Is There A Vintage Receiver Sweet Spot?

[@shipsahoy1793]

well I'm an old man, so this is all serious eye candy for me lol I love seeing all this analog equipment from the good old days! Rock on & thanks for this..

[@septembersurprise5178]

HEY!, I resemble that remark!

[@cpiscopo1]

I have the Marantz 2250B as well as a 2325. Even though I have moved on to separates in my listening room, I can't bring myself to sell either one. I rotate them in my basement workout room and once in a while turn up the volume and listen as they easily push a set of JBL Century 100s to high db levels of classic rock music. Now in my mid 70s I expect In a few short years I'll have to downsize to smaller living quarters. When that happens, more than likely I'll be selling the separates but saving these receivers. The look, the feel and the sound of these units are outstanding and I expect they will bring fond memories of my younger years.

[@CuttinChopps]

Man, this month has been a rough one for me, got the flu, cracked my ribs coughing, then my dog died. I nearly had a country song when I nearly screwed up my pickup truck lol. But these videos are a great way to distract me, and can't wait to recover financially and physically to walk out of your store after buying my new amp from you. You rock! With ❤ from Eden Prairie, MN

[@WireHedd]

Sorry to hear about your dog, that hurts. In order to go full country song though you'd also need to have the wife or girlfriend leave while you were sick and you'd now have to be 15 beers into a 24. But still, get better dude.

[@JeffN-A]

I'm in Hastings and ready to go down and get an amp from Kevin also. Sorry about your fur buddy, lost one of mine also. My best baby for 11 years. Maybe we can car pool 🥃🍻

[@MichaelFrankie11]

@@JeffN-A I'm gong to stop by on my way from Arizona to Winona

[@skylabsaudio]

Sorry about your dog. It's unbelievable how hard that is :(

[@CraigFlowers-og3oz]

Fuck my brother , stay home dont go out , and put your headphones on, hit the bowl and just chill! Sorry about your dog 😢

[@quebecforce111]

The Harman Kardon 430 twin powered have a magical sound. One of the best vintage receiver . all the line twin powered of this era by Harman Kardon are good.

[@WardoUSA]

I want one of those

[@James-dt7ky]

I have one on my bench waiting for a recap.

[@milo963]

@@James-dt7ky The 430 is fun to work on, the 930 not so much.

[@James-dt7ky]

@ I recently did a HK560. That one challenged my skills. Awkward to get at the pre-amp section and controls.

[@raykuiper4979]

I do agree with you, have a 430 Twin myself as well

[@PSB-900]

I bought my 'vintage' receiver back in 1978, a Yamaha CR2020. A few years ago, after being stored for maybe 15+ in it's original box, I had it recapped/rebuilt and it sounds and looks as good as new. I also had the lighting upgraded to LED's. At age 70 now, I figure this will last me the rest of my life. Great video Kevin!

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Curious what it cost to redo I think local guy here maybe 150 bucks

[@PSB-900]

@@JohnDoe-np3zk - The cost of the rebuild kit (2 filter caps, 8 ceramic caps, 50+ electrolytic capacitors and 2 fuses) plus a cleaning and alignment of controls and switches, reassembly plus warm LED light upgrade was $900 USD. I requested a total rebuild as I wanted it to last for many, many years to come.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

​@@PSB-900nice thanks

[@raycimbalnik5159]

I love my 2020,best sounding receiver I've ever had. I have to find a good repair shop soon,it needs some work now

[@PSB-900]

@@raycimbalnik5159 - I don't know where you live but I had the work done at Just Audio, Middle River, MD.

[@DeborahVerret-yp9fp]

Well put. I've had the pleasure of sharing with my closest friends children who are now young adults all about music and stereo equipment. We have jam sessions in my music/game room. They are infatuated with my vintage equipment. No remote, silver face, not made in china, etc. They never knew about the music I/we've been listening to for years. The take that I give them about vintage equipment is the following; Equipment in those days were designed to be attractive to the home. Clean lines, sleek designs, wooden casing. Speakers made from real wood with cloth fronts and all well built. I get a smile when they have no idea who Marantz is or the old Klipsch speakers I have. It's a continuing education that I absolutely enjoy sharing. Great review Skylabs audio!

