Our Top 6 Vintage Stereo HiFi Receivers for Around $600 Spring 2023
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- Check out our top six vintage receivers if you want to stick around a $600 budget. Let us know in the comments of you have or had one of these beauties or have one you think we missed one.
Paul McGowen from PS Audio talking about dual mono VS stereo amplification- • Dual vs monoblock amp...
#vintageaudio #vintagehifi #vinylrecords 
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Completely agree on the 730 Twin. It punches way above it's weight in output. Solid sounding and full. Two phono inputs and pre in/out are a plus.
On the Yamaha Loudness control: Any Loudness feature is there to boost the ends of the spectrum during low spl; the human ear is not as sensitive to those freq. at lower sound levels. Loudness is NOT a function meant for increased volume but for improving otherwise attenuated frequencies (otherwise the technician would simply add more gain to the amp). Yamaha wants the listener to set the gain (volume) to the desired level, then adjust the Loudness control to bring up the otherwise missing tones - notice the control amplitude is reversed; less gain at a greater clockwise position. A very cool and much misunderstood feature.
I love the name Skylabs. In mid 1978 through early 1979 our ship was in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. Our radar people were told to keep an eye open for any Skylab re entry. Our ship had been in dry dock for about a year and we all had hard hats. We put Skylab Insurance stickers on them. Skylab came down in July so we missed it.
I love these old machines. So repairable and just work. Nothing you don’t need. Keep the videos coming. I love watching them! Well almost as much as a good watch repair video anyway! Thanks
Another great video, I so enjoy hearing your perspective about products that were so familiar to me in the 70's. I have personal experience with half of the list, HK730, Yamaha CR-800 and Marantz 2220B. Sold all three of those units when they were new, and each was special in their own way. Although styling was not a strength in many people's minds, the HK 730 (and younger sibling 430) were incredible values then and now.
Love my HK 730 twin!
I've got a Sansui G5700, a Marantz 2240 and a Pioneer SX980. All of them are mint. All were CHEAP Craigslist finds in the early 2000s before they became sought after. I found a great local tech and I've since had all of them recapped. Each time he handed me a huge bag of bits that he replaced. For my ear, the Sansui and the Marantz both sound better than the Pioneer. Hard to explain it, but they both seem to have more clarity than the PIO. My tech says the Marantz is the best unit but he was absolutely blown away by the Sansui after he performed the work. In my view, you can't go wrong with ANY of the old silver face beasts.
The SX980 is pushing a pair of Klipsch KLF30s. The Sansui some Cornwalls and the Marantz a pair of Fortes.
My daughter recently scored an old bare bones starter Pioneer receiver (I can't recall the model, but it's prob got no more than 30 wpc) She's using it with a pair of Klipsch Heresies along with a Klipsch 10 inch powered Sub that I gave her a long time ago. More Craigslists steals. $200 for the speaks and 20 bucks for the sub. That little combo will amaze you. But then again, I'm 65 and grew during this golden era. I drove around the DC area hitting all the stereo shops and collecting brochures and happy memories. After decades of lusting after gear that I couldn't afford and now owning it gives me an audio chub. I have never heard the older HK gear but have read nothing but rave reviews about them. I had a newer HK unit in the 80s that was nothing special. Another great vid! Thanks.
So glad that the HK730 topped your list! I have one and it sounds wonderful with my Klipsch LaScalas. It’s virtually unknown too, but now that the cat’s out of the bag with this video, I’m sure these will be harder to find and the price will go up. Great video and great info, thank you!
Outstanding list and certainly well thought out. Appreciate the work you put into these and as quite a few have said, keep em coming Kevin! You do such a great honest laid back job... kudos! Have a good one.
Thank you!
Proud owner of the Harman Kardon HK-730. Since I first heard this receiver, I realized that it was something Special.
Solid, clean, muscular and powerful sound! It has some of that Tube sound, but is a solid state receiver!
I own a total of 10 vintage receivers (soon to be 12 with 2 more I am buying) , 6 tube receivers and 4 Solid state receivers!
I can compare how The Harman Kardon is a unique and one of a kind receiver!
Great video, good comments on how to get great sound on a modest budget. Thanks!
