Our Top 6 Vintage Stereo HiFi Receivers for Around $600 Spring 2023
Vložit
- čas přidán 31. 05. 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 - Věda a technologie
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
Love my HK 730 twin!
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.
I lucked out and got a HK 730 , I’m very impressed with it .
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.
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.
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!
Thanks for your videos. I would like to see something specifically on attainable full auto turntables $600-$1200.
Big Fan of the 70's HKs, seriously yet pleasantly surprised.
I have a 730 twinpower and it? sounds amazing😊😊
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
I enjoy my Pioneer SX 838 for fifty years .just had serviced and sounds great
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.
The Harman Kardon and Marantz receivers are my favorites. Great video!
Nice list! As per the last 2comments, I agree with the HK 730. I own one along with a 630. wonderful stuff!
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.
Tanks Mr bold head just another super video ibeing learned a lot all mi blessings from alburquerque NM
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 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.
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!
Hanks, Kevin. You are not only knowledgeable, you seem like a truly good guy.
Appreciate that!
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
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 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
Nice job ..as always ….I wish I lived closer would love to visit your shop
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.
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!
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!
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.
I'm a fan of the Yamaha loudness control, but one thing you have to be aware of is that if you have a direct source button that bypasses the tone and balance controls, it also bypasses the loudness control so if you're using a lot of loudness when you hit the bypass button, your amp will suddenly be playing at whatever volume that the volume knob is set at. I've done it a couple times and I'm glad I didn't blow my speakers.
The other thing is that Yamaha suggests that you set the main volume control at the loudest setting you'll regularly listen and then use the loudness control instead of your volume control. That makes sense of the loudness control dialing down, but it's impossible to keep your hands off the main volume control so you may wind up with a dangerously loud main volume control setting.
Great points, did not know either of those. Maybe I should read a manual once in a while, lol. Thanks
@@skylabsaudio I don't know for sure if it will happen with the unit on your list. I've got an A-S700 integrated amp that I've made the mistake on a few times. My manual has a whole paragraph about the issue under the heading "CAUTION". I guess I should have read it too.
I like the A-S700 except for having no loop for pre-amp/main in and not having any subwoofer outputs. The only line outputs are two sets of record outs! It was the last gasp for that amp as purely analog. The 701 that followed had an onboard DAC.
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
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'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!
I bought a marantz 2275 last week in fairy condition for $600 .No wooden case of course
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!
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.
Bought an HK 330 series for half the money discussed in this piece. It is all the receiver/amp I will ever need. I owned my first HK 330 50 years ago, and was drawn to the warmth of the tone overall and its ability to produce crisp highs.
Friend of mine gave me a Realistic STA 2000 "1977/78" 75 Watts/4 Channel Works great! Good sound, Very nice chrome face plate. And I run 4 Kenwood KS 303HT book shelf speakers which are 8 ohm 80 watts/speaker. It weighs about 30 IIBs built very well
Another cool video ❤
Love vintage, still use my SX 737 since 1976….
Yamaha borrowed that loudness feature from McIntosh. Following the Fletcher-Munson curve the ear needs the lows and highs boosted as volume is lowered to perceive a flat response. The idea was that you would set your volume with the main volume knob, and turn the volume down with the loudness knob which would eq the sound appropriately for the reduced level.
Early 70s Sony str 6055
I have a Sherwood S7100A which has a nice tube sound to it. That whole line of Sherwood's sound pretty good and are very affordable.
I picked one up for $100. It’s sounds great
I picked up one of the quad Marantz's at a thrift store. I took it to several techs, never could get it working right. Finally gave up and sold for parts on eBay. Thats the thing with any of the vintage stuff. If you can't do the repairs yourself, you need access to a good repair person. My closest repair shop is over two hours away, and the repair person is 80 years old. We desperately need the next generation of repair people!! I really just need/want vintage amplifiers. I never, ever listen to the radio. I got a nice McIntosh amp as part of a package deal. So that is what I am using now.
I agree that many late 60's and early 70's stereos were designed by folks that had been us8ng tubes. I think the "warm" sound is mainly from the capacitor coupled amplifiers. Frankly, I get tired of people using this phrase. I tell them if you want the tube sound, then buy a tube amplifier! Thanks for the great videos, you always do an excellent job!
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!
Great choices, all of them. Thanks Kevin.
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!
Sublime video as usual. Keep up the great work.
I love the loudness knobs on yamahas, It allows you to scope the sound for any genre and hear all of the instruments even at a quiet volume. The don't get the respect they deserve for that.
Great list! I love my baby Marantz 2010 that I feel like you can find for well under 600 and you can use the extra doh on some efficient speakers. Don't be fooled by the 10 watts per channel. Its plenty powerful and sounds amazing with the right speakers.
Great show as always, thank u 👍
Great video, good comments on how to get great sound on a modest budget. Thanks!
I used to have a Yamaha CR 800, I'm very sorry to let it go! Thanks Kevin!
