I TRIED EVERY VINTAGE RECEIVER... this was the BEST!

What's The Best Vintage Receiver? I HOOKED UP ALL THESE VINTAGE MONSTER RECEIVERS, TO FINALLY FIND OUT WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 VINTAGE RECEIVERS OF ALL TIME!
But I didn't do it just for me, I want you to tell me your top 5 in the comments!
For more of my content subscribe to / @thatguywiththebeard
Chapters
00:00 What's The Best Vintage Receiver?
00:46 Scott's HiFi Room
01:10 Hitachi SR-2004
02:01 Akai AA-1200
02:52 Fisher RS-1060
03:46 Sony STR-V7
04:49 Pioneer SX-1980
06:01 Sansui 9090
06:50 Kenwood KR-9600
07:40 Sansui G-8000
08:46 Toshiba SA-7100
09:30 Sanyo JCX 2900K
10:05 Pioneer SX-1250
10:49 Technics SA-800
11:40 Onkyo TX-8500
12:21 Sherwood S-9910
13:09 Marantz 2325
14:19 MCS 3125
15:10 Realistic STA-2100
16:00 Yamaha CR-2040
16:47 What Receivers & Speakers are we demoing
17:04 How we listen to multiple receivers at once
17:41 HiFi Room Tour
26:08 Speaker Room Tour
27:39 Pioneer HPM-100's
27:53 How to Repair Vintage Speaker Grills
29:19 SOUND DEMO
32:14 Top 5 Vintage Receivers w/Demo
34:00 Best Vintage Receiver

[@pi.actual]

Sansui 9090. I bought mine in Japan when I was 19 years old in the Navy. I had zero audiophile knowledge, I bought it simply based on how it looked with the twin white power meters and blue signal and tuning meters. I still have it.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Yes, such a great design and sound. Congrats on keeping it all these years!

[@Gord4well]

I too have a 9090, purchased when I was 17.... still kickin today. lol.

[@altodds]

Sansui is one of the best Amps in Japan

[@Sam-656]

I have the ugly Sansui Z9000, 120 watts/channel was good enough. It was back in 1982. At least it had an eq and push button tuner.

[@BBQDad463]

I am glad you got that puppy. I love hearing about servicemen (and women) who scored truly great stereo gear during their service.

[@huntinbuddy]

I have a Pioneer SX-1050, bought new in 1977....went thru college with me...drove 4 Altec A7's (voice of the theatre) for 30 years with it, still have the original box....and is still my daily user. Never had a problem with it. Everything on it still works like the day I bought it.

[@RadWorlock]

DAMN!

[@WilkinsonX]

Have you done any work or repairs on it?

[@huntinbuddy]

@@WilkinsonX No repairs. Have removed the cover a couple of times to air dust inside.

[@klausschreyer7062]

Altec A7 FN Rule My Dad had Custom made pair of A7 Marantz Tube Amps droved then very well Big Tight Bass and you don't need 1000 watts to Drive Altecs plus Big Ass Horns

[@ThresholdZhor]

Keep it, that is one of the top 5 best vintage receivers

[@jonlong5197]

I bought a Realistic STA-2000D in 1979. And 45 years later it still sounds fantastic. Not a bit of trouble.

[@patrickcoughlin-qj9uk]

Your sta 2000D is fostex if I remember they built a lot of receivers for radio shack .

[@moj0ryzin]

In 1978 my next door neighbor in Power Hall at LSU had a Sansui 9090 running through a pair of JBL Decade L36 speakers and I was so blown away by that sound that I never forgot it. 15 years ago I ran across a 9090 for sale locally and I bought it - best money I’ve ever spend on audio gear. I have the smaller two way JBL L26s and that sound still makes me smile every time I turn it on.

[@lomni02]

i had the Sansui G8000 w/ jbl L36 pure sound..

[@3henry214]

Sansui G-9000 here, it was left behind by a housemate that moved out many years ago. It sat on a shelf for 3 years and I was about to take that boat anchor to Goodwill to get rid of it, when a little voice in my head said "you'd better Google it first". I had no idea what I had and was absolutely dumbfounded when I learned that is held in very high regards by audiophiles. I hooked it up to my Klipsch Heresy II speakers and holly crap, I will always remember the moment when the big 60 pound Sansui put out the most glorious sound that I've ever heard from a piece of stereo equipment.

[@johnnyq1233]

Many years ago, I was the repair technician at the Audio Room in Peterborough, Ontario. I was certified by Yamaha, Oracle, Quad, NAD and a laundry list of exotic audio manufacturers. I worked on just about all these receivers and loved them all!!! We used to do a lot of comparison tests with different amps, receivers and speakers. The proper way to do an honest comparison is to set all tone controls to flat or defeat, no loudness and then set the listening spot with a db meter and white noise generator. My home unit was a Marantz 2252B, JBL L40s, Connoisseur BD-2 table(imported from the UK) and Empire 2000 cartridge. I probably had close to 1500 albums on a 4 shelf storage rack. Wished I had that all back as todays equipment is soo digital and not the same as those machines.

[@alisolouk7698]

What was the best high-quality audio amp?

[@johnytm8283]

May lsee your system?

[@AmericanPatriot1776AP]

I managed several Radio Shacks in the past. The Audio equipment was great. Rest In Peace Radio Shack. Gone, but never forgotten.

[@user-wl5wj3ho5x]

I still have my Realistic receiver and massive speakers I bought in 1972. Still sounds great. Just put a new cartridge in my Miracord turntable.

[@SteveDave29]

Would they have survived if they had stayed out of the malls??

[@berndm9743]

Way back in 1969 I bought the STA-120 and the Benjamin-Miracord Turntable (16/33/45/78rpm) and a pair of giant Optimus-3 speakers. Sadly the Sta120 died after about 20 years of use but the turntable and speakers still work like new. I also bought the Sony TC650 reel to reel tape deck but sold it when cassettes became popular. I loved the RS equipment.

[@jreed2k]

I had a Radio Shack system in college. I hope the burglar who took it enjoyed it.😊

[@johneggleston4189]

forever crushed i cannot go to the local rad shak to pick up that exact connector or cable i need. how could they do it? 😢

[@steveburke7675]

My first receiver purchase as a starving student in 1977 was a Yamaha CR 820. I have never since purchased anything even close in quality.

[@ckane510]

I remember going to the store to buy an Sansui 9090 but it was off the shelfs by 1979. Ended up getting the Sansui G7700 instead. I still have it and it works great!

[@blandrooker6541]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, there's nothing like the old analog audio gear from the 70s that led me to work in broadcasting and sound engineering for live bands. Still, it's amazing that all of those dial, knob, meter and button functions can now be found on a device that fits in your pocket.

[@PresidentSkroob12345]

My dad has a Sansui 9090 that he bought new in 1977. It still works great. In high school I had it in my room with a pair of Advent Legacys. That was a stomper of a combo, perfect for a teenager.

[@The101stEagle]

Glad to see mine made the top 10 coming in at #7, Kenwood's KR=9600. I have thoroughly enjoyed this amp since purchased new. The only down side is the actual power switch that will need to be replaced after a few years due to the power used. To get by this, just put the receiver on a heavy switched power block. Bought mine in 1977, service checked and cleaned about every 10 years. Phenomenal product.

[@williampotter2098]

I have a Kenwood 9100. Decades ago one of the channels quit. I took it to one shop and he said he couldn't fix it because he couldn't get the parts. I took it to another place after buying a donor amp which didn't have the wood case. That guy didn't say why but didn't fix it after months. Money isn't really an issue but darn it! I want it fixed! Any advice on finding a decent shop? I'm near San Francisco.

[@davefox8948]

The Marantz 2500 was the centerpiece of my system for over 15 years. It boasted 250 watts per channel with 005% distortion. I sold it for big money when I moved to a surround system. A decision I’ve regretted for many years. It played as clean and open as any power system I’ve owned since. And the value has tripled since I sold mine. If you haven’t seen one you should look it up. This was a 70lb monster that included a built in oscilloscope and a semi parametric equalizer. It was the Holy Grail of receivers in 1980!

[@smigletat9634]

Yeah man!! Looks like they are going for well north of $3k per unit...😳

[@davefox8948]

@@smigletat9634 The last one I saw on a vintage hifi site about a year ago sold for over $7000. They were rare when I picked mine up second hand way back in ‘88 for few hundos and I though the 2k got for it in ‘05 was pretty good.

[@odysseus521]

Loved the Marantz. I purchased the 2385 back in 75. Performed strong it's entire life. Had it recently reconditioned 100% and l continue to listen to it pump into my Altec lansing model 14's. Friends come over and we party with this receiver, Marantz phono and Cassette player. Still kept in absolute mint condition. Love the Marantz. Marantz forever !

[@chevyno1740]

I have a Sansui 9090 that I bought broken, bought a daughterboard replacement and it is again kicking. I do not have much experience with all these amps, but I knew a winner when I saw it. Glad it made your #2! I think the sound quality is absolutely amazing.

[@tima.478]

I have the Sx-1980 and even I have to side with you. That 9090 sounds best of them all, to me!

[@BobO-ps1py]

Surprised you overlooked the excellent vintage Onkyo receivers. My TX7000 was one of the best sounding receivers available in 1980. Bench tested, and praised by by several hifi writers of the day. The digital tuner was, and remains exceptional. Often overlooked, as in your review, but a serious contender to be sure.

[@Geoduck.]

Onkyo made some very fine sounding audio gear.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Onkyo features at 11:50

[@414s4]

My onkyo sounds incredible.

[@LordSamuelJ]

He overlooked a lot of great receivers. Oh well, I guess we got to learn even more about the big three manufactors.

[@olddavid4]

I've owned every solid state receiver extant. With high efficiency speakers the Marantz 18 is the best. With anything of less than 95db per watt you are correct. Your channel does excellent work and I thank you.

[@StealthParrot]

For me there was something special about the sound of the Sansui 9090, it seemed to have warmth and detail that the others didn't except perhaps your number one the Pioneer SX-1980. I also love the look of the Sansui. All pretty cool receivers.

[@billdaverne9389]

I had, and still have a Pioneer SX-780 that has been a faithful companion since brand-new purchase in London, Ontario in late 1978. Always delivered. And still does. Probably needs a good cleaning and some bits replaced as it has powered many speakers over the years and at high volume. Still love it. Thanks for this. Ready to watch now.

[@paulbalogh4582]

My father had/has a Marantz 2270. Was at the lake house & was in rough shape from so much humidity. Had it rebuilt to the tune of $750+. I now have a fantastic piece of my families history in my home.

[@johndabek58]

I have a 2270. Needs a little work but still cranks

[@svenubik8968]

An incredible collection of vintage equipment. Thank you for the nice presentation of them. Just something shivers inside me when I see the way that you turn the switches on those machines. They are vintage, they deserve a bit of sensitivity.

[@mindtekzone]

I use to repair all of these machines when they were new in the 1970's. Most of them looked and sounded alike. My favorites were Pioneer, Sansui and Marantz. Loved the features but the best test of performance was to place the speaker outputs under an 8 ohm static load with an audio frequency input... use an oscilloscope to look at the output waveform and measure the power output in RMS on a meter. I would run the frequency through the audio spectrum and make sure that there was no distortions or drop offs under specific frequencies. CAUTION! If you short the speaker wires at the output terminals in the back you run the risk of burning up the power output transistors, even if there are fuses. I replaced many power output transistors, diodes and resistors in all of these machines because of this factor. Nice video.

[@yambo59]

One important note on this era of receivers, most had real wood mostly walnut cabinets, most all the front control panels were thick extruded aluminum, on most the knobs were solid aluminum, the dial had real glass in it, and most of the old tuning knobs had heavy flywheels inside and were smooth as liquid -- one spin of the solid aluminum knob would send the tuning indicator gliding halfway across the dial. My favorites were the larger 80 series Pioneers from the SX980 I had on up, built like tanks with solid audio specs they actually exceeded, I always wanted an SX-1980 but I never could come up with the $1,500 retail price.

[@raygarafano3633]

Greetings, Yup the SX850 and 950 had a glass tuning dial cover. These are Great receivers, so much better than new audio, I bring mine in for maint every couple of years. Built in the 70's an still going strong and such a pleasure to look at, must have been an industrial artist who designed these.

[@SilverRailClub]

My top vintage receiver, which I purchased new in 1981 and still have today, is the Kenwood 9G. It's massive size, yet elegant design, with stainless brushed faceplate and large glass tuning window, combined with knobs and switches that have just the right 'feel' to them when used, plus the walnut veneer cabinetry all combine to make a great looking centerpiece to my stereo tower. It has a preamplifier section that can handle 3 sets of speakers, two headphone outs, has inputs for two turntables, two tape decks, aux (CD), microphone input with audio mixing capabilities, AM/FM, with FM Dolby, triple tone control which can be by-passed, and a timer which can turn off the unit and other audio components which are plugged into it. It was conservatively rated at 80 watts continuous per channel into 8 ohms, but its dynamic range and peak power output can easily handle up to 300 watts. What really makes it my top pick however is that even though I've owned it now for over 40 years, and it has delivered perfect musical performance while playing anything and everything, aside from some occasional cleaning of the knobs and switches, the 9G has required ZERO repairs, not even needing a light bulb, in all the many years I've owned it! That makes it an incredible value for the money I spent to purchase it way back then. In fact, I liked this reciever so much, that I bought a second one, a few years later when I found it availalble at a local pawn shop off base. I still have them both, and they still sound perfect. PJM

[@robblackwell1618]

Just sick !!! In a good away !!! I'm salivating over this video . Super!!. Thanks !!

[@jamesrevell6475]

If I won the lottery I would pay this guy a visit. Nothing on the market today interests me. What this guy has is pure gold.

[@jansjoblad2361]

Pay attention to the YAMAHA A-S 2200, it can give you a nostalgic kick, a superior one.

[@richardportis7332]

In high school, I had a 40w Yamaha receiver, B&O turntable and the earlier Polk 7s. Sounded great! I didn’t need a whole lot of punching power, hence to me the Yamaha sounded great at comfortable listening volumes.

[@picklerix6162]

40 watts is all you need.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Yamaha with their "Natural Sound" stereo imaging is second to none imo.

[@obibaddad1991]

I sold Yamaha in the late 70's. They bested every other line we matched them up against.

[@honiideslysses12]

My dad had the Marantz 2325 back in the seventies and I remember that beautiful blue glow as a kid.

[@curtiscroulet8715]

I usually had separates. The only receiver I ever owned was the Kenwood KR-9600. I went to a Pacific Stereo "sale" around 1978. I fell in love with the pretty lights. I owned 4 ohm speakers (Allison Three), and Kenwood was one of the few receiver manufacturers to publish a 4 ohm power rating, and to have 4 ohm power that significantly exceeded the 8 ohm power.

[@user-wf4fv4oc1h]

I remember Pacific Stereo in Mt. View. I bought my Technics turntable there.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

I bought my Kenwood 8010 from Pacific Stereo. It rocked. Used it for DJing before I could afford pro audio gear. Mic input on the front and two turntables and tape monitors. Glad I had the extra warranty. Blew it up several times. Not sure what they did the last time they fixed it. Never blew again. (was a bit more careful bought some watt meters). Still like my Yamaha CR-820, I know it's not a Monster receiver, but it sounds great and I don't crank stuff to much any more. My biggest receiver now is a Yamaha R-100 100WPC I bought it in 1986 to replace my 8010. It is digital and has a remote control, but sounds excellent. Use my McIntosh separates mostly now anyway...

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

The Pioneer SX-1250 is the heart of my system. There are many, but this one is just...dope. Mainly because it was my fathers all through my childhood and all my favorite albums were listened for the first time through it and it's just so familiar. Boston More Than A Feeling, ACDC Back in Black, Aerosmith Toys in the Attic...so many iconic sounds.

[@davidgangemi3314]

I love my 1250. And it blows all the rest away. Including the 1980 because apart from more wattage that you don't need and the nicer bells and whistles,the 1250 just sounds warmer and more discreet than Marantz which is too subdued yet warm and clear and those godawful Sansui's. Those receivers are a bit too ice picky . At least all the high end models I've heard.

[@madtater5948]

for me it's exact opposite my 1250 is at the bottom of my list at the top of the list is my sansui g-9000 and then tied to that one is the project 16-5 and then just under that is my Technics 5670 and last is the 1250 they've all been rebuilt but the 1250 to me just doesn't have the bass.

[@garytoddvolquardts126]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@davidgangemi3314 strongly disagree with you on Sansui but I do love the pioneer 1250. I’ve got the G-7500 and I bought it based off the sound alone. I had no experience with them but bought it based on blind testing. But to each there own. In my opinion it’s hard to go wrong with the 70’s receivers. There are some bad ones but most properly serviced sound amazing. But I’m biased as I grew up with the sound. My main system is new McIntosh separates with a mix of vintage. But my work room has almost all 70’s equipment. With couple exceptions mainly being some carver amps that I like for the power vs price. The only thing I’m missing is a nice set of vintage 70’s speakers. Most of my work room speakers are 80’s Cerwin Vega. But I’m hoping I score a nice set but I need to find a place to listen to the different vintage speakers. Do you have a favorite vintage speaker ?

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

@@madtater5948 Look, there is no right/wrong choice on this topic. Just the variations in musical taste will vastly affect the choice of equipment. Nothing is in a vacuum. Your beloved G-9000 may sound like shit with different speakers, or amp, or turntable or tape deck or any combination of the former. Or, listening to classical music it may sound excellent, but with bluegrass it doesn't. And what sounds good with my ear/brain may be horrible to your ear/brain. You find what works for YOUR taste and you live and let live.

