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Vector Research VR-7000: Sweet Sounding Receiver

V

vintagestereo

Addicted Member
Banned
Hi. Just picked up one of these at the local GW out of sheer curiosity. From what I can tell, the Vector Research brand was launched in 1978 with this VR-7000 at the "Top of the Line" rated at 65 wpc x 2, a bit underpowered in those power-hungry days. Made in Japan too!

Vector Research tried to differentiat themselves by printing block diagrams on the tops of the cases, which, actually, looks pretty cool now. The styling is somewhat NAD-like, although it doesn't have the "Power Envelope" circuitry that distinguishes NAD from the rest. This 65 wpc unit has 2 10,000 uF Caps and a large tranny, but only a 3-gang variable cap tuna. I saw three ICs.

I was not expecting much, but with a little cleaning, it actually looks OK now.

But, the real surprise is that it certainly sounds SWEET!! For some reason, this little guy has really made an impression on me and I think I'm gonna keep him. I've got him playing on some Klipsch Kg 2.1s at the moment and, frankly, they've never sounded better! The FM is amazingly clean for a 3-ganger, and the highs particularly, are very clear and nicely detailed. The bass is punchy, but not overdone. However, with the Loudness active, it gets really muddy sounding. The tuna has pretty good sensitivity and I was able to pick up a classical station cleanly that my Denon TU-600 and Pioneer F-90 tunas can't!
Go figure!

I figure Vector Research has to be WAY UNDER the radar, so they're a nice find for anyone looking for good "bang for the buck".
 
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I have had a VRX-9000 since around 1982, bought new at A+B Sound in Vancouver. Never heard of it but the sales guy put the pitch on.....it was only about $300 or so back then.
It has served me very well, clean sound, and extremely reliable. It is conservatively rated at 85wpc, and has powered AR 58BX's for most of those years, recently B+W's.
I just recently got the vintage Sansui bug however and now am using a G-8000 which has way more power and much better bottom-end.
I can't complain about the V though as I have moved throughout western canada about 6 times during those years so it has been tough.
It looks pretty much exactly like yours by the way, except the tuner is a digital display.
I have the manuals but they are for the 9000.
 
Crazy...

With that silver face and flowing script, it looks like a "Yama-rantz". :naughty:
 
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bOUddha said:
Crazy...

With that silver face and flowing script, it looks like a "Yama-rantz". :naughty:
Click to expand...
Welcome to AK, bOUddha!
I agree with that assessment! Especially the knobs and tuning dial. But that script is an eyesore!!
Maybe our resident Yamaha guru Merrylander could weigh in here? I'd swear that really is a Yamaha CR-series receiver....
Tom
 
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Vector Research had a cassette deck that was completely awesome! It was huge, it was great sounding, it looked better than the Dragon (and resembled it too). I wish I could find the model number or at least a picture of it. I remember reading about it in an old Stereo Review magazine, but I can't find even a whisper on it in all the internet. From what I remember, when VR started they aimed pretty high and had some impressive gear, then they went downhill very fast. It seems any VR stuff you find now is usually always the cheapo stuff. Hmmmm an enigma it is.... :scratch2:
 
abone1999 said:
I have had a VRX-9000 since around 1982, bought new at A+B Sound in Vancouver. Never heard of it but the sales guy put the pitch on.....it was only about $300 or so back then.
It has served me very well, clean sound, and extremely reliable. It is conservatively rated at 85wpc, and has powered AR 58BX's for most of those years, recently B+W's.
I just recently got the vintage Sansui bug however and now am using a G-8000 which has way more power and much better bottom-end.
I can't complain about the V though as I have moved throughout western canada about 6 times during those years so it has been tough.
It looks pretty much exactly like yours by the way, except the tuner is a digital display.
I have the manuals but they are for the 9000.
Click to expand...

I've got my sights set on a VRX-9500, which was the best Vector Research ever. The VR-7000 has really impressed and I just have to find out what the best model is like!
 
JimmyNeutron said:
Vector Research had a cassette deck that was completely awesome! It was huge, it was great sounding, it looked better than the Dragon (and resembled it too). I wish I could find the model number or at least a picture of it. I remember reading about it in an old Stereo Review magazine, but I can't find even a whisper on it in all the internet. From what I remember, when VR started they aimed pretty high and had some impressive gear, then they went downhill very fast. It seems any VR stuff you find now is usually always the cheapo stuff. Hmmmm an enigma it is.... :scratch2:
Click to expand...

