Best Looking Receiver of all Time

[Taketheflame]

All those pretty thingies.. There was an Akai AA-1200 somewhere in the list, but I'd go for the little sister: the AA-1030. Such spectacular, functional, perfectly balanced, clean, flat-out sexy design! Seeing it tune-in with those big, slow meters swirling to the perfect position, first the tuning, then the signal, stereo led coming in, and then the AFC; what a feast! And all that for only a few pennies.. (okay, the LED modification might be a bit of a cheat).

Even smaller, there is also the AA-1015, sort of nicer version of the AA1010. Can't forget to mention the AA-1175 then. I suppose I got a soft spot for the Akai's, but pretty much anything 70s with a shiny silver face plate does it for me.

Golden era Akai gear is among my favorite - beautiful designs, great sound/build quality, and not absurd prices (yet, at least).

I don't have any of the AA-10x0 or AA-11x0 series receivers, but I have managed to hunt down the equivalent separates (The AM-2800 and AT-2600). I've thought about maybe hunting down a AA-1030 or AA-1040 to possibly swap my AA-R30 for - but Akai stuff can range from slightly to considerably harder to find than the more common brands in my experience - at least in the US. Seems like Akai is more appreciated/easier to find north of the border in Canada, or across the Atlantic.

The real rarity I hope to come across at some point is the AP-006 turntable.

 

[Okke 70s]

Golden era Akai gear is among my favorite - beautiful designs, great sound/build quality, and not absurd prices (yet, at least).

I don't have any of the AA-10x0 or AA-11x0 series receivers, but I have managed to hunt down the equivalent separates (The AM-2800 and AT-2600). I've thought about maybe hunting down a AA-1030 or AA-1040 to possibly swap my AA-R30 for - but Akai stuff can range from slightly to considerably harder to find than the more common brands in my experience - at least in the US. Seems like Akai is more appreciated/easier to find north of the border in Canada, or across the Atlantic.

The real rarity I hope to come across at some point is the AP-006 turntable.

Man, I'd love to have an AM-2800! With that AT and a AP-006 you only need to add a gx 760d for your ultimate Akai tower. Hmm, and maybe put a gx 635d beside it?

 

[Ds2000]

I've probably mentioned this before, but the Tandberg TR-2080 is a thing of rare beauty.

These are stunning. Mine has just been restored.

 

[DavidAlm]

Due to the pandemic, have been spending more time on the web. Found this thread today. My Tandberg 2075:

 

[MJB1959]

 

[jojo0416]

I go with the OP, I do not have a Marantz but my vote goes to the 2285Ba also.

 

[the skipper]

Dunno if I posted this before but I'll nominate the Marantz 22xx series, like this 2270

Clean and symmetrical.

 

[playittwice]

I picked up this Sherwood S8000, and it has “that look from years gone by”. Very slim-line design and symmetrical layout. The white faceplate with chrome trim and gold accents is also cool.
It needs some attention to be working properly and safely. So still waiting to hear how it sounds at it’s best.

 

[pmsummer]

Due to the pandemic, have been spending more time on the web. Found this thread today. My Tandberg 2075:View attachment 1881815

Wonderful to look at AND to listen to.

 

[wasclywabbit]

While I'm too modest to say its the best looking receiver of all time, it is one of the most unique. As you can see, I'm kinda partial to Kyocera.

 

[Super Noob]

Golden era Akai gear is among my favorite - beautiful designs, great sound/build quality, and not absurd prices (yet, at least).

I don't have any of the AA-10x0 or AA-11x0 series receivers, but I have managed to hunt down the equivalent separates (The AM-2800 and AT-2600). I've thought about maybe hunting down a AA-1030 or AA-1040 to possibly swap my AA-R30 for - but Akai stuff can range from slightly to considerably harder to find than the more common brands in my experience - at least in the US. Seems like Akai is more appreciated/easier to find north of the border in Canada, or across the Atlantic.

The real rarity I hope to come across at some point is the AP-006 turntable.

 

[MJB1959]

Braun and Dieter Rams

 

[comish4]

Love the taste of that Popeye's chicken Known as An Akai AA1200 Plug it in and you will love it even more! I love my Marantz 2500 and the Technics SA1000.

 

[GyroTuner]

Dunno if I posted this before but I'll nominate the Marantz 22xx series, like this 2270.

Clean and symmetrical.

Great old thread. I agree - the original 22xx models from Superscope - 2215, 2230, 2245, and 2270 get my vote.

Nice compact form factor, a clean uncluttered and symmetrical faceplate, and no toggle switches or sliders. If I had to pick just one of the four - the 2245 might have a slight edge over the other, it has two tuning meters like the 2270 but fewer buttons and a slightly less cluttered look.

Outside of the Marantz camp, I'd pick the Fisher 800B. Perfect symmetry on the faceplate, separate dials for AM and FM, and the Fisher logo in the middle of the dial. Sweet.

 

[NH-MAN]

 

[Mr Derph]

Picked this up for my brother a few weeks ago. Havent heard it, but it looks great.

 

[G.D.T.R.F.B.]

 

[G.D.T.R.F.B.]

It’s breaking in right now.

 

[G.D.T.R.F.B.]

 

[mstrane21]

While I'm too modest to say its the best looking receiver of all time, it is one of the most unique. As you can see, I'm kinda partial to Kyocera. View attachment 1882295

With the addition of a more modern digital font on the display that one looks like it could be produced today. I have a CD player from that series and I really like the styling as well.