Top 5 Vintage Stereo Receivers Under $1000
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Are you looking for a great vintage receiver from the 1970s you can pick up for around $1,000? You're in the right place! This week Kevin goes over his top five vintage receivers for around a grand. He will give you pointers on what he looks for when choosing a solid vintage receiver.
Maybe you are looking for power, a certain sound, or you need something with the inputs and outputs you need for all of your other vintage stereo gear. These are all brands that were available in the U.S. and models we have seen come through the shop, or even owned.
Let us know what you have on your list. We love to read every comment!
Enjoy!
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I'm sorry for the sound quality on this video... My mic slipped out of position and every farmer in Iowa must have been picking crops cause my allergies were totally kicking my ass. I only have one day to shoot these videos in order to stay on schedule, so thank you for cutting me some slack on this one.
We absolutely have the best community on RUclips. I'd love to see your picks for best vintage receiver under $1,000 in the comments! Thank you- Kevin
I have a Marantz 2250B with the secret extra power mesuared wich is it not expressed by it's model number. They go refurbished for 850 Euro's here in Europe. And yes mine needs a refurbushing to get up to spec again. And on the Dual mono side I have an refurbished Akai AA-2275 receiver.
I have a non-working marantz 2285b. Is there a repair shop in the Phoenix area you can recommend? I would love to have it work again, if it can be.
Those Akai's are awesome!
Ask our discord about repair shops near you. discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
No sweat man. Allergies kicked in for me yesterday.
Well, at least they WERE under $1,000 before this video. 😂
Not to worry, I don't know anyone looking for vintage 1970's receiver under a hundred watts. LOL
Lol
Haha!!!! Yes, the price just went up on each one 🙂
Kenwood's don't have the build quality and not as easy to work on.
@@tpc3416 Some people think there's too much 'emptiness' in a Kenwood receiver. My answer is that the 'space' allows heat to escape, less overheating. Give me a beautiful Model 11 Kenwood!
Great video!!! I would love to see a similar list by you in Integrated amplifiers. Maybe moving the top dollar to $750 :)
Noted! Thanks
In 1977, minimum wage was $2.35 an hour. Even supplementing with money from cutting yards, it would take several months to earn and save the money for a $500 receiver. That is assuming ALL of your money went to that instead of gas, date money, etc. Man of these receivers were unobtanium for normal teenagers unless their parents were rich. Any teenager with these stereos back in the day were also the ones whose parents bought them a Trans-Am to drive!
Sounds right. Thanks
I have a mint SX-1050. Listening to it as we speak!
Excellent receiver :)
@@skylabsaudio
I like it. About 3 years ago I thought it was sounding a little tired.
Took it to guy who specifically does restorations and he replaced the main filter caps some other components that were out of spec and it’s sounded great ever since.
Picked up my 1250 about 7 years ago for under that $1000 mark . Sounds great but I don’t move it too often. 😂
@@bobgauthier1569
Lol, I suspect it’s only moved when you want to do a workout!
The attraction to and the appeal of a ‘Vintage Receiver’ is undeniable. Those of us that ‘came of stereo age’ during that magical time of the 70’s carry fond memories of watching those beautiful faces glow in the dark and the exclusive sounds they produce.
The desire to relive those moments does not come cheap and it takes solid research to assist in making a solid purchase based on facts and not just emotional remembering.
First and foremost of course is choosing the make, model that calls out to you. The next step( of course) is price point. It is natural to be drawn to a lower price. None of us wants to pay ‘more’ than we have to but sometimes…a lower price might deserve a closer look.
Items from the 70’s are 50+ years old and parts and items do eventually wear out. Finding a qualified technician is not always easy nor is it cheap.
There are providers out there that do sell completely‘refurbished’ units that match origional factory specs. This however can add $300+ to other prices.
You need to decide if the peace of mind plus a warranty is worth the additional price. I wanted to enjoy my system without worry. For me the extra was justified.
However, each must decide for themselves…
Agree!
I`m not sure if it is still considered vintage but it sure is a lot cheaper for the money but I just bought a Harman Kardon AVR-130 from 2003 off of Facebook Marketplace for $50 and it sounds bad ass, crisp and clear and it`s only 40 watts a channel and it sound better than a 2022 Sony receiver that I paid $500 for.
