70s Vintage Stereo Reciever Tier Ranking Shootout! It's Gonna Get Ugly!

[@craigd7738]

It’s great to see Sansui getting the love and respect they deserve.

[@ThresholdZhor]

Technics should be with the Sony in very good, I remember a Technics SA-300 driving a Canton Plus S speaker with a Rega turntable/Audio Techinca, that phono preamp sounded incredible playing Rush Tom Sawyer

[@THEH2OMAN]

The Marantz 2238B that a buddy and I used to power a mobile DJ kit back in the late 70's and early 80's is still alive and kicking, it may not be the best of the best but it certainly has aged well.,, it's a keeper.

[@jdsimz8147]

The Realistic STA models were great. They could hold their own against the top brands. Got a STA 2000 and its a beast. Glad to see you gave the STA's some props because they deserve it.

[@johnbeckham1483]

I have always been a Radio Shack Realistic STA fan! I currently own a STA-117 & a STA-2150!

[@danielrose-tt7os]

I just picked up a STA 2280, fine amp, what is not to like? Stands head and shoulders over the ONKYO HT-820 I picked up at the same time. The ONYKO went for 45.00, same price as the STA-2280. I feel I scored if I find a STA series amp.

[@ripjones5294]

If you are talking about late-70's JVC (like my 501), I would say they should be in the "Good" category. After they go into the A/V era, I would agree with "Okay". The selling point to me was the toroidal power supply transformers, really made them stable, and heavy. I actually found a guy in Savannah, GA that had the factory service manual for my 501, which I snatched up. While I do not have all of the test equipment that I would need, a shop should, and they should be happy that I have the factory documentation. Good List...

[@tobybeau2112]

I love my Pioneer SX-780, I bought brand new in 1978. My best friend and I took it to Des Moines Technical High School Electronics Lab, we did some extra credit engineering to the receiver under the guidance of our teacher, And ever since then, the receiver sounds terrific. We power rated it pretty close to a 100 Watts per channel without any spiking. Of course, it will never be like the SX-1980, Which, at that time I did not have the money to buy. I still enjoy the SX-780, but I have not been able to find speakers that match the SX-780 without wearing out within a year or so. Since I live on the South side. I'll have to come in and check out your inventory.

[@jmad627]

I too have an SX-780. However I’m not the original owner. Why I bought it through eBay I’ll never know because wasn’t in the market for one. But after curiosity bit me and I was looking around a little when I found it. After consulting with a friend of mine who does some repairs on stereo equipment and had an SX-1250 who looked at it and advised me to go for it. I’m so glad I did. It sounds great and I love it. I did have to have a repair on it and sometimes the left VU meter sticks, but like I said I love it and am very happy I got it.

[@raybudau9920]

I like your list keep it up! I worked a a stereo shop sold alot of different recievers late 70s early 80s. Sony has several different lines. Only liked the ES Series. I noticed you left off carver as you said. We called them the blow up boxes. We would send several a month back to carver to fix. We were about 300 miles from the factory. The one we did sell alot was the Denons. Anyway I like your channel keep up the good work thanks

[@alm5693]

Looks like it was shaping up as a first line good and a second line good. I'd be happy to see Realistic in the second line good.

[@mikecampbell5856]

I have a 70s Marantz and Sansui and a 1983 Harman Kardon, a 2000 Harman Kardon and two newer Yamahas. I really like your list!

[@davealanogata1227]

Love the video. Like to see ranking tier with turntables. tube amps , speakers , cassette decks reel to reel , etc. Like your insight the most. Keep up the good work.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

I had a Realistic SA1001 amp. I loved it. Started getting static on selector. I then bought a STA2700. It was 1987. Love it and never stopped using it. I have 5 tables hooked to it. For the 70;;s loved my dads Pioneer.

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

I have a Realistic SA1001 hooked up to a set of Technics Sb-400 speakers. I did have a channel dumpin out once in a while and brought it to a Vintge repair shop and it’s been perfect now for a few years. I also love it. It sounds very good and the they put real wood veneer on it. Simple and classy unit. Plus I have a lot of fond memories walking into Radio Shacks in the 1980’s.

[@BryanHooper]

I have an HH Scott receiver 380r puts out really good sound. A friend of mine gave it to me.85 watts per channel

[@victorq1046]

Just inherited a Sherwood S-7310. It's in beautiful condition and my first venture into vintage audio. Sounds wonderful to my ears. Great work on your channel!

[@paulcrowder]

I’ve been waiting my whole life for this video. Do another one! I’d love to see one on tape decks as I don’t have much experience with them and in the market for one.

[@skylabsaudio]

Will do!

[@bmboldt]

I got a Sherwood S-7100A from a friend that I restored. The power switch works great. I did have to open it up to clean the contacts on the switch though. They had oxidized and current wouldn't flow through them. I use a power strip to turn it on though just to extend the life of the switch.

[@anthem74]

The switch on those are prone to fail due to poor design and in many cases, the switch is known to fail when Deoxit or similar cleaners are used. There was a seller on eBay who made reproduction switches for a few years. Hopefully they'll pop up again.

