[jrokke]

 I pulled out my old technic sa120 and have been quite impressed with it. I don't know if it is even regarded as being good but it sounds quite good  with my current speakers. I am now feeling the need to purchase a vintage receiver that is  well regarded by folks. I haven't been able to find any sites with lots of reviews of the various brands. Any know of one? Anyone have any recomendations on amps i can pick up for 50 to 150 bucks on ebay. There is a lot of stuff on there in that price range. I really only need 30 watt to 50 watts   thanks in advance

[TomS]

Marantz 2270 or similar is nice.  Bill Baker of Response Audio had a few receivers, so you might take a look on his circle here.  Tom

[Wayner]

I second the Marantz. I also like my Marantz 2385 with 185 watts RMS per channel! Any 2200 series would be nice except the 2220 (20 watts) is a bit small on the power side. Any of the 1500 series would be nice too. Remember, 50 watts of power with one of these older vintage receivers will rip the hide off any new receivers with their questionable power ratings. Kenwood also had some nice pieces from the mid 70's. I gave a KR-6600 away to a friend that I should have kept. At 60 watts per channel and provisions for 3 sets of speakers and 2 turntables, it was very lucrative for its age. McIntosh also had a couple of nice receivers but you will pay 1K on ebay for them.

If you are looking to spend $500-600 on a really nice vintage receiver, might I also recommend a new one from Outlaw Audio. The RR-2150 has 100 watts RMS per channel, excellent FM and provisions for MM/MC turntable as well as other line level inputs plus remote control. This thing is built like a tank.

Wayner

[jimdgoulding]

I had a Yamaha CA1000 in the 70s.  I think that was the designation.  75 watts PC.  It was a brute but beautiful to look at.  The coolest aluminum face with a big smooth action dial and tons of rocker switches encased in a mid tone wood.  It costs $850 even then but it was a huge source of pride.  Classic stuff.

[John Casler]

Many consider the older (maybe late 80's through  90's) Harman Kardon AV Receivers quite good, especially in the amp department, which focused on "high current" and wide bandwith.

If you have a good recent, DVD/CD player with 5.1 analog outs, look for an older HK with 5.1 anolog inputs, and you will have what your lookin for.

[Bemopti123]

Remember that $150 can get you a receiver, but whether it is in decent electric condition might be a different story.  I got one for $135, a HK Twin Transformer 430?  I cannot recall the exact designation, but I sent it to a specialist for an electrical overhaul.  It should last another 26 years, without much of a problem.  That job was quite an expense in contrast to what I paid for it originally.

Vintage silver Yamahas, ah, they look beautiful, nice back lighting.

[jrokke]

Thanks for the help guys. I am basically going to be running it two channel with a cd player plugged in. I realize its a crap shoot on buying vintage stuff, but if I bought something for $150 and it lasted several years without doing anything to it I wouldn't be too bummed. I have been looking at the marantz 2200 series after your recommendations, mainly the 2230 or 2245. From what I have been able to find about these they are slightly warm, pretty transparent and have tight bass plus they look cooool. Realistically 30 watts is probably all I need. What yamahas should I be looking at and what are their sonic characteristics?

[soundbitten1]

I had a Marantz 2215B which was too warm for my tastes , a Pioneer SX780 that had great bass but screaching highs and a great sounding Realistic 2080 that eventually bit the dust . Presently I have a digital Sharp SD-EX11 and a NAD 3025 , both are really good sounding but different .

[soundbitten1]

Oops , I forgot about my HK 930 . It sounds  pretty decent ( nice balance between warmth & detail ) and  more powerful than it's 45 wpc rating .