[@madtater5948]

@@valuedhumanoid6574 you're right there's a lot of variables none of them sound bad

[@aammdj]

I'll never see or own most of these in my lifetime but I do own a fully restored SX1050, SX1080, and a 9090db, so I am familiar with those sound signatures and characteristics. My personal favorite is the 9090db followed by the 1050 and then the 1080. As much as I LOVE the look of the 1080, it just doesn't satisfy (sound wise) as much as the 1050 or the 9090. It's very bright sounding and does not process bass as well as the other 2. The tuner in the 1080 is nothing short of magnificent. It pulls in stations (from as far as 60 miles away) incredibly well and delivers crystal-clear reception.

[@matthiasmartin1975]

Wow, I am just blown away by all the beautiful faceplates. I knew the 70s receivers were the best looking pieces of equipment ever made, after all I grew up with one of them, but i've never seen them all in one short video, well done! Also, I've never heard a demonstration of the different sound characteristics - it's obviously a bit silly because it's in a tiny room with no speaker placement at all and involving unknown microphones and all that, but still.... The amazing thing about 70s hifi is that it was quasi affordable. There is still breathtakingly beautiful equipment being made, but today that is exclusive to the high-end market, so for amplifiers that is from 5k bucks upwards with no limit. Or maybe I'm kidding myself, with inflation that would easily be equivalent to todays rarified high-end market prices. After all the whole market segment retracted into the high-end, since normies no longer have hi-fi.

[@allenhay4811]

I ❤ those old vintage recievers. I use to have one My Dad gave Me and evry Party Me and Friends threw. We always used My old reciever and a Badass pair tower speakers I had. Man I miss that setup.

[@michellevey9608]

I have many receivers. Quite a few monsters included. Honestly, of them all the Sanyo may be my favorite. It really is just great in every way. A true joy to show and use! A Craigslist find too. Great video!

[@user-hi7qo4jy4e]

I agree!

[@danmarjenka6361]

I thought the Sanyo sounded good too.

[@mrfightgreg]

The Sansui QRX-9001 is the only piece of audio equipment that I will never part with. It's magical, and I am guessing the 9090 is similar. Hard to tell on KZbin. I have had many Pioneer receivers and they are also fantastic. I have kept the 939, 3700 and the 737. I am looking out for a 1010 in mint condition.

[@Chrisicola]

Really enjoyed the video. Some great looking, vintage receivers.

[@Bobcat9]

We had the HPM100 in our house with (I forget the receiver model) but it was a Pioneer 125w I think. Dad spent thousands on it in the 70s. Absolutely stunning, house rattling, tremendous volume. I have modern Yamaha digital equipment now, and it's just not the same.

[@thomasperina2990]

My monster vintage receiver is the Kenwood KR 9600 HANDS DOWN !!!!!! GREAT VIDEO GUYS, TMP FROM N.J. 😊😊😊

[@scottnokes]

I had the Pioneer SX-1250 as #3, but the Sansui 9090 is easily #2, and it looks and sounds great. I purchased a mostly non-functional Pioneer SX-1980 about 10 years ago for about $2K, and Jeff at Pacific Stereo did a complete restoration on it about 6 years ago, including a new and improved power supply section and on/off relay circuit. I was a bit of a skeptic about all the hype, but when I got it back from Jeff, it looked awesome, and completely blew me away with its powerful, clean and nuanced sound. Is the Pioneer SX-1980 the best receiver ever made? In my opinion, yes. Professionally restored units are now selling for north of $10K, which is insane. Nonetheless, the SX1980 is the only receiver that I will never, ever, sell - unless someone makes me an offer that I can't refuse.

[@carlcampbell6827]

@scottnokes - Ah yes - Pacific Stereo. It probably was not the same outfit you are referring to, but in SF Bay Area Pacific Stereo was a very cool outfit. They went out of business long ago. They had sales and close outs of real good components there at prices you could not refuse. It was a cinch to build awesome systems for very little cash. I would help friends that were not techy put together real nice budget systems. In addition to Pacific there were lots of cool higher line and very expensive boutique type audiophile shops back then.

[@alwayssummerrochambeau]

Scott A457. This thing was a beast. Never blew, solid design, good looking. My grandfather worked for Phillips and was a stereo system addict. I inherited his Scott system and I used it during my younger DJ days (we are talking about early hip hop, Italo and Chicago house). The system is still alive till this day.

[@user-de5gl5rb5w]

I have been having lots of receivers over the years. NAD has always been delivering. But my favourite set up was mod90 with heybrook hb1 and a subwoofer. What a great vintage sound.

[@onsenkuma1979]

The NAD 7080 from '78 was a fantastic receiver. I purchased this in '80 with a set of New Advents and it remained at the centre of my system until about 2003. It needs servicing (probably including re-capping) but is in excellent cosmetic condition.

[@joeygonzo]

NAD are just kinda flat sounding to me. Like Yamaha and Onkyo

[@kendallevans4079]

Had those same Advents and really loved them! Tight sound and the cabinets were much better than the standard speaker "box"

[@danpatterson6937]

NAD for the win! Yes to re-cap, use tantalum

[@ebaysnipa]

Y’all just did an amazing service to this community with this test, (thanks to the man that put this together) This potentially will save years and money to lots of people, 👍🏽

[@chuckgrenci6404]

I have an SX 737 Pioneer, bought in 1975 (I think); still in use and since it's been long time paid for, sounds terrific; never bothered to upgrade or replace.

[@LordSamuelJ]

I have one too. Its a nice reciever. I put it back in the rotation recently and enjoy it quite a bit

[@markmarco2880]

The Carver. I coupled it with the Carver pre-amp and an equalizer, in the mid-1980’s. I had so much fun with that gorgeous machine. The tuner was spectacular, thought to be the best in the biz…It took 30 years for the transistors to start breaking down. You made me miss it all over again. I also had Polk speakers…ah, you got me again!

