• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

List of new 2 channel receivers

EricC

EricC

Super Member
I am just wondering how many 2 channels are still on the market. These specs are what the manufactures advertise. Some of the WPC do not make sence since the receivers put out more power then they draw. Lets leave that discussion for another thread but if you know what they receivers actually put out I'll add that. My main goal is to focuse on who is at least offering 2 channel receivers. I'll update the list as needed.

Denon
DRA-37 50 wpc $300
DRA-295 50 wpc $250
DRA-297 50 wpc $300
DRA-397 80 wpc $400
DRA-697CI 100 wpc $600

Harman/Kardon
HK 3380 80 wpc $349
HK 3480 120 wpc $459

Insignia
IS-HC04091 100 wpc $103

Magnum Dynalab
MD-208 100 wpc $3195

Marantz
SR4021 80 wpc $450

Music Hall
Maven 100 wpc $1000

NAD
C720BEE 50 wpc $599

Onkyo
TX-8222 50 wpc $200
TX-8522 100 wpc $300

Outlaw
RR2150 100 wpc $599
Now sells for $649

Rotel
RX-1052 100 wpc $899

Sherwood America
RX-4105 100 wpc $150
RX-4109 105 wpc $100 (looks to be Radio Shacks version of the RX-4105 but with binding posts and phono input)
RX-4100/RX-4103 105 wpc $150

Sherwood Newcastle
RX-770 100 wpc $300

Sony
STR-DE-197 100 wpc $150

Teac
RV-S2100 100 wpc $299
AG-790A 100 wpc $199

Vincent Audio
SV-123 85 wpc $1200

Yamaha
RX-397 50 wpc $300
RX-497 75 wpc $400
RX-797 100 wpc $550
 
Register to hide this ad
Given the price on all of these units, I'm guess every single one is a "chip amp".

Do you think there is one of these units with discrete output devices?

Regards,
Jerry
 
Thanks for the useful list ExJxC. I didn't know there was still this much available in 2-channel.


reggaenaut said:
The H/K 3480 which I think is a good buy is being sold for under $200 at J&R.
Click to expand...

Today they have the 3480 at $265. HK's site is selling refurbs for $200. That's a lot of power for the money.

If anybody has A/B'd the receivers on the list against vintage counterparts it sure would be fun to read about.
 
onplane said:
Given the price on all of these units, I'm guess every single one is a "chip amp".

Do you think there is one of these units with discrete output devices?

Regards,
Jerry
Click to expand...
Well I would Hazard a guess that the yamahas aren't chip amps. Give me a few minutes and I will post the pictures of the guts of my modern yamaha Natural Sound Stereo Recevier RX-596. it was made in either last year or the year before. using 2SA1492 and a 2SC3856 per channel
 
From NADs website:
C720BEE Stereo Receiver features

* 50W x 2 Continuous Power into 8 ohms
* 100W, 150W, 180W, IHF Dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 ohms, respectively
* PowerDrive™
* AM/FM Tuner with 30 station presets
* RDS data service for FM
* Multisource Zone 2 with independent line level output
* Speaker A and B switching
* Full System Remote control
* Headphones socket
* Relay Input Switching
* Toroidal Power transformer
* 7 Line inputs
* All discrete circuitry utilizing Class A gain modules
* Short signal path from input to output
* All sockets Gold plated
* Tone controls defeat switch
* Main-amp input & pre-amp output
* Subwoofer output
* Soft Clipping™
* IR In & Out
* 12 volt trigger output
 
onplane said:
Given the price on all of these units, I'm guess every single one is a "chip amp".

Do you think there is one of these units with discrete output devices?
Click to expand...

Onkyo TX-8522....

Incorporating Onkyo’s proprietary Wide Range Amplifier Design (WRAT) with an isolated power transformer and discrete output stage....
Click to expand...

I would imagine the same for the TX-8222. I had the TX-8522's predecessor, the TX-8511, and it sounded excellent. The TX-8X22 series is merely an update to the previous TX-8X11 series. The difference between the 2 series is that the newer receivers incorprate binding posts for speaker connection and the TX-8522 os XM-Radio capable. Both retain their build phono pre-amps.

Edit: The Onkyo TX-8222 indeed has discrete outputs as well (confirmed in its online owner's manual).

One 2 channel receiver that wasn't listed is the Insignia (Best Buy house brand) stereo receiver. It features a toroidal power transformer and pre-out/main-in jacks. Under $100.00.
 
soundboy said:
One 2 channel receiver that wasn't listed is the Insignia (Best Buy house brand) stereo receiver. It features a toroidal power transformer and pre-out/main-in jacks. Under $100.00.
Click to expand...

I added it. I couldn't find on the site listing it has a toroidal. BB currently is offering a rebate bringing it to $50.
 
From Rotels site

That’s because the RX-1052 features a rock-solid power supply built around an oversized custom-manufactured toroidal transformer coupled to high quality storage capacitors. Eight discrete, high current output transistors insure uncompromising reproduction of the most difficult sources, even when the RX-1052 is used with inefficient speakers in large rooms
 
You might add the Sherwood RX-4109. 100wpc. $100. Only seems to be available from Radio Shack (or was so a month ago last time I checked). It seems to be the same as the RX-4105, but with binding posts for the speakers and a phono input added (who says vinyl is dead?). BTW, the specs on RS's website the last time I looked were actually for the RX-4100 (talk about poor site management).

I do have the feeling that many of these 100wpc receivers are actually the same Chinese manufactured unit with different faceplates and minor feature changes.
 
ExJxC said:
I added it. I couldn't find on the site listing it has a toroidal. BB currently is offering a rebate bringing it to $50.
Click to expand...

BB would never know what was happening. I looked at it at the store and that's when I realized it has a heavy toroidal transformer inside.

BTW, the Onkyo TX-8222 also has discrete outputs. Confirmed via its owner's manual.
 
When I see things like utilizing Class A gain modules, I'm guessing what these manufacturers are using is IC drivers like:

http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4702.html

Notice that these IC drivers still require discrete output devices. I'm certain the specs on the drivers is very good. Only real issue is will you be able to buy those IC's 10 year down the road. My guess is ... it's unlikely.

Regards,
Jerry
 
As for Worst Buy's Insignia Receiver, I'd be careful. They list the power at: 100 watts x 2

But look at the THD spec: 1% @ 1kHz

It's NOT rated at the full audio spectrum of 20 to 20K. This receiver is designed to power HT very efficient, NOT full range speakers that have a powered subwoofer. It would choke on our full range vintage speakers.

Regards,
Jerry
 
As for chip amps, I must confess that I use one every single day and I love it! I bought a low powered Kenwood for $7.00 on ebay and use it to drive the mids/tweeters on my main system. (Naturally, I have a REAL amp driving the woofers.)

Point is the chip amp does a terrific job and has one ton of headroom (in this very special application). I fully realize that it’s a “disposable”. That is, when the chip goes … so goes the amp.

Regards,
Jerry
 
Its nice to see there are still two with silver brushed aluminum fronts.

90858_RX1052_122_398lo.jpg

 

Attachments

  • RX1052.jpg
    RX1052.jpg
    6.1 KB · Views: 63
At least some manufacturers still produce quality 2-channel units. As for the Sony STRDE197 I owned it and , while it uses full discrete output stages, I do not think it can do 100wpc continuous, because its power consumption is 190 W max. I would not recommend this receiver one bit, I returned mine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom