Marantz 8500 vs Pioneer Elite 74 TXVi

[krishSA]

I am unable to decide between the two receivers. Marantz has good reputation and Pioneer has more features. I liked the Marantz but I am unable to compare them here in San Antonio as they are carried by different dealers. I have pioneer 5060 plasma tv and pioneer dv 79axi dvd player and as the tv tuner has HDMI inputs, I presume I don't need the HDMI inputs in reciever (isn't it?). Marantz doesn't have the i-link feature. Is it some thing important to have? Obviously we can never keep up with the latest features, but is i-link an important mile stone for future developments? Are there any more factors that may help me make decision. I'll be using 60:40 for music and movies and I'll be connecting it to Vienna Acoustic (Mozart) speakers. Thanks.

 

[Taifun]

They are both great receivers. the I-link is nice because it replaces the 6/8 analog cables you would need in order to listen to DVD-As and SACDs. So its a convenience feature. I have more expirience with Pioneer than Marantz, perhaps others will pipe in. I happen to love my Pioneer, but would be hard pressed given your choices.

 

[outsider]

I have actually listened to the Marantz 8500 compared to a Pioneer Elite (although I don't know which model) and I felt that the Marantz had a nicer overall sound.
The Marantz 8500 seemed to have a warmer sound with clear highs while the Pioneer had a more balanced sound that wasn't quite as clear.
Both did have good overall sound though, so you really can't go wrong with either.
As for the extra features, I have no idea if they'd be useful or not.

 

[Drop-Top]

I just purchased that model of Pioneer after much debate. I love it to be honest. The features are amazing, I purchased it more for the digital Ipod hook up more than anything. The power is amazing and I could not be happier. BTW I bought axiom speakers.

 

[AVRat]

I would be leery about using any mid-level receiver that is not specified to handle 4-ohm loads like the Viennas. If you must, select the one that meets your features requirement. Which other speakers are you using, center, surrounds?

 

[j_garcia]

I have listened to a number of Pioneers, including the 59TXi, and I have to say I was never really impressed with the way they sounded. After listening to a lot of brands, I went with Marantz because I listen to more music than movies, and I've not been disappointed yet.

 

[krishSA]

Thanks everybody for your input. I liked Marantz because that was the receiver hooked up to Vienna Acoustic speakers in the dealer shop and was excellent. I heard the Pioneer in different dealer store, did sound good, but it was not connected to Vienna's. So, no way to compare except trying both at home and paying hefty restocking fee. I am thinking of purchasing the Marantz as I liked the sound and I don't need the HDMI inputs as mentioned earlier. However I am little skeptical because it doesn't have the i-link feature and I am not sure if I'll not regret in future for not having it. Is the 5.1 analog connection good enough?