[@BenJammin77]

What an incredible collection of high end equipment this gentleman has put together. I bought a low 22 watt Marantz, with 4-way speakers, and a Sony turntable, back in 1979. Cost around five hundred bucks, which was difficult to scrape together for a twenty year old. But it sounded fantastic to me. The thing I miss the most about all that great audio equipment, was the radio stations that you could listen to, and the amount of great record albums of country and rock, that was put out during the 60's-80's.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mrbubbarosa]

I bought a 4 channel Marantz (20w/chan) in 1975..with 4 Sansui Sp-3700 speakers (not available in the USA) and a Garrand Zero 100 turntable... Wish I still had those speakers.. sold the whole thing and got a Sansui 9090 and Bose 901's Series II and a pair of Dual 601 turntables, which I still have

[@johnfransua5507]

What do I do if my Yamaha RX-V567 says decoder is off?

[@doctaber2213]

Ahhhh. The 70s. When men were men and they sold great audio by the pound.

[@doctaber2213]

​@@johnfransua5507turn it on? Not a fan of the new black featureless boxes.

[@basthalie]

Great receiver collection, dream stuff... Being a Luxman fan I miss the R1120 (or a R1500) in the test, maybe not the most massive receiver of his day (120W) but the sound quality is up with the best. Love the Sansui 9090.

[@haroldpowers245]

A friend has a Marantz 2385. It is a beast. Pots are still a bit dirty after being cleaned and would cuts out the output sometimes. Sounded pretty good driving my KLH Model 5's. Base seemed very tight. Any idea as to its value? Other than superficial cleaning it hasn't been touched for many years.

[@chuxtuff]

Boy this brings back a LOT of memories!! I was in Germany in the USAF from 1974 to 1976. In our barracks Marantz amps were very popular, I had one too. Marantz speakers Imperial 7's four of those, an Acai reel to reel, a Technics turntable and a Teac cassette deck. The best speakers I ever heard there were the JBL L-100's with the Moody Blues on the turntable. WOW!! I sold the reel to reel as I never used it and the Marantz went POOF and that was that. My only regret?? I wish I had bought a Rolex watch while I was there too...

[@Deerkurt]

STA-2100. I love my 2100D due to its defined bass. I loved the Sansui 9090 and the Sanyo sound as well.

[@junkcollector93]

My Sansui 7070 that my dad gave me is definitely my favorite. Got it hooked up to a Philips 212 with a AT lab XII-s cart and some JBL L19s. Makes vinyl so much better. I've had Onkyos, sherwoods, kenwoods, pioneers and many others but this old 7070 sounds the best to my ears, even sounds better than some of the 8080 and 9090 ive heard, dont know why that is.

[@DudsMotorShop]

I miss the Phase Linear system I had in the mid 70's from a high-end audio store that was going out of business; it was their demo system. That system could shake a three-story farmhouse...

[@rubevaughn]

My dad had an SX1980 with the big dahlquist. He would later move onto a Carver amp setup with kefs. But my favorite receivers were the nakamichis around 1988. This is before they tried to go mainstream. They were so clean and yet so warm. I never heard anything I liked better.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Pioneer SX-1010, was the only monster receiver I owned. After that, I moved to Marantz Separates 3600 / 140. Great vid. Love seeing all the 70s components. I also now have Sansui 5000, Nikko 7075.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

SX-1010 was oddly enough missing from this one. Thanks for watching!

[@stevezeidman7224]

@@JustAudioHiFi I thought so too. He seems to be a late 70s guy.

[@bacarandii]

I have a similar big Nikko (8085), but I think I like my modest NR-615 even more. It's pretty, too.

[@stevezeidman7224]

I lost track of the NR series but always liked Nikko. My first receiver was a STA 4030 in ‘72. I had a 65 in 76 I think. It’s funny how they did those 60-8085. 60 had push buttons, 70 had levers switches, 80 had levers. All modestly powered but lots of headroom. I thought they were really underrated.

[@killerta87]

I absolutely love Sansui 7070 models and the 790 variant. Not the most expensive or rare but they are nice to me

[@jeffspicolli593]

I had a couple Pioneer recievers (SX 650, SX 737) back in the 70's, loved them both.

[@stevenperry7493]

Thanks for the review guys ,I’ve got a Harman Kardon Three Thirty which thrown out with the rubbish ,took it home & works well ,it’s now 20 yrs old . Suffolk England .😊

[@beagssss1]

I liked the Sansui 9090 with the loudness on, lol. The Pioneer was a very close second and the Maranz third.

[@graciefolden2359]

I own the Marantz 2325 ( I collect old Marantz equipment) and I also had the Sony STR V4, which has a great tuner, when I was a young teen but I really liked the sound of the Sansui 9090.

[@SteveHermeyer]

I bought a Marantz 2325 brand new in 1974. Regret selling it last year, and would definitely buy one again. Now looking at vintage Yamaha receivers with the two turntable inputs. Great video!

[@chrislong3938]

KR-9600 - I had one in the Army in the '70s and found another several years ago. Replaced the panel lights with LEDs which really brighten up the panel for my old eyes! It sounds perfect with my Klipsch speakers!

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Nice! Thanks for contributing!!

[@rwhealthy]

this was such a cool video. I would want them all. I have a pioneer sx-d7000 with vandersteen speakers (original). I know, not quite the quality you hear here, but I just added an sg-2 a rverb and the pioniier equalizer. Can't wait to see how it will improve my listening experience

[@patrickcoughlin-qj9uk]

I wanted the the sx d 7000 but Got the sx d 5000 80 watts per side at 8 ohm . Not bad .

[@kindface]

Back in Southeast Asia in the 70s, brands like Sanyo and Sharp were considered very accessible mid-budget Japanese home stereo brands ("hifi" was not a term that really existed yet back in those days) while Sansui, Marantz and Akai occupied the top end. In those days, Sony was kind of in between those two groups. Pioneer - usually associated with a punchy bass - together with Technics (stablemate of white goods maker National, the name by which Panasonic were known back then) and JVC, only came to the fore in the Asian market in the 80s and all three shared the positioning led by Sony, which was just a tad shy of the Sansui and Akai brands for home stereo systems. But of course, Sony, beginning in the late 70s started to leverage their Walkman reputation and by the 80s started to get the "hifi" world's attention.

