Vintage receiver for my main system.

[Matinicus]

I would like opinions on what to buy for my main system. I plan to recap and do a full restore. My biggest concern is replacement parts. What of the big receivers.....100 wpc at least.....is the easiest to get parts for? I really like the Pioneer SX 1050, 1080, 1250, 1280 and the Marantz 2330 and 2325.

I'd appreciate your input.

[bully]

As I did in the 1970s, I prefer the Pioneer to the Marantz for sound and build quality--and looks, too.
I've had the black SX-1250 (the SX-5590), and had a updated SX-1050. Either of those receivers would be great performers, and updated should prove to be reliable and very good sounding.
While I am still a "Pioneer guy," I have moved away from the brand as I got into separates (Yamaha, Soundcraftsmen, Luxman, Kenwood Basic, Denon).
As far as receivers go, though I do think VERY highly of the Pioneer, after I got the Concept 16.5 my other TOTL receivers went bye-bye.
Now don't get me wrong, if you can find a big Marantz at a reasonable price, they are very good units, I just happen to prefer the Pioneer. Don't overlook the primo SX-1010 for sound quality--it gets votes for being the best-sounding receiver. Of course, I chose the Concept.
Oh, and don't overlook Yamaha receivers--they are great sounding gear. For refinement, they are probably tops (though not up to the 16.5 IMO).

[Matinicus]

But how about parts? Do they have electronic parts that are obsolete? Are all the transistors still available? What about the transformer/s in the power supply? How about the bass/treble/mid/balance pots? I'm full of questions, huh?

[bully]

I hope one of the techie guys chimes in here.
The Pioneers are built like the proverbial brick, er, outhouse and used discrete pieces-parts.
Pots and switches shouldn't require anything but a preventive shot or three of DeoxIt followed by ProGold lube. These things really just don't break unless dropped on the floor from a good height :D
Parts should be available, either original parts or from donor units. There were millions of Pioneer receivers sold over the years.

[yrly]

I've got nothing but good things to say about the Marantz 2330. Personally I like it better than the 2325 (the non B version of the 2330 is pretty much the same internally as the 2325 with some of the specs brought up to date). If you look at the 125wpc or so range you'll find a lot of good receivers, and IMHO some of the better values in vintage audio. I do have some overall preferences in that general power range, Fisher RS-1060, MCS 3125, Onkyo TX-8500 and Marantz 2330 are my overall favorites, and I'd probably consider them in that very order. If I was big about tuners I'd lean towards stuff like the Fisher (5 gang FM front end) or MCS (the auto locking circuity and digital readout come in handy there), if not there is stuff like the Sanyo JCX-2900K outside my top picks which isn't quite up there with those in terms of the tuner but it very well built with a great amplifier section. If I went Pioneer in that area I'd go for the 1050 as opposed to the 1080 but thats just my personal preference.