Our Top 6 Entry Level Vintage Stereo Receivers from the 1970's!

[@bartjones6180]

I am still to this day enjoying my Realistic STA-42 that I purchased brand new back in 1977 for $149. It is starting to develop a slight hum, but it still has the original filter capacitors, and has never been serviced, other than to replace the lamps. The sound, and the tuner are great.

[@johnbeckham1483]

My first Radio Shack Realistic AM/FM Stereo Receiver was the STA-47.

[@archangele1]

It is so great to see someone review these smaller lower powered receivers. I remember listening to these at our local Lafayette and another locally owned hifi store and used to drool over these receivers. People today seem to think that if a receiver doesn't put out 150 watts a channel or more it isn't worth looking at. But these vintage receivers are a good example of quality verses quantity with respect to power. Also, the old Marantz receivers sounded a lot more powerful then their specifications would lead one to believe. Back in the 70's we used to say that there are watts and then there are Marantz watts. Marantz rated their amps and receivers at 8 ohms and with a full audio bandwidth of 20 - 20 Khz where as most others rated their power at 4 ohms and 1Khz. All I know is that the 15 watts a channel from my 4415 Marantz quad receiver sounds as powerful as many so called 50 watts a channel modern surround receivers. As for turntables, I have a Marantz 6300 I really like. It is well made and very easy to use. I would have to say that it is my favourite automatic turntable.

[@bertroost1675]

I have a Sherwood 7050 that I bought off ebay in mint condition. It is certainly warm or tubey sounding but the bass was just too ridiculous. I talked to a friend that look at the schematic and found out it has a constant loudness built in. He told me to cut two wires going into the volume switch and that removes the loudness feature. Now the thing sounds like a proper receiver. For its low wattage it really drives my Kef Q150 speakers very well. I have several high dollar amps and receivers and I keep coming back to this one. There is something about the early solid state low watt receivers and amps from back in the 70's.

[@marco76330]

Hi Guys! From South Africa , I so wish we had you guys in SA. Yours is truly a labor of love.Every time you fix a vintage unit you preserve TIME,HISTORY,INNOVATION,MEMORIES and Beauty that is so hard to find today. I hope you never stop fixing these time pieces.Thank you

[@ethimself5064]

One would be surprised at what 20 watts of RMS power can actually do. Or for that matter 10 watts RMS

[@arnoldschloss9634]

Great point! In your opinion, what is 20 RMS watts equivalent to in today's rated "watts per channel" ? My Sansui 5050 is rated at 30 WPC RMS - if you push the volume control beyond level 3 (9 o'clock), connected my Klipsch Heresy III's, you're on the verge of eardrum splitting volume, without exaggeration! I would have no need or use for a more powerful receiver at this point!

[@ethimself5064]

@@arnoldschloss9634 Depends on the type of rating - discrete power etc. The newer power rating terms like this are about 15% of RMS

[@arnoldschloss9634]

@ET Himself In the mid 80's, I bought a Mitsubishi rack system that was rated at "100 watts pet channel" , thinking it had awesome power - when I slid the volume level up maybe 1/3rd, it would clip and distort very bad - So much for that rating!

[@ethimself5064]

@@arnoldschloss9634 Mitsubishi was never a quality audio manufacture and never came even close to being mainstream in the audio field. Just saying.

[@arnoldschloss9634]

@@ethimself5064 Correct! I threw the whole system out in a dumpster several years ago!

[@bkoestring]

I have a Technics SL 1300 fully automatic turntable. It has been in my family since 1974 when it was sold new. I bought it in 1979 and still have it. I LOVE IT! Built like a tank and works perfectly. I have an Audio-Technica ATS-14 ATS14 needle stylus for the Audio-Technica AT-14S AT14S phono cartridge featuring a Shibata diamond.

[@canjo7301]

My favorite automatic turntable is the Technics SL-1300. I purchased this new for my wife in the 70's as she could just not deal with my fully manual turntables. Exceptional build quality and it just keeps going. Had a problem holding speed last year, had it serviced and cleaned and now going strong again.

