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Advice to choose first vintage SS

Gustercc

Gustercc

New Member
New Member here. Long time lurker. First time poster.
My name is Rich and I've decided to jump into the vintage game. I know this is a dangerous hobby that could lead to an unending need to find the "perfect" harmonic homeostasis.
Currently, I have 2 Infinity Primus 360's, a pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR's, and in a purely supportive role, a bose AMass 3 series II's (which I could take or leave.)
I have a few choices available in the local area and was hoping that you folks could provide some input.
My plan is for music use, mostly folk, jazz, and rock. I love to listen at a higher that normal volume for 2-3 hrs. Mopping and sweeping is so boring when it's quiet. I Plan on streaming from a chromecast audio. Vinyl, and CD's.
Can you guys tell me which system would be a great starter?
Currently i can get a hold of :
1. Pioneer sx 880
2. Pioneer sx 750
3. Sansui 2000
4. Sansui 2000x
5. Harman Kardon 730
6. Sansui 350a

I'd really like to keep the Infinity and Pioneer speakers. I'd like to be able to upgrade/supplement in the future as well.
Ideally, I'd love to be able to have 2 systems in my front room, one for music and one for HT. I currently use a Denon AVR-2200w.
 
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ivandezande said:
One vote for the HK 730 (try to get it for a little less).

This is based on price, sound, and quality/reliability.
All the rest are overpriced or not very well built/not much power. Runner up is the 750.[/QUOT
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I was hesitant about posting prices for fear they would influence opinions. If the prices were not an issue, would you still feel the same?
 
Gustercc said:
I was hesitant about posting prices for fear they would influence opinions. If the prices were not an issue, would you still feel the same?
Click to expand...
I'd get the 2000X then. But it's crazy overpriced, I sold a restored one for half that.
Also heads up, values should only be posted in the Dollars and Sense forum. A mod will probably move this.
 
Another vote for the H/K 730. A really great receiver and a standout of that bunch. Next in line would be one of the Sansui 2000/x but it's pretty "meh" in comparison. I've had good luck with 430/630/730/930 so I'm not sure what the above poster meant. Usually, H/Ks are notorious for burned out lamps but as far as the rest of the unit... it's not any worse than any others on the list for reliability. I love the sound of the 730. It truly sounds way better than it looks. But anything of this age could have potential problems at this point.
 
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Well that is to a large extent a matter of preference. Personally I feel a 70s receiver should look really good! Otherwise: just get an amplifier right? (unless you actually listen to radio, but be honest.). Then there is your personal preference in sound: the Pioneer's got the "British" sound, while the Sansui's are starkly on the "Japanese" side of the spectrum. Plus the combination with your speakers and your room could make for either a good or a bad cocktail. Not to mention that a 40 years old unit might by now sound quit different that another specimen of the same model, depending on past repairs/refurbishments and just the general process of decay. In that light I would by all accounts recommend a proper refurbishment, either done or to be done. Don't let anyone tell you it's "good as new" all by its self; that is simply impossible.

So, that makes it easy right ;-) Just try them out, is actually my point. And go with what you love, it's just for the joy of it man!
 
ivandezande said:
One vote for the HK 730 (try to get it for a little less).

This is based on price, sound, and quality/reliability.
All the rest are overpriced or not very well built/not much power. Runner up is the 750.
Click to expand...
Out of curiosity: you chose the 750 over the 880, which I believe is a higher rated amp. Any particular reason why. Other than price, of course.
 
The 50 series pioneer is their high water mark The 80-series added power meters to make up for using more integrated circuit chips instead of discrete components and sound quality dropped a bit.

That said the HK 730 has a reputation for sound quality. The Pioneer is just popular because folks remember them from their days drooling at the stereo store and they made one or more of everything so there is that stereo store lust driving a number of folks worldwide to the vintage pioneer.

The HK is the only one that has one transformer for each channel, twin powered a great receiver.
 
Not in your list, but I have 3 of the HK 330's (an A and 2 B's) that are running Klipsch KG 2.5, KG 3.0, Heresy I and KEF C40. These little units have MORE than enough to power any of my speakers and they provide a nice warm listening experience.
So yeah, I vote HK! :)
 
avionic said:
Welcome aboard AK Gus.
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Thanks. You folks are sure friendly in these here parts. I went YouTube for vintage gear advice and was verbally assaulted for hours on end. I was like, “look ma’am , I respect that your 76 years old but there’s no need to get personal”
 
My Sansui 2000x is aggressive. It will wake up a lazy speaker.
My HK 730 is calm and will tame a bright speaker.
My SX-880 is in the middle. It matches with the widest range of speakers, and has the power to play speakers the others will not.
 
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