[Monsterzero]

I have a choice of Pioneer SX838 or Marantz 1070 for headphone listening. Anyone have any experience of these?

I have heard neither. That being said, receivers back in the day had a house sound. Marantz was known for being the warmest of the Big 3, while Pioneer has known as being the brightest and most detailed of the Big 3. Big 3 being Marantz, Pioneer and Sansui.
There were deviations existing from model to model though. My Sansui 5000a is the warmest receiver Ive ever heard. Warmer than my Marantz 2226b and much warmer than my other Sansui, the 881.
The damping factor is higher on the Pioneer SX838, which is attractive to me. Personally, based on a semi-educated guess I'd opt for the Pioneer all things(price) being equal. Both should rock the hell out of high impedance headphones, assuming theyre both in good shape.

 

[Greendriver]

Thanks. They're both from the same supplier, and recapped and serviced. He's 204 miles away, otherwise I'd go and listen to them b4 making a decision.

 

[SpeakerBox]

Thanks. They're both from the same supplier, and recapped and serviced. He's 204 miles away, otherwise I'd go and listen to them b4 making a decision.

A pioneer fan boy here, so I know which one I would take. Marantz sound is too warm for me.

 

[Oregonian]

A pioneer fan boy here, so I know which one I would take. Marantz sound is to warm for me.

Ditto...............have one Marantz (2285B) which I love but have 6 Pioneer amps.

 

[SpeakerBox]

A man ^^^^^ after my own heart.

 

[PhoenixG]

I've moved house to a new place and have the stereo running again. It's nice to be able to decompress a bit after a long day.

 

[SpeakerBox]

Very nice setup!

 

[KG Jag]

Not your average rig!

 

[PhoenixG]

Not your average rig!

Thanks! I have to say that a lot of the guys in this thread were just the kind of (bad) influence I needed to hunt for this gear in the first place. @Silent One and his G22000 started my hunt for my 33k, and @Oregonian, @SpeakerBox , and @Skylab have been very encouraging as well - especially when I was doing a lot of trading out of components.

 

[DeweyCH]

I really need to take the time to listen to headphones on my vintage receivers. I have a Sansui 7070 and a Luxman R-117... the Luxman has some issues, but I think I can solve them, and the Sui is just gorgeous (recapped from top to bottom).

I also have a Hitachi SR-600 that's a sweet little amp. It currently lives with my dad.

 

[Greendriver]

I really need to take the time to listen to headphones on my vintage receivers. I have a Sansui 7070 and a Luxman R-117... the Luxman has some issues, but I think I can solve them, and the Sui is just gorgeous (recapped from top to bottom).

I also have a Hitachi SR-600 that's a sweet little amp. It currently lives with my dad.

Beautiful. Live the Sansui receivers. Not many around in the UK

 

[musicman59]

DeweyCH, you just brought back memories from when I started in this hobby about 48 years ago with the brand Hitachi.
I was about 13 and my parents got me for Christmas a small Hitachi receiver.... 48 years later and many dollars spent I am thankful they started me on this and blessed I was able to continue progressing on this never ending road to the point I am now.

 

[elquixote]

Hi everyone joined the vintage club w/ my Pioneer SA-8800 waiting for my speaker taps to arrive but so far been enjoying it out of the phones out w/ my HE6

 

[Oregonian]

Hi everyone joined the vintage club w/ my Pioneer SA-8800 waiting for my speaker taps to arrive but so far been enjoying it out of the phones out w/ my HE6

That was fast! Welcome to the outlier club.................now post that gorgeous picture of your SA-8800!

 

[elquixote]