[@LA-db9xj]

I'm partial to the Kenwood KR-2400. It was my first real receiver. It has 16 watts rms, that beautiful Kenwood look and an excellent tuner. I bought mine new in 1974 and thoroughly enjoyed it's warm sound. My favorite automatic TT is the Technics SL-QD3. I grabbed one new in 1985 and still use it to this day. It's never given me a days trouble. These two pieces set the tone for the journey that I'm still enjoying!

[@rasheingwilliams5313]

I agree. I also have a Kenwood KR-2300. It sounds great and packs an impressive punch for such a low wattage receiver. I use it in my office and when I service my Marantz 2216 and/or Model 27. The 2216 is my favorite. In my humble (and limited) expertise, the best turntable is the Philips 212 Electronic.

[@jeffbrooke4892]

You should do a program on watts alone and how they really relate to "average/normal everyday listening habits." I always thought big watt amps had more to do with marketing than it had to do with building a superior sounding product. Most of these amps and receivers went into the apartments and dorm rooms of guys in their 20s and selling big bore stereos back in the 70s pretty much was akin to selling big bore cars. Another great video and thanks!

[@ethimself5064]

Modern wattage's are rarely RMS rated, unless on the more expensive side. Great question👍

[@tombuehner6119]

DUAL 1229, one of the great automatic turntables. Loved mine for years.

[@Reflectiveness]

Thanks for your interview of Fix My Dual. I've sent them my 1219 for a tuneup. Using a Shure V15 cartridge with original elliptical stylus. Also, thanks for leaving out the highfalutin audiophile jargon. Skylabs does tremendous service for all honest retailers of vintage electronics.🎉

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Kristofer!

[@trknoff]

Bought my 2015 in 1975, gave it away 40 some years later and the damn thing still worked without ever having it serviced. I still have my Technics SL 20 manual turntable that I bought at around the same time with only one belt replacement.

[@jimmydelux]

Great video. My favorite fully automatic turntable of all time is the Technics SL-1300. The original. I've had one for decades and it's like a tank. Indestructible, sounds amazing.

[@jimlyon7311]

Entry level technics. I'm 67 years old and I loved mine

[@watsonstudios]

I had an SX-780 back in the early 80's and hope to get another one someday. Loved that receiver!

[@primeanalogrecords]

The two fully automatic turntables I own I think are the best! A Yamaha PX-3 and a Technics SL 1600MKII Both have amazing features as well as great build-quality! Also both have incredible specs!

[@srl1215]

What are you running for cartriges? I have a SL-1600MKII in great shape but a ATK100n cartridge and I'm thinking to go more upscale.

[@primeanalogrecords]

@@srl1215 I am using. Grado Prestige Red and have about 100 hours in and starting to really sound great! I switched headshells with a friend who had an Ortiphon Blue and it sounded spectacular! I’ll probably be switching! Guess it matters what kind of music you listen to! If it’s rock, the one I have right now is great! But I listen to mainly progressive jazz, and the detail of the Ortafon blue is definitely better

[@srl1215]

@@primeanalogrecords for the suggestions.

[@paulcrowder]

Favorite fully-automatic turntable: Technics SL-1301. Classic looks of the SL-1300 but with quartz lock, and dirt simple to repair with a tube of grease when the automatic feature stops working.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

One of my three receivers is my dads SX-626. Has 2 Phono inputs, 2 tape in and out inputs on both, Aux, and 3 speaker inputs. It did have issues. I had it serviced by 2 different people in my town. They could not fix it. Finally a friend took it 3 hours south of me. He recapped it and went through it. I love this receiver. I have a Dual 1229 and 1215S hooked to it. Cartridges Gado Silver on 1229 and Grado F-1 on the 1215S. The F-1 is the original cartridge on my Dads 1215S. I found a new old stock stylus 2 years ago. Speakers were made in my home town. I did upgrade the guts to Pyle 10"and 3". It could be entry, but it has enough power to not go above half volume and will move furniture.