The look of 1970's receivers is just so awesome !! I wish I had a wall of them like you do 🤣
Thanks! I agree
I don't need to go anywhere near $1k. I recently had my lowly little Pioneer SX-434 restored, which was a dry run for the tech's own project SX-434. I think he has very realistic views that mirror some of what Kevin says here, he thinks anything over 60-70 Wpc is pretty much a waste. But after working on mine he was really impressed with what this does with just 15 Wpc. And he explained something I haven't heard anywhere else yet: When listening at comfortable levels a receiver is typically running at only about 3-5 Wpc, maybe 7 tops, and that means that a 15 or 20 Wpc unit is running right at the sweet spot of efficiency, and why they sound so good. He says the Loudness button was designed for running higher powered units at this low level, to try to boost the bass so that they can sound good. For me personally I would add one more criteria: I try to avoid too many IC's as much as possible. For me the sweet spot of solid state is after discrete components were rationalized (i.e. not so many parts) and before the rise of combining parts into IC's. That's right around early-to-mid 1970's for most brands, and mine are all right about 1974. The 3 that I have are the Pioneer SX-434, Harman/Kardon 330B, and Sansui 661. To round out the top 5 I'm still shopping. I've warmed up to the Pioneer X50 generation, but not the X80, and I may want to try as high as 30-35 Wpc on one unit. So in my area I'm seeing SX-450/550/650, Sony STR-6046, Kenwood KR-3200, maybe a Rotel RX-152 or Technics SA-5200A, and I have a certain fascination with Heathkit. No rush, I really enjoy what I've got right now.
Thanks
I've got a pioneer 636, 580, 650, and 1080. They are all excellent. But the 636 has a sort of sweet sound, good bass, and that early transistor tube sound over the others. It may be just the elevated thd, or a hair of reverb. But it's got a certain signature. The 1080 is in my main room. It's a large room, and does warm up on some of my more demanding speakers. You really can't go wrong with any of these older units, just expect to get them serviced when needed.
I grew up in the 70s with a dad system of pioneer sx434, turntable, speakers etc. that little 434 can put some other receivers to shame the way it sounds. As a teen, I went to local auctions and bought sansui black front, maranta, Dynaco etc. and still liked that 434 more than the others, why I ll never know. All the equipment that I got for cheap, and I mean cheap marantz integrated for 10$ etc. I sold most all of it for small profits to high school buddies who only had soundesign or Yorx all in ones. What I didn’t know then, if I’d only known..
It just depends. If you're running outside or in a very large room or just have to have earth shaking bass the wattage really doesn't matter all that much. One oart of me loves the clean low watt amps. Another oart of me wants to destroy my everything with sheer power. That'll never happen under 100wpc.
I’ve got a Yamaha CR-600, same one I had in college, and I love it. I love the looks of the Yamahas from back then, far more than the Marantz. I did have to buy a modern Yamaha because I needed at least 100w to drive my Dahlquist DQ-10s.
I have a cr 820, I love it also. I think I might grab a pioneer someday just for the warmth
Great setup
Just to give you all a little more insight to pricing. I'm an old man now. Back in 1977 I was still in high school. By late 1970's I had my first apartment. The rent for my first apartment was $217 USD per month. I was on Section 8 at the time and my part of the rent was $45. I used to live on SSI \ Disability checks of $234 per month. It would take me 6 months to buy or save for a $500 receiver back then. A $1,000 receiver took me a year to save for, food for 1 month $75 if you weren't picky. A basic cassette tape deck was $127. A pair of painfully Cheap speakers $150. An 8 Track Tape Deck was $70. Reel to Reels back then were so expensive I was dreaming. Most expensive thing back in the day was VHS system at $899.
Yeah VHS players were crazy
I'm with you, Kevin. The SX-x50 series is hands down my favorite. It's mostly based on the looks. I did a full restoration of a H/K 730 and a quick repair on a 330B not long ago for a buddy and both of those receivers just sound great. Dare I say maybe better than my beloved Pioneers. The H/Ks are built well and pretty easy to work on, with the exception of the switch banks on the 730. Sadly, they just don't do it for me when it comes to the look.
I get it. Thanks!
My first, in 1973, was the Marantz 2270. Real pretty, but not enough power for my inefficient 901's..... That led me to 'separates'. Marantz 3300 and 250 power amp... and so on.And it snowballed from there. I'm an amateur repair guy and as repairs became needed on some of my vintage collection, I found separates easier to work on, besides, AM/FM was dying and better sources became available, all I really needed was phono, tape and aux inputs...... Love the look of vintage receivers though. Keep the videos coming.