[@PJLearning2]

Great video, as always. More fun to add to the search lists! I love to see this Sony series getting some love. Rosie O'Kelly has a few videos on their channel praising the 18w 7025. I have one driving Baby Advents in a bedroom setup and I adore it. I A/B'd with my Marantz 2230, and (blasphemy!) I prefer it. I expected that I would need to crank the volume given the low wattage, but it's 9:00 is darn loud! It performs eerily similarly in terms of power to the 2230, which in turn matches the performance of a 70w modern amp. I used to be skeptical of the "underrated" power claims until I got these gems, which all spent time in the main system driving towers in a large room. It's undeniable in person.

[@Aswaguespack]

I subscribed weeks ago because Kevin’s just spot on with his analysis and comments. He tells it like it is. Honesty is something not always found in today’s commercial world and in media of any kind. Thanks.

[@Jon-pu1ci]

Yes, my Marantz 2250B made Kevin's list. It is a great receiver. Love it, Kevin! 😊

[@crimsonghost6454]

I have a 2250b also. I will never sell it. It sounds like it has way more power and it rivals newer amps easily.

[@jojakim414]

@@crimsonghost6454 It has. Measures 70 watts and above.

[@troyayers1261]

Every time the end music plays i think to myself that can't be the end of the video keep up the great work

[@davidkoslek9372]

For most people I think there are alot of receivers that are slept on. I don't go through alot of combinations but recently I picked up a Pioneer sx-3000 from the early 70s and I hooked it up to a pair of cerwin vega vs-120s and was kinda impressed. So if you are mindful of the efficiency of the speakers you can get a little bit more than you expected, out of a lower powered amplifier/ receiver.

[@scrappy7571]

The Sansui 661/771/881 are another under the radar receiver. Great sound, plenty of power, super easy to work on.

[@carlosoruna7174]

771 and 881 were epic

[@doofwop]

Nothing Sansui is under the radar anymore.

[@jeffbranch8072]

This past year on eBay I got a 661 with some cosmetic issues and missing a button for just $200, plus a button also on eBay for $20, cleaned it up, and I've been very happy with it!

[@robertrosejr1]

Own a mint 661. It’s fun

[@topekasub]

My brother had the Deluxe 8! That was beautiful receiver!

[@ranrae]

I bought an HK-730 a couple of months ago and WOW! it sounds awesome through my Klipsch Forte one's.

[@johndrx165]

I have the 430 Twin I bought and cleaned up and had recapped. I changed the radio station indicator light to red. Amazing receiver that looks fantastic!

[@James-dt7ky]

Mine's on the bench waiting for a recap.

[@outpostjared7835]

Ive been watching for a few months now and finally pulled the trigger on my first Big Boy receiver! Spent all of yesterday driving into the STICKS of Oregon to Pick up a SX980 for $440! She needs a good clean and a few toggles. But man is she an upgrade over my 90s Kenwood. My Heresy's have never sounded more full! cant wait to get the restoration done!

[@RickBranson]

I can listen to the Sansui 2000X-5000X all day long.

[@stereoniche]

Great topic! I would suggest venturing out to look at other brands of the same vintage era and are great units. Fisher, Akai, Sherwood, Lafayette, Realistic, HH Scott, etc. all had great units, but are not commanding huge dollars. You can even get their bigger wattage units in many cases without breaking the bank. Pair them with period correct speakers from Advent, Dynaco, Frazier, etc. and you have a classic vintage system that sounds great.

[@edwardbagu1252]

Akai is an excellent pick, I would not leave it if I found one for cheap...

[@RPatt-sen]

Most of the time, the best deals are the brands that are overlooked.They only look good, but sound good.

[@bradc32]

i was given a JVC with built in EQ 80 watts or something can't remember but it is great in my office..they go for peanuts

[@Jreb1865]

Don't forget Infinity. They made great speakers ...

[@commonsense5105]

I have a Sherwood higher output model that I bought in the mid to late 70s. Great look and sound, as good as anything he's shown.

