reggaenaut
Addicted Member
I concur on their tube gear, did not really know much about the 150 and 400.
Most Underrated/Overrated Component or Brand
- Thread starter Marantzaholic
- Start date
I concur on their tube gear, did not really know much about the 150 and 400.
Under--- rated:
Realistic - who actually sold some very nice receivers.
Scott - I have a Scott receiver that is terrific
MCS - The ones I have are very solidly built and high quality
Kenwood - as mentioned above
Nikko - Very nice
Sherwood - some of their receivers are quite good
Tom
Realistic - who actually sold some very nice receivers.
Scott - I have a Scott receiver that is terrific
MCS - The ones I have are very solidly built and high quality
Kenwood - as mentioned above
Nikko - Very nice
Sherwood - some of their receivers are quite good
Tom
Dyna tube gear had very good trannies and output tubes, but cost cut driver circuits. The perfect base for modding, especially since their power amps were designed to also power preamps, so the power supplies can support a couple of extra tubes in the driver circuit instead
Crazy long thread. Probably some of the equipment discussed has gone from under-rated to over-rated (or visa versa) during the time from when it was first mentioned to now.
I am strictly a thrift store/garage sale AKer, so it is always difficult to talk about a $5 amp being "over-rated". But let me offer some random comments, just to join in the fun:
- When I was young, I bought a Pioneer SX-838 brand new. Never thought it was anything special, and usually coveted my friends' equipment more;
- As I type, I am listening to plasticy Nikko two-way speakers (6 inch woofer). I can't get over how great they consistently sound;
- I have a little (25 W) Technics SU-Z1 amp that somehow sounds better to me than my 70W Yamaha A-500;
- I have really been impressed with a pair of Paradigm speakers I got ahold of recently. I used to love my B&W V202s, but they sound a little flat to me now;
- I have a crappy Kenwood KRA46 running my garage system. I haven't even cleaned it out, and I got it from a household full of smokers. It is ridiculously reliable, even living outside, and it consistently sounds better than I think it should.
Just my two cents.
I am strictly a thrift store/garage sale AKer, so it is always difficult to talk about a $5 amp being "over-rated". But let me offer some random comments, just to join in the fun:
- When I was young, I bought a Pioneer SX-838 brand new. Never thought it was anything special, and usually coveted my friends' equipment more;
- As I type, I am listening to plasticy Nikko two-way speakers (6 inch woofer). I can't get over how great they consistently sound;
- I have a little (25 W) Technics SU-Z1 amp that somehow sounds better to me than my 70W Yamaha A-500;
- I have really been impressed with a pair of Paradigm speakers I got ahold of recently. I used to love my B&W V202s, but they sound a little flat to me now;
- I have a crappy Kenwood KRA46 running my garage system. I haven't even cleaned it out, and I got it from a household full of smokers. It is ridiculously reliable, even living outside, and it consistently sounds better than I think it should.
Just my two cents.
Uncle Paul
Super Member
Reading this got me thinking about the scene in Christmas Vacation where Todd and Margot, the two yuppies next door to the Grizwalds, came home to find their beloved Beomaster setup had been destroyed by an icicle.
statman122
Well-Known Member
Just read this whole post. A really great read, lot's of cool opinions and info to be gleaned from this. Happy to see the ADS L-810 is held in such high regard, I've had mine about 4 months and they are the best speakers I've ever owned.
On a side note, I asked my tech about Marantz and 4 ohm loads, he told me there is absolutely no reason why these units should have any problem with that, and when he finishes with mine I won't have to worry about it (or anything else) for 20 years. My experience is the speaker protection relays always fail. Had to replace in two units already
On a side note, I asked my tech about Marantz and 4 ohm loads, he told me there is absolutely no reason why these units should have any problem with that, and when he finishes with mine I won't have to worry about it (or anything else) for 20 years. My experience is the speaker protection relays always fail. Had to replace in two units already
chicks
Lunatic Member
Some of their '80's stuff was real nice, and had a ten-year production run. I need the amp and pre to match my JVC QL-A75 TT:
http://www.thevintageknob.org/jvc-M-L10.html
http://www.thevintageknob.org/jvc-P-L10.html
SVI2004A
Synchro Bias
Overrated is marantz.... Too many people bang on bout these, I have seen a few awesome marantz units over my time, but it makes me wonder why so many ppl go for such lacklustre units.... Afterall it's the components inside each unit that make the whole... And marantz seems to stick to the middle of the road devices...
mechstek
New Member
My selection for Underrated (early 80's being the newest I'd go for anything quality-built from anyone in the mass-market end of things): Scott, JVC, Nikko, AKAI, Toshiba, Realistic, ADS.