[@racerx3669]

I had a marantz 1250 integrated for a bit, after I cleaned it and replaced a light. (for my girlfriends father) He bought it on a navy ship in cuba brand new in the 70s and it was sitting unused. I gave him a matching tuner off eBay and an audio stand and some JBL studio 12s. Stop still in his room and he uses it all the time. He listens to wxyg the goat

[@ericsmith5540]

Good list. I would put Sherwood in the very good level. I have bought a few over the years. Look and sound great. The only negative is the power/volume switch.

[@onsenkuma1979]

For years the heart of my system was the NAD 7080 (~1978) - basically the company's flagship integrated amp (3080) with a tuner section. This was rated at 90 watts/channel but had great dynamic headroom and power to spare. To complete the old school picture, I ran this through Advents and used a Technics direct drive TT (the model number escapes me now). The 7080 was a great receiver, and served me well for years. I looked after it, and still have it boxed for re-capping at some point, just for fun. I love vintage electronics generally, and was always taken by the looks of the Yamaha 'Natural Sound' line - that brushed aluminum faceplate and wood veneer cabinet.

[@ronverheghe2499]

Awesome list! Just gonna say Hitachi is underated in general. They made some impressive stuff my parents have had an SR 604 things pretty warm sounding and class G ahead of its time for 1979. I could be mistaken but I think Hitachi supplied alot of parts for other brands back in the day too.

[@leekumiega9268]

Class G was so innovative that Bob Carver used the idea of multiple rails and improved upon it with his "magnetic field " power supply which used a triac on the input of the transformer which enabled it to be smaller and lighter and impervious to fluctuations in line voltage and able to supply much more current for transients or if a speakers impedance dropped below 4 ohms at certain frequencies than a standard linear supply of sufficient size for the units power rating.

[@mikemuir5350]

Great Video. My list would move Luxman and Onyko up to very good. Have all the receivers (low power models) in the excellent level and the Onyko is my favorite.

[@TheReal1953]

Agree...the late 70's Onkyo's like the TX-8500 is a pretty great receiver....I only retired mine because I went separates.

[@jeffm1896]

I agree. l think Luxman deserves to be at least in the very good category, more likely excellent if the criteria is limited to the Golden Age between 1970-1980. The one caveat being they might not be commonly enough available in the vintage aftermarket to even include them in this comparison. Luxman has been building electronic equipment in Japan since 1925 with the advent of radio. Beginning in the early 1980's with the overall decrease in consumer concern with quality (and a willingness to pay for it) compared to lower priced mass produced equipment, especially in the market outside Japan, Luxman sold to Alpine in 1984 who then capitalized on the Luxman name and rebranded their equipment accordingly. Luxman again sold to Samsung in 1995 with no great resulis in the marketplace. In 2000 the son in law of the Pioneer heiress bought Luxman with the goal of returning the brand to it's roots of uncompromising excellence. Luxman has now returned to the US market after being absent for 20 years. Luxman components are made in Japan not China. Luxman was the only major Japanese manufacturer producing tube amplifiers through the 70's and 80's. In the interest of full disclosure I have to admit to owning three Luxman R-1120 integraed recievers which were made from 1976-79 and sold for $995 (I bought them used years ago). They were considered the top of the line at the time with 120 watts per challen into 8 ohms. I absolutely love the "warm" sound. Running it through a pair of JBL 4311 Control Monitors and a pair of Bose 901's. Can't turn it up past 1/3 volume without fear of blowing the windows out of my house and getting the cops called. Even at 1/3 volume you have to shout to be heard. I have no doubt that at anywhere near full volume it would blow all four speakers apart. Prior to my Luxmans I was using a Sansui 1000A and loved the tube sound, but it was limited in inputs and outputs, the glass dial was broken when I got it and the speaker connections were via flat bladed screws. It did run hot and had an aftermarket cooling fan mouned on the back which helped. Wish I still had it though, it sounded great.dbe1

[@richardwestmoreland4796]

@@jeffm1896 Sansui produced some great amps but for some reason they don't seem to make a lot of these lists for good quality power. I don't think their line of models was as extensive or possibly just not marketed as well but I heard a few of their amps that sounded really nice. I don't think I heard any Sansui receivers so maybe that is why I think they aren't as prominent.

[@BobO-ps1py]

Onkyo, absolutely needs to be elevated to very good or excellent. The late 70’s, Onkyo TX7000, model I own, purchased new, is a very high quality, dynamic sounding, beautiful piece. It replaced both the Pioneer, and Yamaha receivers in my system.

[@davealanogata1227]

Your list is pretty close to mind. like it a lot. I have been in audio hifi for close to 50 years. I would move Yamaha down to very good. Love the design but a pain in the butt to work on. I would move Onkyo and Nikko up to very good. Built quality of both is awesome. They see to lat forever but refurb. Sorry I have a problem of finding schematics on Nikko too much

[@meredithharvan5632]

totally agree on Onkyo esp from 76-80 but shhh! Let everyone else chase the marantz and pioneer gear, and pay the crazy marantz and pioneer tax.

[@stepheneson4107]

Thank you for another great video. My only quibble, based on my years in audio retailing, is your ranking of Technics. We found the brand to be high performance, competitively priced and featured, and reliable. Their higher-end "Flat Group" series was stunning. I concede you would know better about their internal build quality. I'd also like to point out that Realistic was sourced by Radio Shack from multiple contract manufacturers, which would explain the wide disparity in quality between models. Likewise with MCS, which was JCPenney's private label brand.