[@johntempest267]

I only have (ever) one automatic turntable, but I do love it. We use it almost daily, and to us, it sounds great. It came in the 1965 Magnavox Astro-sonic console we bought at a thrift store. It's called Micromatic, made in England. It uses a ceramic cartridge with a flip stylus that lets us play 78's (we've a lot of them). I know there are moving coils, and moving magnets that are on another level, Julie and I remain blissfully unaware.

[@raulcastellanosjr.4754]

My first vintage receiver was a Pioneer SX-636, closely related to the 535. It sounds great, is a breeze to work on, and parts availability is fantastic! I bought mine with some more serious issues - a dead channel that ended up being blown output transistors - but it didn’t matter much since I was able to replace all transistors with brand new substitutions that are still readily available from Digikey/Mouser. And the knob arrangement on the front with the blackout dial is pure class. Can’t go wrong with a SX-535/636!

[@paulcrowder]

My daily driver is an SX-626. I’ve always been happy with it.

[@skylabsaudio]

The whole X3X line is great, IMO

[@pathfinderdiscovery9395]

I own a Marantz MR 220 at 21 watts 1978 model , an it’s power sounds way more than 21 watts per channel , it pushes my twin pioneer 8” woofers an one tweeter speakers , it’s clean an beautiful, an sounds great lows to highs , I love it an got it at a steal , for 100 bucks , cabinet an face are flawless , im in love ❤

[@ditlefchristianjacobsen5351]

Thank you for another great video. My favourite automatic turntable is the Pioneer PL 505 direct drive which I bought new in 1985. It is still working fine. About receivers I love the entry level Tandberg Sølvsuper reciever from the early 70’s with 15 watts into 8 ohm. They are easy to work on with good built quality and have quite small footprint and fits easily into a narrow bookshelf. Have a nice day everyone.

[@skylabsaudio]

You too!

[@johnvincent4048]

I'm not looking for any audio equipment right now but every time I watch Kevin I want to get a new piece of vintage equipment.

[@skylabsaudio]

Sorry! :)

[@joetime4798]

Favorite turntable is the Realistic Lab 400

[@michaelbarras6950]

Respectable entry-level list Kevin! My favorite fully automatic turntable is the Realistic Elac Miracord 46. Never had a day I had problems with it. When set up, right, it sounded great! With a Shure Cartridge and stylist installed, instead of the realistic that came with it.

[@davidnorton573]

My favorite turntable is a Pioneer PL-630, just love the look and feel of the unit.

[@rotaxtwin]

Fun stuff. My favourite is the H-K 330B, only because one fell into my lap. Talk about serviceable and build quality, wow. No complaints about lack of power. Separate L&R tone controls!

[@therevted]

When talking about my favorite Automatic Turntable, I know what I am going to post could be met with some disdain, but it is the only automatic turntable I have ever owned. I bought it back in 1978 and still have it. It is the Garrard 42M turntable with the Shure Cartridge M93E. I know it is considered entry level, but it has worked wonderfully and only needed servicing twice in the over forty years of ownership, and I love the sound of it. The problem of course is finding someone to work on it now as it is an idler wheel drive (referral’s appreciated). Early on I thought of upgrading to a direct drive, but back in the early 80's my friends were complaining of motor noise of their direct drives.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for your comment. Glad you found a lifelong table!

[@ufarkingicehole]

My dad has a 730c and it is honestly one of the best sounding receivers I have heard

[@skylabsaudio]

Excellent receiver

[@notyetsilenced9746]

I don't know whether this is "entry level", but my recently restored Sansui 3000A is an awesome receiver. Restoration included: a complete recap (all electrolytic and film caps), 14 new transistors (outputs, drivers, phono preamp, and several others of questionable reliability), and the incorporation of the recommended capacitor coupled output to prevent woofer frying from the DC coupled output. I'm not a professional technician, just a hobbyist. This took weeks of patient soldering. Still to come: alignment. I have the right equipment, but still worry about messing up.

[@andyevans2336]

Hi pass is used to CUT low freqs, that is why it it is called that and passes high freqs. Mostly used to reduce turntable rumble.

