 | CR, HW |
| Power output | 26 W/ch @ 8 Ω | Minimum continuous average, both channels driven; 33 W into 4 ohms on period sheets | SM, CR |
| Power band | 20 Hz–20 kHz | At rated output; 0.1% THD, 8-ohm load; 33 W/ch into 4 ohms as a second rated figure | SM |
| Phono input | 1.8 mV / 47 kΩ | RIAA; S/N 75 dB at rated output; overload 100 mV at 1 kHz | SM |
| Line inputs | AUX + 2 × Tape | High level (Aux and Tape) 180 mV / 20 kOhm; rear panel carries AUX IN and Tape 1/Tape 2 in-out pairs | SM |
| Pre / Main | Pre out · Main in | Jumpers on the rear panel; the pair appears in the service manual block diagram | SM |
| Original price | $310 | US retail; approx. 800 DM in German lists; WC-22 wood cabinet optional | CR, HW |
Source codes: SM Marantz 2226B service manual (archive.org manual_2226B_SM_MARANTZ_EN) · CR classicreceivers.com · HW hifi-wiki.com. Data as of September 2026.
Where to connect
AUX input
RecommendedThe one always-active high-level spare on the front-selection side of this receiver. The service manual's high-level figure is 180 mV into 20 kOhm, the late-B AUX impedance documented for this generation, so any line-level Bluetooth receiver with RCA output sits in cleanly.
Tape monitor loops
Good alternativeTwo tape in/out pairs, labelled Tape 1 and Tape 2 on the rear panel. Feed a loop's play jacks, select that tape position to listen, and switch the monitor back off for the other sources.
Phono input
Not for line-levelThe phono stage expects a cartridge's 1.8 mV and overloads at 100 mV. A Bluetooth receiver's line output would overload it, and the turntable would lose its only input.
Set up in three steps
- Pick AUX
Keep both tape loops free for recorders if you can; AUX is the natural Bluetooth home.
- Connect and power
Bluetooth receiver RCA out to AUX, USB power attached, pair once with your phone.
- Level check
Volume low, select AUX, then raise. Fixed/line output on the adapter if it offers the option.
Quirks and notes
- The 26 W figure is the real one (verified): the 2226B service manual rates it as minimum continuous average power, both channels driven, at 8 ohms, with the power band at 20 Hz to 20 kHz and 0.1% THD, plus a 33 W rated line for 4 ohms. Size speakers to the 26 W number, not to the peaks.
- Pre/main jumpers are there for upgrades (verified): the PRE OUT and MAIN IN pair lets a separate amplifier step in without soldering, and the B manual's specifications list Main In at 1.5 V into 33 kOhm.
- B-series naming, entry-level power (verified): the 2226B sits at the entry of Marantz's late-seventies B line, a class below the 2252B documented on this site, and period sheets quote 33 W into 4 ohms as the four-ohm story.
What you need
- Bluetooth receiver with RCA output, LDAC or aptX HD preferred
- 0.5–1 m RCA cable
- USB power for the receiver
FAQ
Plug a Bluetooth receiver with RCA output into the AUX input and select AUX. If AUX is occupied, use a Tape input and press the corresponding Tape Monitor button. No internal modification is needed.
Its rated output is 26 W per channel into 8 ohms, both channels driven, per the service manual, with 33 W into 4 ohms on period sheets. With speakers of 88 dB sensitivity or better it fills a normal room; for very inefficient speakers, look up the 2252B or 2270.
Yes. The rear panel carries PRE OUT and MAIN IN jumpers, and the pair appears in the service manual's block diagram. Leave the jumpers in place for Bluetooth; the AUX path runs through the full preamp.
The B-series service manual lists the high-level inputs, AUX and Tape, at 180 mV / 20 kOhm, the late-B impedance that already separated this generation from the earlier 2226. Any line-level Bluetooth receiver with RCA output drives that cleanly.
blafili B3 Bluetooth Music Receiver
RCA + XLR + optical out, LDAC and aptX HD, OLED status display. Matches the 2226B line-level inputs without adapters.
- Rated power (26 W/ch min continuous average, both channels driven, 8 ohms; 33 W as a second rated figure), power band 20 Hz-20 kHz at 0.1% THD, phono 1.8 mV / 47 kohm (overload 100 mV, S/N 75 dB) and high-level 180 mV / 20 kohm inputs, PRE OUT/MAIN IN block diagram: Marantz 2226B service manual (archive.org, identifier manual_2226B_SM_MARANTZ_EN), accessed 2026-09-24
- Production years (introduced 1977, sold until about 1979), $310 retail, WC-22 cabinet option, 33 W/ch into 4 ohms: classicreceivers.com/marantz-2226b, accessed 2026-09-24
- Production years 1977-1980, Japan, approx. 800 DM: hifi-wiki.com/index.php/Marantz_2226B, accessed 2026-09-24