Your Favorite Low-Power (70s) Receiver
- Thread starter slev
- Start date
Madeline12
Super Member
I have a Kenwood KR-2400. Nothing really to brag about, it’s 16 wpc. But I like the balanced sound, not too much bass to the point where it’s obnoxious. Overall, I dig it
plus cosmetically it’s alright/pretty nice, fairly simple design. (Not my photo)
Nope. I sold my last low watter last year with the set of Nova 6s. It was a STA 82 I think. I bought the STA 85 because I like the looks, but I am done with anything under 60wpc or so.
quiet
Addicted Member
Everything I now have is 45 plus. Except a few notables. The first receiver to market, a 30 watt 1964 Harman Kardon SR-900. The first SS Sansui receiver, TR-707a, 18 watts, from 1965. Also from 1965, the Kenwood 60bu 15 watt receiver, their first SS. And the Advent 300 gutless wonder at 15 watts.
That SR-900 is a "very" good unit. First SS and still works like new money.
Amazing. -----------1964---------!!!!!!!
That SR-900 is a "very" good unit. First SS and still works like new money.
Amazing. -----------1964---------!!!!!!!
mashaffer
Super Member
I like my STA-85 (needs some TLC to be fully up to snuff at the moment). Interesting difference in perspective though as I think of it as a moderate to high power unit. The STA-16 I used to have was a nice little low power unit at 3.5wpc.
After reading many positive comments, I acquired a nice 330B (Japanese manufacture) and a 430 that needed some work. Thanks to some great AudioKarma members, I was able to get the 430 up and running. I've had Naim equipment and some other big-name electronics, and these two amplifiers are more musical to me, in my system, than any of the other equipment I have had in my system. If you measure quality by the number of times music can raise goose bumps, get you off of the couch moving with the music, or bring you to tears, the HK gear is at the top of my list. I've heard that the quality varies from unit to unit, but the two I have are outstanding. I'd still like to try a Sansui 6/7/8 or 2000X, but I don't think I could like any of those options more. Just might explore for fun. Thanks to all for your many suggestions - what a great venue for audio discussions!
I was pretty set on pursuing a Sansui 7 in Milwaukee, but maybe I should try the 2K first... The two HK models are equally engaging but deliver a different set of strengths. One day, I like the 330, next day the 430 is the best. One of my favorite features is the size and weight - no more "monster" size anything! The HKs fit on the shelf below my turntable, and that's a real big plus.
I have a serious fondness for the hk330x gear... that said, your Panasonic looks fantastic.
Should I make up a meme of me looking at a passing hot chick (Panasonic) while my current girlfriend (hk330B) looks at me angrily?
From looks I'd have to pick the Panasonic. From performance, probably the HK.
Taketheflame
Super Member
That I've heard? A Pioneer SX-626. Simply a great, warm sound to it, and great looks to boot. It's made me want to hunt down an SA-8100/9100 and TX-8100/9100 amp & tuner set at some point when space/funds permit it
The only "low-power" receiver or amp I own is my Akai AA-R30 (38 WPC). It's a good sounding unit I keep in my bedroom (although I prefer the sound of the aforementioned Pioneer, or previous Akai models). I'll admit, most of what I have borders on "Monster" territory (close to, but under 100 WPC), but I tend to be drawn to speakers that like a bit of power (i.e - Advents, and similar acoustic suspension stuff).
The only "low-power" receiver or amp I own is my Akai AA-R30 (38 WPC). It's a good sounding unit I keep in my bedroom (although I prefer the sound of the aforementioned Pioneer, or previous Akai models). I'll admit, most of what I have borders on "Monster" territory (close to, but under 100 WPC), but I tend to be drawn to speakers that like a bit of power (i.e - Advents, and similar acoustic suspension stuff).
Taketheflame
Super Member
That's a sweet Realistic - kind of reminds me of the blackface Optonica stuff!
I'm late on this one but would have recommended the HK330b, lovely clear unit that punches way above its weight.
malvo
Active Member
Tone Audio did a short piece a few years back about a Marantz 2215 in particular, but the point they were making was that in this 70s audio moment there was lots of nice sweet sound to be found from the big manufacturers' low power (i.e. not TOTL) offerings. In my limited experience, it's true. Here's the (very subjective) article:
https://www.tonepublications.com/old-school/marantz-2215b-receiver/
https://www.tonepublications.com/old-school/marantz-2215b-receiver/