[@postersm7141]

I agree I would generally put techniques on a higher ranking. I know he’s just referring to receivers and amplifiers, but their turntables are obviously excellent. I have a 1978 and I forget the model number but it’s a great direct drive fully automatic. I was never crazy about their speakers, but the rest of their Hi-fi gear was great to excellent.

[@ModelA]

I have some tube gear and some solid state gear. Trio (later became Kenwood) was my favorite tube gear. Early 70's Fisher was my favorite solid state gear. Why does everyone bag on early Fisher solid state stuff? What am I missing??

[@Stewart_PDX]

Thanks for posting. Enjoyed the list and would welcome a ranking of turntables. Nice to see the pup too. Remember, there is no greater love than the love between a dad and the dog he did not want. Lol

[@donwhiteford4028]

Great list. A couple of surprises, but the biggest surprise was the Edmonton Oilers hat in Iowa!

[@skylabsaudio]

Went and saw the Wild beat them last week in MPLS, was a bummer but a lot of fun. Just need some defense...

[@donwhiteford4028]

@@skylabsaudio I live in the maples Leafs country / area and not a hockey fan but I have big soft spot for the Oilers. Mark Messier my favorite. I had a 70s Sony then Onkyo receivers with a mission Cyrus one in between. ( I still have it in the basement)

[@zenfort]

I had some friends that were musicians in the 70's and a few that started their recording engineer/studio careers then. Most favored Pioneer receivers and some switched to Yamaha receivers and integrated amps. My first receiver was a Scott with Scott speakers (it was a really good package deal). I then went on to Yamaha receivers & integrated Amps and then a Yamaha MX600 & CX600, speakers ESS AMT 10b, added an Onkyo T-9090II tuner (I mounted an antennae on the roof of the loft/factory building I lived in and could pick up all the college & non-profit stations I listen to in Connecticut into Massachusetts) With the Onkyo T-9090II and my ESS hanging from the ceilings people would always ask what CD was that, and I'd say that id FM radio from WWUH (they had the highest resolution broadcast), the Onkyo T-9090II was that good. I then got into KEF speakers, love them.

[@koolhub5891]

Great list you have, Harmon Kardon I got a 430 receiver recently twin power a good unit, I also had Harmon Kardon 330 -b that was a good unit, I have a Yamaha RX 496 receiver which is good, has a phono input, 2 tape monitors and cd and aux, and loudness control and a 4 and 8 ohms speaker input.

[@SurnaturalM]

Yeah these twin power units are severely underrated usually. And I love the separate too. The citation 12 and 11 is something that I want eventually. They're great.

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

I believe Sansui should have its own tier. I would switch Sony and Yamaha and bump JVC up one tier. Right now I am running a Toshiba SB300 amp. Great sounding piece and it seems they missed your list. They are a rare animal.

[@airsickgrove]

Too much talking? No problem here's some pretty pictures for you to look at... I love it... personally Im here for the information so talking is imperative to receiving this info... thank you and don't stop talking. (Edit) personally I do like the off topic talk, for me I absolutely appreciate the content eye watch to actually have a human element to it and introducing us to your fur kid definitely gets my thumbs 👍

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you :)

[@akahina]

Just fast forward to the 6 minute mark.

[@michaelgood1576]

I agree with your ratings. Cute dog. Marantz man here since the 70's. Loved the Pioneer super tuner car stereos.

[@toddcovington1172]

Like the dialogue. Also the discussion of the tech's perspective. I will say seems like Luxman should be higher based on sound quality. I would think the parts quality would be high as well. Granted significantly lower numbers sold in states than Sansui and Pioneer so oarts could be an issue. The R series Receivers are great to my ears. But I also love my Pioneer SX 828 and Sansui 5500 alot too. (R 1040)

[@HandMade715]

Luxman rated on spec.70 watt 115 is 70 solid watts was sllaming my stv 800 2 inch voice coils 15s speakers to big and heavy getting ready literally ready to put them on the tree lawn bye Fisher stv 800

[@jim010109]

When I was in high school I had a Optonica, which I believe was a Sharp product. The first one died in like the first month. Within three months of bugging them on getting fixed, the store owner just gave up and gave the next model higher. Was Denon in the scope of the 70's Receiver wars? Great video, keep up the good work.

[@Stevef2234]

Love these! Just like you mentioned a few best models from HK, please let us know best models to look out for in each category.

[@racerx3669]

Citation 16 IMO. But I’m biased as I have one. I’ve been tempted to source a 17 18 or 19 to go with it. But mostly I just look for another 16.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

What receiver do you like with the 16?

[@racerx3669]

@@insolentstickleback3266 I’ve got an acurus preamp processor.

[@racerx3669]

I also use my nad 3150 integrated as a preamp, and sometimes even my old avr20ii receiver. Both have main in ore out jacks so all you do is remove 5he jumper.

[@gcrav]

This channel just made me appreciate how lucky I was to get my hands on a Pioneer SA 5500 II, a pair of KLH Model 17s, and an older, probably late 1960s, Garrard changer for $150 at a garage sale in 1993. I let go of the changer because I didn't care for the cartridge compatibility, but looking back I could have kept it for 78s. Not a whole lot of power, but high volume isn't the sweet spot for the KLH 17s anyway (tend to be kind of shouty). It's all I'll ever need for enjoying the CD collection. Agree about the low-end Sherwoods. They definitely cheaped out on critical parts and I'm aware of three that went bad the same way in less than 10 years (including the one I owned).