I don't have a working system right now - I did in the 70's and I hope to in the future but right now I get great enjoyment from your knowledge and your passion for vintage HiFi. It's great. Much respect to you from Larry.
Thank you for your work. I am getting back into the hobby and this channel is exactly what I was looking for. Love the early 70’s sound.
Thanks for all the videos you are putting out. I'm very new to vintage audio and I'm really enjoying your content.
Thank you, Emma!
I love my HK 730 mated to my Klipsch Forte (1s). Seems like a match made in heaven.
Also have the HK 330C (not dual) on my secondary system . Currently it's driving a pair of Sony SSCS 5s. Is a sweet sounding receiver with a modest 17WPC.
HK 730 Twin. Bought mine in 1976. Still going strong and it had some heavy use in it's early days. Warm and full. I've had other systems, but this is the one receiver I have kept over the others. Glad it is finally getting its due.
Fascinating!!! Congratulations on keeping it in good shape for such a long time.
The Harman Kardon and Marantz receivers are my favorites. Great video!
Black legged transistors was a new one to me, had to look up why. I grew up in the 70s and never saw anyone with more than one turntable. No one had money like that back then. Thanks Kevin.
I have the Pioneer 939, it was awesome to see it’s on your list!! I had you guys service a while back, and have it hooked up to those beautiful Martin speakers I got from you. Great video Kevin, keep ‘em up!! Good stuff!!
Lol, the Butchers! Man did they sound good. Thanks David!
This video is very helpful! I bought a Sansui G5000 and are very happy with it!! Thank you!
Sublime video as usual. Keep up the great work.
Kevin, this was a great video and I love that the HK made the #1 spot. One of my daily driver vintage receivers is a HK 430 twin which I purchased new in 10th grade and it continues to sound amazing. Love the channel keep posting great content. Thanks.
Thank you!
Love vintage receivers. My Pioneer SX-1080 has huge sound, although they are getting well over $600 these days. The older units sound nice, tend to have surprising power, and they'll keep a cup of coffee warm indefinitely!
Love the channel, best for vintage audio. Great production values!
Thank you, Stephen!
Great choices, all of them. Thanks Kevin.
Great show as always, thank u 👍
Nice job ..as always ….I wish I lived closer would love to visit your shop
Great channel mate ,informative and fun.
Carry on with the top content.All the best from the UK 🇬🇧
Thank you!
I am so glad you mentioned the Marantz 2220B , I inherit one and had to spend over $300 replacing old caps ,some bad transistors and bulbs ( not LED's) and now working perfect. 20 watts is more than enough to drive Klipsch speakers. As usual great info. Thanks Kevin
Thank you!
And... You have a piece of art!
@@leonardblush2557 thanks Leonard 🙏
My favorite
Thanks for your videos. I would like to see something specifically on attainable full auto turntables $600-$1200.
Another ripper vid mate love ya vids they get me excited keep ‘em comin 👍
I bought a Marantz 2220B new in our PX in SE Asia in 1975? My first nice receiver wish I still had it. Thanks for the memories!
I am a new subscriber. Wish I had found this channel sooner. I have three vintage systems around the house. I even have one in my luthier shop. I usually don't let a week go by without adding to my vinyl collection.
I’ve had early Pioneer and Maranz receivers and loved them both…wish I still had my Pioneer 430 watt straight amp..it was beast, best I’ve owned Great info and good to see these are still sought after…let’s face it, some of the best music was coming out then too!!! Well done
Just purchased a KR 7600 thanks to your review! Very happy and can push inside and outside speakers for house parties too
I'm always amazed by how many of your top picks are items I have owned or loved.
I was the proud owner of a harmon kardon 930 receiver. All my friends had Marantz receivers and they were very skeptical, until they heard it.
It had plenty of power and sounded great.
Thanks for another terrific post!
John from Vancouver Island.
You have good taste!
@skylabsaudio
I was lucky to have a dealer that I trusted. He really knew how to treat his loyal customers. He had a private room upstairs where he kept his high end equipment. It was complete with soft leather chairs AND a well stocked bar. He loved Seagrams VO. I mentioned that I liked Crown Royal. The next time I visited, he poured me a nice glass of Crown Royal with ice. That's what I call customer satisfaction!
