Stereo Receivers from the past...


Perhaps a useless question, but even though I am not a politician I have the right to be useless sometimes! 
In thinking about a second bedroom system...If I were to use a receiver any toughts on good sounding ones you have had.  The best I have had, in the past, were the original Magnum Dynalab 208 and the Nakamichi SR-3a.  I had sold both.  But now with thinking of a bedroom system those do come to mind, but wondering if you have experienced a stereo receiver that you feel is better.  I am not much into compressed streaming but do enjoy a local/public classic Jazz station and the Jazz and female vocals music I own.   Thanks 
whatjd

Showing 1 response by iopscrl

It appears the speakers are of moderate efficiency, but a low impedance load that varies a bit across the spectrum.  These speakers will require current and an amp that is stable into low impedance loads.  Listening space is of small to moderate size, so absolute power may not be an issue.

NAD receiver.  Monitor series, or the original 7200 (receiver version of the well regarded 3020 integrated amp).  At 40yrs old, have it restored before use.  While rated for 20wpc, it is capable of 80wpc+ in short bursts and can drive low impedance speakers without breaking a sweat.

Just about any McIntosh receiver if you want to go in that direction.   1500 is tube tuner and amp, with a SS preamp.  1700 is tube tuner, the rest SS, and all models from the 1900 forward are SS.

Early Marantz receivers are very well regarded, and have a nice warm sound with plenty of drive.   

Under the radar-  Heathkit AA-1500.  60wpc at 8ohm and almost doubles into 4ohm.  Very sensitive tuner section, quiet and clean preamp section.  Plenty of power and current.   Even the cleanest example will be 45yrs old, so it WILL need restoration.    I inherited one from my father (he built it), and I then used it through HS, College and early adulthood...about 20yrs of hard use before it needed service.   It drove a pair of AR3a and AR5 speakers to great effect.  The former is a demanding 4ohm load.