JimmyN - Your memory serves you correctly. In 1981 VR came out with the VCX-800 Cassette Deck, at $1,000.00. EXTREMELY RARE. But, I know I have an ad for it in one of my magazines and when I find it, I will post it here so that your memory can be fully revived.
 
eplates said:
Thats cool what luck you have.while I'm here what do you think about this?...is it junk?
I'm not interested,just wondering if you know anything about it..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3279&item=5778115684&rd=1
Click to expand...

Ed -- It sure does look like a mix between a Marantz 22XXb Series and a Yammie CR-1000. Since it weighs only 30 lbs., I would not be expecting too much. Also, the other Audio Reflex gear that I have seen on E-Bay did not impress me. But, for a BIN of $129.99, who cares? Could be fun!
 
Dang You Vintagestereo

I have passed up everything I haver seen from vector research until I happened upon this thread. Early this week I went a thriftin and happened upon a vrx 9000 and vcx 510 tapedeck, but the deck needs some attention. Upon reading your praise for the 7000 I thought that the 9000 had to be 2000 better so I bought it. A superb piece of equipment after a bit of cleaning. Great power, control and clarity from a close to no name receiver. And it is a better match than the tandberg for my chosen speakers, so needless to say I am a happy camper. Thanks VS :banana:
 
brainsmasher said:
I have passed up everything I haver seen from vector research until I happened upon this thread. Early this week I went a thriftin and happened upon a vrx 9000 and vcx 510 tapedeck, but the deck needs some attention. Upon reading your praise for the 7000 I thought that the 9000 had to be 2000 better so I bought it. A superb piece of equipment after a bit of cleaning. Great power, control and clarity from a close to no name receiver. And it is a better match than the tandberg for my chosen speakers, so needless to say I am a happy camper. Thanks VS :banana:
Click to expand...

Brainsmasher -- I AM SO ENVIOUS!!! Your VRX-9000 looks TOTALLY COOL!!!! It's NAD-like but much more visually stimulating. And, I have no doubt that it sounds as great as you've said. VR is a TOTAL UNDERDOG brand. I can't believe you found THAT just lying around at a Thrift! AWESOME!!!!

My VR-7000 was the first Top of the Line Vector Research receiver. Your VRX-9000 in the second from the top in the next series. I would love to find a VRX-9500 so if anyone knows of one that they'd like sell, please PM me.

I'm in the process of lining up the matching VCX-600 Cassette deck to go with my unit. The Cassette Deck that is designed to go with your's has got to be one of the most impressive Cassette Decks ever.

I also see a Kyocera CD Player sitting on top of your VRX-9000. Which model is it and how do you like it. I recently got a Kyocera R-861 Receiver and I'd like to get a matching CD Player. It's really well made gear and totally undervalued.
 
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Well, unfortunately for me.. every piece of Victor Research gear I've ever owned, never worked. In all fairness though, I have to say they were in that condition when I purchaced them used. Some I paid wayyyyy more than I should have though...

The last piece I found was a VR-5000 reciever. It powers up fine.. but no output. I haven't taken it to a shop yet.. I assume the final's are blown.

I'm hanging on to it.. I plan to get it repaired. maybe the casette deck too.
It's a.. VCX-8000 I think. It's in storage and I can't get to it as of this writing.

True though.. VR's DO look pretty impressive..

TRC
 
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I assume you mean Pre / Main jumpers..? This model doesn't have them.

When I got it, the speaker fuses were blown, so I replaced them, and still no audio, but yet it doesn't blow the fuses either.

With headphones, I can tap the speaker protection circuit relay, and hear it through the headphones.. both channel's.. but nothing else. I'm beginning to wonder if there IS a connection problem somewhere between the pre and power amp.. but I'm not seeing anything by just eyeballing it..

Any suggestions anyone..?

TRC
 
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VS, it is so strange that you bring up Victor Research! :yes:

I remembered the brand and have been keeping my eye out
for some of their pieces for a couple of weeks now...

Been finding mainly cassette decks in the local thrifts and GWs.

Guess great minds think alike eh? :D

Scott
 
That is a great looking receiver Brian. I would be happy to live off your leftovers when it comes to thrifting. Great score!

cubdog
 
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