Thank you! Will do :)
You don't buy a 100+ watt receiver for how loud you can play it. You buy a 100+ watt receiver for how low you can play it and still get the same quality sound.
Thanks
So true.
Sure, but you're still harming the biosphere purely for bragging rights. Worth it?
I'm a Luxman fan. Pls consider their receivers.
I would if they ever came in for sale. Thanks
My first lux receiver iwas an R3030. Top brand at the time before the alpine years
That Harman/Kardon 730 is a really great buy. It's a monster receiver by their standards, but pack a huge punch for their size.
Agree!
If you can find one. Seems they are selling fast!
Keep your eye out for a Montgomery Wards Model 450. It was designed by H/K and uses some of the same boards as the 730. It only has a single power transformer, but it has that H/K sound since the circuits are pretty much the identical.
Found one of these twin power units in a thrift a few years ago. My friends "newer" Marantz had given up, so I passes it on to him. With a pair of original large Advent speakers it really impressed us both.
👁Did I see a pair of Pioneer 100's? Kool👍
Have a 730 and a 430 both recapped.Fantastic units🙂😊
Yes they are!
There is a 430 on craigslist, Salem Oregon, right now for 300.00. Too much going on for me right now or I would add it to my 730 and 330b.
I have a 430 and love the sounds it puts out.
The Harman/Kardon
Is a Sleeper I Mean
Under The Radar Still
Yet It’s a Well Built Piece Of Equipment
I Once Took a Tour Of
The Original JBL
Factory in Los Angeles
Not The Northridge Facilities and The JBL
Factory Used Nothing But
Harman/Kardon
Amplifiers For Testing and Listening 👂
So That Harmon/Kardon
Is a Well Built Receiver 😮
That Has Power And Sound Thats Nothing Like
The Marantz Yet a Really Good Receiver
Thanks!
I’ve noticed most of these have 2 phono, 2 tape loops, and several line inputs. I would be happy with one of each. In today’s world I don’t listen to radio anymore. The few times I listen to radio I can use tunein radio. So as someone suggested, perhaps you could make an AMPLIFIER list with a $500-$800 price range. What do you think?
Love the videos. Thanks.
On it! Thanks!
I will tell you in my opinion their are some really good receivers for even less. My Pioneer SX626. Having two Phono inputs, two tape in and outputs, Aux, and three speaker outputs. Sounds great
Also, really love my STA 2700 Realistic receivers. I bought one new. I had little issue when new and Radio Shack techs were garbage. Finally took it to a local tech, with in that year. $100.00 later that receiver has been outstanding, that was 1987. I never stopped playing it. It has 1 phono input, 3 Aux, and 2 tape inputs. Using the phono for a turntable, the 3 Aux for 3 tables (using 3 preamps), one tape input for the 5th turntable, and 2nd tape output goes to my Victrola to burn CDs. I just love the sound.
Absolutely! The SX x3x line is my second favorite Pioneer line.
I have the Pioneer sx1250 and the Marantz 2385. Both fully restored last couple of month and in my opinion the pioneer is king but the marantz is right behind it. Maybe yours isnt full restored, gotta keep in mind that these babies are 40-50 years old and even though it might sound good to your ears, the capacitors, transistors, diode etc are out of their set value. So unless both your vintage are fully restored, you cant pick a side.
@@MufasaRizz It was restored 1 1/2 years ago.
I LOVE my Yamaha CR-1020! I find the variable loudness particularly handy for dialing in multiple speakers with wildly different specs without having to readjust all my tone controls. Definitely more sterile sounding than the Heathkit AR1500 receiver I also use but man, the staging and imaging it's capable of, particularly at very high volumes, is just insane! I have a Marantz TT 6170 hooked up to it and paired with Yamaha NS-570 “ear” speakers crossed over with an Energy sub that absolutely blow my socks off with detail and richness. And for more critical, clinical listening I have a pair of Braun L8100 HE speakers that sound just incredible though sometimes a bit too revealing with lower quality recordings. The staging/imaging is just bonkers though! Any recommendations on which Yamaha turntables to look out for in particular to pair with the 1020? Thanks for another great video!
Thanks! Higher end Yamaha turntables are tough to find. Good luck
Great video !
I love my "excellent" condition Yamaha CR-1040. I sold my CR-820 a few months after I got the 1040. Both are great receivers. I had a pioneer sx850 back around 1980-82 or so. I loved that one to. Memories .... 🙂🎧🎶
Thank you!
