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Looking for a good vintage stereo

CrazyEddie69

CrazyEddie69

Member
I am looking for some advice about getting an older integrated amplifier/receiver. I have ZERO knowledge and experience with older equipment.

I have a 6.1 Marantz SR5200, but the sound is gutless in 2 channel stereo. I have purchased a new 7.2 Surround sound system (Denon) for my media room, but would like a good stereo to listen to vinyl and CD. I have Mirage FX Floor Standing speakers. I was wondering if any of the following receivers listed on Kijiji would be be worth the money and meet my needs:

Technics SA-404 (225.00)

Pioneer SA7700 amp with TX7800 uner (450.00)

Marantz 2226B (550.00) - fully restored

Marantz TT2200 Stereo Receiver and Turnable (175.00)
 
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Hello Crazyeddie, and welcome... Have you considered a Yamaha A-1020? Those are amazing. The A-700, is superb too. They are both well over 30 years old now, and will probably need some TLC (or a good recapping). :)
 
I'd say the Marantz 2226b, but unless it's a complete refurb I'd say it's priced to high.
 
Hi Crazy, welcome to the show.
I like my Marantz 2226, it's a good unit. But no better than a few dozen other receivers I have.
 
If you like the silver faced look, want the quality of the big names, don't like the price tag, but still want that bit of cache'? There's always Kenwood.

Notice the clean architectural layout of the true dual mono design.

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And if interested in a period correct Kenwood deck to match there's the TOTL KD500 "The Rock".
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Add the KT7300 matching tuner, a pair of classic vintage 12" 3/way AR's and you're all set.
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And with the KA7300 it's ready for that time when you think "hey, I think I want to add a schveet Belles power amp", the Kenny can pull preamp duty with its pre outs.
 
Technics has STK blocks for output. Difficult and expensive to find genuine if they fail. Avoid. Marantz 2226B is good, ask for receipts and documentation on repairs done before buying. The Pioneer pair quoted are good ones if in top cosmetic and operating condition.
 
Nakamichi SR or TA Nelson Pass designed Stasis receivers. Great amps for the money. Also +1 on the Kenwood integrateds, absolutely love my KA-701.
 
Take "vintage" out of your subject line and you're on the right path. I'm not saying don't buy vintage, however age shouldn't be the main criteria for a purchase. Rather sound quality, build, aesthetics etc. If a component fits all other criteria and just happens to be vintage then so be it :)

My system mixes new with old. Performance is all that matters for a given cost. ;)
 
CrazyEddie69 said:
Thank you for all the comments. The Marantz got sold before I got back to the seller. That Kenwood system looks amazing!
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Does it have to be "vintage"? There are so many excellent, current production (or very recent production) components out there. I can only recommend the new Yamaha integrated amplifiers for example. :D
 
Regarding my "gutless" Marantz SR5200, if paired it with a NAD Amplifier would I get better sound or just louder "gutless" sound (I hope this makes sense). I was looking at a local seller selling his 1989 NAD 2400 Power Amp Monitor Series.
 
CrazyEddie69 said:
Which Yamaha models would you recommend?
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I currently have a A-S301, which sounds a lot bigger than its 60W x 2 would indicate. It has deep reserves. I used to have a A-S500, which was fabulous too. I have an acquaintance who has the A-S801 and it is a monster. If you want to go vintage, I also had a A-1020 and A-700 in the past. Both of those are also good choices, but will probably need to be professionally recapped. All I can say is that I am very, very happy with my A-S301. It is very musical and dynamic (as was the A-S500). While it may not have the sheer grunt of the A-1020, it fills my listening room with very loud music, effortlessly and cleanly. :)
 
Natasha Bell said:
I currently have a A-S301, which sounds a lot bigger than its 60W x 2 would indicate. It has deep reserves. I used to have a A-S500, which was fabulous too. I have an acquaintance who has the A-S801 and it is a monster. If you want to go vintage, I also had a A-1020 and A-700 in the past. Both of those are also good choices, but will probably need to be professionally recapped. All I can say is that I am very, very happy with my A-S301. It is very musical and dynamic (as was the A-S500). While it may not have the sheer grunt of the A-1020, it fills my listening room with very loud music, effortlessly and cleanly. :)
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I was looking at the A-S301, 501, and 801. I have an older Yamaha receiver, as well as a Yamaha tape deck and CD player.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments.
 
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