[@markvando6075]

Technics SL-1600MK2 is best Automatic TT. Technics really hit home runs with their TT lineup. No brainer

[@GiantSteps101]

Favorite auto turntable: Marantz 6200. It's been my primary turntable for years, and when I switch it out, I always end up coming back.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@stevenjosephs9]

The Marantz 6100 is really good ( belt / simple )

[@jeffbranch8072]

I was 14 years old in 1979 when a sister moved to New York City, and she left me her Pioneer SX-434, turntable, and speakers. It needs work now but I still have it all and loved it all these years. I guess at this point it's just nostalgic.

[@chelle12368]

Again, you've put together a great list that I am all aboard with. I started to get into vintage audio about six years ago and the Pioneer SX-636 was my gateway drug. I absolutely love it and it will be one of the last receivers to leave if I ever decide to start letting go of my collection. Cheers from Roswell!👽

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Michelle!

[@ChadCruzen]

There's a reason I have 2 of these. Technics SL-1600MK2

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

I helped a friend select her first system. HK 330 - I think it was the A version, coupled with some Smaller Advents. It was a sweet and satisfying system.

[@hugobloemers4425]

Dual 1019 with M44 cartridge (with elliptical stylus, which technically makes it an M55) for the build quality, the mean looks and the charismatic sound. Hook it up to a Sansui 331 receiver and you are rocking.

[@jtaylor0727]

Good pick... I love my Dual 1225 .... I even stack old Christmas records at Christmas time! Dual are tough!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

The Pioneer SX650 is a sweet receiver, she looks good in a low-lit room but is High on good sound, 2 tape deck loops and cd drive work great as does a turntable. 35 watts drives a pair of SL-12's very nicely

[@isaacsantonastaso69]

Best fully auto turntable has got to be the pl-570. Beautiful and has great quality.

[@ricardolopez4166]

Technics SL-J3 linear tracking turntable. Love your videos , thank you! 👏🇨🇦

[@allanellis5827]

Thanks for the video.The Marantz tax IMO is well worth it. The enjoyment one gets just looking at them makes the added dollars you pay justified. I believe Marantz made the best looking receivers back then. And if you decide to sell you will get that extra money back. To me it’s a no brainer.

[@chapsnaps1]

Pioneer PL300X direct drive turntable. I still have mine - bought in 1980. I have the box and the perspex cover is perfect. It has been covered with a soft cotton cloth since I bought it. I just love it. My dad had a Bang and Olufsen turntable built in 1963. It was great - wooden case, 4 speeds 16, 33, 45 and 78 - you had to change the stylus for 78s. It had a futuristic looking tone arm that was raised and lowered with a lever. It did not come with a cover and the platen was covered with a pale blue/grey rubber moulding. The pressed metal beneath the platen was painted a pale blue/grey to match the platen. It was primitive by modern standards but paired with a Rogers valve amplifier and Celestion speakers it sounded great. It's long gone. I wish I could find it. The stylus would be almost impossible to get hold of.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Read the comments about low wattage. In 1986, I gave Paul Klipsch a tour of NMSU EE dept, he's alumni, and asked him about wattage. He designed the original Klipschorns to be super efficient because tube amps then were very small. 1946 specs - 105dB at 1W. Wattage is meaningless until you connect an amp to speakers. My favorite automatic turntable is the Technics SL-10, bought one college. Linear tracker, same size as an album, plays in any orientation, even upside down. Last year, my wife bought one off reverb as a birthday present to relive my long hair years. Rock on my brothern, rock on! 🤘🎸💯

[@dj33036]

I was really lucky to find a Marantz 2015 at a bargain price. It's a wonderful; machine.

