Which vintage receiver will "blow me away" sound-wise?

34dean said:
I have been using a cheap Onkyo A-9110 integrated amp for about a month now and it is very nice for it's price point. But recently, I've been bitten by the vintage bug and I'm looking at various receivers. I've done a lot of research and especially focused in on the following:

Sansui Seven/Eight/Eight Deluxe
Sansui 9090
Marantz 2325/2330/2270
Luxman R-1050
Yamaha CR-1020/2020
Pioneer SX1010/1250
Mac 4100

I'm looking for accuracy, detail, good bass and general excellent sound. A bit of warmth is fine but I do not want too much. I prefer, fast, punchy sound.

Which of the above would most likely "blow me away" with it's performance. I understand a serviced/recapped version is best. If I've missed something you can recommend, please do so.

Thank you all!
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Of your list, the ones likely to fit your preference are Sansui 9090DB, Marantz 2330 (non-B), and Pioneer SX-1010. Late production Sansui Eight (with speaker relay) is also very good.

Not on your list are:

Concept 16.5, 12.0D, and 11.0
Luxman R-1120 and R-1120A (T-03P).
Kenwood KR-9050 and KR-8010
 
Some peanut gallery comments
Sansui cap coupled early 70s sound really nice (even if they don't test the best)
Next
Sony early mid 70s 6060, 6065, 6120 and the comparable 7 series units fly under the radar
 
nj pheonix said:
Sansui cap coupled early 70s sound really nice (even if they don't test the best)
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This gets my vote!! As I stated in another post, since you have the Seven, grab a CC amp or receiver and hear how that sound is for you. I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Dont read the specs, just hook it up and have a listen!!
 
When I obtained my Mc 4100, it was a real eye-opener, although I can't say it "blew me away" (took new speakers to get there). If you want to consider a "vintage-like" unit, the Outlaw RR 2160 has great sound and the modern additions (USB input, DAC, etc.).
 
So subjective but what isnt in our Hobby

A mid 70s low watt Receiver can blow one away in a proper setup

Example: Pioneer SX-650
 
What speakers will you be using? Maybe you don't need the big power models, an SX-1050 comes quite a bit cheaper than an SX-1250, for example.

I've had a load of receivers pass through my hands, the two that have managed to stick around are a Marantz 2330 and a Fisher 500C. Mostly because I like to look at them.
 
I have evaluated and tested many of them. From what I have experienced many of the tuners in the receivers are well, not the best because these days there are many more radio stations to deal with on the dial, than when these old receivers were designed. A tuner (usually a separate unit) with selectable IF bandwidths outperform most receivers due to channel congestion and interference issues.. Also the way the stereo decoder works is important as well as to sound quality. the Yamaha method is known to be one of the best ever done. Only Rotel did a similar ST decoder design as far as I know. fmtunerinfo has a lot of information of tuners if you want to know more.
I have a couple of Yamaha T-85 tuners, they outperform most if not all receiver tuner because of the way it is designed. On the bench right now I have a Pioneer SX-1250, it does not equal the T-85 in any situation. I have adjusted the 1250, btw.
Others' can comment on what they deem as there favourite sounding gear but imo if you hear the sound of an amp, then it is doing something to the music that I do not think that they should be doing. For instance I can almost guarantee you that a warm sound amp is actually creating harmonic distortion. Nothing really wrong with that if that is what you like. I have a Pioneer SX-950 it creates a lot of it ( in relative terms), some like it which is fine if that is what you want.
I also design/build amps with significantly less THD,using bjts, lateral mosfets, which imo sound a lot cleaner, but to each their own. There are so many of them out there and opinions to go along, many choose looks over performance, which is fine too, but maybe not optimal for your situation.
Good luck in what you finally decide.

SoCal Sam can you please let your dolphins loose to roam the oceans instead of AK., they really are a nuisance to me at least. Many posts I avoid because of them. I did ask nicely. Thx Rick
 
With vintage equipment go with the unit in the best condition. All of the units above will sound really nice when in good condition. Yamaha is the only brand that I cant stand the sound of.

I have both separates and receivers and have gone back and forth over the years and I like both......but I like the look and sound of a nice receiver and think the speakers used are far more important than anything else for the sound one wants.

IMO the big monster receivers are very overpriced right now....just crazy. I have one monster, a Kenwood KR 8010 (125 wpc) that I got lucky on and I really like it but I dont look for the big guys. The smart play is for the mini-monsters: units one or two steps below the TOTLs. I have a Sansui G 5700 (75 wpc) that is a total ass kicker and it did not cost an arm and a leg. I also have a Technics SA 5560 (85wpc) that I found in amazing condition that is another ass kicker.

50 watts per channel can drive most any vintage mass market speaker just fine. I picked up a Sanyo Plus 55 (55wpc) that has really impressed me with its build and sound quality. I have a Sony STR 5800SD that sounds nice and looks cool. I have a Realistic STA 220, a very rare model not even in the catalogs that performs with the Marantz 22xx series I have had.

Dont be stuck on looking for one brand or model. Figure out if you are really looking for a Monster or something a bit below......or something smaller. Once you figure that out, find someplace local or even on ebay since they have their very useful guarantee that items will work as described to look. Then be patient, dont get in a hurry and buy something on a whim.

Oh, if you decided on maybe some sort of integrated amp, try the Marantz 1060, on of the finest made in the 70s. I run mine with a Sony 330ES amp with 125wpc and use the superb 1060 pre. This is a great hobby and dont let others tell you what you want and just have fun........and if you are not broke in a few years you are not doing it right!! LOL

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Best sounding that I've owned is Sansui G7700

I'd take another but it would need a recap if not already completed.
 
My two cents; in the last year or so I have acquired for very short money:

A pioneer sx-434, great sensitive tuner, great sound, minor problem that only effects phono output.....$5.00 at a yard sale.

A Sherwood s-7100a receiver, VERY sensitive tuner, great looking, minor pop noise problem prob an easy fix....$10.00, barn sale find.

Best score...a Harman Kardon 330c, beautiful to look at and listen to....$80.00 from an honest Craigslist seller.

These are relatively low wpc (15 to 25), but I think those ratings are deliberately on the low side. I play vinyl and generally don't turn the volume past 4, that's plenty for me.

It really boils down to what you like to hear and see.
 
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