[@rebelliousreptile7336]

I would kill for a wiring diagram for that custom selector box, I'm having the exact same problem ATM and love the design.

[@garytoddvolquardts126]

I was thinking the same same thing !!

[@lowjack71]

My Dad bought the Radio Shack STA 2100. I have it now. I've added to it since I got it. I'm sending to Just Audio to go over the unit. I've enjoyed it for many years.

[@Bulletguy07]

Best hi-fi purchase I made was a Pioneer PL 12-D which sold here in UK in mid 70s for £12.50 ($15.88). I remember all the hi-fi magazines raving about it and puzzling over how Pioneer could turn out a quality deck at such a low price. I see now they are collectable and sell for silly money on ebay!

[@RedSinter]

I virtually agree with you...on overall choices, but I still prefer the 9090. 😂 I have an 8080 non Db and it is according to identical the only exception being the power supply. I too was surprised by the Toshiba they all choices wise were good the 1980 and the Sansui are my picks for polar opposite reasons, but I'd be adjusting them both closer to a center line. The, to me, Pioneer was forward in the upper mids and highs where as the Sansui was more neutral. The Toshiba was brighter across the spectrum but still even in it's presentation. The Marantz was also my 5th Choice it too had a broad neutral approach highs, mids, and bass all in the same plane clean clear, but neither forward or laid back. I guess 😂 I'd say I like the warm hug I get From the Sansui. But as I have a 2245 when I get it in the shape I want I don't doubt I'll like it just as well. I picked up the two Controls needing replacement next the Black FP and the final being the Black Ash case unless I find a Black Lacquer that is only one arm instead of two expensive.

[@brucestanley9656]

I sold many brands back the Golden Age. My picks are: 1.Tandberg 2. Marantz 3. Yamaha 4. Luxman 5.Carver

[@djordjelezajic8435]

@brucestanley9656 Discreet circuits will beat run of the mill, mass production receivers every time.I bought Onkyo receiver in ' '93, because I could not afford Harman Kardon.

[@eversway7540]

You have to have the model number for the brand.

[@eversway7540]

You don’t have to have a monster receiver to have a best sounding receiver. Its all in the synergy concerning components.

[@jamesmcdaniel1665]

I ran a Tandberg 2080 for 30 years with Dahlquist DQ-10s and an amazing ADS sub with a crossover. Amazing set up. Probably the best tuner section in any receiver.

[@paralyse78]

1250 and any big Sansui will never disappoint. I have owned lots of Marantz and Pioneer gear but I really miss my Sansui most of all! Nowadays I have a Mac MR71 Modafferi/MC240 combo that sounds amazing but the Sansui is still one of the best I have ever owned. It could easily overdrive cheap speakers and blow out cones. I do love to shock people with the "only" 40 wpc MC240 and its tubes - which absolutely destroys a lot of modern amps/receivers claiming to have 3 or more times that much rated power, in both SPL and SPQ.

[@williamdenton5716]

Wow Dude, being able to switch between receivers like that, to compare sound characteristics from unit to unit.... THAT'S about the coolest thing I have ever seen !

[@danbreuner1260]

I have the highly underrated Kenwood 9600 which I bought new in 1976. It runs my 4 JBL L100's without breaking a sweat. Very conservative 160 watt rating that I had bench tested and was actually putting out over 210 per channel.

[@jesse75]

I had that reciever. Was in a dumpster. Had a dirty volume pot. Didn't sound as good as a 9090. Also the reciever has no subsonic filter. If you run a turntable, woofer flutters. Sold it for $500 bucks.

[@janijoeli]

I recapped and serviced a KR-9600 for a mate. It's a real nightmare to work on, but man does it sound spectacular in all aspects when in good working order, and push so much clean power you can shatter your entire house with it if you wish to do so. Even at low volumes it commanded my B&O Beovox MS150s (biggest and arguably the best speakers B&O ever made) in ways that no other receiver has done before and after, all while sounding absolutely divine.

[@MrBonez208]

It does have a subsonic eq filter. I use a direct drive brushless table with hydro fluid dampening platter also the table and legs. The phono input on the kenwood has a isolation transformer in the circuit to isolate it or to lift from ground. Or you can ground it to the table of the phonograph. It’s a balanced input. But some tables are unbalanced and this is where the problem comes from. Also parasitic oscillation and harmonic flutter can be picked up by the phono cartridge itself from the motor. If it’s a belt drive? You must ground the chassis and the static off the belt with a wire static brush on the belt. Better belt drive phonograph tables have this. To @jesse75 I’d try and recommend another phonograph table for the kenwood!

[@MrBonez208]

@@jesse75 It does have a subsonic eq filter. I use a direct drive brushless table with hydro fluid dampening platter also the table and legs. The phono input on the kenwood has a isolation transformer in the circuit to isolate it or to lift from ground. Or you can ground it to the table of the phonograph. It’s a balanced input. But some tables are unbalanced and this is where the problem comes from. Also parasitic oscillation and harmonic flutter can be picked up by the phono cartridge itself from the motor. If it’s a belt drive? You must ground the chassis and the static off the belt with a wire static brush on the belt. Better belt drive phonograph tables have this. To @jesse75 I’d try and recommend another phonograph table for the kenwood!

[@jesse75]

@@MrBonez208 if it does, must have a gradual slope. Example. Sansui BA 3000 has a designated subsonic filter. Has a sharp cut off frequency. Works very good. The Kenwood should have incorporated this into their reciever. Poor sounding, lack of features and functions. That's why I got rid of it. Some reviews state audio enthusiast are changing the poorly designed circuit.

[@AudiophileTubes]

I love my SX-780 and Polk 10's! Still working perfectly!

[@jmad627]

I have one as well and love it.