[@kevinomura5251]

Hi Kevin, sorry for commenting on an old post but thought you might find this interesting. I just did a repair on a Marantz 2015 and it is different then the two you mentioned. This is also a five button receiver but instead of the far left button being a Tape Monitor button it is for Dolby FM, followed by Tape 1, Mono, Loudness, and Muting. The other oddity was that instead of a fuse holder being mounted to the rear of the unit it had a spot marked for it but not punched out. Instead it had three glass fuses soldiered via pigtails to a daughter board underneath the main filter capacitors. 1 2A 250V, 1 3A, and 1 1A and an unused position for a fourth. The only other oddity was that the previous owner had dismantled the unit, taken out the tuning marker glass and removed all the fuse bulbs! In the process destroying the needle on the tuning dial. McGivered in the tine from a Wendy's plastic fork (aka tuning fork) until I can either source a part of get one 3D printed. Once cleaned up it does indeed have a very nice pleasant sound through my old PSB speakers.

[@ryangratwohl9246]

First receiver I restored was a Pioneer Sx-440. I loved learning on this unit, I am now onto an Sx-780 and thankfully the Stk paks are good! My heart is with Sansui, it is very special equipment. I'd recommend a G-2000 or G-3000 as a good entry level receiver as well.

[@patriciawilson9666]

I've had a SX-780 since '79 and those packs are the weak link in a beautiful unit.Mine have gone twice.I agree with you on the Sansui G-2000.What a badass little unit and so pretty to look at.I'd never part with mine.

[@tapiokorhonen3312]

I still have the Sansui 350A playing music at my cottage. My father bought it new in 1972, and he gave it to me in 1980 after buying Marantz 2285B. That Marantz is also working nicely.

[@daviddunn773]

My Turntable is a Kenwood KD 5070 still works Great

[@paulv22]

A long time ago, I got an SX-737 off of shopgoodwill, before it was discovered and the prices became ridiculous. I paid about $100 for it and intended to use it in my workshop. What a great sounding unit. I have other, more powerful receivers, but it may be the best sounding one I have. For full auto turntables, the Dual 701 and Sony PS-X600 are favs. That said, I also have a Kenwood KP-990 and Pioneer PL-50L II both of which have auto stop and lift (but not return). I think they're the way to go for reliability.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@davidrubert1536]

Pioneer PL-530 aka "The Beauty" Denon DP-47F aka " The Surgeon" SABA PSP-350 aka " The Unknown Bast**d"

[@andykeena8767]

I love the sound of my Nakamichi TA-1A. Low watts and super clean sound.

[@airsickgrove]

This list should be the certified official go to for entry level hi fi

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you. appreciate that!

[@mikemoffatt6126]

I’ve got an RS-530 Yamaha receiver probably 30 years old it’s been an awesome receiver 👍

[@richmyers1106]

I am very old school here,,running a pioneer sx-990 receiver with a sansui ra-500 reverb unit and a dual 1219 turntable a teac 4010s reel to reel and fisher xp9c speakers,,,,not sure where all this lines up but I have been happy with the setup for over 50 yrs

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

I just got it. I think my Dual CS 630 Q Direct Drive Full Automatic Quartz Turntable is the best. Easy to use and a respectable sound. I'm no audiophile so my assessment of sound quality should be highly suspect. That said this Dual CS 630 Q turntable is the bee's knees sound wise to me. Of the late model Dual's I think the Dual CS 630 Q is the better if not the best of the lot. Select older Dual's definitely have this based on build quality BUT for what it is and the time it was built I like it. The Dual CS 630 Q is a good entry turntable for someone not interested in fussing with knobs, settings and the like. This is a set speed. Push start and begin listening turntable. The best small receiver was a Sanyo 2033 at 33 watts per channel. Sanyo 2033 was my first receiver.

[@DYoung-dh1hp]

Technics SL D3. Bought it in 1980 and its still rockin with no real problems.

[@johnloiselle6250]

Favorite fully automatic turntable is the Pioneer PL-707. Bought mine in 1985 and I'm still using it. Had the motor cleaned 5 years ago, I love this turntable.

[@tnflyfisher]

Pioneer PL-560. Still have it and works great with Shure V15 type IV cartridge. My setup has Lafayette LR5555A receiver and Ohm L speakers. It’s what I could afford at the time and still love my first 2 channel system.

