Well, I HAVE heard them all........and, although quite good, the CR-3020 is not the top dog. It was a "beefed up" CR-2020 with about 50% more power and a few more features. But, it was very conventional and didn't break any new ground technologically, with the exception of Auto IF.
It simply doesn't have the dynamic range, or the power supply, of something like a Hitachi SR-2004, which can pump out peaks of 400 wpc, which really "opens things up a bit".
Also, the bottom end is nothing like a Concept 16.5 (450 damping factor) or Rotel RX-1603. It's clear and tight for sure, but won't send a shiver up and down your spine. The CR-3020's specs don't even mention the Damping Factor, but you can tell audibly that's it not in the same class.
In fact, Yamaha's own R-2000, CR-3020's "grandson", once the novel X-Processor is properly heatsinked, will out power it as well and pulls in FM Stations with a significantly better S/N Ratio.
As for the other units mentioned in this thread, the SX-1980 and G-22000 don't have a reputation for being particularly good sounding receivers. The SX-1250 has a more robust power supply and better tuner Specs than the CR-3020, however, I can certainly understand why, subjectively, someone would pick the CR-3020 over it. The KR-9600, unfortunately, isn't even in the same league. It was built to be a "lower priced SX-1250" and fulfills that purpose well, but the sound-quality and overall refinement are not in the same league as the SX-1250 and it's in another sport from the CR-3020. The Sansui 9090DB isn't even competitive with these fellas.
However, as an exercise in cosmetic build-quality, the CR-3020 is tough to beat. Clearly, there are no other 150-175 wpc Receivers from the Vintage Era that will outshine it visually. It is a STUNNER in every respect. The ULTIMATE Yammie styling-wise.
A year ago, these went for about $500.00. However, they've benefited from a lot of praise from their owners so that now they're in the 1,000+ range. Sure, there's better sounding stuff that can be had for much less but, if you're after one of the most stunning-looking beasts, it's your money.
In fact, there are only two Receivers that I think look better: the Setton RS-660 and Rotel RX-1603. But, I am drawn to the unusual, whereas the CR-3020 is clearly mainstream.
In terms of overall visual/tactile quality, nothing compares to the CR-3020. It is THE BEST.
The CR-3020 also has some nice features that many of the other units it was compared with do not have: FM Blend and Variable FM Muting (like Lafayette's LR-120DB) and switchable IF Bandwidth with Auto Mode (which would be refined in subsequent Yammie Receivers, unlike the Marantz 2500 and 2600) to name a few.
However, on the downside, the CR-3020's purely conventional power supply disappointments me. It is not a Dual Power Design (like the best units of this era) nor does it have a Toroidal Transformer. Does it work? Yes, of course! I just wish Yammie had pulled out all the stops, like Pioneer did when the SX-1250 first came to market. There was nothing else like it, not even remotely close.
Conclusion: The CR-3020 is a great unit for a collector who wants a piece that is so highly regarded by its owners and is willing to pay top dollar to become one.
-- Chris
