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Marantz 2215b or Pioneer SX-780?

A

Ak1337azn

New Member
My dilemma is that I've currently got the Marantz whereas a SX-780 can be made available to me for $140, but I've only got use for one receiver at the moment (wife, practicality, etc.)

In everyone else's experience, which one should I end up with? It'll be hard for me to let go of that signature Marantz look but I realize the Pioneer probably has more offer in terms of sound. Please help.
 
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Must agree. A couple of years ago I sold someone a ceramic cartridge in a Dual sled for $25. He had a 2215b in his car telling me he didn't want it and told me it was free for the taking so I did. There was nothing wrong with it, didn't even need switch or control cleaning. The guy was an antique radio buff and volunteered as a museum tech repairing/restoring such things.

I have enjoyed low power amplification from time to time but after listining over a couple of days, the 2215b was no big whoop. It went on CL with a high two figure asking price and sold pretty quick to some Japanese guy for his kid's bedroom.

I would think you can recoup most of the SX780's cost by selling that 2215b. Seems clear there are those who deem the letters M-A-R-A-N-T-Z worthy of a premium.
 
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How much of an upgrade could I reasonably expect? I've got fairly efficient speakers in my Klipsch KG 3.2s so power was never really an issue for me in the past. I'm also uncertain as to whether this potential pairing with the Pioneer would result in too bright of a sound.
 
Dave_1962 said:
I'd say an upgrade three times over.
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That sounds promising enough for me. I'm aware of the Marantz tax associated with the brand so I'm fairly certain I'll be able to recoup the cost of the unit and then some... At least if I decide to actually part with it.
 
Ak1337azn said:
My dilemma is that I've currently got the Marantz whereas a SX-780 can be made available to me for $140, but I've only got use for one receiver at the moment (wife, practicality, etc.)

In everyone else's experience, which one should I end up with? It'll be hard for me to let go of that signature Marantz look but I realize the Pioneer probably has more offer in terms of sound. Please help.
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Welcome to the site,

I'm a bit bias as I'm a big Pioneer fan.

What speakers are you planning on pairing the receiver with?

The SX80s series have a very sterile sound, clean and sharp. While it does not lack warmth, its not its strong point.

Yes I've owned a 780 and have restored an 880 among others.... I prefer the 50s series, but I'd take the 780 over the 2215b all day every day.

@Dave_1962 is correct, 3x better.. (3x the power)

The marantz may sound a little warmer, but that's not necessarily a good thing, it's a poke and a pull. I'd say for sound quality go with the 780.

Good luck with it!

Kind Regards,
John
 
62vauxhall said:
Must agree. A couple of years ago I sold someone a ceramic cartridge in a Dual sled for $25. He had the 2215b in his car telling me he didn't want it and told me it was free for the taking so I did. There was nothing wrong with it, didn't even need switch or control cleaning. The guy was an antique radio buff and volunteered as a museum tech repairing/restoring such things.

I have enjoyed low power amplification from time to time but after listining over a couple of days, the 2215b was no big whoop. It went on CL with a high two figure asking price and sold pretty quick to some Japanese guy for his kid's bedroom.

I would think you can recoup most of the SX780's cost by selling that 2215b. Seems clear there are those who deem the letters M-A-R-A-N-T-Z worthy of a premium.
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Ahh well said! :)
 
jobrewer1983 said:
Welcome to the site,

I'm a bit bias as I'm a big Pioneer fan.

What speakers are you planning on pairing the receiver with?

The SX80s series have a very sterile sound, clean and sharp. While it does not lack warmth, its not its strong point.

Yes I've owned a 780 and have restored an 880 among others.... I prefer the 50s series, but I'd take the 780 over the 2215b all day every day.

@Dave_1962 is correct, 3x better.. (3x the power)

The marantz may sound a little warmer, but that's not necessarily a good thing, it's a poke and a pull. I'd say for sound quality go with the 780.

Good luck with it!

Kind Regards,
John
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Thanks for the welcome! I'd be pairing it with a pair of Klipsch KG 3.2s. On my way to check it out now, so I'll have to report my findings. Thanks for the guidance so far, everyone.
 
Ak1337azn said:
Thanks for the welcome! I'd be pairing it with a pair of Klipsch KG 3.2s. On my way to check it out now, so I'll have to report my findings. Thanks for the guidance so far, everyone.
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Ohh you will do well with the KG3.2 and the 780, I had my KG4s and also 2s paired with my 780, also a 650. :)

KG series are great! Hope it works out for you!
 
Ak1337azn said:
Anything I should look out for now that I've picked it up? Currently cleaning the pots as I write this.
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Lol that was fast!!

Super simple amp, board layout is good. Easy to work on. clean all the controls and you should be good. I'd download the service manual from HiFi engine, keep it on hand in the event you need to get the value of any components. Dwojo has the proper light kits for all the Pio gear, some folks do LED conversions, can be cool but I like the looks of the original lamps... :)

One thing to note on the SX line, the amp needs a good 9-12 min to warm up for best sound. Check the owners/service manual, it's in there :).

Lastly, enjoy it! You got a great deal!

Kind Regards,
John
 
I've had 15wpc Marantz gear before. And I still have several higher powered Marantz systems. I also have a very clean all original Pioneer SX-780. Personally I would go for the SX-780. It sounds good, looks good and at 40wpc your going to have a bit more headroom. I also thought the phono section was a little better than the 15wpc Marantz 1030 integrated I had. I am a big fan of early to mid 70's Marantz gear. But I would have to go with the Pioneer here.
 
...All I can say is wow, guys. Thanks again for pointing out what should've been clear from the start. Perhaps now that I've got both in my possession I might as well keep both, eh?
 

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Ak1337azn said:
...All I can say is wow, guys. Thanks again for pointing out what should've been clear from the start. Perhaps now that I've got both in my possession I might as well keep both, eh?
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Wow wee that's clean! For a buck 40 you did well! Congrats!

That thing looks fresh.

So how do you like the sound? Clear as all get out?
 
Ak1337azn said:
...All I can say is wow, guys. Thanks again for pointing out what should've been clear from the start. Perhaps now that I've got both in my possession I might as well keep both, eh?
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That is correct.
I have SX-780 and 2226. Didn't say so earlier because you were getting good info.
I'm going to keep both because I think they will hold up over time, much as they have.
 
Now get some plug in LED's to replace the bulbs in the 780. The original bulbs get hot and are close to the top of the cabinet. Over time the cabinet will show burn marks on the top. Mine was just starting to darken the veneer and looks burnt on the underside.
 
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