Suggestions please…high powered receiver or integrated

[Kolner]

Hi everyone

Your help and experience would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for a really nice high powered receiver or integrated.

• 100w or more. Probably the more the better.
• Great phono stage
• If a receiver, the quality of tuner is not important.
• Does not sound dry or clinical. Must be dynamic and can boogie.
• Can sacrifice some dynamics/boogie factor for warmth if I must

Is there such a device that meets this criteria? 70s, 80s era is fine with me. Btw, I don’t have any experience with 70s equipment.

I’ve been searching the forum but thus far, hard to reach a conclusion as to what devices may meet these requirements.

Thanks

 

[Dswankey]

If you go the receiver route you might want to factor in if it has "Pre-Out/Main or Power In" this will give you some flexibility down the road if you want to add a different Power Amp, Integrated Amp or Pre-Amp

For example

Pioneer SX-1050

 

[tubelectron]

My preference would go for a Marantz 2325, if it had to be a receiver...



T

 

[Sgt Shultz]

Why not the grandaddy of the monster receiver the Pioneer SX-1010, fits all of your criteria and looks like a million bucks.

 

[jayvis]

If you can stand jumping into the 1990's, open your wallet for one of these if you can find one.

 

[Dswankey]

@Kolner

Good suggestions so far, however so that folks aren't recommending pieces that might or might be what you want to spend you should add what your budget is also where do you plan on purchasing?

 

[Bill Ashton]

Rarely, if ever, have I used this emoji...but somehow, it just seems appropriate...


Just so its clear, I like receivers, but unless your space or speakers require it, I am in the low-watts camp...

 

[avionic]

 

[turnitdown]

I agree with the popcorn aspect, but hey, why not? Luxman R117. 160 watts per side, nice phono stage, the whole 9.

 

[jayvis]

Rarely, if ever, have I used this emoji...but somehow, it just seem appropriate...


Just so its clear, I like receivers, but unless your space or speakers require it, I am in the low-watts camp...

I just ate supper, so I decided to just play along.

 

[Kolner]

Rarely, if ever, have I used this emoji...but somehow, it just seem appropriate...


Just so its clear, I like receivers, but unless your space or speakers require it, I am in the low-watts camp...

I have actually been there done that in my younger years. 300B, 45, 46 SETs along with numerous push pull tube. Great fun, great sound. A lot of trading and trying stuff. I no longer have a large enough room for horns or anything truly high sensitive with bass.

I have a distinct lack of desire to have anything other than one or two turntables and an integrated or receiver these days.

I started this thread because I lack experience with much of the equipment mentioned here (70s era, in particular). I don’t have a problem with opinions and would encourage “not holding back”. We like what we like.

 

[Kolner]

@Kolner

Budget some good suggestions so far however so that folks aren't recommending pieces that might or might be what you want to spend you should add what your budget is also where do you plan on purchasing?

Good point. The budget can be quite high if I can find an amp that meets the aforementioned guidelines. With that, I only want something restored and if the right piece, willing to drive several hours for it (I’m in New England). Not looking for a “find” that needs restored.

 

[N0rt0n]

The newer Luxmans foot your bill if you are not committed to older gear. You can get a 505UXII for $2500. The Phono section is very good and it has most of the knobs and buttons of old with meters.

 

[Kolner]

If you can stand jumping into the 1990's, open your wallet for one of these if you can find one.
View attachment 3047641

Ok, thanks. This is not one that I would have considered.

 

[jayvis]

Good point. The budget can be quite high if I can find an amp that meets the aforementioned guidelines. With that, I only want something restored and if the right piece, willing to drive several hours for it (I’m in New England). Not looking for a “find” that needs restored.

If you haven't already, check the Audio Classics web site.

 

[Kolner]

The newer Luxmans foot your bill if you are not committed to older gear. You can get a 505UXII for $2500. The Phono section is very good and it has most of the knobs and buttons of old with meters.

I’m not necessarily committed to older gear but you know, there is certainly an attraction to the older stuff. Do you have any experience in comparing sonics to some of this newer (Luxman, Accuphase, etc…) to older (Pioneer, etc….)? I am not sure how much amplifier design has progressed.

 

[Kolner]

If you haven't already, check the Audio Classics web site.

I haven’t. Will do, thanks.

 

[Quadman2]

Did a fair look-see for what range of power is required for your AR's, and found that it was between 50 to 100 RMS.

Best to stay within the parameters suggested by the pro's.


No mention of budget?


Q

 

[N0rt0n]

I’m not necessarily committed to older gear but you know, there is certainly an attraction to the older stuff. Do you have any experience in comparing sonics to some of this newer (Luxman, Accuphase, etc…) to older (Pioneer, etc….)? I am not sure how much amplifier design has progressed.

Sorry no, only know that as I have progressed my gear over the years it has gotten better IMO. I can compare to stuff like Hafler, Odyssey, Counterpoint, Rotel, Integra

BTW, the newer A/B Lux's are Class A up to about 6 watts.

 

[jayvis]

Here's something unusual, but a good one. Rotel RA-1412 integrated amp. 110 wpc into 8 Ohm & 160 wpc into 4 Ohm.