I have the Kenwood KR6600, lots of gr8 features 56 watts., so good I have 2 of them.
Love these videos. Thanks!
Also, may not wanna pass up on the a sony str-7065/7055 etc, I would take those over about any marantz I've owned. Also the sansui 771 would be in the running for me. The pioneer and hk 730 are great picks I agree.
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
Thanks for taking the time to educate.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I've got the smaller version of the Yamaha cr800 I've got the cr600 was my grandpa's receiver and can confirm it's a great receiver sleek simple design with a good warm sound and plenty of power
I love my stereo system. Turntable AR-xb (1970) , Kenwood KR 7600 (1976), pair of small Advent speakers (1974), AR PR1010 powered Sub Woofer (2003), Sony CDP-397 Compact Disc Player (1993) and BSR Stereo Frequency Equalizer.
Another ripper vid mate love ya vids they get me excited keep ‘em comin 👍
2020B sounds so sweet, my favorite in my collection.
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.
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.
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!
Thanks for the video. Love your work.
Thanks for watching!
ya, I've been waiting on coming across one of those twin powered HK's - but haven't seen one at a cheapo price yet (and probably never will).
I've posted on AK about Vector Research. I've had a few over the years and currently have a VR-7000 doing garage duty into a set of EV Sentry 500's. The Vector Research are underrate IMO. I've never come across one I didn't like, and after repair
efurb of this VR-7000, it ranks right up with my best vintage recievers.
But - they aren't pretty. And generally pretty beat up by now - but for me - any VR-5000 or 7000 is a winner on the power\sound quality.
And obviously, they come cheaper than the units all listed in this video.
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.
Love the channel, best for vintage audio. Great production values!
Thank you, Stephen!
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
My perspective, for what its worth is this. I got into "vintage" gear in the early-mid 1980s when that meant you could find Dynaco and Heathkit tube amps for way under a Franklin, or taking into account about 250% inflation, for about 250-bucks in today's money. Try to pick up vintage gear for that little today. However, I got into tube gear because it was way cheaper than the components you could have got off the shelf back then and, to me, they sounded much better (better dynamics and sound stage) than the solid state equipment I had been used to listening to from the 1970s. So in my estimation the solid state sound from the 1970s really wasn't up to snuff with the tube gear it replaced. It was always my opinion that the makers switched to solid state because it was cheaper to manufacture. And it took the industry about a decade and a half to catch up with what they had left behind. Don't get me wrong, I am not a tube snob and feel people should go with what they find fits their taste in music. This is just my observation from doing what your listeners are doing right now. Its just from having done it about 40-years ago. Great video, I always look forward to watching and hearing what you have to say. Thanks!
Great points! I have tube gear and solid state gear for that reason. If I wanna hear tubes I use my tube amp and vice versa.
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!
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!
Thanks for the tips.
Another great video! Keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
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.
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
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!!
Good fun. Thanks!
Great channel mate ,informative and fun.
Carry on with the top content.All the best from the UK 🇬🇧
Thank you!
Just picked up the 1972 - 73 Sansui Six at a thrift store for $10 and it works.❤
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.
Got a sansui g-3000 looks and sounds great
Very helpful info thanks
I agree with your assessment that the earlier receivers were more "tube like" or warmer sounding. I attribute this to the generally lower wattage (20 watts or less) of the earlier receivers. Once the level of power (watts) started to rise, noise became the dominant issue. Noise suppression, (e.g. Dolby) cleaned up the noise, but produced a more sterile sound. The lower watt units of the 70's were far less concerned with noise suppression and thus produced that warm tube sound.
Great information! Your selection is excellent.
Thank you!
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.
Just purchased a KR 7600 thanks to your review! Very happy and can push inside and outside speakers for house parties too
I’m intrigued by the 730 Twin. Love my 2226b!
Welp. I found a 730 Twin and jumped on it! Can’t wait to get it and give it a listen.
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!
Never forget the Lafayette LR 9090, 5555, and the Db120. The LR 9090 is the Setton receiver with a different front plate. The Db 120 is the Luxman.
Many of these chain audio stores contracted out to Japanese manufacturers who made big brands. For example, the Lafayette T 2000 turntable is the Marantz 6100.
A lot of Lafayette was sub par. But, there are a few diamonds in the rough. Example, Lafayette before their demise worked with ESS speakers to produce a heil amt speaker line.
I own a 2270 which needs some work and a 5120 cassette deck in the Marantz line. I also own a Pioneer CT F1250.
Yamaha Variable Loudness in vintage amps/receiver is fantastic. I have it on my Yamaha CA 1000. Great video.
Terrific video!
I got lucky, a buddy at work rescued an H-K 730 from being tossed out 15 years or more back and had it sitting in his basement so he gave it to me. One power amp has an issue, my plan is to recap it and sort out what I suspect are bad transistors.
He also gave me a 330B that I have recapped, very nice build quality. Separate L&R bass / treble controls! The 70s H-K stuff is rock solid.