[@jrc3547]

I agree with your picks. Worked at a place in the 70's that sold tons of equipment to GI's in europe. We had to hook up every piece and test it before it left the store. My home equipment includes HK Citation Receiver_Marantz 1200_Hitachi SR 804 and Akai_Technics my HH Scott 387 seems well built and sounds VG I might step them up a notch. I listen with JBL_Heresy and Tannoy Speakers. I enjoyed this video thanks!

[@jackieblank4249]

Good morning Kevin. Enjoyed your tier list and the way you present facts that matter to us at our age group that were into this stuff then. You are spot on when it comes to the pros n cons of many of those units. I am 62 and have yet to own a Marantz or Macintosh .Lots of money. But I keep dreaming like the teens with big eyes in the hifi shops of yeaster years. No more good shops in Baton Rouge La like they used to have. Sorry if I talk to much to.lol.Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you n your family .

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, you too!

[@donnystrife1908]

As someone who has had two mcintosh and a marantz 2270. I My opinion is that Sansui and pioneer are just as good. At this level it's finding the coloration that you like and mine is sansui xx1 series with the marantz 2270 right behind it.

[@jb678901]

Bought a Hitachi SR903 locally for USD140 earlier this year...not a scratch. 75Watts per channel with peak capability up to 160W per channel (Class-G goodness). It did have a flat black wooden case that wasn't particularly attractive from the factory, but the face plate, coupled with ALU levers, knobs and buttons are gorgeous. I found another a couple of weeks ago that was not as minty clean as the first and was able to buy it for USD115. It cleaned up very well and is now in the same condition as the minty first one. Same ugly black case, though. I managed to buy vinyl wrap on AliEx, enough of the glossy-burled walnut wrap to finish both cases. Results were fantastic. Both cases look like cigar boxes now...quite rich if you ask me. The first is in the family room, the second in the home office. Both sound wonderful. With excellent documentation and Circuit Boards that are factory marked, I figured that if I could master a recap/transistor replacement effort for the first unit...the second time around would be a breeze. I own a Pioneer (LX 626) and the Yamaha CR420; prefer the Hitachi build quality and sound. IMO, they were excellent deals.

[@mr.hitachi797]

Hitachi good units are wiping the floor with the first row of that tier list imo :P Especially the all mighty HMA-9500 power amp

[@georgestefano673]

Great channel just deoxited my 1974 pioneer sx 737 and it sounds great,the 70’s was an awesome time for stereo.Just wish I had the money back then for the Marantz,that was the king of receivers.

[@mileshigh1321]

Yeah this was fun to watch! Please do more! More graphics, more talking, more Moo and less dumb viewer comments!

[@skylabsaudio]

Ahahahaha! Appreciate it

[@SurnaturalM]

I love that kind of video. I would like to see the same list but based on the technical aspect of each brand. I like to see harman kardon getting the respect they deserve. The older American made amplifier and pre-amp are really something else.

[@bb57365]

Love making lists. Great job. Glad my Sansui made the top spot.

[@Dixler683]

Realistic high end models were direct copies of pioneer, down to the toroidal power board. Pioneer sued . Face plates were very pioneer in appearance, tremendous power. Well laid out inside. My Christmas tree is gold aluminum and dog is english bull terrier. Merry Christmas.

[@TheReal1953]

Pioneer had a very brief alliance with Tandy....they had one big receiver with the toroidal transformer that didn't last the yr because Pioneer sued them. It wasn't a direct copy, but close enough for a lawsuit. That was probably Tandy's best receiver ever sold...midstream production they changed out to a conventional transformer. The next yr they had even a lesser receiver. Like the muscle car era....they died out.

[@DustyBoots-xs4ul]

What year models on the realistic stereo’s were copies of pioneer I never knew this.

[@gemspa73]

Just before I moved to the States from England in 2011, I saw a Marantz 2215B in a junk shop for the equivalent of $12. I bought it for $10 untested and when I got it home, the only problem was a loud pop through the speakers when I turned the unit on and off and a couple of blown lights. I still have the loud pop problem, though this is eradicated by turning the speaker selector switch to off and the volume all the way down. The receiver sounds (and looks) wonderful through my KLH Model 32 speakers.

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

I agree with this list …I’m very familiar with brands mentioned…I’ve worked on many of em…many models however did vary within each manufacturer..in terms of ease of being able to service them..great video

[@MrSwedjen]

What's your opinion of a Kenwood 500 integrated amp and 500 tuner, if you have experience with those?

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

@@MrSwedjen those are pretty good, 500,600,700 supreme were designed by the sister company of Kenwood , Accuphase..before the split…then Kenwood went down in overall build quality…

[@MrSwedjen]

@@donovanfahrbach2493 How are they to work on, in your experience?

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

@@MrSwedjen They are no different then sansui…or pioneer..but finding replacement parts will be a chore…these units were rare…like I said they were designed by another company at that time…with a kenwood badge..

[@bobsemrau5311]

I owned a Technics amp in the 70s and would move them to Very Good. If Luxman in the 70s is anything like the amp I owned in the 80s they should also be in Very Good.

