specialidiot
Break Glass, Smoke Lucky
Send it on...
My cr-1020 will be traveling home with RayW tomorrow for an extended demo. Gotta spread the yammielove, right?
Favorite Vintage Receiver Brand - Why?
- Thread starter thesauce
- Start date
Send it on...
My cr-1020 will be traveling home with RayW tomorrow for an extended demo. Gotta spread the yammielove, right?
Arkay
Lunatic Member
I can't really say I have a favorite... I rotate around among different receivers, because I like the sound of each of them, even though they are different.
I have more Marantz than anything else, including both the 2265 and the 3385B mentioned by others, but that is as much a function of buying opportunities and early exposure than anything else... the two mentioned, and other Marantz receivers, have a wonderfully rich yet detailed sound. The "three Martini" label sort of fits. BUT they MUST be recapped to sound right... as-is Marantz receivers usually are a bit disappointing until they get "worked over".
I have five large Pioneer receivers, and they are wonderful, too. A bit more "analytical" and less "lush" than the Marantz, but still wonderful to listen to. The newest is the 1010, which gives an excellent first impression, but it is "as found" (not cleaned up or recapped yet), and I haven't really had a chance to listen to it yet.
I can understand what was said about the Sansui sound, but I don't find it at all "un-inviting". I have a 9090, and I think it is very nice, and while I don't have a big G-series yet, I've heard them and think they are great, too. The midrange in particular DOES "invite" me to listen, and I find their sound quite satisfying. [I know this discussion is about receivers, but some of the Sansui separates do NOT have weak highs, IMO. I LIKE Sansui amplifiers!]
My Sony STR-V6 certainly deserves a mention: it has a very nice sound, too. I think they are seldom mentioned, just because they are relatively uncommon. That doesn't mean they don't sound good!
So do the Harmon Kardons.
So do the Luxmans. In fact, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Luxman yet. Perhaps that is because, like the Sony "V" models, they are not very common...but the luxman has a rich, lush-yet-detailed sound that reminds me of the Marantz sound. I like it VERY much.
I don't have any MCS or Concept or even Yamaha receivers, but the sound of the Yamaha B2 amp is a pure delight: as was said, it is about the closest thing to "pure wire with gain". If the receivers sound anything like that amp, I should like them, too. I don't have any Kenwood receivers, but had Kenwood gear back in college and thought it was excellent back then. I don't have a Mac receiver, either, but have heard them. Excellent sound quality. I wish I DID have one! Not sure about Technics or other brands; just haven't heard them enough to judge.
My newest receiver is the (TOTL in its day) JVC JR-S501. I haven't had a chance yet to really listen to it, but I'm expecting good things, based on what other owners have said online. It's a very prized receiver among Germans in particular, it seems.
Not to be a spoil-sport, but I really do enjoy ALL the different receivers. Some particular songs will sound better through one than through another, but then a different song will sound best through a different receiver. Sometimes I'm more in the mood for one type of sound than another, and will gravitate towards one receiver. On another day, I'll want to hear a different one. And speaker (or headphone) choice also makes a difference: some synergistic combinations are "made in heaven" and other combinations are not.
And when I want REALLY good sound, just the best? One word: Separates. The really good separates, of course.
I have more Marantz than anything else, including both the 2265 and the 3385B mentioned by others, but that is as much a function of buying opportunities and early exposure than anything else... the two mentioned, and other Marantz receivers, have a wonderfully rich yet detailed sound. The "three Martini" label sort of fits. BUT they MUST be recapped to sound right... as-is Marantz receivers usually are a bit disappointing until they get "worked over".
I have five large Pioneer receivers, and they are wonderful, too. A bit more "analytical" and less "lush" than the Marantz, but still wonderful to listen to. The newest is the 1010, which gives an excellent first impression, but it is "as found" (not cleaned up or recapped yet), and I haven't really had a chance to listen to it yet.
I can understand what was said about the Sansui sound, but I don't find it at all "un-inviting". I have a 9090, and I think it is very nice, and while I don't have a big G-series yet, I've heard them and think they are great, too. The midrange in particular DOES "invite" me to listen, and I find their sound quite satisfying. [I know this discussion is about receivers, but some of the Sansui separates do NOT have weak highs, IMO. I LIKE Sansui amplifiers!]
