1970's receivers and integrated amps...

I keep a vintage Marantz 2239 (I think) for occasional use if something in the system goes down. The sound is sweet and smaooth, but the downsides are muted dynamics, and a somewhat homogenized sound. I loved it when it was my first reciever (2225) and I still think they sound good and look beautiful, but don't expect miracles.

I have a early 70's vintage Pioneer SX-939 receiver that I bought recently on Craigs List. I have it hooked up to a big pair of VMPS RM2 ribbon hybrid speakers and it sounds quite impressive. The transients are fast and clean, the midrange is sweet and harmonically pleasing, bass is robust but not quite as controlled as with better separates.

But what really killed me about this receiver was how well it handled the fast transients and super dynamics of Rodrigo y Gabriella's blazing guitars from their CD 11:11. I was in awe, and you can check my other systems, it's not like I don't have semi-expensive gear to compare it to.

That said, sometimes these older units need a bit of service before they are ready to rock. Mine is stock but it had some dirty switches and the tuner section still needs realignment.

Happy Hunting. :)

It depends on your definition of hold up is. A good condition vintage receiver, mated to a compatible speaker, can sound anywhere from "vintage" (aka poor) to pretty damned fine. But I doubt that anyone would replace their Shindo gear with a used Pioneer receiver.

Having said that, I have restored vintage receivers and integrated amps that have been excellent systems in their own right. I bought a Luxman amp new in 1975, and regularly used in an office system it until I gave it to one of my daughters a few years ago. New caps are often (almost always) helpful if not necessary, and if you can't do it yourself the added expense might make the total cost unattractive.

Back in the late 70's, Harry Pearson, editor of The Absolute sound reviewed Pioneers top of the line 120wpc receiver. His review was only 5 words: "plainly a piece of shit". Receivers and amps from that period used huge amounts of negative feedback to make the numbers look good, but the sound was God-aweful.

Bob

Bob... I could care less about what Harry Pearson says or thinks. I do know I'm getting very good sound out of that Pioneer -- maybe not Shindo good, but still quite respectable. I'd put that system with the cheap Pioneer and VMPS up against your stuff any day.

I'm really put off by audio snobbery like this; especially when people have no first-hand experience with the gear they're giving opinions on. Sure I've heard some mediocre-to-poor receivers, but I've heard some good ones too. Also just FYI, my Pioneer is not the top-of-line 120-watt model and I bet Harry did not even give that one an honest chance with an open mind.

Frank