Pairing my Tempest LS-5's

[RussTShackle]

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here,

I'm replacing a receiver for my tempest LS-5 floor speakers. My previous receiver was a Toshiba SA-7100 which was sold due to one of the channels continuously cutting out. My wife is all about the aesthetics of Marantz - she loves the blue lights. Can't say I disagree.

My issue is that from what I can tell, my speakers can handle up to 140W and higher-power Marantz's are looking at ~$1800 (2275, 2270) if they are fully recapped and restored. Ouch. And I'm gunning for something fully recapped and restored in an attempt to mitigate the chances of having something with a channel cutting in and out again (although i get that vintage means finnicky).

We only listen to vinyl and Bluetooth streaming, for which I have been using a Audioengine B1 via RCA connection. The room is roughly 250sq feet, and we sit approx. 8 feet from the speakers for listening. All types of genres, though very minimal hip-hop.

Specific question - Based on my speakers, room setup, and sources, can you recommend some receivers (or amp I guess, although my TT does not have a preamp so that will be an additional purchase) that would sufficiently power my speakers and please the wife with some pretty blue or green lights - all around ~$1200 bucks?

Secondary question(s)- Am I right that for Marantz I should be looking at 2270/2275? if so - am I crazy in thinking that a nice, fully restored/recapped 2275 (with new walnut case) at $1850 is insanely overpriced, when considering comparable sound quality from other receivers?

 

[goodolpg]

At 95db sensitivity I doubt you'd ever come close to putting 140 watts into them.
30-40 watts might be more volume than than you'll need based on their sensitivity rating, of course having more power is great for extended head room and reserve. More power used wisely is almost always a good thing.
Google "Marantz tax" and then figure in that the one you mentioned has been fully recapped and the cost is not that out of whack. If it is, it won't sell or could take a long time. Or maybe you could submit a best offer.
Some sellers get better money for their items because they have a proven track record of well done restorations and recaps. Plus they take great images. It can all add to the potential sale price.
Certain brands bring in more money than other brands. Certain cars bring more money than other cars. That's just the way it is.
Maybe you'll find one in the wild for cheaper. It might need work but the initial price will be cheaper.
Plenty of other receivers can be bought that produce good sound. Quadraflex has blue lights. Or put blue led's in a receiver you buy. It won't be Marantz blue, but it will be blue.