Amp Questions... receivers actually

[Red October]

So my Sony STR-DE945 is pretty much not servicable; it shuts off at random times with a relay "click". I could attempt to fix it or have it fixed. It's kinda old now though. Here's what I have and I'm wondering what I should do.

Currently in use: Pioneer VSX-305 This is my old receiver, pro logic only, works well. Has Tape monitor and so can take an EQ (I have the old RCA one that Rat Shack sold for a while; it's a rebadged Pioneer).
Out of Service: Sony STR-DE945 loads of inputs & Outputs, modern surround, but no Tape monitor. Inbuilt 3-band EQ. This was very expensive when new; I got it on clearance at Cambridge Soundworks for like $325 when it cost $900 or so. Needs a presumably minor repair to a relay somewhere.
Backup: Marantz 2220B Was my dad's old receiver until he bought a Pioneer SX-205 and then won in a contest a full JVC home theatre, so now he has a backup as well and he gave me the Marantz. For a while I used it with my computer. Now it's just another backup. Has tape monitor, basic inputs/outputs, etc.
Should I fix the Sony, stick with the Pioneer, swap in the Marantz, or just save up for something new entirely? I still use my turntable extensively and must have the continually harder to find "phono" input, so shopping for a new receiver may be an excercise in in frustration.

[stuwee]

The Marantz for now, you'll love the sound and save for a bigger older one for later, Marantz have very nice phono sections and will not go down in value. And you can still use you EQ

Craig

[wizargoz]

Marantz :thmbsp:

[stereofisher]

While not a powerful receiver its a good sounding unit. Nice worm sound with a good FM section. The build quality on the others isnt nearly as good. I would put any $$$ into a larger vintage receiver. Pioneer, Marantz, or Sansui are all good.

Give the Marantz a run!

Eric:music:

[roggom]

Definitely the Marantz !!

[whoaru99]

So my Sony STR-DE945 is pretty much not servicable; it shuts off at random times with a relay "click". I could attempt to fix it or have it fixed.

Can I assume you've carefully checked the speaker connections and wires for short circuits/intermittent connections? And, checked that the receiver is not getting too hot and shutting down from lack of ventilation, etc.?

[vinyldavid]

Marantz.

[catrafter]

The Marantz for now, you'll love the sound and save for a bigger older one for later, Marantz have very nice phono sections and will not go down in value. And you can still use you EQ

Craig


:yes:

Tom

[gearhound]

Marantz

[Red October]

So I went down in the cellar and brought the Marantz back up... it had some strange brown stuff all over it (not rust... aluminum can't rust, and when I cleaned it off the surface was clean) and lots of dust and bits of mouse nest inside it, but as there was no access inside it was just loose matter that I vaccuumed out. I plugged in a set of earphones to make sure I wasn't wasting my time, and sure enough, even through the cans the sound was warm and rich and soothing. First thing it played was Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Ah, how appropriate! I hooked it back up and it sounds great, with or without the EQ in the equation.

So where do I go from here? This is a nice unit, but I've always known that it was rather a low man on the tottem pole, as it was. Is there any particular model or series of Marantz I should be looking for? Were the Gold Chassis ones any good?

[catrafter]

I love the black dial 22xx (and 42xx. 43xx, 44xx) series, but I'm and old fart.
As for the silver dials, I got to listen Handlebar's 2330B when it was here for a going over, and I must say, it's a great sounding receiver with loads of power.

Tom