My Sony STR-V6 certainly deserves a mention: it has a very nice sound, too. I think they are seldom mentioned, just because they are relatively uncommon. That doesn't mean they don't sound good!
So do the Harmon Kardons.
So do the Luxmans. In fact, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Luxman yet. Perhaps that is because, like the Sony "V" models, they are not very common...but the luxman has a rich, lush-yet-detailed sound that reminds me of the Marantz sound. I like it VERY much.
I don't have any MCS or Concept or even Yamaha receivers, but the sound of the Yamaha B2 amp is a pure delight: as was said, it is about the closest thing to "pure wire with gain". If the receivers sound anything like that amp, I should like them, too. I don't have any Kenwood receivers, but had Kenwood gear back in college and thought it was excellent back then. I don't have a Mac receiver, either, but have heard them. Excellent sound quality. I wish I DID have one! Not sure about Technics or other brands; just haven't heard them enough to judge.
My newest receiver is the (TOTL in its day) JVC JR-S501. I haven't had a chance yet to really listen to it, but I'm expecting good things, based on what other owners have said online. It's a very prized receiver among Germans in particular, it seems.
Not to be a spoil-sport, but I really do enjoy ALL the different receivers. Some particular songs will sound better through one than through another, but then a different song will sound best through a different receiver. Sometimes I'm more in the mood for one type of sound than another, and will gravitate towards one receiver. On another day, I'll want to hear a different one. And speaker (or headphone) choice also makes a difference: some synergistic combinations are "made in heaven" and other combinations are not.
And when I want REALLY good sound, just the best? One word: Separates. The really good separates, of course.
MisterFishey
Super Member
Without a doubt, Marantz.
Elegant symmetry, reeks class, build quality is outstanding, sound is lush with warmth and fuzziness. Not as detailed as others, but the Marantz adds feeling to the music. It's hard to describe, but it does. I only have a 2250, but who's to say I won't get a better one?
Elegant symmetry, reeks class, build quality is outstanding, sound is lush with warmth and fuzziness. Not as detailed as others, but the Marantz adds feeling to the music. It's hard to describe, but it does. I only have a 2250, but who's to say I won't get a better one?
Thanx to supercollector "ulfsn" at Alternativaudio.no I found a good reason to like marantz (well thats offcoz not including the fact that it sounds GOOD)
That's an awesome ad, Pstraums; thanks for reminding me about it.
I can't remember if it was you or Ulfsn who said this, but the statement was that the Marantz 2270 sounds better than any Tandberg TR-20xx series receiver: Now, this is not a radical statement in itself, but earth-shattering in the context of it being stated by a Norwegian, in public, and on a Norwegian audio board! :thmbsp:
As for myself, I love them all, as long as they have lots of switches, buttons, meters, toggles, lights, and above all, horsepower (needless to say, as long as it has a silver face)!
specialidiot
Break Glass, Smoke Lucky
While I loved the looks of the 2238b that I had, the colored sound had to go. I don't really care for the non-silvered dial that the others have - but the silver dial of most of the "b" suffixed receivers have a lot of class.
Now the 1060 integrated that I had... I both loved the looks and the sound but it's not a receiver.
falcon377
Active Member
Toshiba SA-7150 is my current fav. 150 w.p.c. and does everything well..
I also love some of the mid eighties Sansui, I have a AU-A607 MOS Limited that is the best Sansui I ever heard, smokes the 8080 and au-719 probably the best I ever had..
I also just got a Technics SA-800A it is very nice sounding, and there acoustical control is a very nice touch, to get just the right sound.
I think they are only as good as youre speakers.. The best thing I did was get away from some of the old hpm speakers and step up to Infinity reference five, with the EMIT-R tweeters. Very good speakers.
I also love some of the mid eighties Sansui, I have a AU-A607 MOS Limited that is the best Sansui I ever heard, smokes the 8080 and au-719 probably the best I ever had..
I also just got a Technics SA-800A it is very nice sounding, and there acoustical control is a very nice touch, to get just the right sound.
I think they are only as good as youre speakers.. The best thing I did was get away from some of the old hpm speakers and step up to Infinity reference five, with the EMIT-R tweeters. Very good speakers.
GlobalWarming
Super Member
Special,
thanks a lot for the offer.........
You can make a lot of people happy with your work........
Well, as long as they sound as good as they look......Like the Yamahas for example..........
thanks a lot for the offer.........
