-its not a giant when it comes to power, but i have always loved the simplicity and elegance of the Pioneer SX-780.
Agreed - I had that receiver as a teenager in the 70's - and I never got tired of looking at it. Perfection.
Best Looking Receiver of all Time
- Thread starter quatsino
- Start date
Agreed - I had that receiver as a teenager in the 70's - and I never got tired of looking at it. Perfection.
Bassblaster
Super Member
Oh My, i can't pick just one, any pioneer receiver from the SX-750 to SX-1980 any technics receiver from the SA-500 to SA-1000, some of my favs are the fisher CA-880 and CA-276.
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Kyocerafan
Active Member
Golly. So many beautiful receivers over the years. Would have to settle on the Pioneer SX-828. Any of the blue dial Pioneers in the early to mid seventies, 20 and 30 series (and 1010 of course), are fabulously elegant and timeless. The things that elevate the 828 to the top for me are the outrageously extravagant faceplate, knobs and wood case that even the 30 series can't quite match. 50 series Pioneers are very close in appeal. Harman Kardon 730 is beautifully minimalist and elegant. But the 828 is what rings the bell for me.
superdog
AK Member
I add a Sony 7065 to that list.I wasn't aware of it back then but I damn sure am now.
Here are two in my living room.
The Sansui 771 is classy but colorful with the green and red dial markings against the black background.
The Pioneer SX-950 has that understated late-70s Pioneer look that makes me think of incandescent lights. Warm and easy to look at, but not flashy.
The Sansui 771 is classy but colorful with the green and red dial markings against the black background.
The Pioneer SX-950 has that understated late-70s Pioneer look that makes me think of incandescent lights. Warm and easy to look at, but not flashy.
the skipper
Professional Curmudgeon
If they weren't mentioned already, I'd like to nominate the original Marantz 22xx (2230, 45, 70, etc.) series The ones with the "champagne" finish. To me, they have a clean, understated simplicity. A relatively clean design that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling of reliving my youth or, as my cousin Vinnie would say,"my "ute".).
That Scott 399 is pretty fine, too.
That Scott 399 is pretty fine, too.
This thread was probably my favorite when I first started learning all the different models of vintage receivers years ago. (And still am no closer to having "a single" favorite as back then.)
Recently I have been appreciating my Sanyo JCX 2900K for it's super uniform lighting across the tuning dial and somewhat Pioneer ish SX-xx50 looks. (My favorite "family of look".)
Recently I have been appreciating my Sanyo JCX 2900K for it's super uniform lighting across the tuning dial and somewhat Pioneer ish SX-xx50 looks. (My favorite "family of look".)
rxonmymind
Super Member
Some very nice looking receivers here. Easily for simple elegance four come to mind. None of which I own. What I mean by simple
is one without an excessive amount of buttons or switches. Sadly this would eliminate many "monster" receivers from the list which I do own. That's next though
The
1. Scott 399
2. Marantz model 125 (A tuner so technically not a receiver)
3. Fisher 500 C
4. Macintosh 1500
is one without an excessive amount of buttons or switches. Sadly this would eliminate many "monster" receivers from the list which I do own. That's next though
The
1. Scott 399
2. Marantz model 125 (A tuner so technically not a receiver)
3. Fisher 500 C
4. Macintosh 1500
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rxonmymind
Super Member
Where simplicity isn't a criteria but instead more complexity was added to a receiver front fascia by adding 10+ more knobs & toggles, several easily come to mind. From least to most....
Yet they are still stunning.
1. Marantz 2245
2. Sony STR 7055
3. Pioneer sx 424
These three entire line of receivers are simply elegant and have the rare distinction of having hit after hit. Each would easily occupy a podium spot.
Next
1. Marantz 2500.
2. Pioneer 1980
A slugfest for top spot here. Both have a rich history and neither gave quarter to the other in the pursuit of the top spot. Game of numbers, bragging rights and corporate pride.
I'd give the nod to Marantz due to it's unique scope which separates itself from every other receiver and tuner dial laid sideways. But in terms of balance, aesthetics the Pioneer just has that glow. Must be the lighting or the way they were able to give a more three dimensional look to it by sloping the dial area and recessing the meters. Whatever it is it's gorgeous.
Yet they are still stunning.
1. Marantz 2245
2. Sony STR 7055
3. Pioneer sx 424
These three entire line of receivers are simply elegant and have the rare distinction of having hit after hit. Each would easily occupy a podium spot.
Next
1. Marantz 2500.
2. Pioneer 1980
A slugfest for top spot here. Both have a rich history and neither gave quarter to the other in the pursuit of the top spot. Game of numbers, bragging rights and corporate pride.
I'd give the nod to Marantz due to it's unique scope which separates itself from every other receiver and tuner dial laid sideways. But in terms of balance, aesthetics the Pioneer just has that glow. Must be the lighting or the way they were able to give a more three dimensional look to it by sloping the dial area and recessing the meters. Whatever it is it's gorgeous.
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darkblue94
The Devil made me do it.
I'm kind of torn choosing between Lynn Swann and Jerry Rice although one could certainly argue for Steve Largent.
rxonmymind
Super Member
Honorable mention and my personal favorite..
1. Realistic 2100D
2. Pioneer 1280
Hope to one day own the 1280. I like it's balanced meters on either side much like the Realistic I own. Everything seems to be in balance on both.
Not much of a black face receiver guy but on occasion they do look good.
I'd eventually like to experience listening to all these. Probably not have all of them at once but rotate them through this hobby and settle on three or four of em.
Fun hobby.
1. Realistic 2100D
2. Pioneer 1280
Hope to one day own the 1280. I like it's balanced meters on either side much like the Realistic I own. Everything seems to be in balance on both.
Not much of a black face receiver guy but on occasion they do look good.
I'd eventually like to experience listening to all these. Probably not have all of them at once but rotate them through this hobby and settle on three or four of em.
Fun hobby.
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Nikko newbie
Active Member
LOL, but seriously the Scott shown above.
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darkblue94
The Devil made me do it.
Oops, is this the fugliest receiver thread? If it is then we just might have the winner.
Nikko newbie
Active Member
Nah. You have to admit the retractable face and ice cube buttons do look cool. Plus it sounds great!!!Oops, is this the fugliest receiver thread? If it is then we just might have the winner.
My current favorite