Overrated: BOSE will always be, probably the one that I will agree with everyone else on. And I never quite grasped the Nakamichi greatness either. And the same goes for NAD.
Overrated: BOSE will always be, probably the one that I will agree with everyone else on. And I never quite grasped the Nakamichi greatness either. And the same goes for NAD.
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TAGO MAGO
Super Member
Underrated
BIC:
That made some very nice cassette decks like the T4M and despite some quality control issues and maybe some chintzy plastic here and there some of the Turntables are actually decent performers.
Elac/Miracord:
I have used several of their tables including my wonderful 50H. They are well engineered and built like tanks.
Realistic
Yeah, they did have a few stinkers over the years, but so did everyone else. Their equipment was generally pretty good and does not get the recognition it deserves.
Lafayette Radio Electronics
See Radio Shack entry
Overrated
Bose
Not to jump on the Bose bashing wagon, but I have never been all that impressed with any of their gear. They did produce some good stuff early on, but later they produce a lot of very unimpressive gear.
Cerwin-Vega
I had a pair and have heard other's systems using these and they absolutely do nothing for me. They seem to sound their best with rock music recorded after 1980 and dishwater dull on everything before and other genres like classical and jazz.
Bang & Olufsen
I have respect for their older gear to a certain extent, although the reason the Griswold's annoying yuppie neighbors in Christmas Vacation had one is that is exactly the crowd B&O are now catering to. The design aspect has completely overshadowed their performance as good audio gear. The Brookstone and Hammacher Schlemmer of audio.
Philips
I like the performance of their machines, but geez did they like to construct everything out of plastic. Philips usually ends up highly regarded for what BIC is disdained for doing. Also love a lot of their 80's cd players except for the certain Amstrad quality of the outer casings.
BIC:
That made some very nice cassette decks like the T4M and despite some quality control issues and maybe some chintzy plastic here and there some of the Turntables are actually decent performers.
Elac/Miracord:
I have used several of their tables including my wonderful 50H. They are well engineered and built like tanks.
Realistic
Yeah, they did have a few stinkers over the years, but so did everyone else. Their equipment was generally pretty good and does not get the recognition it deserves.
Lafayette Radio Electronics
See Radio Shack entry
Overrated
Bose
Not to jump on the Bose bashing wagon, but I have never been all that impressed with any of their gear. They did produce some good stuff early on, but later they produce a lot of very unimpressive gear.
Cerwin-Vega
I had a pair and have heard other's systems using these and they absolutely do nothing for me. They seem to sound their best with rock music recorded after 1980 and dishwater dull on everything before and other genres like classical and jazz.
Bang & Olufsen
I have respect for their older gear to a certain extent, although the reason the Griswold's annoying yuppie neighbors in Christmas Vacation had one is that is exactly the crowd B&O are now catering to. The design aspect has completely overshadowed their performance as good audio gear. The Brookstone and Hammacher Schlemmer of audio.
Philips
I like the performance of their machines, but geez did they like to construct everything out of plastic. Philips usually ends up highly regarded for what BIC is disdained for doing. Also love a lot of their 80's cd players except for the certain Amstrad quality of the outer casings.
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advrider
New Member
Underrated:
Nikko, Realistic, Hitachi, ESS SPEAKERS, ADS speakers, Onkyo, TEAC, AKAI.
Overpriced:
Mcintosh, Martin Logan
I do like Marantz and Mcintosh and I'm a sucker for blue meters. Bigger the better lol http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/mcintosh-mc2kw-2000-watt-reference-power-amplifier.asp
Nikko, Realistic, Hitachi, ESS SPEAKERS, ADS speakers, Onkyo, TEAC, AKAI.
