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What To Keep: Marantz 2330B? or Luxman R-117!

Gary D Olson

Gary D Olson

Skilled Tightwad
I have a Marantz 2330B in superb condition which I love dearly. Yesterday, I happened upon a very good deal on a Luxman R-117 in excellent condition. Needless to say, I bought it, hence this thread. I won't have time to A/B it with my 2330B until next weekend, but am already struggling over which to keep. It will not be "both" as I'm sure many would suggest.

Speaking purely of exterior design: compared to the Marantz, the Luxman is a stinking, dripping eye sore with flies. However, if I (and my wife) could get over the ugly factor and keep it and sell the Marantz, I could possibly end up with a better sounding rig - AND - would probably end up a little richer as the Luxman probably won't fetch as much coin as the 2330B. The R-117 is remote controllable, but that isn't a big issue.

My question to you is:

1. Which receiver do you believe should SOUND better?
2. Which receiver do you believe should appreciate in value more?
3. Which receiver do you believe you would keep and why?

Much obliged.


Gary
 
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I have the 2330b, and would never consider selling it over the Luxman, unless $$ was the only issue..because as you say, the Marantz would fetch way more in resale. I have never heard the R-117, but have read good reviews on it..that being said, the 2330b would have much more appreciation potential, and is a fantastic receiver!
 
Both are excellent receivers for different reasons. I've owned both. IMO,the R-117 is better sounding and with remote, more convenient. However, the 2330B is nicer to look at and more collectable. Chances are you will not find another 2330B deal again.
 
SoCal Sam said:
Both are excellent receivers for different reasons. I've owned both. IMO,the R-117 is better sounding and with remote, more convenient. However, the 2330B is nicer to look at and more collectable. Chances are you will not find another 2330B deal again.
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+1. But I would still go Lux all the way!
 
The 2330b is a beauty to look at.I had one in a wood case and it was quite stunning to look at as far as receivers go.I still have my R117 and although quite bland looking it has hung around because of the sound and the remote.Keep them both.I don't think two stereo receivers is that burdensome.Hell,the Marantz can sit around just looking pretty.
 
The Marantz would bring you about $100-400 more than the Luxman should you decide to sell, depending upon condition. Yours is "superb" so I would expect it to be at the high end of the range.

I don't look at my gear as much as I listen to it, so I'd opt for selling the Marantz, especially since so many seem to feel the Luxman is a better sounding unit. Cosmetics get trumped here by sound, and I'll always keep the better sounding ugly duckling over another, especially if the other is a highly sought, more valuable piece.
 
My vote is for the Luxman.
Then start looking for a M,C and T-03 and then sell the R-117.
Then you'll have both looks and sound and something that will do nothing but appreciate in value
 
I Listened To The Luxman Today - Now What?

As fabulous as the 2330B sounds, the Luxman sounds better. $^@&!!

My wife says "keep 'em both" but I don' know... Yes, there are worse dilemmas in life, but this one really has me stumped. #@&$ %#*$!!!!!!

Damn, that Lux sounds sooooooooooooooooooo good.
 
If you were an electrical genius I would pull the guts out of the luxman and pu it into the Marantz. Then you have the best of both worlds
 
The new gal in town quite often turns heads. I'd spend quite a bit of time with both of those fine pieces before even coming close to sending one packing.
 
Gary D Olson said:
As fabulous as the 2330B sounds, the Luxman sounds better. $^@&!!

My wife says "keep 'em both" but I don' know... Yes, there are worse dilemmas in life, but this one really has me stumped. #@&$ %#*$!!!!!!

Damn, that Lux sounds sooooooooooooooooooo good.
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bktheking said:
There's your answer. :thmbsp:
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SoCal Sam said:
So what's the dilemma? You have your answer.
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nickrobotron said:
I swear to God you'll regret selling whichever you get rid of. Don't do that to yourself.
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I think I disagree. I think the answer is keep the Luxman and move the Marantz along to another appreciative home with an excited owner. If you have regrets about selling it, you've got a fun new project trying to find another one. I've not regretted selling anything I've sold - each time it's been another step along the upgrade continuum. Numerous things I've bought, however, have been steps backwards, but that's sometimes difficult to know for sure until you do it.

Try not to dwell on the conflict of which to sell and the disappointment of choosing the wrong one. Instead, enjoy the one you keep.
 
DC said:
I think I disagree. I think the answer is keep the Luxman and move the Marantz along to another appreciative home with an excited owner. If you have regrets about selling it, you've got a fun new project trying to find another one. I've not regretted selling anything I've sold - each time it's been another step along the upgrade continuum. Numerous things I've bought, however, have been steps backwards, but that's sometimes difficult to know for sure until you do it.

Try not to dwell on the conflict of which to sell and the disappointment of choosing the wrong one. Instead, enjoy the one you keep.
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I really like the way you think.

If it's true there are two kinds of people - those who like to "have" things and those who like to "use and enjoy" things, my wife is the former and I am the latter. This is why I started the thread by stating it wasn't an option to keep both. So much has happened since then.

I've never been comfortable having anything just for the sake of having it. However, there are unusual factors working together here to sway me into the former. 1. I've wanted a Marantz receiver for 40 years and finally own one, 2. I ended up with one of the best receivers the company ever produced, 3. The sound and beauty far exceed my expectations, 4. The Luxman, which I acquired at 1/3 the cost of the 2330B, sounds even better while including several additional features I will use, and 5. (and this is key) My beloved wife continually tells me she REALLY does not want me to sell either, and this is more temptation than I can endure.

Did you know the "storage lot" is a relatively new phenomenon? They were virtually unheard of in the US before the 1970's but they're everywhere today. I'm starting to understand why. I purchased new feet for my 2330B from a seller on ebay. I spoke with this seller and he told me he has over 30 Marantz receivers. That sounded nuts to me. Again, so much has happened since then.
 
I have a 2330B and it ROCKS (well, not really "rocks" since I only listen to jazz, but you get the point) and I love it. I don't know what the Lux sounds like, but I'd keep the Marantz.
 
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