[@owennikish7995]

Denon dp-47f. What a cool machine. Designed at the end of the era where turntable's were the standard. I could be wrong but I think they kept selling that model for 15 years or so! 1985-1999 I think. I always wanted one and finally bought one so I guess I'm a bit biased. Currently running a Ortofon 3m blue and Sounds really nice but I have been thinking about upgrading to a Denon Dl-301.

[@kenbruno5640]

I am a Marantz fan, I've had my 1515 since it came out in '79. Love the sound and I've never had a problem, I clean it regularly. I've bought another 1515 for my youngest and a 1530 for my middle child and they have had them for 12 and 10 years each. To me the "tax" is because of the quality and consistent sound.

[@lamarw9901]

I'll vote Mitsubishi LT-10v that I am researching getting back working. Thank you for the videos and the prior discussion on recaps.

[@johntempest267]

Thanks for the awesome post.

[@Bo-hb3eo]

Definitely interesting. I have three SX 535s. I think I’ve stated that before. I think one has the transistor issue. My go to turntable without a doubt… Technics SL-D20.

[@lotusmanb3832]

Mitsubishi LT-5V. I owned one with an Ortofon OM20 for 10 years and it worked lawlessly , not to mention looking amazing.

[@stevemilburn7579]

I like the Advent Model 300. Nothing fancy, but goes great with my Large Advent speakers!

[@jhschmidMD4]

Nice list of some more affordable choices! My first receiver back in the early to mid 1980's was a Yamaha R-500 Natural Sound Receiver. It was a very sweet sounding unit as long as you didn't push it too hard. I wish I still had it, but it was lacking in power and would fall apart with the dynamic stuff. At the time I was getting into hard rock and symphonic classical music, which coincided with the new higher output CD format becoming widely available, all of which lead me to realize that the meager 40 watts of the Yamaha was not up to handling this more demanding content. I sold it to a neighbor (who loved it), and moved on up to The Carver receiver which had a hefty 140 watts on tap. I say this to illustrate that at this time I fully believed that power was the only answer that mattered, and the Carver seemed to bear that out as it had no trouble driving my speakers (Dahlquist DQM-9's) cleanly, and to ridiculous levels! Some years later, a friend of mine pulled an old Harmon/Kardon 20 WPC receiver at a yard sale for $10 bucks! It may have been the exact model you showcase in this video, but I'm not sure as it was back in the early 90's. He brought it over to test it out on my Dahlquist speakers, and I was not optimistic at all about what the results would be. I was fully expecting the DQM-9's to sound like low rez mud when we hooked up this little 20 watt job from the 70's. Oh boy, was I wrong!!! Now the DQM-9's are fairly efficient for a 3 way design, so they are not that hard to drive, but still, they sang out loud and clear, and clean, with the HK receiver connected. Much warmer sounding than my Carver, but they were not lacking for juice in any way. That day I learned that amps are more important than watts, and that a power number isn't everything. It's about how that power is implemented through the individual design of the piece. You just have to give it a listen to see if it works for you. My favorite automatic turntable is the only one I've ever owned, and therefore the only one I have useful experience with. It's a Technics SL-QD35, also from the mid 80's. It's not high end, it has the limitations of a P-mount system, but it's never failed me in it's mechanical operation, or it's sound quality. Thanks for these great videos Kevin!

[@AirDOGGe]

My first receiver was a moderately powered Realistic QTA-752 four channel unit in 1977 that I bought used. 30 watts RMS stereo or 15w per in four channel mode. it came with four 2-way speakers with 8" woofers. Not the most impressive system but clean enough to enjoy, and I will never forget listening to the 4-channel version of DARK SIDE OF THE MOON in "SQ4" mode. It was remixed for 4 channels by Alan Parsons himself. Wish I still had that LP. Not long after I replaced the Radio Shack receiver with a JVC AX-4 amp and TX-6 tuner from Alco Stereo & TV.

[@brianchisnell1548]

Still have my SX-780, PL-530, CTF-650, HPM-100s. Pioneer. Still kick'n. Had a SX-450 1st but upgraded.