You can make a lot of people happy with your work........
Well, as long as they sound as good as they look......Like the Yamahas for example..........
Brian
An Old Geezer
Tough question. Guess best way to answer it is what if I had to sell all receivers I own but 1, which would I keep or, which would I buy to keep.
McIntosh, certainly up there. The 1500, 1700, 1900 and 4100 receivers are all great. I guess the fact is that I do not own by choice rules them out.
Marantz, the only units I care for are the 18 and 19. I've own a fair number of 19s and sold each. Admittedly if I had kept the last one years ago I'd probably still have it. I keep coming close to 18s but never seem to move of them so I guess I'll rule them out.
I'm not a high power amp person. I have a Yamaha CA610II/CT610 pair and though impressive looking and not bad sounding, just not quite there. I assume th lower powered receivers are similar, so pass there.
Never loved Pioneer, so skip it.
Sansui, Kenwood, Technics, H-K x30 and Superscope generally nice but none I've auditioned rock my boat.
Fisher, Scott and Sherwood from the US production days both tube and SS all are built beautifully and deserving attention but the Fisher and Scott SS units seem to need quite a bit of attention to get them decent but, considering we are talking early SS it is understandable. I love the Fishers from the period as they IMHO are the pinnicle of engineering and production design. Nothing, including Mc and the Marantz 18/19 come close to what Avery put out. Sherwood likewise is beautiful in design and construction, IMHO just behind Fisher and Mc. Sadly, to bring a Fisher back to spec is a labor of love as they are difficult to repair b/c or the wiring to the PCBs and have a goodly number of caps.
Early Sonys seem to bring it all together, build and sound. I've owned a STR6065 longer than any other receiver. However, the earliest units, the STR6060FW and the STR6120 need much attention to get to spec. The sound of these 2 is quite different with the 6060 more aligned to the perception of what classic tube unit sound like and the 6120 closer to what is termed SS.
Philips Lab Series, has a few admirers here. The totl is 60 watts. These were designed and produced in the US with original design being from Magnavox engineering. The internals are really totl, glass epoxy boards that are substantial, parts that are top rate such as alps controls. They dumped the budget on the inside but were less generous on the outside, mainly the case cover so they are less than lookers. As they were produced from '77 through '81 the caps are newer technology and last longer than the caps from units 10 years older. Sound is fantastic.
Sherwood, I am a fan. I am using one of the ss tuners and integratred amps and though 20 watts rms, the pair is simply great. I have the SEL-200 receiver that was an attempt by the company to create a high end series such as H-K had with Citation. The receiver has the same tuner circuits as my tuner and the sought after SEL-300 tuner. The amp boards are similar. The receiver needs some tlc as there is dc on the outputs but I suspect it may have the same sound and be as gratifying. The construction is 1st rate. I have not had my hands on the S8900 but it has the same layout and I suspect it may be the same unit but just an earlier interation. Sherwood did not change circuits and model number often. For instance their FM SS tuner was S3300 and the first had all silicon transitors and they kept the same model number through the last interation that used FETs and Microcircuits (parent of the IC sort of). I have the later version. If my assupmtion is correct, the US Sherwood receivers may be a bridge between the Philips and Sonys and Fisher hence needing less tlc to get into spec. They layout of the SEL is such that repairs and maintenance is very easy compared to the Sony and Fisher.
Where does this lead to? As much as I love the Sony STR6060FW and STR6120 and the build of the Fisher TX600 receiver is jaw dropping in terms of being the Rolls Royce of build, the SEL-200 is an unknown, and I can not see ever selling 1 of the Philips receivers, I guess my vote is for the Philips. However, if the SEL is as good as the tuner and amp, then it could be my favorite receiver and hence the vote would be for the US produced Sherwoods based on my belief they are derived from the wonderful tuner and integrated amps. Even if the Sherwood were to rise to the top, I would hide the Philips receivers from the sale table.
McIntosh, certainly up there. The 1500, 1700, 1900 and 4100 receivers are all great. I guess the fact is that I do not own by choice rules them out.
Marantz, the only units I care for are the 18 and 19. I've own a fair number of 19s and sold each. Admittedly if I had kept the last one years ago I'd probably still have it. I keep coming close to 18s but never seem to move of them so I guess I'll rule them out.