[@robertyoung1777]

This is great because it offered up some brands I hadn’t thought of in the past. I have a Luxman L-5 integrated amplifier that I bought from the 1st avenue Audio Room in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1981. It’s been durable with no issues other than terrible speaker connector screw posts. Midrange and highs sound very good. Bass is a little muddy compared to my Audio Research amplifier. No problems with switchgear or knobs getting scratchy or inoperable.

[@CDNUSA]

Purchased my Luxman L-5 amp, Luxman T-1 tuner, Luxman PD-264 with psb Passif II speakers in 1981, (I'm Canadian). Brought them all to Kevin (except Tuner) over the last two years for rejuvenation, and he brought them back to their glory.

[@hippydippy]

I agree except for the Kenwood. I would move it up to Very Good. I've owned a few through the years & have always enjoyed the looks & performance of the one's I owned. Just my 2 cents.

[@leekumiega9268]

Kenwood was very good in the early and mid 70's then went down to just OK by the end of the decade. They started to care more about looks and specs than good sound and build.

[@Geoduck.]

I had a unique opportunity to use and hear a number of Japanese receivers and other gear made between 1972-1974. I was stationed in SE Asia and a number of us bought complete stereo systems from the PX. Over time I was able to use and hear this gear while visiting my friends apartments. As I remember the larger Sansui and Pioneer reciever's were the most popular. We all had Teac RR players without exception. Turntables frankly I can't remember other than Thorns. I had a Pioneer SX1010 and Bose 901 speakers my room mate a Thorns deck and Teac RR with four panel meters. Although the Bose were not the very best quality sound they were perfect for a 20 year old into Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

[@rp9035]

Subic Bay, Philippines Navy Exchange had a very nice all stereo store. I was in out of Subic from 75 through 78.

[@Geoduck.]

@@rp9035 my wife is Filipina. LOL

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

A note to the new comers. Having a more focused collection has been much more satisfying for me. I didnt start out that way. Because of priorities I sold off most of my first collection years ago. Its seemed to be in constant rotation with the only goal of hearing as many pieces as possible within a budget. Now I collect two thing, mostly. Entry level amps made between 1970 and 77 , and two way speakers made by companies started by Henry Kloss in Cambridge Mass from the early 70s. Some of the amps I have are so rare that I may never see another one and its a great way to compare sound and build quality. Henry Kloss is my hero. I just finished rebuilding a set of KLH 17s and they are a great speaker for an enrty level amp. Total cost was about 150 dollars.

[@TheReal1953]

Sad story about Kloss...apparently he never married or was single at the time of his death. His kin that took over the estate, loaded prototypes and one-of-a-kind inventions from his basement to the dump. Just imagine virtual audio history being flushed done a giant toilet. A lot of projection TV works too......

[@insolentstickleback3266]

My confirmation bias endorses you Harmon Kardon choice. 👍🏻 I was in college in mid nineties working for a temp agency. I was on a job cleaning a rental property, and was instructed to deposit everything in the dumpster. On an upper closet shelf, in a absent bedroom, was a Harmon Kardon 230b, and a Pioneer PL-50 turntable. That was the start of my audio journey, still listen to them occasionally, listen to a 730 twin amp everyday. 😁👍🏻🎄

[@Mr512austintexas]

Man, what a score! Good for you for rescuing that gear. The people who left it behind must have really been in a fix ...

[@benvalencia7915]

One of my first vintage bargain finds was a HK 330C. It was used in a garage for years and was dirty but working well. I just applied a lot of elbow grease to make it look pretty again, but it remains one of my all time favorite gear. The sound is just really sweet and so durable. The look is fantastic too. I also have vintage marantz, pioneer, sony and sansui from the same era, this 330C is something special.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

@@benvalencia7915 I paid $350.00 two years ago for my very nice 730. The sound this makes just can not be touched by the popular brands that cost far more money to obtain. 😁

[@WilliamInternational]

In high school i had a marantz 2270, 2275 ,the sansui au919 and tu919, a mac4100, and finally a mac2200 amp with an apt holman preamp. Wish i still had them.

[@jamiesmith6838]

The ranking should look more like this: Luxman #1 or excellent. Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz in that order as #2 slot. BTW, Marantz was never know to be musical. Nikko, Harmon Kardon #3 In the average, good to excellent categories.

[@jeffmalloy8200]

I agree. Luxman is excellent stuff!

[@arthurdavis1065]

Luxman also made toilets and urinals, which is where they belong. Lol

[@GioSinatraFan]

I had a killer Nikko system with amp, preamp and tuner as well as a high end Sansui. Miss them both.

[@doowopp45]

I've always loved Realistic. I always had a really good experience. I don't know if you include Optimus in that category but an Optimus was my receiver for years. I can't remember the model. I remember it was 50 watts per channel. The ranking of Kenwood and Technics surprises me. Growing I always heard people talk about how great they were. I actually have 2 Technics amplifiers. I don't use them much but seem fine. One I inherited from my uncle. He's a heavy smoker. It's from the early 2000s, maybe late 90's. Not all the buttons seem to work or I just can't figure out what they are supposed to do. He never listened to it so I just figured they are all gummed up from smoke and nicotine. Sounds good though.

[@doowopp45]

Just had your video about Kenwood and Technics pop up. Question answered.

[@mrpbody44]

I would put Onkyo up to very good other wise this is a great ranking of 1970's audio. The Onkyos I have keep on sounding great and no problems over 50 years. ( I mostly have McIntosh gear and some Yamaha)

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I had a 1978 Yamaha and I loved it.

