2. amps-preamps
  3. 182832-1635

Did the Old Receivers Sound Good?

Before the high end started, we had all these receivers and integrated amps from Pioneer, Kenwood, Sansui, Sherwood, etc., all with incredible specs.  Then somehow we decided that specs didn't matter and we started moving to the more esoteric stuff from Ampzilla, Krell and whoever, but the specs were not as good.  My question is - Did the old Japanese stuff with the great specs sound better? I don't remember.  I'm asking because many seem to be moving back to the "specs are everything" mindset and I was thinking about all that old stuff with so many zeros to the right of the decimal point. 

chayro
curtdr
348 posts
 

the HK430 is one of the receivers that got blown away in direct comparison w the new little Marantz nr1200. it wasn't even close.  I was disappointed because although the HK looks way retro-cool, and it does sound good for a vintage, in honest listening it doesn't hold up to even modest moderns.  

 

curtdr
348 posts
 

@jsalerno277  +1

 

marqmike
838 posts
 

I had a Yamaha CR 820 and some Tannoy Cheviots in the late 70's. That combination is my baseline today. It was pretty much perfect to me. To each his own, right?

thinkinginventor123's avatar
thinkinginventor123
37 posts
 

 

hk430 preamp section kinda sucks. They used subpar pots. Amplifier section is where its at!

I have to heavy upgraded Citation 12 and Citation 16. Similar design to the hk430. Sound very good!

https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/15197-hk-430-receiver/

 

jl35
3,932 posts
 

my wonderful refurbished HK430 just started a very loud hum...guess it's done 

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