myu701
Vintage futurist
I've seen so much praise given for the Luxman R-115 and R-117 receivers, so I've had them on my "future list" for quite a while. But I've also taken notice of the Nakamichi STASIS TA-3A and TA-4A receivers. Kotofei posted a really great writeup of a shootout between the TA-4A and R-117, pretty much leaving it as a tie overall (different character in each, but both excellent performers).
Anyway, I've got a receiver that suits me well at the moment, but that itch to try a Nakamichi or Luxman just doesn't want to let up. The R-117 in really good shape seems to command over $300 fairly regularly on the auction market. The Nakamichi TA-4A comes around a lot less often and when it does it usually beats the top end selling prices for the R-117. But both of them are a bit beefy for my needs anyway, and I'd rather stick to their younger siblings for now... the TA-3A and R-115.
So the toss up... TA-3A or R-115? They're both rated at about the same output wattage, but the TA-3A is a Nelson Pass design that is highly regarded. It sounds like it would "fill the room" a bit more than the R-115. Both have pre-outs/main-in, so they can serve as strictly a preamp or amp. The R-115 is a little more visually appealing to me, and would blend in well with other black faced components. And the R-115 is supposed to be more reliable than the R-117. Other than a couple of undersized OEM resistors that should be replaced on the main board, it sounds like the TA-3A is reasonably reliable.
Prices for both on "that auction site" seem to fluctuate in about the same range, depending upon condition and included accessories. If you had to make a choice between them at the same price point, which one would it be and why?
Anyway, I've got a receiver that suits me well at the moment, but that itch to try a Nakamichi or Luxman just doesn't want to let up. The R-117 in really good shape seems to command over $300 fairly regularly on the auction market. The Nakamichi TA-4A comes around a lot less often and when it does it usually beats the top end selling prices for the R-117. But both of them are a bit beefy for my needs anyway, and I'd rather stick to their younger siblings for now... the TA-3A and R-115.
So the toss up... TA-3A or R-115? They're both rated at about the same output wattage, but the TA-3A is a Nelson Pass design that is highly regarded. It sounds like it would "fill the room" a bit more than the R-115. Both have pre-outs/main-in, so they can serve as strictly a preamp or amp. The R-115 is a little more visually appealing to me, and would blend in well with other black faced components. And the R-115 is supposed to be more reliable than the R-117. Other than a couple of undersized OEM resistors that should be replaced on the main board, it sounds like the TA-3A is reasonably reliable.
Prices for both on "that auction site" seem to fluctuate in about the same range, depending upon condition and included accessories. If you had to make a choice between them at the same price point, which one would it be and why?
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