Sansui 5000X (circa 1969-70) and Marantz 2270 (circa 1970) are two of my vintage favorites. Don't get the Sansui 5000 or 5000a just the 5000X. These models had a lot of problems and recalls. Most of the early Marantz are good but not the B series. Kenwood always made a good receiver and Harman Kardon with dual power supplies did also but often overlooked. Pioneer is OK but middle of the road and many models have a problem with the protective relay circuit causing the set set to click on and off and a lot of tech time to repair. Some powerhouse companies made great tube amps and early receivers but couldn't make it into the solid state age with any good units (Fisher, H.H. Scott, Sherwood, Pilot). For a tube receiver I would pick the Fisher 500C.
Top vintage receivers vs. modern high-end equipment
I am considering pairing an old amplification system to my JBL Paragon -- the idea of getting an all vintage system is very attractive to me. Among other things, I am looking into classics such as the Pioneer 1980 receiver or the Marantz 2600. Does anyone have direct experience in comparing this kind of equipment (very high-end but 40 years ago) to current high-end equipment, imagine an integrated Pass Lab amplifier? How do they stack up? Thank you.