Overpriced:
Mcintosh, Martin Logan
I do like Marantz and Mcintosh and I'm a sucker for blue meters. Bigger the better lol http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/mcintosh-mc2kw-2000-watt-reference-power-amplifier.asp
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Underrated:
Luxman Duo Beta series amps, superb sound and detail.
Yamaha, fantastic build quality and natural sound.
Polk SDA's amazing speakers.
Overated:
Sansui not because of sound or build quality but for the crazy prices they command. Some of them look really cool though.
Luxman Duo Beta series amps, superb sound and detail.
Yamaha, fantastic build quality and natural sound.
Polk SDA's amazing speakers.
Overated:
Sansui not because of sound or build quality but for the crazy prices they command. Some of them look really cool though.
First, I'm an FM tuner addict, but am in recovery.
Most underrated, this year I got a JVC FX-1100BK AM/FM tuner for $57 + shipping on Ebay. From 1987 and this tuner stock puts many of my other pricier tuners to shame. It's pretty sensitive and decently selective, but the the sound quality is superb. Makes me wonder what strategic cap replacement and alignment could do. Several at the FMTunerinfo site have decried it's ergonomics. I've seen better but it's not hard to figure out, a fifth grader could handle without too much problem.
Also concur on the Nikko's. I have an Nikko Gamma I and V with the V in particular being a very nice sounding unit, especially in the bass. Had this group's Mike Williams do the full Monty on this one so there were some bucks involved when all was said and done. But even stock, this was a very nice tuner.
Most underrated, this year I got a JVC FX-1100BK AM/FM tuner for $57 + shipping on Ebay. From 1987 and this tuner stock puts many of my other pricier tuners to shame. It's pretty sensitive and decently selective, but the the sound quality is superb. Makes me wonder what strategic cap replacement and alignment could do. Several at the FMTunerinfo site have decried it's ergonomics. I've seen better but it's not hard to figure out, a fifth grader could handle without too much problem.
Also concur on the Nikko's. I have an Nikko Gamma I and V with the V in particular being a very nice sounding unit, especially in the bass. Had this group's Mike Williams do the full Monty on this one so there were some bucks involved when all was said and done. But even stock, this was a very nice tuner.
melofelo
Addicted Member
Underrated -
Akai - mid 80's cassette decks and mid-late 70's receivers and turntables
Hitachi Tuners
JVC Silver Series
Overrated -
hm i dunno..i suppose those skinny little 25watt minimalist amps with nothing but a volume control and source selector that took over the market in the mid 80's and 90's always irked me..
B&O always looked cool to me from a design point of view..but i'd never let any of their turntables near my vinyl..
Akai - mid 80's cassette decks and mid-late 70's receivers and turntables
Hitachi Tuners
JVC Silver Series
Overrated -
hm i dunno..i suppose those skinny little 25watt minimalist amps with nothing but a volume control and source selector that took over the market in the mid 80's and 90's always irked me..
B&O always looked cool to me from a design point of view..but i'd never let any of their turntables near my vinyl..
I'm surprised at all the ill will that B&O has attracted in this thread. They used to offer some very good speakers in their Beovox line that were not at all overpriced for the performance they delivered. They looked great, too, in that Danish Modern style that B&O favored. I also liked their cartridges and turntables.
I'd consider Realistic as an underrated brand. They had some duds in their line, but many of their electronic components and tape decks were very good and sell at bargain prices in today's used market. JVC and Nikko also fly under the radar.
In the overrated column, I'd list Bose and some of the vintage Marantz gear that seems overpriced in the used market. The Marantz receivers were good, IMO, but not good enough to command the price premiums that I've seen recently.
I'd consider Realistic as an underrated brand. They had some duds in their line, but many of their electronic components and tape decks were very good and sell at bargain prices in today's used market. JVC and Nikko also fly under the radar.
In the overrated column, I'd list Bose and some of the vintage Marantz gear that seems overpriced in the used market. The Marantz receivers were good, IMO, but not good enough to command the price premiums that I've seen recently.
bustedguild
Active Member
I have very limited experience here (still definitely a new comer), but having run through a couple of receivers on my Polk RT12's, I really, really enjoy the sound of my Optonica SA 5206. Haven't listened to any other Optonica stuff, but it really is a wonderful little receiver. I actually prefer it significantly over my Marantz 2230.
