Athens:
I am taking you request at face ... that the purchase must come in at/under $300 and must be receiver. I am also assuming that you want a new (as opposed to used) unit. Given that you have some options, though I am not sure how much better they would be that your Nakamichi. Two channel receivers have not seen much play by the market these days ... HT receivers are what sells. You would probably also do better for your money with just an amplifier. With that said ...
Onkyo 8511; lists for $300 ... J&R Music has it for $240
Denon DRA 295; lists for $250
Harmon Kardon 3480; lists for $450 ... J&R Music has it for $265.
Yamaha RX-397; lists for $300 ... J&R Music has it for $250.
I would also be tempted by the Onkyo SR504S. It is a HT receiver, but is satellite radio ready. J&R Music has this receiver for $230.
I am taking you request at face ... that the purchase must come in at/under $300 and must be receiver. I am also assuming that you want a new (as opposed to used) unit. Given that you have some options, though I am not sure how much better they would be that your Nakamichi. Two channel receivers have not seen much play by the market these days ... HT receivers are what sells. You would probably also do better for your money with just an amplifier. With that said ...
Onkyo 8511; lists for $300 ... J&R Music has it for $240
Denon DRA 295; lists for $250
Harmon Kardon 3480; lists for $450 ... J&R Music has it for $265.
Yamaha RX-397; lists for $300 ... J&R Music has it for $250.
I would also be tempted by the Onkyo SR504S. It is a HT receiver, but is satellite radio ready. J&R Music has this receiver for $230.