Old Classic Receivers: A Mistake to Buy?

Kevziek ...
When you look at the responses to your post, the classic audio fans have been/are drawn to the classic stuff partly for the reason that you were ... (from your original post)... I was contemplating purchasing a 70's receiver, as I used to love the construction and appearance of the Sansui, Kenwood, Pioneer, Marantz. I don't think too many of us have been overly bothered by ..."what about the aging, drying capacitor issue?" I doubt that many of these items were designed to "last forever" (your 2nd post), but then again ... how many components really are ... even/especially today? There is a beauty to the older stuff that today's stuff doesn't come close to matching. Usually, there is also one aspect to the classic performance that will mean something to you (like FM performance). Is this stuff too expensive ... probably ...but if you look at the ebay auctions, it balances out. It is a hobby and if you are inclined to modify classic stuff, you are probably inclined to modify the new stuff, as well.

I just acquired a 1970's Yamaha CR600 receiver in mint condition inc shipping for 100 bux. It works perfectly; all controls..no snap, crackle, or pop. The tuner works wonderful. These old yamaha (the crx00 series and not the subsequent cr x20 and x40; the cheapening started after the 00 series in my opinion) receivers were, and are, excellent if they are in good condition.

I picked up a pair of Boston Acoustics CR8 speakers in perfect condition for 75 today. I think that Yamaha receiver and the Bostons are going to make a good xmas present for my 17 y/o son. Course, he'll probably destroy the speakers with his hip hop garbage but that is another story. I suppose if I included a Technics sl200 DJ model he'd think I was way cool.

The old Yamaha T2 tuner was great; still is. So was their C2a preamp

Carl

Let’s face it, age effects all of us, that goes for our electronics too. On the other hand, I have a vintage Luxman receiver R-1050 that I purchased new when I was in high school and it still sounds pretty damn good. Was it as good as my rouge/bat combo? NO—but when I was looking to buy an intergrated amp at the $1000 price point, the Luxman kicked but and it has a tuner and phono section to boot.

I think you can still get quality sound out of these pieces

As a McIntosh fan, I think it should be pointed out that most of the McIntosh receivers produced back in the 70s and 80s are still in use today. I know of two older 70s units that are used in second systems; and both owners enjoy using them often.
Not only do older McIntosh receivers in good condition fetch top doller in the used equipment market; but most Mac service dealers can restore the old units to "like new" condition. And the quality materials that were used in the older Mac receivers - such as machined metal knobs, glass faceplates, and walnut cabinets - makes most of today's receivers look pretty shabby in comparison.

I bought a Pioneer SX-1250 cheap. I then sent it of to a reputable Web based rebuilder of the 70s calssics, Mcintosh, Marantz Ect. All the issues that were addressed as weakneses are repalced and/or modified and then some. It cost me a little over $400 but I now have a Ballsy 165 watt reciever with a great tuner. I don't think I could have done any better.