Cheers!
Thanks for the great video again. I’m in Honolulu so choices are limited. I found a really nice 1991 jvc receiver on Craigslist last week and helped me discover almost vintage sounds. With your vids (especially this one) I’m on the eBay hunt for one of these👍🏼
I picked up a HK 730 two years ago, a solid 9/10 cosmetically, power switch is dim, it sounds like a million bucks, I paid only $350.00. I am never letting go of this unit.
Thanks for taking the time to educate.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I located and bought the 730 Twin after watching one of your prior videos, so thanks for that! It unfortunately had some issues shortly after buying it. This led me to a refurbed, minty 430 Twin. I swapped them out, and the bride was none the wiser, haha. I found a tech locally, almost the same day I decided to drive to Des Moines to get a certain shop to look it over. Just got it back and it is sooo sweet. She's powering a set of Wharfedale Linton's and I just cannot get over how great this sounds. So $400 purchase, and $350 in refurb. I still consider it money well spent. I just could not give up on it.
Now, what to do with that 430 Twin?
the HK 330B
the Pioneer SX-650
and the refurbed Kenwood KR-5600
Hmmmmm...
Kevin, Another great video! My first recriver was a Yamaha CR-600 that I bought new in 1976 for about $450. I pushed it a bit too hard playing music on my deck with satalite outdoor speakers and it quit working. Last year my friend who is also an Audio Geek repaired it for me. He said it actually has 35 watts per channel RMS. I now enjoy listening to it daily connected to a pair of Klipsch RP-160M bookshelf speakers with a Yamaha YST-215 8" subwoofer (CDs and vinyl). It sounds simply fantastic! Joe C
Great line up! I love the natural sound of Yamaha and own two classic ones a CR 600 and a CR620.
I also like the warm sound of the Marantz (no frills) SR240 that I bought in 86 while in high school and still own,
as well as the Sansui model 2000 that I was lucky to grab for $400 last year!
When I see this type videos come up on your channel I almost reach for the popcorn! I absolutely love this! Thank you!
Thank you!
I bought a CR 620 back in the day...1978 I think. Love the clean sound and look.
Recently I decided to get back into my vinyl collection. Picked up a Fluance RT85 with an Ortofon 2m Blue and finally, from Ebay, a Pioneer SX1000 TW in virtually mint condition for $400. 1969. It even still had the sticker on the front "MOS FET" Running into a pair of Cerwin Vega E-712 speakers (98 db sensitivity). I'm in heaven!
To me, Receivers are wonderful at reducing non-essential cabinets and cabling. Given the natural fit of vintage Receivers with Turntables, I find one relatively rare feature to be underrated but very valuable, and that is Phono inputs with selectable load capacitance. In my experience, some cartridge/cabling combinations can sound dull and lifeless at low values, amazing at medium levels, and shrill at high ones. One more thing - please keep these videos rolling out!
Love these videos. Thanks!
I was in hifi sales in the 70’s, I agree with your description of these units. The HK is a great receiver ,very good phono section.
Just bought a Hitachi SR-503L ($120) a few weeks ago. Prior owner had it fully revised (recapped, replacement transistors, new filters) and tuned. I think he used it as a stop-gap while his primary amplifier/receiver was under a planned revision. In any event, I was the only bidder on a local site. Bought it to replace my "office" Hitachi SR-903 (I have another revised SR-903 for the family room), which is too large for my desktop. The SR-503L is perfectly sized for my office and is currently paired to a Marantz EQ20 and two sets of bookshelf speakers.
Sounds terrific and it came without a damn scratch! I did wrap the black wooden case with a nice high quality vinyl (the OEM black finish is "boring"), cleaned the pots for safe measure (D5 or F5, as appropriate), replaced the stock feet with machined ALU, and added a 75 Ohm antenna for the FM.
These Hitachi's are terrific, imo. Build quality, sound, power, looks. As this brand tends to fly under the radar, all were ea. purchased under $138! The SR-903's, in particular, with their Class G amps (i.e. 75W into 8 Ohm RMS...with second amp up to 160W for peaks).
