Vintage_Hi-F
Vintage Audio Geek
What I was getting at it they where an European company (from what I'm able to gather) the others where Japanese. Still can't agree with that last comment at all.
Sansui vs Marantz vs Pioneer
- Thread starter CAGNAGNA
- Start date
What I was getting at it they where an European company (from what I'm able to gather) the others where Japanese. Still can't agree with that last comment at all.
Perhaps you are thinking of another company, early Harman Kardon was based in Woodbury New York, and I think they are now in Stanford CT if I recall.
Early products were designed and built in the US. I have a Citation 21 that was pre Japan manufactor, and a Signature 1.5 (Madagral), US made as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International#Early_history
http://www.harmankardon.com/EN-US/aboutus/History/Pages/History.aspx
Early products were designed and built in the US. I have a Citation 21 that was pre Japan manufactor, and a Signature 1.5 (Madagral), US made as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harman_International#Early_history
http://www.harmankardon.com/EN-US/aboutus/History/Pages/History.aspx
ssmith3046
Super Member
I don't think any two people hear the same. What sounds good to me might sound like crap to you. I've always liked the Yamaha sound but I've heard some people say it's too bright for their taste.
Deacon Jubal
Active Member
Heh...I remember one of my buddies bragging that his Sansui amp had 45 WPC and my Pioneer SA-7500 had only 40WPC. Funny thing was, his Ultralinear speakers just didn't cut it against my EVs. He even admitted my silver-faced 7500 was a lot prettier than his black-faced 'sui.
I'd happily enjoy a clean unit from any of those three manufacturers (pre-82) and add Kenwood to those as well.
I'd happily enjoy a clean unit from any of those three manufacturers (pre-82) and add Kenwood to those as well.
darklife
Modulating Madness
Had many of all three individual brands. I will settle this now by saying the honest truth to this...
Marantz > the rest.
Okay seriously I find Marantz is great when it comes to classic equipment that had a clunky 70s feel but solid built stuff that lived up to all specs and beyond before part failure. Marantz built their stuff like tanks IMHO in the early days. Later stuff seemed to go down hill to cheapo stuff. My 80s Marantz all in one is a good example of crap.
Pioneer was always a long time favorite of mine. One of my first stereo systems was just that. They seemed to make stuff that was well built but seemed to lack in the built to last department imho. I have had one too many pioneer systems fail with problems that were just not able to be fixed by even my own hands which are used to digging into dirt to get a problem worked around or at least workable.
Also their later systems used a lot of all in one chip amplifiers. When those things failed you may as well toss the whole thing out.
Sansui imho was always the cheaper brand but somehow managed to build stuff right. They weren't the best, but they were the best at what they did in the price range.
Don't get me wrong. I have seen some good sansui equipment but the majority of it imho is medium class stuff. It's not cheap but it's not quality. Of course who cares when it sounds damn good and holds up through time which it seems to do.
All and all I find comparing these brands is comparing apples to oranges to some other fruit which is much the same.
Comparing brands is kind of silly in my mind anyways. My advice and long term belief is to listen to the device and judge it's sound using a blind test w/o knowing the brand, or trying to ignore the brand when testing it. Second is to hear it, I mean hear it. Forget your senses and just listen. If it sounds good, it is good regardless of brand, looks or whatever.
Sometimes the craziest or most ugly equipment sounds the best.
Marantz > the rest.
Okay seriously I find Marantz is great when it comes to classic equipment that had a clunky 70s feel but solid built stuff that lived up to all specs and beyond before part failure. Marantz built their stuff like tanks IMHO in the early days. Later stuff seemed to go down hill to cheapo stuff. My 80s Marantz all in one is a good example of crap.
Pioneer was always a long time favorite of mine. One of my first stereo systems was just that. They seemed to make stuff that was well built but seemed to lack in the built to last department imho. I have had one too many pioneer systems fail with problems that were just not able to be fixed by even my own hands which are used to digging into dirt to get a problem worked around or at least workable.
Also their later systems used a lot of all in one chip amplifiers. When those things failed you may as well toss the whole thing out.
Sansui imho was always the cheaper brand but somehow managed to build stuff right. They weren't the best, but they were the best at what they did in the price range.
Don't get me wrong. I have seen some good sansui equipment but the majority of it imho is medium class stuff. It's not cheap but it's not quality. Of course who cares when it sounds damn good and holds up through time which it seems to do.
All and all I find comparing these brands is comparing apples to oranges to some other fruit which is much the same.
Comparing brands is kind of silly in my mind anyways. My advice and long term belief is to listen to the device and judge it's sound using a blind test w/o knowing the brand, or trying to ignore the brand when testing it. Second is to hear it, I mean hear it. Forget your senses and just listen. If it sounds good, it is good regardless of brand, looks or whatever.
