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Top 80's integrateds or receivers
- Thread starter mcp1
- Start date
mcp1
Well-Known Member
I can recommend a couple that I currently own. The Pioneer(s) SX-D7000 and SX-3900 receivers. Both early 80s vintage and share identical amp sections (120 wpc & super low distortion). Styling is the main difference with these two with the 3900 being the more traditional "70s" styling and the 7000 a more modern design. Note: Stacking of the 3900 (top) and the 7000 were for photo purposes only, and 3900 immediately removed when finished.
How does that big Pioneer (7000) sound? How does it compare to the 950 or 1250?
jgmacv
Fluroscan Lover
The SX-D7000, to me, is the best sounding receiver i've owned. The 3900 has the same amp set-up and sounds just as good. I owned an SX-950, and while it sounds good, I think the 7000 sounds much better. Cleaner and clearer. Haven't had the opportunity to try out a 1250/1280. I believe the difference has to do with the non-switching amp set-up that was incorporated into these receivers, resulting in super-low total harmonic distortion.
I had an SX-3800 and have an SX-1280. Shocked to say that I think the SX-3800 sounded better. But I kept the 1280 because, well, it's a 1280 and it sits on a shelf looking like it's going to beat up my other receivers.
You're right; the NAD 3020 and 3120 were the best, but the also, the most signficant integrated amps of the 80's, hands-down. You don't see Stereophile or Absolute Sound editors still writing about generic Japanese silver-faced products, except for Luxman, but they still view the NAD 3020/3120 design as amongst the most brilliant designs in audio history.
jgmacv
Fluroscan Lover
Rated for 130 WPC, and some bench test at 150
First digital tuner for Marantz
Export only
Lush sound.
The more I look at that receiver, the more I want it............. Haven't owned a Marantz yet, that would be a good excuse..........
Bstable
Super Member
Thanks for the positive comments. I also have 2 fully functional SX-D5000s and a donor unit. It is 80 WPC, but thumps and sounds just as well as the SX-D7000.....
Stop with the pictures of these already...don't you know what those are doing to me?
Seriously... I have always loved the Pioneer silver faced look. I want a SA-7800 (or higher) series amp so bad....I love that fluoroscan .
Hi_Fi Low-Life
New Member
Same here. Love the Marantz silver and blue look too. Wouldn't an audio manufacturer make a killing now releasing products with "that" look. I'll bet they would!
Bstable
Super Member
Yeah, but they would somehow manage to make it look like a Star Trek panel instead of something that actually has form and function.
I agree with you. I have often wondered why someone does not "go out on a limb'' and make something a little different from all the rest of the indistinguishable BPC.
Once upon a time you could look at a component and say ''that is early 1970's Pioneer or that is late 1970's Kenwood" With today's components there is nothing to distinguish the manufacturer or even the DECADE!! :thumbsdn::thumbsdn:
guiller
Toscaninichus Australis
The Luxman LV-107 was also a high point in terms of sound quality. I wonder about its durability, though.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/LUXMAN/LV107/LV107.html#
http://www.thevintageknob.org/LUXMAN/LV107/LV107.html#
Hokieman
Super Member
Marantz TA-170
Well, here's what Marantz was reduced to by 1987. This is my TA-170 (170 WPC) integrated "tuner-amplifier" as they liked to call it - I called it a receiver. Sounded okay, but it never could make my JBL's sing like the HK. But absolutely, positively butt ugly. Got rid of it a few weeks ago after 21 years of very little use.
Well, here's what Marantz was reduced to by 1987. This is my TA-170 (170 WPC) integrated "tuner-amplifier" as they liked to call it - I called it a receiver. Sounded okay, but it never could make my JBL's sing like the HK. But absolutely, positively butt ugly. Got rid of it a few weeks ago after 21 years of very little use.
Attachments
secondslc
mmmmmarantz
What a come back for 1988 then!
I present to you, some of the best from this brand from the mid 70s to the early 90s.
4400 (far left above infinity sub), their best quad in the 70s, rated at 125 per channel bridged, puts out 197 rms....thats 2385 territory
SR9000G (Middle of pic under tv), see posts above.
PM-94 (sitting on top of the B380) 1988 model... Pure class A to about 30 watts, and a conservative 125 wpc class AB for big transients.
To quote Stereophile,
"Without a doubt, this $2900 model is the finest integrated amplifier I've auditioned, and the most beautifully finished, beautifully built integrated I've ever seen...The midrange is glorious...The PM-94 sound Class A...The PM-94 has a beguiling sweetness that can only be described as musical...It is almost tubelike--I say 'almost' because it is sweeter than most tube amps I've heard."
Sitting above the 4400 is their MusicLink series, which I covered in a recent topic on the Marantz forum. Copper plated chassis, toroid transformer, blackgate OEM caps. No tone control, no frills, and the phono pre amp is even separate.
Now....i know "marantz" faultered in the mid to late 80s, but they still had some life in them, and they are building fine gear today. :yes:
Well, Yamaha is doing that but it will cost you.
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2008/images/yamaha_a-s2000-l.jpg
It looks very very much like their '70s integrated amps, like the CA-1000. Those weren't cheap in the day, and apparently the new ones aren't cheap now.
Bstable
Super Member
Beautiful...I like the simple laid out approach, but whats up with those treble, bass, and balance knobs? Where is their famous "variable loudness knob"?
Any idea what that costs? Anyone test it out? What does the insides look like? Inquiring minds want to know :yes:
