I currently have in my man cave a Pioneer SX-434, hooked up to a Pioneer PL 400, and an Akai 725d cassette deck. I have two sets of speakers hooked up to the receiver, 1 set of Fisher XP-1a's and a set of Paradigm mini monitors v5. 15 watts appears to be plenty of power for my listening space but Pioneer is really all I have ever listened to as far as vintage receiver's go. I'm wanting to change things up a bit, looking to explore other brands of small receivers such as Sansui, Marantz, and maybe even Yamaha. I would be looking for something in the 20-40 wpc range. Would love to hear opinions on this.
Advice on a receiver
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gslikker
Super Member
The real audible difference between 15 and 20 watts receivers is not much. If wanting more power and same sort of receiver size, 30 or 40 watts is to be desired.
Nice and quite small (compact build) for the power delivered and good quality are receivers like Sansui Seven and Tandberg TR1040. (only stating stuff I have and had myself).
Nice and quite small (compact build) for the power delivered and good quality are receivers like Sansui Seven and Tandberg TR1040. (only stating stuff I have and had myself).
Eywadude
Lunatic Member
I'd agree that the jump from 15-20 watts won't be that much at all. However, some 15-20 watt receivers seem to be more powerful than others. If you are looking for a bit of a jump in power, then as mentioned, you may want to look at something in the 30-40 watt range. You are actually entering what can be a fun journey in finding a new receiver for your system. If you are up to it, what I would suggest is trying a few different receivers from different manufacturers to see which one suits your system and your preferences the best. And don't be afraid to experiment with other manufacturers! 
There were great sounding receivers from smaller names as well, so don't pass them up just because they aren't part of the "big four" (Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, and Yamaha). Also, if 15 watts seems to fill your room with enough volume, don't be afraid to try another 15 watter as well. There were some very good receivers made in that wattage range, so don't let that deter you either. It all basically comes down to what kind of sound you are looking for and what you are looking to achieve. Just try a few things. You'll learn quite a bit and you just may find that one receiver that really turns your crank. You'll never know until you try! Happy hunting! 
There were great sounding receivers from smaller names as well, so don't pass them up just because they aren't part of the "big four" (Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, and Yamaha). Also, if 15 watts seems to fill your room with enough volume, don't be afraid to try another 15 watter as well. There were some very good receivers made in that wattage range, so don't let that deter you either. It all basically comes down to what kind of sound you are looking for and what you are looking to achieve. Just try a few things. You'll learn quite a bit and you just may find that one receiver that really turns your crank. You'll never know until you try! Happy hunting! 
dontmindme
Creature
Kind of a Kenwood guy here, but I've got a KR-6600 I really enjoy. Also have a KR-4070 that sounds nice, just not as many features as the 6600 (56 and 40 watts respectively). Also have a Yamaha CR-620 at 35 watts that does nicely on some smaller speakers.
Lots to choose from in that range.
Lots to choose from in that range.
sKiZo
Hates received: 92644 43.20°N 85.50°W
Put those extra speakers to work and get yourself an old Sansui quad ... (nudge nudge) ... any Sui will have that sweet warm sound the brand is famous for.
Lot depends on whether you've got the room layout and space to make that happen, but you can score some real deals on the QR boxes. The QR4500 is very conservatively rated at 27wpc ... times four. And I personally think it's one of the purtiest ever built ...
PS ... you don't need four matching speakers OR real quad encoded source material to make a quad sing in four part harmony. The synth modes are exceptional at making two track source fill a room.
Lot depends on whether you've got the room layout and space to make that happen, but you can score some real deals on the QR boxes. The QR4500 is very conservatively rated at 27wpc ... times four. And I personally think it's one of the purtiest ever built ...
PS ... you don't need four matching speakers OR real quad encoded source material to make a quad sing in four part harmony. The synth modes are exceptional at making two track source fill a room.
I'd agree that the jump from 15-20 watts won't be that much at all. However, some 15-20 watt receivers seem to be more powerful than others. If you are looking for a bit of a jump in power, then as mentioned, you may want to look at something in the 30-40 watt range. You are actually entering what can be a fun journey in finding a new receiver for your system. If you are up to it, what I would suggest is trying a few different receivers from different manufacturers to see which one suits your system and your preferences the best. And don't be afraid to experiment with other manufacturers!
Yes, I actually do have a little Superscope R330 that is pretty sweet sounding at only 7 wpc. It's in my bedroom. I do agree with you in that there are other receivers that should be considered outside the big 4. I know Realistic, Sherwood, JVC, Onkyo, Luxman, Lafayette, Sony, Kenwood etc. made some quality receivers. I'm really not after the loud factor and I am the great sound. That's why I want to move up to a little more power because when I do get the urge to turn the knob up a little on the 434 the sound does start to distort. Appreciate everyone's input!
Do you mean your new receiver should always have “FM/AM” radio built-in, as your “Pioneer SX-434” does, or it could be only “FM”? The choice depends on this too.
You might keep an eye out for a decent Maratz 2230, great little 30 wpc receiver with a nice "warm" tone to it. The tuner section isn't phenomenal but if you have a decent antenna it is adequate. I used to "give" these away for a hundred bucks if they were in clean shape but in the last ten years they have gone up in value tremendously.
ggregg
Super Member
This is telling me that you need about 40 wpc +. Anything less is not going to make much of a difference.
Yes, receiver wanted will have AM/FM radio.