Looking at 70's Pioneer and Marantz

[NeilC]

How do 70's Pioneers differ from 70's Marantzes? Is a Pioneer more desirable for classical and jazz?

[vintage-yungin]

Both are Great vintage units I say this from experience, Dad and I have gone through plenty Pioneer Receivers and only 2 marantz receivers but both performed well, it will be a matter of personal preference.

Shawn.

[pbda]

I own both (heavier on the Marantz side), and I respect and appreciate both. I would not say that either is better for a single type of music...that differentiation I usually leave for speakers (i.e. some would say JBL for rock, AR for classical, ADS for jazz, etc.).

The gear from both Pioneer and Marantz was built to last, is gorgeous in its silverness, and sounds superb.

[MisterFishey]

I would go so far as to say it doesn't really matter. I think the speakers would make more of a difference than the receiver. I own no Pioneer products, but I have a Marantz 2250, and I love it. I don't think you could go wrong with either.

The only reasons I went with Marantz were that the Marantz receivers have symmetrical knobs and buttons, and blue is my favorite color.

[70salesguy]

I sold both Marantz and Pioneer back in the 70s and both are excellent lines.

Every once in a while, one of them would produce a "stinker", but overall they are both good-looking and well-performing units.

It may well come down to which one appeals to you most visually.

In reality, it probably is a function of which you find at a good deal first!

I am a little partial to the Pioneers and own a few myself, but a Marantz would be welcome in my home as well!

Be open to both and double your chances at finding a good deal! :thmbsp:

[Robisme]

How do 70's Pioneers differ from 70's Marantzes? Is a Pioneer more desirable for classical and jazz?

I have had quite a few of both.

I find the Pioneers to be more accurate/detailed. The Marantz receivers are a bit colored.

I think the Pioneers have a better build quality. Marantz knobs feel cheap to me.

I have recapped and set to spec Marantz receivers and still prefer the Pioneers.

I friend of mine has a Marantz 4300 and a Sansui G-5700, and finds the Sansui more detailed.

I think for classical or jazz, I would go Pioneer over Marantz.

Buy both and decide for yourself, then sell the loser.:yes:

Rob

[David_NC]

I'm sure others here have a lot more experience with either of these than I do. I've owned Pioneers since my SX-780 was new. I always liked it a lot. Then I moved up to a SX-1050... it was much better than the 780. That was back in '85. A year or so ago I picked up a couple of Marantz 1060 amps for $5 each. I'm not sure about one; I'm afraid to hook speakers to it at present. The other 1060 puts out some of the nicest sounds I've heard from most receivers or amps. Now, I'm listening to it on headphones (Grado SR-80's) mostly, so the power difference is irrelevant. Inefficient speakers would certainly tax its 30 wpc output. My SX-780 doesn't sound nearly as nice as the Marantz amp. About five years ago, I picked up a Marantz 2235B receiver... also $5. It has about the same power as the 1060, has been adjusted to spec, and has likely lived a pretty sheltered life. It came from an older couple in a very upscale neighborhood and is absolutely beautiful condition (except for a few bulbs). I can't say that its sound is as good as the 1060 to me, but this is certainly only an opinion. The 1060 is, to me, just a lot smoother. It reminds me more of some tube amps I listened to years ago. The point is that I'm sure it depends on the particular model you're talking about. I like both brands and don't think you could go wrong with either.

I haven't spent much time working on either, but, in my limited tinkering experience, the Pioneer receivers seem to be a bit sturdier internally and possibly easier to work on. The Marantz amps I have are not as robust, but are nicely laid out for adjustment. I know this will also vary from model to model.

I'd suggest getting a nice example of each brand. Don't rush into a purchase and get a good deal on a decent model with enough flexibility (inputs, etc) so you won't feel restricted by it. If you don't like something, you can always sell it, so it's not a major deal. Good luck and have fun with 'em!

David

[Unican_Eric]

I have never had a Marantz to compare to any of my Pioneers. I would love to try though.Thats something I will be looking to do in the future.

[onepixel]

From my own experience I "now" find the Pioneer to be detailed and bright. The Marantz to be a bit colored and warmer. And the Sansui happily in the middle.

I say "now" because when my ears were younger I really liked the crispness of the Pioneers. Now I listen to the Sansuis and Marantz more. Don't forget speaker choice will greatly affect the sound too. Then it comes down to your preference in sound.

Good luck.

[Twenty20Man]

i love my Pioneers..great sound, but I would also recommend the Yamaha CR series particularly the 820 (50wpc), 1020 (70 wpc) and the 2020 (100 wpc)...

enjoy

[NeilC]

Without spending for the high SX pioneers which of the lower models in the $180-$280 range is a good choice.

[Twenty20Man]

sx-1010, sx-1050

[Art K.]

I like both Pioneer and Marantz but am partial to Sansui and Yamaha. I like what they can do musically just a bit better than the other two...my wife likes Kenwood better than any of them. As someone else said stay open and if any of these fine receivers come your way you will likely be happy with the results.

[erik92da]

I have a Marantz 2230b which im using in a secondary system. I personally use it for music I want to 'chill' to. As others have said, its warmer than most Pioneers. The mid control is a great advantage IMO.

I also have quite a few Pioneers. My favorites are my SA-8800 integrated (80 wpc) and my SX-750 receiver (50 wpc). I would aim for a receiver in the x50 series as opposed to the x80 series, they seem to sound better and are built MUCH better. I agree that Pioneers in general are very precise. For loud volumes I would take a Pioneer over a Marantz.

[tarior]

I have quite a few of both Pioneer and Marantz, and I would have to say that it is tough to go wrong with either.