I have a few other receivers (tried for awhile, some to keep, some to sell...Yamaha CR420, Pioneer LX626, Nakamichi SR2E, Sanyo DCX6000K)...I decided to stick with the two SR-903's and the one SR-503L for primary usage. The Nakamichi (Japanese built with Nelson Pass designed STASIS amp!) has gone to my daughter for her system. Will sell the CR420...it's in cherry condition but I do not need it. Same for the LX626 (faceplate lettering is a bit faded). Will revise the Sanyo as a hobby project (news lamps, recap, etc)...it is in MINT looking condition but one channel is not working (bought it for $60, why not?).
This vintage journey has been a fun one.
Another great video! Keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
great video, very useful and nice units you showed. I have a collection of vintage units. Pioneer SX 434, Harmon Kardon hk 490i, Pioneer VSX9700S, Sony STR 67ES, and not so vintage Denon 2809CI.
The SX434 is a warm sound, low power unit that I hooked to Pro Linear PTX50 TBL towers and a cheap Polk sub....sound great. I wondered about the black legged transistors that Pioneer used. I have only ever changed dial fuse type lights, and sprayed the scratchy volume pot. Should I be concerned, or if it is not broke don't try to fix it. I do not have trustworthy repair where live, as I learned the hard way with him and had stuff ruined.
Always like your content and advice!
So happy to see my Marantz 2220b on the list. My son gave me one for Christmas about 8 years ago. After new LED lamps, new vellum paper and a new reproduction faceplate from vintagehifiaudio, it is one scratched selector knob away from being a museum piece.
Very nice video, I love these old receivers from the 70s
Own a Sony STR V5 and a Tandberg TR 2075, both from the late 1970s
I own a mint hk 730 and it is a great unit! Had two actually but one was stolen. The 430 sounds great also. Getting ready to do a complete refurb on my mint 670, but it performs well as is! Speaking of Pioneer, I'm still happy with my SX 636 and 737. My first receiver when I went off to college was the 434, which I still have and works!
Very nice!
I enjoy my Pioneer SX 838 for fifty years .just had serviced and sounds great
Thanks for the video. Love your work.
Thanks for watching!
Great Video Kevin - Purchased a 2218B for $180 - It is great receiver and drives all my vintage speaker. Also have the SX434, had to repair the power selector switch. Tech I use says this is a common issue. The Yamaha is a solid choice, love the looks and the wood case. HK is on my list just haven't seen many for sale.
My Marantz 2225 bought second hand in 1977 has given me 46yrs of excellent service, the warm sound has given me no reason to look elsewhere for something I already have and, because it's been well taken care of, continues to rank high in the satisfaction stakes. By the way, the build quality is first rate and the only things that have needed attention are the lamps which were replaced with led's last year. Really enjoy your channel too 👏👏
Thanks!
I really did enjoy this installment. Even living in Atlanta at the time, I did not have much exposure to Harman-Kardon. That being said, I would therefore put the Pioneer on top. Now, I may have to track down a HK. Thanks again for assembling this list.
I've owned and fixed Marantz and Sansui receivers and separates and many other brands you covered today. I've found that many older units need a lot of work. My personal favorite is the Sony STR 7065 and 7065a receiver. Mine have been extremely reliable, they have held alignment and frankly needed very little work. Years ago at a McIntosh clinic I noticed that the Mc rep. tested a 7065 and remarked it was the only competitor that day that exceeded its specifications at their clinic. The 7065 used a double cabinet, metal and wood and glass vs plastic in their faceplate dial faces. It included preamp outputs and an array of additional practical features. Anyway great job on your review and I agree with your choices except perhaps an omission.
Great selections here. My 2230 came in right around $700 and I absolutely love it. I’m not crazy about the binding posts, but a local tech could swap those out for me if I ever make that decision.
Thanks for this video!
Thank you!
Picked up a Hk730 and I’m very happy with it - needs a little TLC (caps and deox) - but I’m impressed with the design! Thanks for the review and recommendation.