Sometimes the craziest or most ugly equipment sounds the best.
vintage 5.0
vintage 5.0
Well in my humble opinion there is only one answer. SANSUI first, then Pioneer and Marantz about the same. I have had all the Pioneer SX models except the 1980. I had two SX 1280s at one time. I can tell you the sound from these did not even compare to the Sansui AU/TU 9500. I ran the Sansui on the same speakers and it was just not the same. The Sansui was so much warmer and easy on the ears. The bass was also better much more punch. And as far as build anyone that has had the 9500 series stuff or the AU 999 line can not knock the build. That stuff is bullet proof. As for looks I have gone to the dark side. What a rich looking appearance to have the dark face with the silver mixed in. To me it is a work of art. I had too many problems with the pioneer getting dirty pots. I would always have one of them with dirty switches that needed cleaned. Now as far as turntables I love the Pioneers. I will say Marantz has some great build to them they are bullet proof for sure. If I had to have one receiver to last forever I would put my money on a Marantz. They are one sturdy reciever. I also think the Gyro dial is pretty cool. But all in all for me my choice is easy. SANSUI.
darklife
Modulating Madness
I must admit I have never really owned that much Sansui equipment. I do find subtle differences in design of these three brands though which is kind of where I was trying to take what I was typing out. All three brands have distinct ways of designing their equipment in the past which can be preferred by owners.
I think what needs to be done here is one of us from each favored brand post the best in our opinion piece of equipment they ever made with pictures and information.
Like the Marantz crowd choose the best of what they have, the Pioneer crowd and the Sansui. Then post the results and let the result be that which one holds in their mind after reading the voted results.
Of course that would never happen because even amongst people in one fan base you will have wars of what's best and not.
I personally look for build quality, how easy it is to open and replace parts when all hell breaks loose, sound quality, how it holds up to its ratings, aesthetic look. If it can cook eggs or crush empty beer cans, Well all the normal things.
I honestly think what it boils down to is peoples lack of experience with different brands and equipment here!
Seriously how many people here (speak up if you're one) can say you heard the best of these three brands? Or can even say you heard some of their best in the first place?
Most of us like a build because that's what we know and have as a piece of our own system.
Few of us have probably ever had the opportunity to compare Pioneer, Marantz and Sansui to the point where any of us are qualified to say one way or the other which is best of the three you have had the opportunity to test out.
I need sleep lol.
vintage 5.0
vintage 5.0
That is a good point. I have tested some of the Pioneer top stuff but honestly never tested some top end Marantz. I think a 2270 is the best I tried. Also why did not anyone mention Macintosh. I have never tested any but it seems that they have a huge following.
Great point, alll the above manufactors made some goos and not so good sounding equipment.
All lot of it also depends on the assosiated equipment as well, particuliarly speakers.
Saying something sounds like crap, may merly be you mistakingly matching it up the wrong speakers.
Caminokid
Pioneer and Realistic
I think everyone forgot that there is people that have brand loyalty. I for one am a huge Pioneer fan. Do I won others...yes. Sansui has certain sound to it that is very warm...at least to me. Marantz has a quilty that the others dont have. But what it all boils down to is what a persons preference is. One person may say that Pioneer isnt as great as Sansui. Another may say Marantz is the worst in the world. (not that I have ever heard anyone say that) But it is what someone likes. Every maker has their own sound. If you like...then that is what is the best to you. Not what is the best to someone else.
Caminokid
Pioneer and Realistic
Let me add to this. Now this maybe cause I have had high end Pioneer, Sansui, Kenwood and Marantz... I bought a Pioneer SX303 back in the 80's. Had it hooked up long enough to know I didnt like it. Paired up with a set of Realistic Mach Ones. Distortion level was at about the half way point. Didnt matter how I had anything set. I also had a Pioneer VSX305 in the 90's.....I think its in the attic somewhere. I had it hooked up in place of the KR9940 for about an hour. Wasnt happy with any part of the receiver. It didnt have any sound quality. Like I said in the post before this...I am a Huge Pioneer fan. You made the point that every manufacture make low end stuff too. You're very right about that. I believe that no one should subject themselves to low end quality.
ssmith3046
Super Member
Indeed, "Beauty is in the ears of the listener." Well said.
Metalownz
Audiophile? Getting there
And i believe it all depends on what type of music your listening to and how it was produced. Newer cds with compression may sound better with a Sansui, where older recordings pre cd may sound better with the Pioneer. Who knows. All 3 are amazing brands imo. Id buy any 3 brands of vintage because they all rule and are all built like tanks. Variety is the spice of life.