Kevin how about matching your favorite speaker for each of these amps in your next weeks video , great video once again !!! 😊👍👍🤌
Thank you!
I grew up during the 1960s and ‘70s. Excellent video! Pioneer “50” series would my first and best choice. Wish my wife would let me buy one! 😂 Had to settle for a new Denon receiver for about $1k. My 3-way custom built stereo speakers, phenomenal! I have the Pro-ject Carbon Evo (or something like that) turntable that I’m quite happy with. But you can’t beat the vintage aesthetics of those 1970s receivers. Sound quality, fantastic also!
Thanks!
Such a great video today. Thank you. I am with you on looks and feel. A lot about the vintage stereo hobby is just the nostalgia of what I wanted and dreamed about when I was a teenager in the late 70s and early 80s. I had mostly Radio Shack gear (much or which I still like), because I couldn't afford Maranta, or Pioneer, or Yamaha. In fact my first system was an MCS Receiver, Turntable (Technics made), cassette deck and 3 way-speakers than was on the back of the JC-Penny Christmas Catalog in about 1979. I am not completely sure of the year. I think it was all for about $250. My parents, which didn't make a lot of money, got it for me for Christmas. One of the best presents I ever received. It was pretty much my only present that year, but so special. Today, I put the feel, and look, and coolness over sound just as you described. This is partially because I am 61, was in the National Guard for 24 years, played in a rock band through High School and College, and my ears are just SHOT. I still know what sounds good to me, but I definitely need tone knobs. I am not bold enough to say I am an audiophile, because I am quite sure, I can't hear it like it really is.
The important part is enjoying your music, to me. Thanks
Hi friend, my name is Marcelo, I'm from Brazil and passionate about vintage sound and equipment.
Congratulations on the channel and the great videos! I liked your list but I prefer the Marantz, they have a much more pronounced and present bass than these other brands. I've had the 7070, Pioneer SX 780 and I can tell you that the Marantz sounds better. I haven't had the chance to listen to a Harman yet.
Hug
Thank you! You'll like the HK too
I think true style, has gone out of style. Plain-jane. This is across many markets, not just audio. Just look at automobiles. High-end cars no longer look any better than entry level cars. I would go back to the 60's and 70's for style for audio and the automobiles industry. Today's styles are blah.
Some are doing really well in the style department. They are just really spendy. Thanks!
Perhaps not as much interest in '60s gear, but a segment on American made tube and early transistor stuff would be greatly appreciated. Think of great companies like Fisher.
Thanks!
I've got an HK 430 and wouldn't mind the extra power of the 730 but man it still sounds great. I also really dig the aesthetic of the HK gear. They were definitely on their own path.
430s are excellent too!
I agree. Even though sound and features are most important there is something about the looks of a vintage stereo that is similar to Harley Davidson or a Dusenberg. Looks matter.
Thanks, I agree
Why no love for Luxman recievers
I think we have had 2 in 8 years. They are extremely rare around here. Thanks
I thought you might throw us for a loop and put my Kenwood 7200 in there. 🙂
Kenwood will definitely be on the integradeds list =)
Kevin, I was just wondering what you think of the Pioneer SX3700-3900 receivers. Are they worthy ? They dont get much mention from anyone.
Those are a PINA. I have never heard a tech say anything otherwise. Sorry
No offense taken. I have access to a one owner SX3900 still in the original box but will pass on it. Thanks for the advice. I don't want to buy anything that is not serviceable.
5:42...One advantage of being an old audiohead...I didn't have to 'get into' something I never left. The receiver & record spinner we bought in the early '70s is still troop'n on proudly. I will admit I had to get rid of the Disco speakers though. Could you take a guess at the brand? 👎
I think most consumer brands are guilty of a "disco" speaker or two, lol. Thanks
Buy Other Sound Equipment?
Great video Kevin! I love your videos 👍
Thanks 👍
How do I find out if you have a pioneer sx8050 to sell (or any of the 1000 dollar category pieces)?
Do you have a phone number for consumers?
We put out our current inventory in our newsletter. Skabsaudio.com is where you will find the newsletter link and our information describing our business. Thanks
From 2010 to 2018, I had a Pioneer SX-636 that I picked up from a goodwill for around 45 bucks. It started having transistor problems around 2014 where it started making my speakers sound like the 4th of July. FFFFFFFSSSSSSSSHHHHHH POP p-pop pop bang bang bang!
