Vintage Solid State Receivers On a Tight Budget

[lukiedog]

Everybody should have a T amp, don't get me wrong. They are dirt cheap. I have a modified sureelectronics I built a case for it, as well as the TA2020 from Arjen Helder. The TA2024 breaks up at anything over moderate volume in <90dB speakers which are most. You will also most likely need a preamp and a power supply for it too. Between it and a decent receiver, I'd go the receiver route, but why have to choose between the two? Just get both.

 

[reggaenaut]

That said, I still want a Sony 60xx or 70xx with the wood case one day when I get back on my feet and have some funds to play with.

mark

Great non fatigue sounding receivers. Some of the best bargains in audio....6060F, 6065, 7055, 7065.

 

[blhagstrom]

yeah

there are 100 different models that fit your needs.
my favorite best kept secret is an Onkyo TX 2500 MK II. I have owned one for 30 years and it's the baddest 40 WPC receiver out there.
pic
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...uG0Aw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0

The vintage Onkyo are beautiful. I'm not so sure how easy they are to find though. Fixing the bulbs in the 2500-II is a little tricky but worth it.

Mine

 

[Andyman]

+1 (or whatever) for Onkyos; I've had a TX-5000 for several years. i't's not nearly as pretty as the ones the other guys have, but she works fine and sounds great. Nikko and Sherwood s-7xxx series receiver are also very nice and the Sherwoods are usually available for a pittance. They do have issues with the on/off volume switch, but those can be dealt with.

 

[Hifirob2]

Keep an eye out for a Sansui 4000. Way overbuilt, and underpriced. I think mine was just over $30 shipped (but that was almost too good of a deal). Just amazing quality and a killer FM tuner.

I'll also vote for the under dog brands. The NEC built MCS receivers are very nice, and any Realistic models are definitely worth a look.

 

[cam661]

try sansui 661

 

[vintageboy]

Some of the Harman Kardon 330 Series or 430 Series!

 

[markw300d]

The TA2024 breaks up at anything over moderate volume in <90dB speakers which are most.

I went with the TA2020 and I am glad I did. I prefer it to the TA2024 chip. It won't play loud but has enough clean output for my listening needs. There are several T-amp chips with different specs so it's hard to form a generalized opinion based on the performance of just one of them.

 

[indyhawg]

Onkyo TX 3000- great sounding 45WPC receiver.

 

[reggaenaut]

Keep an eye out for a Sansui 4000. Way overbuilt, and underpriced. I think mine was just over $30 shipped (but that was almost too good of a deal). Just amazing quality and a killer FM tuner.

Be careful when lifting this one......deceptively heavy.

 

[Ron Pilgrim]

If you can find one, a NAD 7020 is a good choice. They getting a little pricey these days, still, for under $200, the NAD is still one of the best performing vintage receivers.

 

[uxwbill]

The TA2024 breaks up at anything over moderate volume in <90dB speakers which are most.

Interestingly (in some way, I'm sure), I'd never had that problem with the TA2024 in my DTA-1 until tonight. I've played it into a lot of speakers. When I hooked up my dad's newly repaired AR-4X speakers, the T-amp was having a hard time driving them and then the output started breaking up on peaks.

Rather than do something that might damage the speakers, I stopped and hooked up a Technics SA-110. That solved it.

Back to your regularly scheduled program...

 

[fiddlefye]

The vintage Onkyo are beautiful. I'm not so sure how easy they are to find though. Fixing the bulbs in the 2500-II is a little tricky but worth it.

Mine

With a bit of luck and some looking you can find something nice for very little. Thrifts and yard sales are the easiest place, plus simple word of mouth. Talk to friends and colleagues and let them know what you're looking for. Plenty of gear has come my way as a result of just running my mouth a bit.

The TX - x500 mkII Onkyos are nice beatsties. I have a TX-4500 mkII that I picked up in a thrift for $6. A bit of cleaning and relamped with LEDs and it is near mint and sounds wonderful. A Technics SA-700 at a yard sale for $5 is terrific as well. The most I've ever paid for a receiver was $150 for a Marantz 4300 quad (with wood case). That is just lovely! They're out there, just plan on being a bit patient and keep your eyes open.