[@johnbrender7635]

I think your list is pretty much spot on. I was just talking on the phone last night with a person from your area who is thinking about buying a pair of JBL’s from me. He’s also looking for a vintage amp/receiver and I was telling him about some of the very under the radar Sherwoods I have come across and that I have one for sale. I told him I plan to drive to Iowa to check out your place and probably purchase a few things. I may bring my HP 1000 with me just so you can give me your opinion and hear for yourself what a well built and excellent sounding piece this is. If you ever have a chance to demo an s8910 or S9910 receiver and or the HP1000 or HP2000 integrated amps, I think you’ll be very shocked and surprised at the build quality, look and sound these particular models of Sherwood produce. I currently run a Sansui 9090 next to my HP1000 and find myself always going back to the Sherwood during long listening sessions of music.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree Sherwood made great pieces!

[@racerx3669]

The sansui designers and engineers stayed true to the name. Those black sansui faces look timeless. Hell, they all do.

[@christopher3963]

I’ve never heard a Yamaha but always liked the idea of their variable loudness knobs. Some units have a ‘presence” knob as well, no idea what that does.

[@skylabsaudio]

Presence is seen more on guitar amps. Usually a high frequency adjustment

[@solobueno7483]

It's a tone control and the same as mid, they just call it presence. They spell out the frequencies each tone control adjusts on a lot of their amps, like my CR-2020.

[@jamesmitchell5225]

I have owned sansui 881 and 7070 also techniques sa 700 and a onkio. Rs. Never wanted a pioneer then a Marantz 2275 so out of them the 881 and the 2275 were my favorites. Out of nowhere a bought a sxd 5000 it was still in the box. Got it for 150 well why not we'll it Ooooooo my it is the best sounding by far out of them all I never new clear powerful just clean you have to do a piece on this receiver still have it. No words just great. And sansui was my favorite. Well nothing compares to the sxd5000 people have to know please do a segment on one . I run all of them though my D9s and my ls 90s .Thank you Jimmy

[@CDNUSA]

Michael B. from Davenport, Iowa Happy Holidays to you and your family. I like your Edmonton Oilers hat, might need to find a Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens hat to go along with that. Great list, although I would definitely put Luxman in the very good to excellent category. Purchased my Luxman L-5 amp, Luxman T-1 tuner, Luxman PD-264 with psb Passif II speakers in 1981, (I'm Canadian). Brought them all to you (except Tuner) over the last two years for rejuvenation, and you brought them back to their glory. Thank you and I will drop in when in Des Moines. Your honesty, integrity and enthusiasm for the work you do is much appreciated.

[@benkrake3678]

I personally would’ve put Technics at really good at the very least. They made some really good amplifiers back in the 70’s-early 80’s. The SU-V8 is an excellent example of their high end integrated amplifiers. AKAI I would’ve put at very good as well. Their HiFi gear was ahead of it’s time compared to a lot of other brands in the average consumer market. Though I do agree with you putting Yamaha right at the top. They make excellent high end gear. I’m even thinking about buying an A-S701 amplifier or possibly the A-S1000, but I would have to get a DAC to go with it.

[@karaDee2363]

Merry Christmas Kev, your dog looks like a sweetheart... It's those eyes that tug at your heart... Not so sure Sony should be rated above Kenwood, Onkyo and Technics.. The Realistic belongs where you put it tho..

[@rassbabbo3285]

I asked the guy at the vintage audio store if he would recommend a good receiver. He said Kenwood. I said where is he?

[@bobgoldesberry7740]

I have had friends with Carver receivers but I don't know what quality they were.

[@Mr512austintexas]

Great channel, great video. I really enjoyed your rankings. I was happy (but not surprised) to see that you ranked Pioneer up on the top tier; I have always been a fan. Nowadays I have a Pioneer SX1250 and an SX1010, and love them both. I use the 1250 as my main unit, driving a pair of Phase Tech 8.5 speakers in conjunction with a set of "Smaller Advents". I am totally satisfied with this setup. (I also have a Harmon Kardon Citation II tube power amp in a system with a Bellari preamp and a pair of Larger Advent speakers, and I really enjoy that outfit as well. I bought the Bellari to take up the slack for a Fisher 400C preamp, which (in spite of several trips to my local electronics repair shop) could never quite be made to function properly. If I ever make it up to Des Moines I'll bring it along and maybe you guys can figure it out!) And I'd be VERY interested in a conversation about whether a stereo system should be left ON all the time! I had never heard that. What's the deal?

[@TheReal1953]

Kind of like a big diesel semi.... better to keep them running than to shut off. Restarting electronics always takes a toll, however small. The question has always been; will you get the same life if your gear is always on versus restarting when needed? I don't know that anyone has ever done a study on that because it would take yrs, maybe e even a decade. Certainly, hi-fi dealers will tell you their gear is on all the time. I compromise; leave it on the whole day and turn it off when I go to bed. If I forget and it's on 24-48 hours, I don't sweat it. It's all about sudden current rushing through capacitors, transistors, MOSFETs, and the like. Class A amps need lots of air ventilation, giant heatsinks, and fans to stay cool even at idle. If you were crazy anal, you could fire up your gear slowly every time with a Variac. Can't say I know anyone that goofy.

