New Integrated vs. Old Receiver

[smi1]

Hello everyone!

I have a doubt, and was wondering if anyone could help me with it, please.

You see, I have a 80s Kenwood KR-770 receiver, which needs repairing, but sounds great. However, I've saved up to buy a Marantz PM8004 in the future.

My question: would the Kenwood surpass the Marantz (audio-quality wise), since it's vintage, after repair, or should I try the new integrated amp?

Thanks in advance!

Sergio.

 

[Pandovski]

They are both excellent and they both sound different. Why not have them both?

 

[RamblinE]

Have not heard them. However a modern $1000 integrated must be at least on par with that Kenny and it's inflation adjusted cost.

The new Marantz amps are getting quite a rep for being good units. You should at least audition it

 

[smi1]

Thanks for the replies!

Well, I guess it would be best to have both. I'll audition the Marantz soon, then!

Thanks again!

 

[Ammphead]

Have not heard them. However a modern $1000 integrated must be at least on par with that Kenny and it's inflation adjusted cost.

The new Marantz amps are getting quite a rep for being good units. You should at least audition it

Agreed. My Dad has an old linn pre amp, about 25 years old, Hes boughten 3 pre amps since, and took them back to the store because the linn still sounds better. not to say theres no better out there, But its hard to beat some of the old school quality shiz

 

[poppachubby]

Agreed. My Dad has an old linn pre amp, about 25 years old, Hes boughten 3 pre amps since, and took them back to the store because the linn still sounds better. not to say theres no better out there, But its hard to beat some of the old school quality shiz

Indeed, my Bozak 919 is good up to $1000 in modern terms. Somethings in audio haven't changed too much, while other items have improved ten fold.

However, I think the Marantz would cream the Kenwood in terms of fidelity. I will be interested to hear a comparison.

 

[Pandovski]

To be honest I think the Marantz will nuke the Kenny entirely.

 

[jsixis]

never in my opinion, the best of new gear is better then the best of old gear. It is called progress.

That said my ears wouldn't hear a difference.

 

[Ammphead]

To be honest Ive never really liked Kenwood. dont ask me why, just dont like it. I would take a marrantz over it any day. and I wouldnt even listen to the kenwood, there car speakers are ok though. i dunno kenwoods alright i gues. not my first choice

 

[Ammphead]

Agreed.

I hate inflation

 

[charles 1973]

Right now Yamaha has a $500 Integrated Amp that from what I've read Allmost makes Vintage Redundant. If It wasn't for the fact that I love the Vintage Look, the Nastalga, and sound of some Pioneer and Realistic Recievers from the Late 70's, I would go with the New Yamaha in a heart Beat. I REALLY like Remote Cotroll too. In your situation I think I would seriously look at that Marantz or the Yamaha Integrated.

My Friend Had a Kenwood Integrated amp from the late 70's that looked beautifull, was very well build, and could really kick up the dust when asked too. I don't Remember Their Recievers though.

 

[Tim64]

Vintage receivers are not for everyone

Lets face it, not everyone is comfortable opening up a vintage piece of gear and cleaning the switches and pots and blowing out the dust and a little cotton swab action on some really dirty pc boards. And a lot of the 500.00$ receivers/home theater sound really good. But for many vintage guys it's about scoring a bargain, example I just picked up a Concept 2.0 for 6.00$ at a thrift store and it is in very pristine condition. I also have a dedicated 2 channel system all used gear. As for home theater, not a priority I use the built in speakers on my flat screen so movie sound is evidently not a priority for me. Though my brothers home theater set up sounds really good it's just not important to me. If a had the resources I would like to get into a Tube Amplifier but it's not in the cards right now.

 

[Pandovski]

Right now Yamaha has a $500 Integrated Amp that from what I've read Allmost makes Vintage Redundant. If It wasn't for the fact that I love the Vintage Look, the Nastalga, and sound of some Pioneer and Realistic Recievers from the Late 70's, I would go with the New Yamaha in a heart Beat. I REALLY like Remote Cotroll too. In your situation I think I would seriously look at that Marantz or the Yamaha Integrated.

My Friend Had a Kenwood Integrated amp from the late 70's that looked beautifull, was very well build, and could really kick up the dust when asked too. I don't Remember Their Recievers though.

I wonder what are you on about Charlie

 

[Migman]

Put some VU meters in there and you've got the CA amps from the 70s. There is even room for them right there on the left...

 

[CSG123]

I like the look of some of the old vintage stuff, especially Marantz but I think the new stuff is probably better sounding. I considered getting a vintage Marantz for my living room setup because of their great looks, especially in the wood case but ended up getting the PM8004 instead (partly because I was able to get it for $629). Absolutely no regrets.

 

[JoeESP9]

If Yamaha and other manufacturers could be talked into selling their gear in other than black in the US I suspect more posters here would be interested. I know I would be more interested.

 

[CSG123]

Agreed! My set-ups look like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Silver and the lovely champagne color on some of the higher end stuff would be VERY welcome over black.

 

[oblomov]

Yes, I remember when everyting went to black in the 80s. And it has still not gone back to the silver since, for the most part. I agree, I would love to see more silver and often, as noted, overseas units are available in silver or black. Don't know why they don't offer silver in the US market (Although I did get my Onkyo DX-7555 CD player in silver! looks nice)