[@owenthompson9313]

I've always listened to vinyl records dating back to my father who had a big collection. He passed away in the the early 80's and I continued the collection through the 90s, when I could! More CDs back then. I'm just now getting into vintage stereo equipment. I just bought a Marantz 2220B. And i love it! sounds amazing, However sometimes the speakers cut out intermittently. Not sure what it is, I have an audio repair guy next to my office that is looking at it now, but can't seem to get it to act up! Anyway love the videos! keep them coming!

[@garethleitner9547]

My first receiver was a Sony STR 6036 hooked up to a pair of ElectroVoice 2 way bookshelf speakers. It sounded great! The turntable I was using was a Dual 1218 with a Shure V15 type IV, the best turntable I have owned.

[@jackstiles1874]

Dual 1229Q is my fav full auto table. Amazing looks and performance.

[@stevendphoto]

My first stereo was a Sansui 350A...

[@SwassMike]

Awesome video per usual. I picked up an sx-650 for $23 recently at a thrift store so I can’t say I could recommend a better entry level receiver than that! As for automatic TT’s, I haven’t used many automatic turntables but I do enjoy my Revox B795 quite a bit. My technics Sl-l2 is also a feature packed DD Auto that I bought for only $50

[@Kane26510]

I have two favorite FULLY AUTOMATIC turntables. Pioneer PL-400 Technics SL-1350 (this had a stacking spindle option - I used it once when I first got this to make sure it worked). Most of my Hi-Fi buys are from the thrift market, and most of the items you talk about are never seen. Nonetheless, I find the videos highly enjoyable. Favorite entry level receiver - never really owned one. I guess I'd gravitate towards the Pioneer SX-450 (I like the look and my wife had one when she was a teenager) or the Technics SA-80 or 101 (Again - I like the design style -= we had an SA-404 growing up).

[@williamconquest5066]

Thanks so much for the fun and informative videos..I have a marantz 2220B that I picked up at a repair shop with a pair of ads 570 speakers and really enjoy the nice sound of my vinyl..!

[@TheVintageNewbie]

A great entry level receiver is the Realistic STA-84. 25 wpc and it’s super full and warm sounding. I’d put it up against my SX-780 any day.

[@55benchguy]

Excellent Videos. My Wife & I have enjoyed your videos . She gets really riled up when you talk about the crazy customers. We get them in our store too !

[@policerKJO]

I picked up a Marantz 2226B for $500. I connected a pair of Infinity SM-82. the system rocks, plenty loud at 1/4 to 1/3 volume

[@michaelkearney7923]

Hopefully this comment isn’t too long. My first job I would pedal down to the bank and deposit my check, then pedal down to the stereo store to ogle the pioneer SX 737. It seem to be a great price point as a lot of my friends later in life seem to have the exact same unit. I had it repaired for a left channel volume problem in the 90s and still use it as my garage stereo.

[@johnstump2433]

I own three fully auto Turntables, the one I use almost daily would be my Kenwood KD-5070. I also have a Yamaha PX-3 linear tracking and a vintage Dual 1019. The Kenwood and the Yamaha I purchased new when they first came out.

[@PerfDayToday]

Nice! I still have my Sherwood S-7050 10 wpc from high school, plus the speakers. And I have a Skylab Marantz tee shirt!

[@tomwatson9062]

Dual 721; owned since new. Currently running an Ortofon OM20 cart into an Ifi Zen phono.

[@marcparsons1726]

My underdog favorite is the Fisher Futura 202 Very tube like sound. Heavy bass! Nice to know I own most on the list!

[@andreastresky8691]

Thanks for the Video. The best fully automatic turntable is my Sansui FR-4060.

[@haqitman]

Lower power receivers are so underrated. Buying a receiver based on its watts per channel is like buying liquor based on its alcohol content. I'd much rather have a fifth of Blanton's bourbon than a fifth of Everclear.

