What's the best receiver you ever heard?

[Justcuz]

Sansui qrx5500a just smooth and very versatile in 2 channel mode.The rear channel option is plain awesome.I have G4700 G6700 G9700 and 3 Qrx9001 restored to compare it to and the 5500a playes daily.Ive owned many other including Pioneers sx series,optonica, marantz and several others.My ,5500a is untouched and plays without issue.

 

[r_brumett61]

My Pioneer SX-1050 running my AR3a's with a tape of a live recording of the UCONN symphony performing the 1812 overture on a Pioneer RT1020L with Teac AN-60 Dolby units.

 

[Rapscallion]

Solid state: HK 730, Mac 1700, Sony 7055
Tube: Fisher 400

 

[Spe@kerBox]

My current list:

Fisher 400 receiver - just finished restoring (mid-range to die for).
Pioneer SX-1250 (plenty of slam).
HK330A (smooth as silk).

If I could only keep one it would have to be the Fisher as I have never heard sonic purity like this receiver produces.

 

[Rapscallion]

My current list:

Fisher 400 receiver - just finished restoring (mid-range to die for).
Pioneer SX-1250 (plenty of slam).
HK330A (smooth as silk).

If I could only keep one it would have to be the Fisher as I have never heard sonic purity like this receiver produces.

I have 2 400’s, 1 500b, and a 12watt per channel Philharmonic pulled from a console. Every once in a while I’ll listen to something solid state and after one album side I usually have listener fatigue. Never with the Fishers!

 

[Mrv8q]

Had a 2325 40+ years ago. Onto separates afterwards.

Professionally sold Technics and Sanyo Plus 75s, liked those.

Came across a lowly Yamaha CR-400 a couple of years ago, paired with some JBL L100s.

Just astonished how fun that pair was.... kinda regret moving them on, but well worth the effort expended.

Miss that pair!

 

[lico]

The Luxman R-117 has to be one of the best ones, but agree about the look. My Pioneer SX-1050 is also very good, the SX-1250 has to be up there.

Am fond of the newer Rotel RX-1052, it will be a classic if it can last. Another receiver that recently surprised me how good it is after putting it through the paces - Nakamich TA-3A.

 

[Spe@kerBox]

I have 2 400’s, 1 500b, and a 12watt per channel Philharmonic pulled from a console. Every once in a while I’ll listen to something solid state and after one album side I usually have listener fatigue. Never with the Fishers!

Agree completely. My 400 will never leave the premise (until I do at least ).

 

[Lamar]

Out of the marantz, pioneer sx, and sansui receivers I've owned, I'm most fond of the sansui eight deluxe's sound. The Marantz's sound had the most personality(and were the best looking imo), the pioneer sx's had a more clinical, precise sound, but the sansui eight deluxe just does everything perfect. At first I wasn't all that impressed until I figured out the optimal settings(on mine: -1 bass, +1 mid, +2 treble), now she sings like a bird. Still trying to find the optimal speakers to match it with, as my ported speakers just don't seem to jive with it like suspended ones do. So far the best match have been BA hd7's but I'm looking for something larger as they don't seem to fill the sansui's appetite. Contemplating on upgrading to hd9's, hd10's or something else(psb, paradigms, b&w, etc). Decisions decisions.
Sorry, getting off topic,
Sansui eight deluxe, final answer

Did you ever figure best speakers for eight deluxe?

 

[kwayde]

I really liked the Marantz 2330 I used to have and regret selling it.

My friend has a rebuilt Sansui AU-717 that's the cat's meow.

 

[jefferylhenr]

Yes, this thread is getting long in the tooth. But after hearing most of the monsters and other notable receivers…

My personal preference is the Luxman R1120’s, R117, Sansui G series, Sansui 9090, Marantz 2500 in that order. There are many good ones obviously and the Marantz 4270 is wonderful in two channel mode. A properly restored Sansui 7070 is fantastic for near field listening with proper speakers. But let’s be honest, almost any decent vintage receiver that has been fully restored and updated is a treat. But you ask What! no pioneer? Nope, I just had a fellow listen to my R1120, SX1050 and SX1250 all fully and extensively restored but he bought the R1120 and I agree he made the right decision. The R1120 has more detail and better balance than the pioneers which are way more punchy and to me not in a good way.

What people see in the Sansui 8 deluxe is beyond me? It wouldn’t make my top 30 list.

 

[vette1961]

The best receiver I have ever heard is the vintage 1980's Tanberg. Great phono section and power amp section. Almost as good as separates at the time. Also, very expensive for the 80's

 

[krisjay]

Of the ones I've heard, the Kenwood KR 9600 is probably "the best" I've heard.

 

[Oerets]

My experience so far with vintage gear, receivers included over the years being. Is I prefer a unit that works well with a large sampling of speakers. Meaning will make most speakers sound their best. Plus volume is controllable, easily able to adjust listening levels. Not being in the hard to match up category.
The Pioneer SX1010 Pioneer SX 950 Sansui 9090 (non DB) Sansui G8000 Marantz 2325 Harman Kardon 930 all seemed to fit.

If I had to choose just one to rate above the others.

In order best to least.

G8000 9090 2325 SX1010 SX950 HK 930.

 

[playittwice]

My faves:
Sherwood S8000
Sansui 210

 

[MX117.MC7150]

Sony STR-6200F.

Sony STR-6200F

Picked this Sony STR-6200F up yesterday and I wanted to share. It needs to be cleaned up externally and internal, controls are scratchy. It sounds wonderful and everything seems to work as it should. I'll add a post cleaning photo to this thread and I'll include some observations on the sound...

audiokarma.org