• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Lafayette Surprize!

69sixpackbee

69sixpackbee

Well-Known Member
I found a Lafayette LR-9090 at a local thrift store for $40.00 and as I was looking over it a couple of other guys had the same interest....but I got there first.:banana: I am not up to speed at all on Lafayette receivers but after I got this home and hooked it up I now see what the fuss was about!
Good lord this thing is nice:D The FM sensitivity is far better than a lot of the higher end receivers I have in my stash. It picks up stations crisp and quiet. The amp in this unit rivals my big Pioneers and Marantz's. It is built like a tank and looks nice to boot.
I am now a believer in the Lafayette line!!

I also found a Yamaha EQ-70 at another store on the same outing and picked it up for a whole $12.00! I hooked it up to the Lafayette and it really shined.

I sold the EQ right away and that just paid for them both!
All in all a great day.

:thmbsp::thmbsp:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2124[1].jpg
    IMG_2124[1].jpg
    95 KB · Views: 327
  • IMG_2127[1].jpg
    IMG_2127[1].jpg
    36.6 KB · Views: 107
  • IMG_2125[1].jpg
    IMG_2125[1].jpg
    65.8 KB · Views: 114
Register to hide this ad
I believe both the Setton 660 and the Lafayette LR 9090 were built by the same OEM.
I bought one new back in 1977, great receiver.
Conservatively rated at 90 wpc, actual output according to a review in Stereo Review back in the day was closer to 105 wpc.
Wish I hadn't sold the one I had, but I did get it's "big brother" the LR120-db last year and am very happy with it.
 
Last edited:
analogguyinadig said:
I had one once, I agree, it's very impressive indeed. I believe it's a rebadged Setton RS-660.
Click to expand...

That's an interesting assertion. I have heard it before; I wonder who the actual hardware OEM was? I thought there was a claim that NEC built these receivers for LRE (and, thus... perhaps... for Setton as well?).

LRE LR-9090 (from this thread)
attachment.php


Setton RS-660

scan0017.jpg


The control layout does appear to be identical...

lr9090.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have been reading all I can about the Lafayette's. I vaguely remember the chain of stores. I have also read that these do indeed share about 90% of the Setton 660's internals and contrary to some reports that they were rolled over to Kenwood-Trio. I guess this is a pretty rare bird! I had no idea and I am pleasantly surprised. It dies not have a lot of the bells and whistles as the competitors comparably priced receivers but what I have read is the very low THD numbers and as was confirmed by my testing, the super FM reception and cleanliness.

I think I will focus a lot more attention on the Lafayette line.
:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
One "weak spot" I've seen mentioned online is the off/on-speaker selector switch. Other than that they seem very reliable.
I've seen more Lafayettes come up for sale online than the comparable Settons.
Maybe you've seen this, maybe not...scroll down for comparison between the Lafayette and Setton receivers.
http://www.chrisinmotion.com/MyFavoriteReceivers.htm
 
Earlier (vacuum tube era) Lafayette hifi receivers were Kenwood (TRIO) OEM... well... some of 'em were, at any rate. Others were made by yet other Japanese OEMs.

LRELA800.jpg


Some (many) of their amateur/communications receivers were also Kenwood OEM. This one, e.g., was (I think!)...

LREKT320HE30.jpg
 
Frankly spoken I don't believe, that Setton has built units for others. Jack Setton has been the importer of Pioneer in Europe. And he developed some units as receivers, amps, players and tuners. Only a hand full. Pioneer is to be seen as manufacturer. Too expensive to be successful.
More likely NEC is the builder of these Lafayettes.
Moreover Setton always had the sophisticated protection circuit.

Could you please a pic from the inside?
 
Really nice Lafayette receiver. My guess it was made during the late 70's. I used to own a LT1500TA receiver from 1970 and it sounded great.
 
They do certainly appear to be identical inside and the control complement and layout outside is intriguingly similar...
 
I love this post! I have learned so much from you folks.
This is what makes the hobby fun!!
Thank you all for your wealth of knowledge and valuable input.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Oddly enough, an LR 9090 showed up on ebay yesterday.
Not in stellar condition and priced way higher than what the OP paid.
 
goodolpg said:
Oddly enough, an LR 9090 showed up on ebay yesterday.
Not in stellar condition and priced way higher than what the OP paid.
Click to expand...

And gone today. Someone did the BIN.
If I had not gotten the Lafayette LR-120DB when I did I would have gotten another LR-9090 sometime.
Kind of a link to the past deal plus it's a darn good receiver.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom