Receiver Recommendations


I tried to post this once before & it didn't show up. So forgive me if it's a duplicate.

I'm looking for a used 2-channel receiver to power two sets of Polk in-wall speakers. They'll be used in our great room & bedroom. For mostly background music, but for some semi-serious listening, when I'm not downstairs listening to my main system.

My orginal thoughts were something by NAD or Rotel, but only because I'm familiar with those two. I'd be open to vintage tubes, newer digital, older ss, whatever. I don't have any use for 5-channel, but if there's a unit that's particularly good for music I'd consider it.

I'm looking to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $250-$350.

Sources will be FM(internal) and computer.

Thanks,
E-
ecruz

Showing 5 responses by ecruz

55dok-
There's a TA-1A on A'gon right now. DO you know anything about that model?
Sailfishben-
Any particular models? I know nothing about McIntosh. Can I find one in my price range?
I purchased two receivers this weekend. I'll try them both & keep the one I like more.

The two contenders are:
Carver Receiver
Nakamichi SA-4

They're both in very good condition and I found a couple of places that can fully restore them if I decide to. The Carver is rated at twice the power & I know the tuner section was highly rated. But I read some very good reviews about the Nakamichi too. Physically, the Nakamichi is sleeker. However, I like the matte grey of the Carver better. But they'll be placed in the den & not on display, so that's not a huge factor. The Nakamichi was a little less expensive, but they were both less than I planned on spending, so that's not factor either.

So it will come down to ease of use (for my wife) & sound quality.
Just to wrap this thread up.

I got the speakers installed(much easier than I expected) and tried them with the Nakamichi SR-4a & the Carver receiver. They were both good & the Carver tuner section was slightly better in my house, but I liked the sound of the Nakamichi better. So I'm keeping it and selling the Carver. At this point I'm listening to, and really enjoying, mostly 192 bit internet radio stations. Although I have done some listening to full-size files from my computer, and the combo of the in-walls, the Nak & the full-size files sound much better than I would have ever guessed.

Thanks for all your help.