Your Favorite Low-Power (70s) Receiver

[David_NC]

It's not a receiver, but I really like my Marantz 1060 integrated amp. I also enjoy the sound from a Pioneer SX-626 and SX-780, Marantz 2035, and lately a Sony STR-7025.

 

[ejman]

I like the sound of the Marantz 27 (30 W/ch) hooked up to my OLA . Note that I have a latter version 27 (three middle buttons) with the engraved faceplate.

 

[Yodathedog]

My gorgeous, completely original Pioneer SX-780.

 

[David_NC]

View attachment 1494230

My gorgeous, completely original Pioneer SX-780.

Nice! I have that same receiver and cassette deck, though the deck needs a belt. I bought both new back when I was in high school. I also had a Technics 'table, but it was a different model than yours.

 

[Spe@kerBox]

I second the HK 330A:

 

[FluxT]

Excellent unit!

That whole series, KR-2120 (was there a KR-3130?) KR-4140 KR-5150 and KR-6160, had cap-coupled output. I have a few KR-6160 units, they have PLENTY of power (almost as much as the cap-coupled Sansui Solid State 7000, but they are a little harder than normal to work on. Not quite a bird's nest inside but close.

Well worth the restoration effort, though.

I’ve always wanted to pair it with some Klipsch Heresies, but I’ve never found a pair I could afford sadly. But it was all the receiver I needed with some similarly efficient Sansuis!

I haven't heard the KR-2120 or KR-4140 yet. Your replies here makes me think I'm missing something cool... hmm, where is that eBay search function....

Honestly, if you’d like mine, I’d be happy to ship and sell it. Got a good review in the May ‘71 edition of High Fidelity, for what it’s worth. I’ve got a couple more receivers that I just use more, and I don’t see the need to have stuff sitting unused.

 

[Yodathedog]

Nice! I have that same receiver and cassette deck, though the deck needs a belt. I bought both new back when I was in high school. I also had a Technics 'table, but it was a different model than yours.

I revived that cassette deck from the ruins of hell. I let it sing frequently.

 

[Sharpstik]

You like good tuners ?
Find a Pioneer SX 990. A 7 gang in that one .

 

[tonedeaf57]

My first 'big boy' system was built around a Kenwood KR-4400, featuring a rich 25 wpc. Fast forward 40 years. When it was time to create a vinyl system for my elder daughter, I started with a KR-4400...I thought that much of it.

 

[FluxT]

I revived that cassette deck from the ruins of hell. I let it sing frequently.

I’ve got the same one that I plan to revive soon. Can already tell that it’s gonna be a basket case.

 

[Falstaff]

Thanks guys! Fixed it!

 

[audiojones]

Lately I’ve been quite partial to this Lafayette LR-2200:



It has an excellent tuner plus it’s in a nice compact frame, around 27-30wpc. Direct coupled, so a little more articulate and detailed than the cap coupled receivers of earlier years (but I really like those too). The derived 4 channel feature is kinda neat, most receivers and amps from this era had it (basically just the Hafler circuit switchable on the remote speakers).

Lafayette had some very nicely built gear BITD (built for them by Planet Research).

 

[snorrewiets]

I am very happy with my Superscope R-1270 receiver, 2x 35 Watts, very warm sound, all components inside are used from Marantz,output is the same as Marantz 2235,
although some components are lent from cheaper Marantz receivers. I use it allmost daily. Replaced the bulbs for oroginal, so no LED's.
Made in 1976.

 

[quiet]

Fifteen decent watts.

 

[BrMR2270]

My Marantz 2220B

 

[GWhitney]

Kenwood KR-4140

 

[MIJ_Pioneer]

No SX-450 love? 15 WPC

 

[fernarias]

Marantz 2230, after a full refurb. It just sounds fantastic and it's 30 watts are great with klipsch.

 

[dogwan]

Can't believe no one has mentioned the HK 430 yet. At 25 watts it definitely falls into the sweet spot of low-powered receivers. Add in the separation of dual mono power supplies and you have a great sounding receiver. I have one in my bedroom with just a TT and an old iPod hooked up and it's great sounding on a pair of small Epicure Model 5 speakers. I actually think the tuner section is pretty good too! Can't tell you what the damping factor is though.

 

[A23gt]

Can't believe no one has mentioned the HK 430 yet. At 25 watts it definitely falls into the sweet spot of low-powered receivers. Add in the separation of dual mono power supplies and you have a great sounding receiver. I have one in my bedroom with just a TT and an old iPod hooked up and it's great sounding on a pair of small Epicure Model 5 speakers. I actually think the tuner section is pretty good too! Can't tell you what the damping factor is though.

I keep forgetting the HK 430 because it performs more like a mid power amp. It seem to punch way above its weight class.