[@marcgoecke9401]

I got myself a SX-850 last year and I am very happy with it. It has a lot of power and sounds and looks great.

[@ML-bu3lz]

Superb amp

[@islander1362]

That makes two of us, it's my daily driver now and just sounds fantastic.

[@kuruvilajacob5196]

I also have the Pioneer SX 850. Wonderful receiver

[@davekrumrey5426]

Kevin, I will always appreciate the pioneer sx 950 receiver I purchased from you years ago. It pairs well with the advent speakers I also got from you as well. You are my electronics Hero. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou!!!🤩

[@williamjver]

Cheapaudioman gave you a shoutout in his latest video today.

[@dennisbuszko2099]

I really enjoy your videos and respect your opinion. I would like to see you do a review on a pioneer that i have owned since new, SX-3900, I recently had had it serviced re-capped and transistors and SSR calibrated, it brought me back into the hobby.

[@TdK71]

I watch your videos every Sunday morning while I drink my coffee ☕ and find your content to be amazing. As a vintage Marantz quad owner I'd like to see you discuss some of the great quad gear that soldiers on to the present day.

[@RPatt-sen]

The Sony receivers made in the early, mid-70's are sleepers for sure. I have a STR 7025 and it is just excellent. I purchase it for only $25 at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Another sweet spot you failed to mention is some of the Realistic line of receivers. Because a lot of people overlook them because their crap, they tend go for great prices. I suggest the Realistic STA 90. 50 watts per channel, two tape inputs, aux input and a great tuner section.

[@bigb2020]

RadioShack also sold the Allied brand. I have an Allied 395. It was manufactured in Japan by Pioneer for RadioShack under the Allied brand. It is the same model as the Pioneer sx-1000tw with minor cosmetic differences. Lots of power and sounds great.

[@SodapopTheOutsider]

Beautiful pieces and some great info. Thanks for another awesome and fun one, Kevin. You and your Sunday vids are becoming a regular staple for me..Keep it up!

[@tlister67]

Sansui 4000 sound gives me joy. Cap coupled Sansui receivers are very smooth and sweet.

[@Highlander-s5p]

I'm buying one next week $150

[@EdKy101]

I've got a Sansui 5000A that I rebuilt and it's the receiver that made me go 'Wow this is it'

[@wwz1011]

All good recommendations! For those on a budget, you can also move down further, to the 25WPC units. Also consider later units, stuff from the 1980s without the silver face plate that get less respect (and lower prices). I see the black face stuff at thrift stores frequently. I just avoid the video/Audio Units and look for phono inputs. They make solid workshop/garage units. It's possible to enter this hobby with decent equipment at a low cost. You can upgrade later as budget permits.

[@murdock8068]

My Kenwood KR-2120 10 watter is a heck of a stereo for 80$. Cleaned the pots and changed the bulbs. It sounds like a dream.

[@marcelobragaserafim3071]

Congratulations on the excellent video! It's everything we connoisseurs and collectors love! Lots of vintages and excellent information! Hugs Marcelo

[@Harbringe]

I got a 80 watt per channel and got speakers that could handle almost 200 watts and because I never had to crank the sound to be loud and clear 20 years later they were still pristine. Best investment I ever made.

[@williamjver]

How about doing a show like Gas Monkey Garage with your guys in the shop. Show customers bringing in broken units and your crew fixing them. I just watched an episode with your crew and found it very entertaining. Im sure it would also bring in more work and viewers. If you repair a turntable you can advertise for the stylus, cables etc.that you are upgrading to and do a short advertisement without seeming like its an ad as you are doing your repair / upgrade. You can make a few bucks as well.

[@sergiogomezphotography]

Kevin, another fun one thanks! I have the HK 330b and the 430 Twin. To make some room I just listed my 330b in FB but won’t be selling my 430! Love that stereo. Keep the videos coming

[@ConcreteKid54]

Thanks Kevin. Another thought provoking session. I have been "stuck" on obtaining, from you, an HK430 Twin Power but they are pretty infrequent. This session provides some alternatives I had not considered.