Yup!
Great Picks But Damn near a Tie in 1 and 2 because of the Twin Power build in the HK!
My SX1280 Completely redone at Just Audio and the Bearded Dude has been Crankin for Years, as far as Power it usually doesn't exceed 100 of the almost 200 but the Power is Super Clean and I don't have to worry about Wacking my JBL L100 Classics.
The Sound is Clean and the B, M, and T adjustments have so far kept me from Hooking up my Awesome Equalizers!
But it's gonna happen sooner or later because I Love the way they Look and Certain Album Pressings Need the Help!! Sorry got off Track. I've Also got a Marantz 2265 which you are Right on about how 65 Watts will be More than Enough for Most People, a Little more than a Grand but well worth it.
Had both of these Units when they were New and of Coarse Sold everything off in the 90s, another Positive about buying Vintage Now is especially from shops Like yours and other Quality Shops is that they have most likely been gone through and all the Trouble Spots had Attention.
Keep up the Great conversation Starters and Say Hello to your Dad , Glad he got to come back to what he Loves! Later
Thank you! Will do
Thanks for a good video. I currently have a good vintage combination of a Sansui G-6700 receiver with a set of nice Pioneer CS-G303 speakers. I like the vintage looks and sound. I got an amazing deal on this receiver from a retired USAF Master Sergeant who was a communications troop back during the Cold War and he worked on radios and such. He owned and operated an electronics, TV and radio repair shop in Fairview Heights, Illinois. He repaired my Zenith TV, and he had the Sansui receiver tagged for sale at $40 dollars. Needless to say, I snatched it up and paid cash for it all. What a deal. I bought the Pioneer speakers from my neighbor on Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois for $20 dollars at a garage sale he had that day. Another steal. This was all back in the early 2000's. I'm sure the value has gone up since then. I enjoy watching your channel.
Thank you!
Thanks Kevin, love these videos.
Really appreciate it!
I gotta have the swingers (VU meters) so I'll stick to my SX780.
I get it!
Luxman 1040 is a very sweet receiver, underrated by far. I have the 750, 850, and 1250 SX series and that all sound warm and power to spare. Really want to check out the HK duals, look really interesting. Thanks for another fun Sunday View! And so happy to hear your dad’s back at it!
Thanks!
The Yamaha 1020
They Do Have a Tame Sound Yet I Have
Matched The NS
Natural Sound Speakers 🔊 With That 1020 Receiver with a
Pair of Yamaha
NS-890 with The
Beryllium Tweeters
You May Not Have Heard
The Yamaha
NS-890 Speakers 🔊
Because They Were Not For Export Yet Again
The Yamaha 1020
Is Not My Cup Of Tea
Yet I Matched Them With a Pair Of NS-890
and it a Acquired Taste in
Sound The 1020
Does Need a Sub Woofer
Yet Everything Else
Are Perfect Plus
They Are a Good Investments and
They Have That Something Warm Sound of
The 1970’s That You Can’t Get With Digital
Thanks
The Sony STR-5800 or later STR-V5 were also good sounding receivers with good build quality. It appears thaey are kind of sleepers with vintage collector circles
Agree. They are. Thanks
1st: I like your channel. You’re very pleasant to listen to.
I had an SX950 I bought when stationed in Germany 1975-1978. I gave it away 30 years ago 😢 I still have the manual.
I’m looking for another smaller 50 series. 650🤷♂️. I’ll also need to match it with speakers so when that time comes I’ll reach out to you for advice.
Join our discord for speaker suggestions. The more info you can get from multiple people the better! Thanks discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
Ok, ready to sell my QRX 9001 and Yamaha NS 1000’s, great video Pioneer has been one of my favorites. My dad had 850 back in the day. Unfortunately I don’t know what happened to it.
Thanks!
Another good video. Of course it's subjective but that's what makes it fun. Many of these can be bought for much less, so I'm assuming you're quoting near mint/fully restored units.
I was never much of a HK fan, but picked up a non-working HK 670 twin a while ago very cheap.......it was an easy fix & a very impressive unit for 60wpc.
Yes, I am referring to good working units- no repairs needed. Thanks
1977 was a great year for audio. I stood in awe as a teen looking and listening to these marvels of engineering and design. Now, I'm in awe at how they've stood the test of time and feel the same excitement when listening to a new find! Great video!