I'm not a high power amp person. I have a Yamaha CA610II/CT610 pair and though impressive looking and not bad sounding, just not quite there. I assume th lower powered receivers are similar, so pass there.
Never loved Pioneer, so skip it.
Sansui, Kenwood, Technics, H-K x30 and Superscope generally nice but none I've auditioned rock my boat.
Fisher, Scott and Sherwood from the US production days both tube and SS all are built beautifully and deserving attention but the Fisher and Scott SS units seem to need quite a bit of attention to get them decent but, considering we are talking early SS it is understandable. I love the Fishers from the period as they IMHO are the pinnicle of engineering and production design. Nothing, including Mc and the Marantz 18/19 come close to what Avery put out. Sherwood likewise is beautiful in design and construction, IMHO just behind Fisher and Mc. Sadly, to bring a Fisher back to spec is a labor of love as they are difficult to repair b/c or the wiring to the PCBs and have a goodly number of caps.
Early Sonys seem to bring it all together, build and sound. I've owned a STR6065 longer than any other receiver. However, the earliest units, the STR6060FW and the STR6120 need much attention to get to spec. The sound of these 2 is quite different with the 6060 more aligned to the perception of what classic tube unit sound like and the 6120 closer to what is termed SS.
Philips Lab Series, has a few admirers here. The totl is 60 watts. These were designed and produced in the US with original design being from Magnavox engineering. The internals are really totl, glass epoxy boards that are substantial, parts that are top rate such as alps controls. They dumped the budget on the inside but were less generous on the outside, mainly the case cover so they are less than lookers. As they were produced from '77 through '81 the caps are newer technology and last longer than the caps from units 10 years older. Sound is fantastic.
Sherwood, I am a fan. I am using one of the ss tuners and integratred amps and though 20 watts rms, the pair is simply great. I have the SEL-200 receiver that was an attempt by the company to create a high end series such as H-K had with Citation. The receiver has the same tuner circuits as my tuner and the sought after SEL-300 tuner. The amp boards are similar. The receiver needs some tlc as there is dc on the outputs but I suspect it may have the same sound and be as gratifying. The construction is 1st rate. I have not had my hands on the S8900 but it has the same layout and I suspect it may be the same unit but just an earlier interation. Sherwood did not change circuits and model number often. For instance their FM SS tuner was S3300 and the first had all silicon transitors and they kept the same model number through the last interation that used FETs and Microcircuits (parent of the IC sort of). I have the later version. If my assupmtion is correct, the US Sherwood receivers may be a bridge between the Philips and Sonys and Fisher hence needing less tlc to get into spec. They layout of the SEL is such that repairs and maintenance is very easy compared to the Sony and Fisher.
Where does this lead to? As much as I love the Sony STR6060FW and STR6120 and the build of the Fisher TX600 receiver is jaw dropping in terms of being the Rolls Royce of build, the SEL-200 is an unknown, and I can not see ever selling 1 of the Philips receivers, I guess my vote is for the Philips. However, if the SEL is as good as the tuner and amp, then it could be my favorite receiver and hence the vote would be for the US produced Sherwoods based on my belief they are derived from the wonderful tuner and integrated amps. Even if the Sherwood were to rise to the top, I would hide the Philips receivers from the sale table.
theprofessor
Well-Known Member
I'm really fond of the Sony 60xx and 70xx series, as well as the Pioneer SX-xx80. I have a STR-7065 and a SX-980 and I really enjoy both units. At some point, before I jump into the world of tubes and separates (McIntosh), I would love to own a Marantz 2275 and Yamaha CR series receiver.
My default favorite is Pioneer. Now of course they are superb machines, but I can admit that they may be no better/worse than the other major brands. Subjective to say the least. I suppose I list them as my favorite as they seemed to be the most prominent when I was a poor kid back in the day and could not afford them. They epitomize the sleek 70s solid state look. I love my 1250.
Having said that, its like naming your favorite food or song. There is too much out there. I tend to focus on brands for a while- fixated might be a better word. All the majors and quite a few of the minors have gear worth using or at least looking at. I went through a Marantz phase although I did not procure any. My Yamaha fixation resulted in a 1020. A KLH phase has resulted in the living room system.
There really is too much out there....
