[zmanbands]

What is the best used [around $500] integrated receiver between a Marantz CD 5001 and Heresy speakers in a 2 channel system?

[JLM]

The Heresys are very efficient, but very forward speakers.  Unless you're doing DJ work with them you'll only need a few watts (20 would be plenty, 2 could be enough).  I'd look for something known for a softer/recessed treble.  Tube amplification naturally comes to mind.

I'd look for a used Scott tube receiver.  Mapleshaderecords.com has refurbed ones, but the price is $1500 - 1800.  Note that the integrated amp version goes for about half.  You could add Sirius, Squeezebox, or just do internet audio streaming for a lot less than FM and get much better better sound.

[S Clark]

If an integrated amp will do, a vintage Eico ST40 at 20 WPC would do nicely. Typically $150 on Fleabay still allows a couple of hundred for repair/rebuild.

[Scott F.]

Yep,

I'm with the other guys. If you need a true receiver (with a tuner), look towards a Fisher 400 or 500. Otherwise I'd go for a vintage Scott integrated (the 299 is my fav but the others are just fine too).

[jkelly]

Klipsch love the warrmth of the tubes so I would consider a tube integrated amp like the
Jolida 102b or vista-audio i84 (one available on this site) and a seperate tuner.

If you want solid state I really loved my Sharp SD-EX111 receiver.  You can get them
for about $125 and you will not only get a tuner but an excellent cd player.  I have one
running 24/7 since "eric the red?" (as I recall) discovered it.

Another great receiver was the JVC F10.  Portrayed a incredible 3D soundstage at times.

HTH

[jrebman]

Ok, 4 for 4 -- A Scott or Fisher integrated or receiver or a dyna sca-35.

And there's a lot you can do to the Heresys (you don't say which version you have) to tame bad behaviors and bring out the best in them -- and most are cheap, just requiring some labor and some commonly available parts and supplies.

-- Jim

[jkelly]

I still have my KLF-20's (100db) and my best set up with them was
the AES AE-3 preamp (Sylvania VT-231's) into the AES AE-1 amp with
AVVT 300B tubes. MIT T2 cables.

Man was that awesome!  I did put the plumbers putty on the horns
and lined the walls with Black Hole 5 from Danny.  Never did redo the
crossovers - maybe that will be next.

[klipschfan]

Tube-Almarro A205a

Solid State-NAD C325BEE....used for approx. 250.00. Put the rest towards an outboard DAC for a nice system. If you check out the Klipsch forum-you will probably get another hundred ideas and a chance to find out what other Heresy owners are using.
Best of luck!

[sjd]

How about a Sophia SET Baby?  Used right in your range, should tame just enough.  I run mine with a pair of Sansui SPX-9000's, and it really compares well to most anything I've run with those speakers.

[zmanbands]

Great Replies. All will be considered? How would a used Music Hall Maven compare to the above suggestions?

[lazydays]

if you gotta have a reciever then look no further than an Outlaw. You could also look for a pair of ASL Wave Eights, and their 2004 preamp (should be able to buy all three pieces for about $500 in near mint condition). Dared also builds something similar as well as Opera's neat little intergrated.
gary

[JLM]

Heresy was designed way back when tubes ruled and so they're designed to play well together.  IMO Klipsch's "fall from audio grace" was due primarily to the market shift to solid state.  A few years back a friend picked up a beaten up studio pair (no finish) for $5 from college kids moving out of the dorms for the summer and flipped them later for $175.