1977 is the best year in consumer gear IMO. Thanks for watching :)
Kevin, always look forward to your latest vid on Sundays!!! I think my most expensive receiver to date, is my Sansui G 4500. Just bought it a couple of weeks ago. Repaired by a local tech, looks and sounds fantastic.
@@phatsmittyI love those G series too! Thanks
I own more vintage stereo gear than l'll ever admit to. And unlike some collectors l try to use them. It is tough. I feel bad just looking at them. And l have my favorites...At first it was all about finding these rare things in the best possible condition l could afford. Then as l got older and my world seemed to be shrinking l thought...what really matters? I remember you mentioning enlarging your coffin for your Sansui. There really are keepers.
Yeah, that's a real struggle. I get it. Thanks
I have a CR-1020 and an SX-850 - both recapped. I would say the Yamaha is warmer and the Pioneer more clinical. Just my observation. Biggest drawback on the Yamaha is the lighting. The dial light is not completely lit and it's hard to upgrade/replace the the lighting. I agree that the loudness control is a bit weird. However, bottom line I like the sound of the Yamaha better than the Pioneer, although the ergonomics and appearance of the Pioneer is better.
Thanks!
I have a Pioneer SX-650 and a Harman Kardon Twin 430 that I cleaned up (put real wood veneer on Pioneer) and had re-capped. My listening room (music lair) is not big, so these are plenty powerful. The HK has the look with a red tuner dial LED. Great information and love the channel.
Thank you!
Just serviced an SX-850 for its original purchaser a couple of weeks ago. Cleaned up, it looked rather pretty.
Its FM "Stereo" indicator was factory-installed upside down, something he mentioned when he picked it up.
As far as the all-silver Pioneers go, I think the 850 hits all the important points spot-on and there really is no reason
to go higher in the line unless you absolutely need more than 65W per channel, which few people do.
💯
Boy, would you like to live in Europe 😊 I think I sold that Sanui two weeks ago for 195 or 225.
Yeah, wow
I have a Harmon Kardon 430 I bought new. It still sounds great.
I believe it. Thanks
That Pioneer 850 is a great unit, except I still prefer my 780 because I love the Vu meters. Personally I would have had a Kenwood on that list..... and definitely agree with you that most people do not need a receiver with more than 80 watts of power..
Thanks Kara. Will have a Kenwood on the Integradeds list
Great video, and perfect timing for me as I shop for an ungrade. It’ll be interesting to see what other viewers might’ve added to this list. Thanks!
Thank you. Hope you find a keeper!
Great stuff as usual !!! Hopefully your dad is continuing to get better!
Thank you!
How about under $600? How about some of the Sony's?
I'm pretty sure there were 2 Sony's on our "under $300" video. Very undervalued. Thanks
Under $1,000 for an amplifier/receiver is a good price point. Not only for the '70s gear. One can get decent currently produced gear for that kind of money. For, instance I quite like the Yamaha S-801 or S-701 for $899 and $799, respectively, which deliver solid 100 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms, which is quite adequate for even larger speakers. And even A-S501 is no slouch at 85W per channel at $549! But then again, there is a Yamaha PX3 professional amplifier does a whopping 300W per channel for $659. And for below $1,000 you can even get a 800W per channel for $989. Are these modern amplifiers boring? Certainly, one can say they are. The Yamaha S-series is quite bland, with plasticky knobs, although it's not bad looking, all things considered. The professional amplifiers have some bells and whistles like the LCD readouts and what not. And for the more tech savvy there is a Sony STR-AN1000 receiver, with 7.2 channel audio, which probably can easily do 100W+ at 8 Ohms in 2-channel configuration. But, if you want Volume Unit meters, then I guess I am out of luck. The price of entry for a Yamaha VU meters is $2,999 with their A-S1200 model. There's is NAD C 3050 with VU meters for $1,799 [Ed Note: Correction, you can get the NAD C 3050 for $1,399], but I am afraid I'd prefer Yamaha to it, even if the NAD kind of looks '70s. So, I think I get your point, going VU meters with vintage seems like the only reasonable way to go...
There ya go
@@skylabsaudio Okay, so it's all about the VU meters. I just wanted to prove to myself what the '70s vintage amplifier/receiver market is about. The VU meters. :)
I wish you had the time to do at least three videos a week. I love this channel!
Maybe one day! Thank you!
5. Sansui 210
4. Sansui 3300
3. Pioneer SX 850
2. Harman Kardon 730
1. Sansui Seven
We think so alike brother you know your shit.