[@Mr512austintexas]

@@TheReal1953 Your analogy makes complete sense to me, and I've adopted your system. Thank you, Kevin!

[@TheReal1953]

@@Mr512austintexas You're very welcome. The only thing I'd pay more attention to is a tube stage phono amp or preamp. My phono preamp has a tube input stage only. I expect to get decent life out of it because it's on the input side. But generally, tube gear is a whole other kettle of fish when it comes to longevity. No concrete way to know when they're reaching their end times etc.

[@68wrko]

This ranking is so complicated, but a great idea! Having lived through the era and familiar with every brand and all the stores that sold them, how would you rate the gear...according to...... Sound? Build quality / Wear& Tear on exterior? Brand image? Overall looks? Brand Name Recognition? Reliability / Service & Repair/Parts Issues................ I agree with your tier rating! Exceptions only with top-of-the-line Realistic STA 2100D / Kenwood KR-9600..............yet a lot of other receivers in those lines were bland.

[@andrewswanson4819]

Snagged an H/K 730 for around $20 at a yard sale, just about all the pots and buttons were dirty (including the input selector, resulting in channels cutting in and out) but what a beast of an amp after cleaning her up. The 40wpc rating seems super conservative, it sounds huge and immersive on B&W CM9s. I guess some have measured it more in the neighborhood of 60-70w and peaking around 90w, wouldn't be surprised at all

[@stormshadow5555]

So, overall what are the most common Japanese brands you see up there in Iowa and what are some rare ones you hardly ever see at? And it doesn't have to be just 1970's only, or receivers and amplifiers only for that matter? Thanks

[@markschindler8804]

Good list. Love my Sherwood 7910 for it’s looks, sound quality and never had issues but apparently their lower models not as reliable like you say.

[@francescotenti193]

Another very entertaining video and something that brings me back to the 70's. One name I see missing: Aiwa! They made good stuff back in those days. Maybe a little surprised to see Luxman only in the good category but I have no reason to question that. My only experience with that brand is an L-215 and frankly it pales in comparison to my Pioneer SA 6500 II, SX 550 and 780.

[@racerx3669]

Funny. Hen I see or hear Aiwa, I think of 1990 triple disc player mini systems.

[@francescotenti193]

@@racerx3669 You have to go further back into the 70's.

[@racerx3669]

@@francescotenti193 I believe ya. I was born in 80 and those triple cd players I was referring to were in the early mid 90s. But yeah.

[@Audiorevue]

so I met a guy through craigslist because I bought a receiver from him and me and him have been sort of competing over the last 5 years to collect receivers and vintage amps. He's of the mind that in true audio file fashion he likes to use expensive cables and speaker cables in his vintage Hi-Fi system to get the best from the gear. I on the other hand of the mind that cables do make a difference and can make a difference and they certainly have sound differences however my thought is that back in the 70s when these products were being used and sold people would not have used fancy esoteric cables to hook up their Yamaha or pioneer receiver that they bought, they would have used basic inexpensive cabling from radio shack. so I like to use basic inexpensive cabling in my vintage system because to me my thought process is that it preserves the original sound as it would have been heard in 1977 for example. do you have any thoughts on that?

[@tommywingate2220]

This is your list however being easy to service isn’t a deal breaker for most consumers. If I have issues with my Luxman I take it to the tech who fixes the problem I pay him 500 bucks and tip him 50. I don’t want him to go away ever. Your POV is not necessarily that of a consumer but nice to see your pecking order. BTW I have a HK 920 twin that went thru my tech and it is 1972 inside of that box added the wood enclosure she’s a beauty !!

[@johnvincent4048]

Does anyone have any feedback on the Yamaha ca-800? Positives, negatives. I have very efficient speakers and am curious about running it in class a mode.

[@skylabsaudio]

I think you are refering to the CA800? They are excellent. Just be carefull of heat in Class A mode. Make sure it has planty of ventilation. If you can't hear the difference (most cannot), change it back to normal.

[@johnvincent4048]

@skylabsaudio Yes the ca-800. I corrected that on my comment. How does it compare to the Marantz 1060? I have a 1060 but it makes popping noise. Needs work. I like your videos! Very informative and not complicated.👍 If I was close to Des Moines I would come visit.

[@stephenpowers5653]

You left out one of my favorites Lafayette & Project One both Underrated, some receiver where excellent!

[@RexKarrs]

Weren't Lafayette kits? Quality could depend on the assembler's abilities.

[@moofdoggmike]

... ahem. please keep talking Kevin, killer vid and great rankings... a conversation starter for sure! Have a good one and Merry Christmas!

[@skylabsaudio]

You too, Mike! Thanks

[@myturkishlife1777]

Had a marantz 2226b for 35 years sold it because of moving over her to Turkey, now regret it, you can pick them up here in Turkey for around £500, the hi fi market here is crazy... NIKKO is interesting , never heard of them but just yesterday a receiver came up for sale and it looked marantz ish ... And now seeing it on the good scale I may go and have a look , but still miss my 2226b... Happy holidays Greetings from Turkey 👍

[@myturkishlife1777]

@@Nacalina007 hi, thanks for the heads up on the Nikko , the one I spotted was a NIKKO 7075 receiver, all the controls are in German 😁 Cheers 👍

[@luckyduckexplores3407]

Great Video. Would love to see an H/K video one day. Maybe the citation line up? either way excited for the next video, thank you.

