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Budget Stereo Receiver Recommendations

N

N.Cotman

New Member
Hi everyone!

My NAD 7100 receiver is starting to act up (uneven power distribution, cutting out channels, etc.) and I think its about time to try something else out. That being said, I don't know if any of the receivers I can afford will perform as well as the 7100 (I really liked it). My price limit is about $500, but if I can do less, great!

Here are some models I've been considering (any one that has experience with any of these feel free to comment on how you liked 'em):

-Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 AM/FM
-Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 35
-NAD C316BEE 40 Watt Integrated Amplifier
-NAD C326BEE 50 Watt Integrated Amplifier
-Marantz SR4023 (this is especially appealing because I can get a factory refurbished model for $300, which is the most affordable of all the receivers I've listed)
-Marantz PM5004 (a bit more than I'd like, but read good things)
-Harmon Kardon 3390
-Denon DRA-397

*Note: I prefer receivers with phono inputs as I listen to vinyl fairly regularly.

Thanks so much guys!

Nick
 
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$500 will get you a lot in the vintage way too, including some well regarded models from Marantz, Pioneer, Kenwood and Sansui.

Check your local CL too as there are often many older model HT receivers avavialbe for a song as tech changes. Pre HDMI output versions can be had for under $200 all day around here from Yamaha, Onkyo, Sony, Denon and HK...

$500 is really quite a lot if you go used. you can do quite well.


Good Luck!!
 
You have several Integrated Amps on your list. If you don't need AM/FM then I would go that route. Of the list, I have found Marantz sound very good for the money. Cambridge Audio gets a lot of good press too. Your best bet is to go have a listen.
 


I would also add an Outlaw RR2150 to the list. They can be had for under $500 easily these days.
 
For ~$15 and a trip to Guitar Center or Radio Shack, it's worth getting some DeOxit and trying it out on your NAD. There is a thread around here somewhere that gives a good tutorial on contact cleaning. I think the title is "Idiot's Guide to DeOxit". From your description, I really think that might clear things up for you.

If that doesn't fix you up, and you really like your old NAD, check out the new NADs before buying something else.
 
For vintage if you can live with an integrated amp I would vote for a Tandberg TDA3012. Great sounding amp that works great with headphones as it drives them off the output mosfets and not some buffer stage. Great sound and build quality. Looks good too....
 
I'm planning on taking my NAD in to be looked at and go from there. If its not too much, I'll fix it up, but if it is that expensive I'll likely be looking at some new NAD models, though that Outlaw RR2150 looks great (can any one find any used ones for sale?!).
 
N.Cotman said:
I'm planning on taking my NAD in to be looked at and go from there. If its not too much, I'll fix it up, but if it is that expensive I'll likely be looking at some new NAD models, though that Outlaw RR2150 looks great (can any one find any used ones for sale?!).
Click to expand...

Take a look at this thread. Easy peasy, and really likely to resolve your symptoms. http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=207005

Several of those Outlaw receivers have sold recently on eBay, but I don't see any currently listed.
 
I don't know if that is the same, but I saw this in the comments.........

"I've used it extensively with great results, the most dramatic was on a $3.00 LED flashlight that was consistently dull and flickering. A shot of this cleaner made it intensely bright and steady."

I have a shitty $3 LED flashlight that behaves the same way, so I immediately got up and treated it with DeOxit and got a good result like the guy I quoted above. That alone has made my participation in this thread worth my while.

Back to the question at hand, I am not familiar with that product, but after perusing your link, I'd be surprised if that stuff didn't work for you the way DeOxit works for me.
 
Sam Cogley said:
That is an attractive piece of equipment!
Click to expand...


Yes it is...it's one of the reason why I was so interested in it to start with. After reading many reviews, I pulled the trigger and have been very happy with it for several years now. Great modern receiver.
 
I like the onkyo tx-800 series amps and they can be had for not too much but I've also never had anything to compare it too.
 
My on going suggestion as the best buy in vintage receivers is the Pioneer SX-850. All the bells and whistles, a very under rated 55 wpc and among the best looking receivers every made.
 
Just to clarify my situation and specify:

My left channel sounds a little weak... not very full and not nearly as much bass as the right channel. (Its not the speakers or speaker wire)

Also, it doesn't bother me too much as I only use one set of speakers, but the B speaker outputs do not work!

SO, to confirm, do you think cleaning my receiver with the Deoxit-like product should help this?
 
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stereofanboy said:
I don't know if that is the same, but I saw this in the comments.........

Back to the question at hand, I am not familiar with that product, but after perusing your link, I'd be surprised if that stuff didn't work for you the way DeOxit works for me.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify my situation and specify:

My left channel sounds a little weak... not very full and not nearly as much bass as the right channel. (Its not the speakers or speaker wire)

Also, it doesn't bother me too much as I only use one set of speakers, but the B speaker outputs do not work!

SO, to confirm, do you think cleaning my receiver with the Deoxit-like product should help this?
 
Holy Carp, Batman!!! That Outlaw is very sweet. Just checked their website and that two- channel receiver has all the goodies for both vintage and modern gear. Just added to my "wish list" when my Marantz 2230 goes bye-bye
 
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