I don’t know what it is about vintage Kenwood‘s but I really like the way they sound. When it came to receivers for years I mostly had vintage Pioneer and Sansui‘s, but one day I bought a used Kenwood Model Eleven and it just has a sound that never tires you out
Tanks Mr bold head just another super video ibeing learned a lot all mi blessings from alburquerque NM
I lucked out and got a HK 730 , I’m very impressed with it .
Very helpful. Thank you
I feel like every comment I post is cheering Harman Kardon, guess I'm officially a Fanboy. I own two of Harmon Kardon's receivers including the 630Twin and wow! I challenge anyone out there to price a current duo-mono (dual-mono) and you'll soon realize why these are so highly sought after. Lot's of excellent info on AudioKarma, specifically "dlucy's guide to Harman Kardon Twin Powered series". In addition to the specs, it's mentioned that the 630 & 930 twin powered were made by Roland Japan and the 430 and 730 twin powered were made by Shin Shirasuna. They're also mid 70s vs late-70s hence the more modern look of the 730 & 430. As far as sound goes they're tough to beat in terms of warmth and clarity. I just can't justify anything else, old or new!
Thanks for this video. Just scored a working CR-800 for $24! (plus shipping) Gonna re-cap it and set it next to my Marantz 2238B. Lots of good info in your videos.
Great information! Your selection is excellent.
Thank you!
Good fun. Thanks!
Before this video, I had no idea that a dual mono vintage receiver existed! Great video Kevin! Really appreciate your expertise! Man these HK 730 twins are hard to find though. Couldn't find even one for sale on google.
They show up, trust me- Look for 430 and 930 twins as well
Really interesting. I have the Yamaha Cr 800 and Harman K 430 & 730 and a Pioneer SX 838.. Very nice. Also a Marantz 2265 and Kenwood KR 5400 . Yeah, I kinda collect some but stopped when prices spiked. Nice list! One of my favs is the 730 driving Dynaco A25s.
This is a really nice video. Lots of helpful comments about how to think about each unit. I used to have a Pioneer SX-1010 receiver (powering two AR 2ax speakers), and I loved it. I bought it in the early-to-mid 1970s. I can't remember what I paid for it; but I was an undergraduate college student at the time, and on a budget. So I doubt if I paid as much as $600, which is the MSRP that you list for the Pioneer SX-939. That receiver has 70 watts per channel, and mine had 100 watt per channel. So I'm guessing that its MSRP was more. However, I used to read a lot about stereo equipment, and research prices, back in those days. And I usually always found some good deals price-wise for all the components I bought. It was nice to see the Pioneer on your list.
Big Fan of the 70's HKs, seriously yet pleasantly surprised.
Great video and great list. I have a marantz 2220b and love it. I had a pioneer 636 one time and loved the sound of that too. The yamahas are awesome as well and they look best I think. For me its hard to beat marantz though. But they are all good and any one of them would probably be a good choice.
Happy to see a Harman Kardon in the top position. My 2nd receiver (after a Kenwood) was a dual mono HK 930 that I bought new in the early 70's and used into the late 90's. It was an easy receiver to love and had every feature I wanted back then.
Unhappy that I got rid of it in the early 00's. That was such a dumb move.
I have a 730 twinpower and it? sounds amazing😊😊
Kevin love the rca mono Jack on my kenwood kr 6160 rear panel. What a surprise. Allows me to connect a powered subwoofer with no fuss. That's great for a 1970/71 kenwood receiver. Love it.
I have a Sansui G-5500 circa 1980, it was given to me as non-working, I did a thorough cleaning and had it re-capped (for $80.00, friend price) and replaced the panel lights with l.e.d. There's a pic of it on my channel header. I've had it for about eight years now and love it! Liked and subbed
A few I'd recommend, which I think you can find in that range in good cosmetic condition would be for Pioneer, a SX-737 or SX-850. If fully recapped, these might be at the top of the range but they're out there. For Sansui, a Six, Seven or 7000 might be in that range. You might even find an Eight if you're lucky. I'd bias towards good cosmetic condition. You can hopefully get it recapped later.
Also, I know your talking about receivers, but I think integrated amps can be better deals. Good call on Yamaha too.
I found a Pioneer sx-3600 at an apartment clean-out in a cool neighborhood I shop in, no issues been using it for 5 years now 🎵🎶🎸🔊👍
My first receiver
A fair assessment from an experienced user. And I gotta get that Kenwood!
