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simple stereo reciever...?

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Nolan#9

New Member
Ive looked online for hours and cannot find a new audio receiver that has speaker wire outputs and a built in multi-channel equalizer... Seems like that was the norm when you look at old school audio receivers right..? with analog controls with the slide levers.

here is an example of what im looking for but I want it to have equalizer controls beyond Treb. and Bass: https://www.tpro.com/collections/amps-1.

Im just looking for a simple, ideally small, audio receiver to plug bookshelf type speakers into, that has a built-in manual equalizer..is that possible??
 
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Pyle might have what you are interested in. I have seen a few JVC units that have an equal built in. Perhaps some others will chime in.
 
Your link showed a couple, why not do one of those if modern/new is what you're after? It looks like each of these come in at 17-19" wide.

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If you're willing to go to a 90's or earlier receiver, your options will open up very wide.
 
Looks like the technical Pro's are made specifically for use with a microphone.. does that matter? can I just plug in a source like computer or phono and then run directly to a bookshelf speaker?
 
Nolan#9 said:
Looks like the technical Pro's are made specifically for use with a microphone.. does that matter? can I just plug in a source like computer or phono and then run directly to a bookshelf speaker?
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You would need a Phono preamp either built-in the receiver or separate for a turntable. Ideally your receiver should have RCA as well.

Is it out of the question to buy a receiver and add a separate EQ to the tape loop? That is the better option fidelity-wise. Those Pyle and Technical Pro units are likely not very good sounding in comparison to something like a Yamaha or Onkyo stereo receiver. There are some really good vintage slim EQs, like ADC, Teac and BSR.

Another option may be to get a surround receiver with auto-eq built-in. Maybe not the ultimate in fidelity, but still better than Pyle and Tech Pro.
 
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Thanks for the suggestions. I would like to just have an inexpensive setup to run a range of inputs and output into speaker wire.. I would like it to be simple and not so many different units to hook up together... it doesnt have to be new, or vintage or modern, i dont care about that stuff. Just want decent sound, low price, and custom EQ.. Maybe looks like that doesnt exist except in the 60's to 80's in the form of one unit. I dont really want to search around ebay and sites like that to find something. thats why new is most attractive. Just want to Go to the store and buy it.

300 is about all i want to spend on a reciever or amp... not even sure what the difference is between those things...seems like there are things that are both and those two words seem to mean a wide range of things and depends on who your talking to..

I Need some more guidance please(:
 
Nolan#9 said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I would like to just have an inexpensive setup to run a range of inputs and output into speaker wire.. I would like it to be simple and not so many different units to hook up together... it doesnt have to be new, or vintage or modern, i dont care about that stuff. Just want decent sound, low price, and custom EQ.. Maybe looks like that doesnt exist except in the 60's to 80's in the form of one unit. I dont really want to search around ebay and sites like that to find something. thats why new is most attractive. Just want to Go to the store and buy it.

300 is about all i want to spend on a reciever or amp... not even sure what the difference is between those things...seems like there are things that are both and those two words seem to mean a wide range of things and depends on who your talking to..

I Need some more guidance please:)
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It would help to not say conflicting things. Do you mean red, or do you want to do green? You likely can't do both. If you are open to what I'd said in my first try, we'd be able to point you in directions. But then again, you said no ebay. :dunno:
 
If you just want to go to the store and buy it, I think a surround sound receiver with built-in/auto-eq would be the best option. That will blow the Pyle or Technical Pro models out of the water and will have more features to boot. The EQ will be an onscreen thing, but will have a lot more flexibility and precison (the screen is only needed for initial setup).

Yamaha or Onkyo would be the best options for $300. The newest Yamaha I have (a 600 series from 2011) has parametric EQs for each channel that you can manually adjust even after auto calibration is ran.
 
thanks, ill look into the yamahas and Onkyo. I do appreciate the help in the midst of my confusing requests. I have never bought something on ebay before, but I might give it a try.. im skeptical of receiving something used that is not in good condition..
 
New Yamaha 2 channel receivers have bass, treble, variable loudness, and a phono input. Pretty simple. Add on an eq if you have to have one.
 
Nolan,
When buying ebay, check feedback ratings, experience in selling and shipping electronics, etc. I have rarely had something arrive less than advertised.

You can also check your local Craigslist once you have it narrowed down on what models you are looking at- that affords you the luxury of an audition before buying, usually... and avoids the potential shipping issues and cost.

And most of all- WELCOME TO AK! As you'll see, you came for the advice and you'll stay for the camaraderie and sense of community.
 
thank you tybrad.

One more question..for now.. What are the differences between a Stereo Receiver and an Integrated Amplifier? when I'm looking at Yamaha's website i see little differences that for me don't denote calling it a different name for the device.. the only real difference that I detect is that the Integrated Amps don't have a built in tuner.
 
The go-to cheap "simple receiver" a few years ago was the Sherwood RX-4109, still available on Amazon, albeit used, for under $100. Has a phono preamp and tone controls. Couldn't be simpler. Of course, there are many other options, but my unit, since passed on to my sister, still gets the job done. Insignia (Best Buy house brand) had a rebadged version of the same receiver called the NS-R2000.
 
The Sherwood is a great recommendation, purchased two for my sons without the phono board, RX-4105 I believe. It actually had better distortion specs and my boys weren't interested in vinyl, ever they said. Well one is now on the path, gifted him my AR XA, and purchased him a Mitsubishi dp-ec8 and TC 750 phono amp.

As for units with built in EQs from the past, they should most likely be left there, they were of dubious quality even then. Why the need of an EQ, simple tone controls should suffice if attempting to stay simple.
 
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Question for the OP and no disrespect intended. How is a receiver with a multichannel eq simple? To me, a receiver with tuning controls, a source selector switch, volume control and possibly a loudness switch or variable control would be simple. This is hard to find and most likely in stereo only. The Denon DRA -397 or its replacement, 297 in pure direct would be about as close as I have seen in recent years.
 
Yamaha, Sherwood, and Onkyo make "simple" receivers. To get an EQ built in, you should get an audio-video receiver; I like Yamaha. Do you really need an EQ? I have a Technical Pro preamp, which sounds pretty sorry. I have two decent power amps (Crown and AudioSource) I have used with the Technical Pro preamp. An Insignia receiver sounds better: clearer, better bass. Peace and goodwill.
 
I would look for a Mcintosh MAC4300, thats in great shape from Audio Classics. You'll get great sound, graphic controls, and a great tuner. You could always get a reconditioned receiver from the 70's, Pioneer or Sansui, and then add a Rane or DBX professional graphic EQ to the tape monitor loop. You'll have a winning combination. I'm not a Soundcraftsman fan, so I would recommend staying away. If you want a smooth warm Sound, NAD made some great Receivers to which you could add a Graphic EQ. Older Marantz might fill your bill as would Denon. But I'm not to fond of current renditions.
 
If one is going seventies vintage, JVC made a ton of receivers with their 5 band SEA equalizer built in. Some of the later seventies ones were a little spacey looking but I always liked that look. I've had a couple and they were nice receivers and are still sleepers today, going for less money than some brands.

That being said, if money is no object then I have no argument with a MAC 4300 or 4100 which also had a 5 band eq built in. The 4100 is my personal favorite receiver, ever.
 
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