Having said that, its like naming your favorite food or song. There is too much out there. I tend to focus on brands for a while- fixated might be a better word. All the majors and quite a few of the minors have gear worth using or at least looking at. I went through a Marantz phase although I did not procure any. My Yamaha fixation resulted in a 1020. A KLH phase has resulted in the living room system.
There really is too much out there....
bordeno
Super Member
My favorites are Yamaha, Sansui and Marantz, for different reasons. Sony would be included except for their styling. Sony's tuner sections as a whole might be the best. Excellent, underrated.
Yamaha's CR-xx20 series is in my view the most beautiful, aesthetically pleasing line of receivers ever built. They just got it right. Elegant is a word that comes to mind. The Natural Sound takes some getting used to especially if you're accustomed to the likes of Pioneer and Marantz. Some don't like the Yammy sound, not me. I have mostly separates now, but I still have my beloved Yamaha CR-1020, and it ain't going nowhere. It may be my favorite receiver of all time. And how can you not love a receiver that comes with two headphone jacks and a cover reading "reserved for Yamaha Orthodynamic Headphones?"
Sansui, what can you say, fantastic company. Had a 7070 once that absolutely blew me away, shredded a Pioneer SA-8500 amp I used to have in fact. A lot for the money. I like that line (x0x0) and the 881 line but do not like the G-Series receivers. Possibly the ugliest components ever designed. Hey, you asked for opinions, right? Not a receiver but my AU-717/TU-717 combo is sensational. Powerful, sensitive, ergonomically sound, etc. In the '70s 'Sui was kind of under my radar, but I've discovered the co. in the last several years. Have a SR-838 table that is gorgeous as well.
Marantz. Say what you will about the 3-Martini sound, I happen to enjoy it, but the attraction here is the looks, specifically the blue glow. That particular haze is difficult to beat. Bordering the spellbinding. And the gyro tuning, which I hated at first, is something I love now. The only Marantz receiver I've had is the 2238b. And I loved it. There's just something special about Marantz.
That's it in a nutshell....
Yamaha's CR-xx20 series is in my view the most beautiful, aesthetically pleasing line of receivers ever built. They just got it right. Elegant is a word that comes to mind. The Natural Sound takes some getting used to especially if you're accustomed to the likes of Pioneer and Marantz. Some don't like the Yammy sound, not me. I have mostly separates now, but I still have my beloved Yamaha CR-1020, and it ain't going nowhere. It may be my favorite receiver of all time. And how can you not love a receiver that comes with two headphone jacks and a cover reading "reserved for Yamaha Orthodynamic Headphones?"
Sansui, what can you say, fantastic company. Had a 7070 once that absolutely blew me away, shredded a Pioneer SA-8500 amp I used to have in fact. A lot for the money. I like that line (x0x0) and the 881 line but do not like the G-Series receivers. Possibly the ugliest components ever designed. Hey, you asked for opinions, right? Not a receiver but my AU-717/TU-717 combo is sensational. Powerful, sensitive, ergonomically sound, etc. In the '70s 'Sui was kind of under my radar, but I've discovered the co. in the last several years. Have a SR-838 table that is gorgeous as well.
Marantz. Say what you will about the 3-Martini sound, I happen to enjoy it, but the attraction here is the looks, specifically the blue glow. That particular haze is difficult to beat. Bordering the spellbinding. And the gyro tuning, which I hated at first, is something I love now. The only Marantz receiver I've had is the 2238b. And I loved it. There's just something special about Marantz.
That's it in a nutshell....
reggaenaut
Addicted Member
Fantastic tuner sections:thmbsp:
thesauce
Active Member
Thanks for everyone's input. I was actually wondering if anyone was going to mention the vintage Sanyo's. The JCX series in particular. I stumbled across one at a thrift store and had to pick it up. I was surprised how good it sounds! Very clear and warm and powerful... it makes my horn speakers sound smooth. It's now my favorite receiver. I never expected Sanyo to be a brand I would care for, but after hearing this one, I have a whole new respect for their early stuff. Oh, it's a JCX-2300K BTW.
Has anyone else had experiences with these? Is there anything else out there that sounds similar, another brand/model?
Has anyone else had experiences with these? Is there anything else out there that sounds similar, another brand/model?
legalalien
Well-Known Member
For me its the Marantz 2275 (which I own) or the 2325 if you need more power and I must add that the Yamaha CR1020 is another unit that I lust after.