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol, good one

[@seltaeb3302]

The Pioneer SX535 also was sold in UK under the Dixon's in brand name Chinon in a special deal. I bought one & its still going strong.

[@daleheiking1295]

My favorite fully automatic turntable has to be the Dual CS 721. Huge fan of Dual and I've always seen this table as the pinnacle for them

[@brianbumgardner8704]

I love my Harmon Kardon 430, great sound.

[@mumbles552]

It's the Harman Kardon 330 A's and B's which are known for their warm sound as the speakers are cap coupled whereas the 330 C is direct coupled.

[@pat9080]

I’m still rockin my Technics SL-QL1. Have that paired with a Pioneer SX780 and Kenwood KL-777z speakers.

[@D1N02]

I have a Sansui 331 in my den. No complaints about it.

[@greedo2660]

My favorite fully auto turntable is my Elac Mirracord 50H. Sounds great and runs like a Swiss watch!

[@michaelwheeler9876]

I have 2 Miracord 50H and a Realistic branded 40a. Wonderful turntables.

[@karaDee2363]

Definitely get out and enjoy the good weather.... As far as the survey goes, I never owned a fully automatic turntable.. Have a great day 🍸

[@skylabsaudio]

You too, thanks Karen!

[@randybarrish1132]

Hi Kevin, another great video! I agree that low-wattage receivers in this area can sound great in the right environment. Turntables... Current;y using a Releastic LAB-400 fully automatic and for some reason I am enjoying this over the Daul I used most most of my life. These are like a Honda or Toyota, they just work.

[@jonathanrutz6104]

I would add to this list of receivers the Sony str 7025 (and other 70…series). Been using a 7025 which is only 18 wpc. It drives a pair of klipsch rp 160m easily and the warm sound of the Sony makes for a great match. Bet it sounds as good as the Marantz but doesn’t have the eye appeal or notoriety so is considerably cheaper.

[@emeeul]

Just got a mint STR 7015, hooked it up to a pair of mid 70s Fishers and it’s a really nice little setup. I wasn’t familiar with the early Sonys and am extremely impressed.

[@MW-ou5yt]

Elac Benjamin Miracord 50h very good TT. I still have one operating with an AT VM540ML cartridge. This idler drive TT is built like a tank.

[@jukingeo]

While I have known what is referred to as "The Marantz Tax", I never heard of that term until I came here. While Marantz had never been a favorite of mine (outside of their tube gear), I found it quite interesting when you mentioned that the lower powered units sound better than the higher powered ones. In past listening tests, I had found the Marantz had good mids and highs, but I wasn't impressed with the low end performance, which had Pioneer and Sansui easily edging them out of contention. Now, the one thing I have not heard yet, is a Harmon Kardon. It is a problem that I should rectify. In a nutshell though, these "entry level" receivers just lack meters, features and they generally look bland with the exception of the Marantz (and normally I am not fond of the Marantz look). Since I really do not listen to the radio anymore, I would be curious as to what "entry level" integrated amplifiers you could put together. I know you have a list of higher end units and that was interesting. I have to put a comment there on that. BTW, I only recently found this page and I have to admit, I am having a ball here! I too was an audio technician (late 80's and into the 90's), but for commercial sound equipment (Crown, QSC, EV, Altec Lansing, Shure, Tascam, Peavey, etc), so there are many parallels that I can relate to.

[@bigcity2085]

Onkyo TX 2500.(45 w) Got it cheap(30 bucks) and fixed it up. She's a gem. It's my spare for my Onkyo TX 4500. 150 to 250 on E-bay.

[@thomasmoore5346]

I love your videos, one day I might make up to your shop, I’m in Colorado Springs and my favorite vintage fully automatic turntable would be the pioneer pl570

[@muskymac4063]

I have to agree with you on the Harmon Kardon 330c. What a sweet sounding box she was. I had her mated up with some nice Sansui speakers with the nice wood grills. I still have her and would be willing to sell for parts. As I recall the volume control got a bunch of distortion when the knob is turned so I put her in storage and bought a Sansui AUX-1 which is also in storage. It has a nasty hum. I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.