Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Are vintage receivers really that different?
In this episode, we put four legendary silver-face monsters head-to-head in a blind listening test to see if the sound differences are real — or mostly forum mythology.
We compare:
* Marantz 2325
* Kenwood KR-9400
* Sansui G-9000 (G-91 variant)
* Pioneer SX-1250
All units were:
✔️ Level matched
✔️ Tone controls zeroed out (flat)
✔️ Loudness off (first round)
✔️ Switched using a vintage Audio Authority selector
✔️ Played through Wharfedale speakers in a lightly treated room
No hype. No bias. Totally open-minded.
What We Discovered (No Spoilers… Mostly)
With tone controls flat?The differences were shockingly minimal.
A touch more bass here. A hint more top-end detail there. But blindfolded? We couldn’t confidently tell them apart.
Then we flipped LOUDNESS ON…And things got interesting.
* The Marantz had a bold, classic loudness curve.
* The Sansui felt traditional and controlled.
* The Pioneer was surprisingly subtle.
* The Kenwood? Let’s just say… turbo bass boost territory.
Is the “Marantz warmth” real?Is Pioneer brighter?Does Sansui dominate the soundstage?
Or are we all just influenced by reputation and nostalgia?
🎵 Test Track
We used “Movie” by Nick Hansen for consistency across all samples so you can listen for yourself.
Keep in mind: YouTube compression affects audio. This is for fun and discussion — not a lab measurement test.
💬 We Want to Hear From You
Do YOU hear a dramatic difference?
* With loudness off?
* With loudness on?
* Which one is your favorite?
* Are we crazy… or are forum debates overblown?
Drop your thoughts below. Let’s keep it fun — nothing to get worked up over.
If you love vintage hi-fi, silver-face receivers, blind listening tests, and honest discussions about Marantz vs Sansui vs Pioneer vs Kenwood, this one’s for you.
👍 Like🔔 Subscribe🎚️ Join the discussion
Thanks for watching. See you next week.
_____________________________________
Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/skylabsiowa
Check us out on Instagram: instagram.com/skylabsiowa
_____________________________________
Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, Luxman, Advance Paris, Wharfedale, Cambridge Audio, Rega, Audio Technica, new vinyl records, SACDs and more!
skylabsaudio.com
Good news for our international viewers! You can now order our shirts for international shipping!
Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition.
skylabsaudio.com
Join this YouTube channel to get access to the perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCfkefBAR_BBXW_2z37-ozuw/join
We have a Patreon page! You can check that out here:
patreon.com/user?u=79064906
Are vintage receivers really that different?
In this episode, we put four legendary silver-face monsters head-to-head in a blind listening test to see if the sound differences are real — or mostly forum mythology.
We compare:
* Marantz 2325
* Kenwood KR-9400
* Sansui G-9000 (G-91 variant)
* Pioneer SX-1250
All units were:
✔️ Level matched
✔️ Tone controls zeroed out (flat)
✔️ Loudness off (first round)
✔️ Switched using a vintage Audio Authority selector
✔️ Played through Wharfedale speakers in a lightly treated room
No hype. No bias. Totally open-minded.
What We Discovered (No Spoilers… Mostly)
With tone controls flat?The differences were shockingly minimal.
A touch more bass here. A hint more top-end detail there. But blindfolded? We couldn’t confidently tell them apart.
Then we flipped LOUDNESS ON…And things got interesting.
* The Marantz had a bold, classic loudness curve.
* The Sansui felt traditional and controlled.
* The Pioneer was surprisingly subtle.
* The Kenwood? Let’s just say… turbo bass boost territory.
Is the “Marantz warmth” real?Is Pioneer brighter?Does Sansui dominate the soundstage?
Or are we all just influenced by reputation and nostalgia?
🎵 Test Track
We used “Movie” by Nick Hansen for consistency across all samples so you can listen for yourself.
Keep in mind: YouTube compression affects audio. This is for fun and discussion — not a lab measurement test.
💬 We Want to Hear From You
Do YOU hear a dramatic difference?
* With loudness off?
* With loudness on?
* Which one is your favorite?
* Are we crazy… or are forum debates overblown?
Drop your thoughts below. Let’s keep it fun — nothing to get worked up over.
If you love vintage hi-fi, silver-face receivers, blind listening tests, and honest discussions about Marantz vs Sansui vs Pioneer vs Kenwood, this one’s for you.
👍 Like🔔 Subscribe🎚️ Join the discussion
Thanks for watching. See you next week.
_____________________________________
Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/skylabsiowa
Check us out on Instagram: instagram.com/skylabsiowa
_____________________________________
Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, Luxman, Advance Paris, Wharfedale, Cambridge Audio, Rega, Audio Technica, new vinyl records, SACDs and more!
skylabsaudio.com
Good news for our international viewers! You can now order our shirts for international shipping!
Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition.
skylabsaudio.com
Join this YouTube channel to get access to the perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCfkefBAR_BBXW_2z37-ozuw/join
We have a Patreon page! You can check that out here:
patreon.com/user?u=79064906