[@martyjewell5683]

At one point in your video (27:47) I see a pair of (what look like) EPI-100's. Nice to see they made it into the collection. I'd say they were the best (most accurate?) inexpensive (cheap?) speakers of the early to late 1970's. Years back I did read that Hitachi components were built "in-house" with all components being Hitachi made products. That influenced my SR-804 receiver purchase in 1979 and it's still my main amp today. High Fidelity magazine had an in-depth "glowing" review of the SR-2004 in a 1980 issue. Confirming that the claimed (short term) 3dB's of headroom did, in fact, exist. That's 400wpc. Enough power to impress, if not annoy, the neighbors. Kudos for a really boss video.

[@barneyfyfe8313]

Wow! This video took me back to the 70's- 80's when NYC was filled with stereo shops. I still have the Kenwood KR-8050 I bought from Crazy Eddie's in 1979.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Nice! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed

[@cpiscopo1]

The only receiver in this group I have ever owned is the Marantz 2325 which I bought locally about twelve years ago. During that time I migrated to Marantz separates (preamp/power amp/tuner) and sold off several of their receivers but not the 2325. I just can't bring myself to sell it. It is in perfect cosmetic and operating condition and sounds as close to the separates as possible so I decided to keep this one because I'm sure I will one day regret selling it.

[@Steezy76]

I have a Pioneer SX-1080 that I had re capped a couple years ago with larger caps in certain spots. I would love to get a 1280 or 1980 but dang the prices have gone to the moon. Should have gotten a 1980 5+ years ago.

[@shumphrey9121]

Have had, and still have many of the receivers your showing. But my favorite is the Marantz 2500 and the 2385 is also an excellent choice. 2325 and 2330 are very similar. No mention of the big Rotels which are stunners. But thanks for the KZbin. Good stuff !

[@jb678901]

Love my Hitachi's: two SR-903's, 1 SR804, and 1 SR503L. The last one is used the most as it sits on my desk with a Marantz EQ-20. All of them are fully functional, with the MINT 503L having been fully revised prior to my purchase (only US$140!!!!). The SR804 ($61) was also revised and upgraded with LED lighting...the only issue was with the aged black vinyl veneer, which I removed and replaced with a high quality wood grain vinyl. Both SR-903's are pristine...one has been modded with LED lighting and both are vinyl-wrapped in glossy burled walnut. One sits in the family room and is wonderful sounding with plenty of power (75W per channel with 160W per channel peak power). I am feeding it with a DAC from PC. These Hitachi's are all keepers and because they tend to fly under the radar, I never paid more than $154 for the most expensive unit. Still pinching myself over these local finds.

[@duvd305]

Great video! All are great receivers in there own ways. Sound preference can be very different person to person, but agree the top five listed seem to give the most “punch” at a stock or unadjusted level. Listening to my Technics SA-800 this AM and with a few tone adjustments, it sounds pretty darn sweet!

[@user-hi7qo4jy4e]

Cool!

[@michellevey9608]

Not a monster certainly, but my Technics SA-505 is another of my favorites. A true sleeper!

[@gratefultube]

In the early 1970s, I used to go into a Pacific Stereo store in North Hollywood, California. So much good stuff !!

[@jeffreydavison8031]

I had a fisher quadraphonic in 1971 with Jensen four-way speakers. sounded amazing

[@BarnabyBarry]

Realistic-most receivers had “auto”tuning- most I could afford and there had stores everywhere -loved hanging out and talking with sales staff-they would have most receivers-speakers-turntables on the shelf-always had monthly sales-loved police scanners , cb and shortwave radios!

[@JustAudioHiFi]

I loved scanners as a kid! There's nothing like listening in on the neighbors phone calls haha

[@mr.george7687]

Amazing receiver collection. Everything looks brand new!

[@user-hi7qo4jy4e]

Thanks! A lot of time spent removing knobs and faceplates for deep cleaning!

[@carlcampbell6827]

It sure was a blast being a low profile working man audiophile back in the day. We would assemble and set up fantastic components all made in Japan for not a lot of money. There were steals that were put on sale at stereo shops you could snap up. Friends and guests would be blow away by the gorgeous silver components and powerful and pure sound.

[@andrewpipitone1572]

This is an insane review for all the receivers. Peeps would not realize just how valuable the review would be. Any one of these units would be great. But to be able to pick form this priceless :+)

[@truthvsopinion]

Very interesting vintage roundup. Would like to have seen McIntosh and Tandberg receivers, considered high-end during this era, included in this comparison.

[@clayplaysguitar7731]

Still using a Tandberg 2080. Tough to beat.

[@andershammer9307]

@clayplaysguitar7731 I used to fix stereo receivers for a living and my favorites for sound quality were the Tandbergs. I own a 2045.

[@user-xg5jy3fs1y]

I own a super rare optonica sa 5905, only made for one year 1979 to 1980.125 wpc 1hz to 200khz and a damping factor of 1000. Described in its reveiws as beyond high end.i am very lucky to have found it. And sounds so good with my polk sda 1,and monitor tens.

[@madtater5948]

I also have the same 5901 and the blackface 5905 they both sound great not sure if they're the best sounding 120 watt receiver that I own

[@barroncrist5779]

I've had numerous quad receivers from 1971-72. I had a Sansui QR-6500 with a built in cd-4 decoder. It also had QS and SQ matrix decoders for playing backnquad records. The cd-4 decoder andca special Shibata stylus were needed to play Quadradisc records. The receiver cost me about $300 thru the post exchange on the military base in Japan. It sold for much more stateside. I don't care much for receivers today because everything (bass and treble) are small buttons. I have an Onkyo receiver with Dolby Atmos. It also has phono inputs in the back.

[@nordland2235]

I love my Marantz 2275...its the one that was in the stereo magazines add that was in a fire and it still worked.......mine still works and sounds like the day I bought it.

[@luckytech7186]

First thing to say, I kept waiting for the owner of these amazing receivers to 'smack your hand away' as you were flipping the switches and turning all the knobs. lol. Second thing is i agree with your picks 100% . I have owned a Realistic 2100D for about 5 years and was blown away when i finally got a Pioneer sx-1250. I also went back to listen to the Sanyo and was surprised at the sound from this underdog. I have been patiently waiting for the right pair of HPM 100's to come my way. someday.....love these vids.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thanks! I make em sign a waiver... just kidding. Thanks for contributing!