Thanks!
I’m a little off topic but I believe for the money a Pioneer SA-9500 amp and matching TX-9500 tuner are the best quality for the money out there!
I have been working on these for 50 years and I personally have this set up Totally Original with Filter Caps still in Spec! I realigned the TX-9500 tuner and it’s totally original all the way to its bulbs !
Pioneer build quality in that time frame was second to know one ! I have no idea what these units sell for today but whatever it is I’d buy it ! Thanks
Agree the Integradeds are a much better buy. Thanks
My unit was sold new in 1975 and that’s very close to 50 years. On the SA-9500 I cleaned the controls and checked all boards for anything tacky! I found absolutely nothing that looked bad ! This isn’t the only Sa-9500 and TX - 9500 I have seen like that ! They. Output well over 75 watts rms! It just doesn’t get any better than this !
I have Sony STR-7045. Exceptional build quality. Would be sure on that list.
You are so right I total agree with you brother.
Thanks!
I'm a fan of the Sansui Eight. Like everything I've discarded I wish I had it back (for $1,000).
Great receiver
Once you start repairing/restoring vintage gear, you will understand Kevin's order of importance for the criteria he used selecting these units. I have written of certain brands after having worked on them.
Thank you. I'm grateful to have so many techs (like yourself) watching and commenting. When you've been on our side of the bench, it changes everything.
I get were he is coming from as well, how ever as consumer I care first and foremost about the sound quality right out of the box. 2nd how many tape & phono inputs does it have and 3rd how long after you bought it did you have to have worked on. As a consumer that's the real test of build quality. Having said that I have never bought a used receiver. I've only had 2 in my life, the first one was a Sansui 5500. In the 3 years I owned it, it was in the shop 6 times - I will never own another Sansui. The second receiver I bought in 1977, the KENWOOD MODEL ELEVEN III and it hasn't been to the shop in 47 years not even for a cleaning. I would love to hear your thoughts, am I off base or to narrow minded?
Great video; I recently owned a Pioneer SX-780 for several years; sold it & upgraded to SX-850 due to its better build quality. Was fully recapped and NM condition and paid $900 last year. Also own a NM Marantz 2252 for 2 years and only paid $700…. Love that also & very punchy
I have a Harman kardon 730 .. Nothing like it exists ❤
Another enjoyable installment. I enjoy Pioneer units, and sold them at one point in time. But I'm also truly hooked on Yamaha as well. Have looked at a 1020, but just not willing to make that kind of investment. Like my 800, and probably would like to trade up for a 1020, one of these days.
Anyone out there familiar with the denon pma-750.. I picked up a recapped one for 100.00 bucks sounds pretty good.. The pioneer sure looks sweet.. But is it nine hundred dollars more worth of sweet?
I think Yamaha agreed with on bypassing the loudness with Pure Direct or whatever they called it.
The whole Yamaha line from that era is my favorite.
Great info man, thanks
Thanks!
The Sansui 9090 DB was actually sold for $650 in 77 ( at Gemco in Bellflower CA ) but i had an uncle in the merchant Marines that could of gotten me one for $550 .
Unfortunately i was about 5 months from my real big money job ($ 4.25 an hour LoL ) so had to waiit but later found out after buying and selling a dozen or so the Pioneer SX- 1250 was much better .
If you want the look of vintage buy a cheaper unit that has the Pre- Outs then get a better Amplifier and that gets the nostalgic looks with much better sound.
An Early 90s Adcom GFA-555 can still be had for a song ( Less than $500 ) and ive owns virtually every brand of monster receiver made except from Rotel and Hitachi and the Adcom 555 would best them all..
HK 430 or 730 working right is a hard one to beat.
I am a Canadian in Toronto . Use your ideas to look for
Thank you.
Welcome!
great video brother thx
Glad you enjoyed it
@@skylabsaudio what can you recommend for a nice integrated? I use the Phone section a lot for my klipsch LaScalas? and the price if you have the unit PS you ship to California thank you
I have a pioneer sx-1250 and sx-950.Both sound great and also have a Marantz 2216 hooked up with four AR 4 speakers in the bedroom and it sounds great.
That era of equipment is really tough to beat. Thanks
Kevin, you mention the SX-850 (and SX-__50) series in general having better build quality than the SX-__80 series. How about the older SX-828, SX-838, SX-929, SX-939 with the blue on black dial scales ? Do you find the build quality hadn't reached the pinnacle yet, or do these older Pioneer receivers just lack reliability being five years older ?
