Which receiver is better for phono?

[Bodyblue]

The truth is sometimes there is little difference between how different items sound.

 

[GChief]

Don't be surprised if you like the Pioneer's phono stage better. I had a 1995 VSX-59 and the phono sounded great.

 

[mbaker5280]

Much appreciated, that's about the answer I was hoping for... Thank you!!

I would guess, and that's all it is, a guess, that the Toshiba might have a better phono stage simply because in 1976 everybody had a record player and phono was a key input. That was not so much the case in 1991 when the VSX-95 came out, even though it looks to be part of the Elite line.

That being said, give them both extended listens and see which one you enjoy the most; that's your keeper...

 

[mbaker5280]

I like that... I will give that a shot in a few weeks! Thank you!

Connect one and listen to it for a week or even several weeks.
Then hook up the other one and listen to it.
If you immediately notice a preference for the sound of either one that is the one you use.

 

[GChief]

Much appreciated, that's about the answer I was hoping for... Thank you!!

My TT always ended up hooked back up to my VSX-59 whenever I tried out 70's receivers, no real special ones but all good. As others have said let your ears be the guide. Mine pulled 2 ch duty more than HT the 22yrs I had it.

 

[Grenadeslio]

You say they both sound the same so wondering which has the better phono board.

OK, here's what I could find. The Toshiba even though the less powerful amp weighs more so most likely the better power supply. But the Pioneer offers pre-outs, this allows the addition of a separate power amplifier. If you have one on hand, connect it to the Pioneer and make another comparison, possibly no difference, but you might also be surprised just how different amplifiers can sound.

My Kenwood KA-7300 is one sweet amplifier, really exemplifies all the great things about the Kenwood house sound. Articulate, accurate, powerful, true to the source signal. This is an amplifier that would end most people's ride on the merry go round, yes it's that great.

That said, connecting one of my Belles I amplifiers through the Kenny's pre-outs reminds one of just why we buy separates, yes it was that much better.

The Kenny, take notice of its true fully dual mono design and clean architectural layout. Looks like a smaller version of the Kenwood/Trio Supreme series amps.


The Belles I amplifier