[@user-hi7qo4jy4e]

Ha! No, Lenny had my complete confidence while turning the knobs and pushing the buttons. Scott Griffith

[@roguesquatch1]

My stereo tech has told me a few times that it's good practice to move those knobs and switches regularly to help avoid dust from accumulating. But I will concede that it does look like a little kid messing with stuff he shouldn't touch!

[@garytoddvolquardts126]

I had the same reaction ! Even though I know he had permission and it’s good for them to be turned and flipped etc. But I couldn’t help it , I don’t let people touch my gear. I let them listen but no touching.

[@user-ft9ug6iz3h]

Don't say 'No' to a set of HPM-60's. If you run across a set, don't say no. They are the best kept secret in vintage pioneer speakers and should be able to be had for under $350.00. Someday, you will think back and say to yourself, "Jeesh, I never met that guy on youtube who told me to get a set (Or at least not to overlook) of HPM-60's, but boy am I glad I followed his advice. PS, I own, 40's, (OK), 60''s (Effin amazing) 100's 100 watt versions (Very Nice) and HPM-150's (Holy Grail and they too don't get the credit they deserve. Good luck.

[@patricknicolucci5073]

Lenny for me is the top 5 I sold most of these brands #1Marantz 2325 #2 Sansui G-8000 #3 Yamaha CR-2040 #4 Pioneer SX-1980 (the big one! ) #5 Sherwood S-9910 I own Sherwood a integrated AMP love Sherwood 's sound.

[@roguesquatch1]

Absolutely love the Sherwood sound. I've got the 8910 and 9910 and my GF says they sound better than all the Sansuis Pioneer, Marantz and Yamaha gear we've got and that's coming from a symphony musician (principal flute over 20 years).

[@andrewdillard2428]

Back in 1974 at Service Merchandise I got the Sony 15 watt per channel with the Maranze G5 Ported 8 inch rubber surround and pizo electric tweeter. They are still sounding smooth. The plastic Garrard automatic turntable with the pickering worked well with the needle was great for a country boy of 15 in South Ga. listening to the Chicago 1st double album. Amazing!

[@marknaegele1726]

I picked up a Pioneer SX - 5590 in 1978. It is the same as the SX - 1250 you show, but with a black face. I paired it with JBL 4311B speakers. (the amps power exeds the speaker rating so power meters were a must) point is distortion increases with volume. so by having a big amp you get less distortion at moderit volume that would equate to high volume on a smaller amp. The SX - 5590 now is with my son. (and the JBL 4311b's). He also Prizes them highly.

[@RitchieCaron]

I knew the 9090 had the loudness on lol. I grew up on the Sansui 551 and that's exactly what It sounded like. Over all I think the Onkyo had the smoothest most balanced sound.

[@donrumgay5200]

There is just something about the “brighter” sound that you get from Technics Receivers that appeals to my hearing…(i still have and use a Technics SA-404 for my home setup).

[@timcorner2821]

I have the little Technics SA-5070 and love the sound

[@bacarandii]

I took a chance on a 40-wpc Technics SA-303 (1980-81 -- a bit "new" for me!) and had a similar reaction. It has a certain airiness I like, reminiscent of some Yamaha "Natural Sound" components from around that time...

[@tedcollins4684]

Had 1 and even used it for parties with a pair of portable speakers.

[@SuperThunder911]

Great video,you brought back awesome memories ✌️

[@ericwilliams538]

I love these old receivers ( and of course all other components making up the stereo system) ... I cant remember what receiver my Mom's boyfriend had when i was younger, I may have been Pioneer.

[@quicktastic]

Not as well known, but also great receiver from the era was the Lafayette LR9090 ('77 or '78). They also sold the impressive Criterion 2002+ speakers with a 12 inch woofer, horn midrange and dual angled tweeters.

[@brianfitzpatrick1183]

I still have a Lafayette receiver. Would love to find Criterion speakers for it. Still sounds great

[@StereoMike06]

Love my smaller Lafayette LR5050A. Punches way above it's 50 Watt RMS class and has a very nice forward yet relaxed sound. Gets a little whinny if driven too hard, but for normal listening levels is always a pleasure.

[@BarnabyBarry]

Loved Lafayette too-cool catalogs-cb and shortwave radios!

[@perryheideman9007]

I also have the Lafayette LR9090 I bought when running one of their stores back in 1977. Other than having to repair that funky Alps power/speaker switch, it still kicks butt. It’s a beautiful piece of equipment.

[@sixtyfourhalfstang5390]

I agree with your findings 100%. I have owned many receivers in my day, most were high end receivers. I have found the Pioneer SX silverface receivers to have everything anyone could ask for. My Pioneer SX-1280 is my receiver of choice, not as crazy priced as the SX-1980, but all the sound and quality I could ask for.

[@raygarafano3633]

I'm very plsd w the Pioneer SX 850 and SX950 rcvrs with an SG9500 Eq and F-2121 tapedeck. Tt is a Tosiba SR-A200 and CVSL-15 s

[@willyboyw.5771]

@@raygarafano3633 SX 850 here too. My only beef is why the 850 only has 65 watts. Oh well, It is cranking out some fine fine Jazz as I write.

[@Tuetensuppenkasper]

When my Technics Amp broke down in the mid 90s, I got an old AKAI 1050 from my father, he bought it in 1976. Well, its not a monster receiver, but I still use it, and I love it. It looks exactly like the 1200 (without the mid button) but is a little bit older, and has less power.

[@Relayer6a]

My time with Hifi started a bit later than these. My favorite all time receiver was the Luxman R-117. 160 wpc @ 8 ohms and 2 ohm stable. I used to drive a pair of Apogee Calipers with mine. And I mean drive them at high levels for hours and it never kicked the protection circuit. Great tuner as well.

[@stevebengel1346]

I was looking for the Luxman R-117 comment here and you didn't disappoint! Killer receiver 💯