Marantz vs. Pioneer Receivers


WOULD LIKE THE INPUT OF ANYONE WHO OWNS OR HAVE HAD REAL EXPERIENCE WITH VINTAGE MARANTZ AND PIONEER RECEIVERS, I.E. MARANTZ 2285 VS PIONEER SX-1050 OR MARANTZ 2325 VS PIONEER SX-1250/1980. ASIDE FROM THE POWER DIFFERENCES, WHICH OF THESE RECEIVERS IS THE MORE MUSICAL. THANKS TO ALL THAT RESPOND.
wepratt
A little belated finding this thread but...

It is difficult for me to prefer one over the other largely because either were manufactured possessing beautiful/handsome esthetics apart from their very decent - even by today's standards - sonic qualities. The Marantz receivers probably inch a smidgen ahead because of the horizontal tuner dial and the cool blue lighting, but the Pioneer receivers to my ears just sound better overall.  IMHO, of course. 

I have two Pioneer SX models, a 650 which is still being used in my girlfriend's bedroom system, and a 1050 which I reserve as a backup in my home system. In my girlfriend's living room we listen on a Marantz 2250b hooked up to a pair of Meadowlark Kestrels, which I think are some of the better speakers I've ever had, especially at the price I got them at -$400 used.  Barely. 

While my current system is superior to either receiver, I continue to be pleased with their sound, their looks, their quality.  If I could relate to them as cars the Pioneers are vintage Chevies, the Marantz are Saabs. I love Saabs. 

I've hooked up the SX1050 to my Thiel CS3.5's and found little lacking.  Were I to find myself having to let go of my current gear I wouldn't be too saddened by having the receiver act as my sole source of music. It's still that good. At 40+ years of age that's saying a lot. 

Pioneer.  Hands down.  Followed closely by Marantz.  None were bad, but they all have their house sound and therefore all have their own adherents.  But the integrity of the Marantz VR's and circuit boards (just one aspect) never seemed to hold up in terms of age compared to the classic Pioneers.  It might mean that there are fewer mint surviving examples of the Marantz TOTL's surviving and therefore might be driving the prices up.  But in my experience Pioneer carried the day.  At that time, they were their own "shop" and not bought and sold over and over.  (Yet...)  ymmv....
Have had both Pioneer and Marantz.  Liked them nearly equally, but I still kick myself for selling my Marantz 2330.  That was the best receiver I have ever heard.
My vote is for Marantz.
I’m a little bias, I have
Marantz 
4270
4140
2220
140
1250
300dc
5025b cassette