I love the x2x and x3x (a little more) series. I just think the 50 series was their best. That 1250 is a work of art, in every way, to me. Thanks
I'm running a Pioneer SX-1000TW through a pair of HPM 60's
Fun!
Found a SX 650 for $300 and very happy with its performance, looks and sound.
Excellent receivers!
what would you recommend for a great integrated for klipschla scalas ???
Marantz 1030
I'll keep my Sherwood. Sold my Sansui .
Sherwood's are great too
Another GREAT video! Thank you for your efforts and keep it up..
Thanks, will do!
Do any of these 5 systems do dolby digital or surround sound? I am thinking about replacing my receiver I have its a Harman Kardon AVR146. Thanks.
Sorry, no. Way before those features
I still like the Lafayette LR 9090 or the dB120.
Keep in mind I own a Marantz 2270 I bought new. But, two Lafayettes stand out, the LR9090 and the dB120.
Thank you for not mentioning the Onkyo TX-4500 MKII so the price stays nice and low;) By far my favorite sounding receiver. I paid $300 for mine about six months ago, 100% original, no caps replaced or anything and it's been turned on and running the entire time. Just over the moon with it's sound.
Yeah, really like those too. shhh ;)
Back in the day I always wanted a Marantz, but they were so expensive. I went with the Pioneer SX-838 and I wish that I had that receiver back. (Back then if it went out you trashed it a bought a new one. I repaired electronics in the Army and could have repaired it, but I gave it away instead.) Of your top 5 here I'd pick the Sansui 7070. A neighbor had a Yamaha and frequently bashed my Pioneer but I didn't care for the sound of his Yamaha and my Pioneer sounded great to my ears.
Thanks!
I had no idea you were talking $1,000 + for these old pieces. I guess I should have kept everything. LOL
Yeah, kinda shocking.
I had many receivers including Pioneer Qx949a, the last one I got for free and its the one that sounds the best.Surprised me.
S O N Y str 6055 - 50 w x ch from 1970.
Power 2 pairs of 6 ohm speakers 80 w and controles them to the limit.
Those Sony's are underappreciated for sure
Great video, my personal collection came pretty close, 1 hit and 4 off the post. Have a cr-820, 2235B , 7070 , HK930 and SX-750 . Love them all, but I did replace the SX-750 with a sx-727 as I like the sound better, also use a SX-737 and Sx-7730 daily which I also prefer over the 750. Have a sx-838, but like the looks better on the 737. You are right about the harman kardons, they are spectacular, not flashy but the stock sound profile is superb. My favorite though is my $500 Sansui G5700, the looks, the sound, the massive volume knob, just fantastic.
Love those Gs too!
I have two 7070, 8080db and a 9090... yet I have two 7070 for a reason. I think it sounds the best.
Strange how that works, huh.
Marantz 2250b had restored 2020 it's bench rate was 65 per channel. It's value has jumped 40 % at least.
Win win
I bought my Pioneer SX-850 at a Midnight Madness sale at Pacific Stereo in the Southridge Mall in Greendale, Wisconsin (built in September of 1976)
April of 2023 I took it to Mark at Sounds Classic in Rockford, Illinois for a comprehensive restoration. He also restored the crossovers of my original JBL L110's ("Speakers A") and my JBL L88 Nova 2-Way Loudspeakers ("Speakers B"). I stream with a WiiM Pro (Amazon subscription) and play albums on my Dual 1219/Shure Type II Cartridge with a brand new custom walnut plinth
Thanks again for another great Sunday video
Thank you!
Kevin, what do you think about the Harman Kardon 930 twin? That's one that I have.
Excellent. Pretty rare. We've only had a couple
I have an Onkyo TX-2000 that, tbh, probably needs a service but I love the look of it (vintage AND retro at the same time if that's possible). Also a Marantz 2216B (16w p/channel is fine by me) and a Pioneer SX-780. I have always been a Pioneer guy and I like the sound of the Pioneer better.
Thanks
I just finished tuning up and relamping a HK 730 that a friend was selling. I really liked it. Someone had installed a protection relay circuit on the inside at some point that seemed to work so I left that alone.
Awesome receivers. Thanks
I have my dad's SX-850, needs service though so I am using a SX-450 now. Unfortunately my dad gave me the SX-850 as a bribe to wire his truck in the spring, at last it is time hanging out.
450s are no joke either. Thanks