Marantz vs. Pioneer Receivers

Marantz are probebly the better built and sounding brand. However if you really want good quality sound reproduction go with either Denon or Onkyo.

the best classic receivers for audio thrills and investment are mac, tandberg, revox

Marantz is much more musical from my past experiences.Pioneer
is somewhat more dry and analytical.I use to own a Marantz
Quad 4400 Receiver,if you can find one of these snap one up.
The FM Tuner with scope sounds incredible.The receiver can be strapped in 2 channel mode at 125 watts RMS.It also has several outputs.A very fine receiver indeed.

I own Marantz imp 6 and imp 7 speakers and a 6200 turntable,
and have a pioneer sx-1080 and a sansui 8080. the sansui sounds better direct and the pioneer with an mxr eq sounds great. I would have gone with a Marantz if the stereo shop would of sold those in 1978. I also had a sansui seven. I bought new in 1974 and it also sounded better than a pioneer.

I agree with Kinsekd although it does not answer your question. I prefer the vintage Yamaha units over either Pioneer or Marantz but Marantz is my second choice if you are not including McIntosh vintage in this comparison.

Marantz was killer when playing back real rock but I always felt it was somewhat lacking with more subtle music. It was sort of either play it loud or forget it. Could have been my mentation at the time.