[@racerx3669]

I think all of us harman Kardon fans are waiting for our babies to be in the spotlight again.

[@racerx3669]

The 70s gear is legendary. That said, I’m already excited to see tandberg, nad and more for the 80s video.

[@badvinyl4531]

I am currently using a Realistic sta 2000 and a sta 2080 . Both are very well made and I love the sound. Have had many other brands over the years, and these two receivers are as good if not better than any other receiver I've had, and I love the look of them. Also have a Sony 7065 ,and though it is a quality build, I prefer the sound of the Realistics.

[@billquantrill4960]

During the 70's the brands I most lusted after were (in no particular order) Sansui, Marantz and Pioneer. I still have a Marantz 2265 and a Sansui 8080DB.

[@zinovy08]

I own two Sansui's (5000a & Seven) and love them both with the slight edge in sound to the 5000a and the edge in looks to the Seven. Surprisingly, I also own a Sherwood S-7200 that nearly equals both of them in sound, however, as you mentioned, the power switch had to be bypassed with a switch in the back of the unit and it's a bit banged up and thus sits third in my stable.

[@RichMander1]

I’ve had a Lafayette LR-9090 for 20+ years. I got it from my folks who bought it brand new with their 4’ tall Klipsch speakers, and Benjamin turntable. I love that thing. Finally had a power switch failure. Getting it back from the shop soon. My folks won’t come off of the Klipsch speakers or the turntable yet.

[@paulv22]

On the Sherwood power switch, there's a 3D printer file out there for the part to fix that.

[@skylabsaudio]

I'll check into that. thanks!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Grew up in the 70s and I laughed at all your placement comments, so true you are. Merry Christmas to you, your family and everyone at Skylabs. Thanks for putting this together during crunch time. Please take some time off, recharge and we'll be here when you return.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you Craig. When work is more fun than time off, its kind of hard to do. Its very hard for me to sit idle. I appreciate the sentiment though! Merry Xmas

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@skylabsaudio happy to hear you've crafted this type of life. I'm never retiring because I love I do as well.

[@upupandaway5646]

Merry Christmas happy new year buddy all the best .thanks for the great videos you forgot Unitron S 3300 😃

[@motoxdudeNV-UT]

I wish you could have included Concept

[@tracyleavitt-ur1if]

Thanks I really enjoyed this comparison. And yeah you could do a turntable. I have a Realistic Lab 400 and would like to see where it places. Thanks again.

[@viol999]

I presently own a Technics sa-600 and a Luxman r-117. I would like to eventually upgrade into a Pioneer or Marantz.

[@robertbrill9180]

I believe you had my Kenwood KR 9600 in your Top 10 Monster Receivers, and maybe that's the exception for the Brand. Why not try a Good + option for the ones you feel, don't quite make the next grade or Good - for something like Realistic? Get's the idea across without crowding in too many categories? Thanks for all of your videos, very helpful. I also enjoy how you qualify and explain, how opinions are 'open' to change. Experience as a learning process, and that you're open and willing to admit you were 'wrong' about a previous opinion or technical detail.

[@rotaxtwin]

I was just given an HK730 receiver that needs some love and wow, is it ever a beast. Very nicely laid out inside, quite serviceable. Had to chuckle over the names like Lloyd's, Soundesign etc. Poor old Realistic - I don't know who made their receivers but it would have been a Japanese manufacturer for sure. They were just stuck with the Radio Shack stigma but a lot of them I would be glad to own now.

[@bigaldallas]

HK A402 integrated good but just lost left channel for 3rd channel loss. not sure if I want to repair again as I did recap 5 yrs ago

[@triples4good]

Good list. I have to agree totally. I had a Soundesign stereo too when I was a kid. Played it to death….death by The James Gang. Went from there to a Pioneer SX 9000.

[@Reckhs]

Any plans to rank the 60s and some more tube focused videos?

[@Mustang-Mike]

I bought a JVC JR S300 MK II back in 1977. Still have it today. Only problem with unit is, I replaced the ‘blue’ lights’ That’s it.

[@edwinwise6751]

I had an Onkyo 100 watt per channel integrated amp driving a pair of 70s jbl L I00 ….. it was a great rig and loud when need be

[@jakepetri5624]

Love to hear your thoughts on the realistic sta-2100 not the 2100d

[@zman3238]

What do you think of Lafayette? That was my first silver face and it was pretty decent to me

[@jemsmay2167]

Not a bad list; where would you put Denon? FWIW I’d say Realistic is maybe the most variable on the list, some of their stuff was pretty good, some was really bad.

[@benvalencia7915]

Awesome seeing your Oilers hat!

[@ikejennings1154]

Nice video by ya skylabs audio..talk.all ya want too...im.diggin the retro buzz im getting from these very knowledgeable videos...thanx again..peace...lol..moo.looks like a kenwood audio dog...oh yeaah

[@gime3steps]

My opinion is that you are spot on, had one of those Soundesigns, , not even sure it made the poor list.

[@jeffwertz2953]

No Tandberg?? I had one in the late 70's. Fantastic mid-range receiver with some unique features.

[@mikaelhedqvist3876]

Early 1980 I had a NIKKO, a beauty and powerfull (2x90w) still miss it.