Another cool video ❤
Great video Kev as always.... This was an interesting one ... Can't go wrong with a Marantz or Kenwood in my opinion.. my first Hi-Fi was a Kenwood.. loved it...
Now I have a Pioneer SX 780 which also has more than enough power for me...
Love the looks of those Sansui G receivers too..
But was surprised to see the HK at the top. I always heard they were very good but also very expensive back in the day... Never heard one in person because nobody I knew had one.... So I was surprised to see so many of the commenters on here saying that they had one..
They were under my radar until I picked up a 330c a long while ago. There are quite a few out there. If they were greatly outsold by Pioneer, Marantz ECT I guess that speaks to their build quality considering the amount of them available now. Thanks Karen!
This list really speaks to me, First on the list 2220B ( I have a 2235 I love ), G Series
( dont have one but love the x0x0 line and may get an AU-XXX which I hear sound like the G Series ),
CA-800 ( had a 620 & 820 ), Love the look and build quality.. The Sound takes some getting use to but
with the variable loudness can be dialed in. Damn the 939, this model haunts me!!!! When I first got into
vintage audio I was dead set on a Marantz so I passed up on a 939 for $250 mint... FFWD to today and they
are worth a ton and 1 model from the 1010 TOTL... And to end off the list the Twin Power 730 which is one
ive been on the hunt for a long time..
Great list and great minds think alike...
I love the advice and I appreciate your videos I'm a fan of vintage stereo I have a sansui 5000 A I used to have a 2020B traded up I think
2020B sounds so sweet, my favorite in my collection.
I agree on the early 70's Pioneers. I've had a 424,626 and 727 come through my bench. And was amazed at the smooth warm sound. I think Pioneer's best sounding. I would take one of those over a Marantz if I had to choose.
Yamaha Variable Loudness in vintage amps/receiver is fantastic. I have it on my Yamaha CA 1000. Great video.
I found a 1977 Technics by Panasonic SA 5270 (35 watts) and some Altec Lansing Model 3's under some garbage bags of old clothes in an abandoned storage unit. Replaced the 10" subwoofers with Parts Express speakers ($13.95ea!), had the receiver cleaned up and a bad connection repaired. I love it. I got a new TEAC AD 850 to play tapes and CD's hooked up to it. I know it's not the most high end but it sounds SO GOOD after years of computer speakers.
When I get the money and space I will be getting a vintage Pioneer set up.
Do it!
Very helpful info thanks
Thanks for the tips.
Great video Kevin! I gravitate to Pioneer models and have a nice collection with a few from each series up until the 80s. If I were to advise a friend who had $600 to spend and they wanted a slightly warmer sound, I would tell them to look for a fully restored and aligned x2x or x3x. Not a Pioneer fan? A vintage Marantz or Sansui is nice too....or maybe a Setton.
100% agree with your first choice. Had one when new, and it had an effortless clear sound, like a veil lifted compared to other receivers. Now, unfortunately, your recommendation is gonna drive up the price JUST as I'm looking for one!
Great info as always👍
Happy Holidays to all at Skylab🎄
Same to you!
Terrific video!
Great list. HK 730 is on my watch list. Fully agree with Pioneer, can't really comment on the others as I don't have experience.
Nice list! As per the last 2comments, I agree with the HK 730. I own one along with a 630. wonderful stuff!
I'm relatively to your channel and am very impressed with your content. This one is no exception.
You've mentioned Pioneers black legged transistors in several of your videos, a subject that I'm very ignorant about.
I assume it's a corrosion or oxidation issue...just a wag.
What problems do the black legged transistors present?🎉
One of the best things about vintage audio, especially receivers, is that unless you paid too much, if it's not to your liking, you can probably sell it on for the same money.
I have many receivers. I know that you're not a Technics fan, but my SA-505 is one of my very favorites regardless of price, power or rarity. A small footprint, great looks and fantastic sound! Especially on phono!
Always thought that not even two identical receivers sound the same. Don't know why....Anyway, the best sound for me is Marantz, HK and Sansui, so I agree with Skylabs. Good job!!