[dullskull]

Hey Everybody,
 I would like some of your input on stereo receivers (pros & cons) to help me in a purchase. Budget to Midfi range.Let's say oh 50 - 100 watts. And can handle 4 ohms.

[2gumby2]

I purchased a Yamaha RX-797 about two months ago for a system in our bedroom and I'm using an Onkyo TX-8222 for my two-channel home theater. Both highly recommended.

[Merle]

Good time to be looking for a 2 channel receiver. It seems like manufacturers are again putting some interest in the receiver. Most now come with phono stages and actually sound pretty good. Someone mentioned the Yamaha. Very nice two channel receiver. The current Denon's are very nice. I'm using a DRA 397 in a bedroom system and think it sound fine. Both the Yamaha and Denon's are well under $500 new. If you have a bit more money, the NAD and Rotel receivers are both very nice. Outlaw makes a 2 channel receiver that has received a lot of press but I've never heard it. The Denon DRA 397 retails new at $399, has a strong tuner, a very decent phono stage and all in all, sounds very good. It also puts out 80wpc and should be able to properly drive most any speaker. Like I said, it's a good time for 2 channel receivers again!

[opaqueice]

You might check out the Outlaw RR2150:

http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/306outlaw/

[Wayner]

The Outlaw RR 2150 is 100 watt RMS per channel, has a USB input and can handle a turntable. Also great FM reception. It also has a sub-woofer output, adjustable subwoofer cross-over and pre-amp output for external power amp. For $650, there is nothing in my book that can come close to its performance. I own one and I love it.

Wayner  

[saisunil]

At the price point - I'd recommend a warmer sounding (slightly rolled off on top) - not very revealing receiver. Few years ago - I thought I was making a smart move by buying a Rotel receiver with so many options built in. It really sounded awful. Equally priced Arcam intergrated amp made much better music.

I'd say get a receiver with just as many options as you need and no more.

Getting a Vintage Scott or Fisher Receiver may be an excellent choice - Vintage gear tends to give much better Redio reception for the price.

Cheers

[Wayner]

Vintage receivers are filled with old out of tolerence capacitors and in some cases, non-replaceable components. However, they usually can be gotten for quite a bit less then new. I guess I'm saying that is also a way to go, but it is not always plug and play, and can be a lot of trouble in the long run.

Wayner

[dullskull]

Hi Again,
 Thanks for the input so far. I trust the ears of these forum users and value their opinions highly.
 What about Harmon Kardon? They have a couple of models I've explored. Any input on these units?

[JimJ]

Hey Everybody,
 I would like some of your input on stereo receivers (pros & cons) to help me in a purchase. Budget to Midfi range.Let's say oh 50 - 100 watts. And can handle 4 ohms.

Does it absolutely need to be a receiver?

If you can live with an integrated amp (separate tuners rock, anyway ) I'd recommend a NAD 3020. I had one when I was in the dorms, worked great with a pair of JBL S38's...even used it for a little while as a preamp with the power amp stage bypassed (jumpers on the back make this easy).

I bought mine for around $150, they seem to be going on Ebay from $150-$200...

[lonewolfny42]

Hey Everybody,
 I would like some of your input on stereo receivers (pros & cons) to help me in a purchase. Budget to Midfi range.Let's say oh 50 - 100 watts. And can handle 4 ohms.

What speakers will you be using ?

[maxwalrath]

Hey Everybody,
 I would like some of your input on stereo receivers (pros & cons) to help me in a purchase. Budget to Midfi range.Let's say oh 50 - 100 watts. And can handle 4 ohms.

What speakers will you be using ?

And what kind of music do you like?  What's the Mid-fi range of budget you are considering?  And are both a tuner and a phono a must?

[Mike B.]

I bought a HK 3380 last spring for my bedroom. I mainly use the tuner. I am impressed with the sound quality. I drive a pair of floor standers similar to the Watt/puppie

[valvesnvinylfan]

Hi Again,
 Thanks for the input so far. I trust the ears of these forum users and value their opinions highly.
 What about Harmon Kardon? They have a couple of models I've explored. Any input on these units?

I gotta tell ya: I have an H/K 3385 for my second system and it is a heck of a receiver--actually a little more detail than my Exposure 2010s and almost as good overall I've tried both the Onkyo and Denon and thought the H/K was warmer and richer overall with great bass.

Best,
Oliver

[valvesnvinylfan]

PS: I was also remembering how much I liked the sound of the NAD C-720BEE; great sound for $599 retail and still not as expensive as the better integrateds out there.

Happy Listening,
Oliver