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
I have both a Marantz 2325 and a pioneer sx-1980 hooked up to a beautiful pair of Jbl 4344's and hpm 1500's. I first had the 2325 and I was stunned in its performance. I then bought the 1980 and it fails on all levels. It's going up for sale and I'll put back the best I've heard..!!!
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.