[@jemsmay2167]

Got the same Kenwood 4070 receiver that graced my dorm room back in the late 70s. Love the sound, the look and the simplicity. It powers a pair of large advents that also kept my dorm room thumping and played the sound track for many a dorm floor party. All cleaned up refoamed, bulbs replaced etc. I hope these last for another 40 years.

[@kimallen5068]

Another good video. Just keeps my vintage audio addiction alive.

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Pioneer SX450 has been rocking my world on my tool box since 1996. it's literally never been turned off the entire time.

[@phatsmitty]

Own and operate a Sansui G4500, Technics SA-5270, and (based on your recommendation) Hitachi SR-804. They are all gems in the sweet spot, without spending crazy dollars. Kevin, great topic. Your video / audio guy does a great job with your vids and we appreciate that too.

[@DynastyVinyl]

More great content. Week after week, you guys do such a great job. I love neutral. You can do so much with it, or not. Marantz nails the 70's tone, and it's fm receiver is ridiculously good. All the best to you!

[@ChaddKeyes]

Really enjoy your videos Kevin. Some of the best audio content out there. I often find myself watching your channel all weekend. 👍 Cheers from MN.

[@thomasetesta5641]

Great video, I have 3 Vintage receivers. Two of them on your list, I have a NM recapped Pioneer SX-850 and a Near Mint Marantz 2252. Both sound great and are warm & punchy exactly as you described. Keep the good videos coming!!

[@acrossthedial]

Every one of those is a winner, a classic and good listening!

[@paulmarr6949]

Best of luck on 100k, your show is one of, if not my fav audio show! Great stuff!

[@dfrasu]

I bought a 2250 B at a Goodwill back in the day for 20 bucks. It was like new. I replaced some of the lights because I’m not an expert in going any further. I’ve never let go of it. It still sounds and operates way beyond anything else I’ve ever owned. I’m a guitar nerd as well and I have lots of amplifiers and speakers and you name it. I found a pair of KLH4 way speakers for 35 bucks at a white elephant here in my area, the sound is beyond great well worth the 55 bucks lol

[@jptinc55]

Another great informative enjoyable video ❗️

[@1musicsearcher]

I like these comparison videos that you do. You realize the alternate possibilities. I don’t have enough space for the ones I want. Thanks.

[@jimfarrell4635]

I sold a Yamaha CR 820 recently after replacing the lamps. Fantastic receiver, and the looks are bang up to date. They really havent aged.

[@mpw621]

Great video ! The HK 330c is another nice unit more neutral but still sounds quite nice. I have been using the 330c with an Audible Illusions tube pre-amp with my Rega P3 connected to the Hk's tape input - sounds really nice !

[@LemonProductions09]

i’ve got a 5000x which has been in my dads family since ‘81, a 430 that i bought from a friend for $75, and a 4500 mkii which was given to me. its been a while since ive paid attention to vintage gear and seeing where these and the flagships are selling for now is so insane to me. i remember when sx-1250’s were $7-900 and $1k was scoffed at. while i wish id spent more of my early teens (around 2010) scoping out gear, its nice to know ive got some well-regarded pieces to make up for all the lesser ones i brought home back in the day.

[@trekOCLVone]

I can vouge for the Marantz 2250B receiver as it is a class act. Thanks Kevin!

[@acronus]

One that often gets overlooked is the Sanyo JCX series of receivers from the 70's. I have a JCX 2300K, and I absolutely love the sound of it. They usually trade hands for half (or less) than an equivalently spec'd Pioneer, Sony, HK, Marantz, etc. If you encounter one, give it a shot.

[@record_guy59]

I have a 4000x and absolutely love it

[@harpermotorsports16]

I picked up a mint Technics SA-500 last year for $175 and I couldn't be happier with the bang-for-the-buck I get from this receiver

[@OldGuyHifi]

You know I loves me some HK Twins. Thx my friend.

[@sosonic12000]

Love your channel. You’re very likeable and refreshing to watch. Content is excellent. 👍

[@fridaythe13thpartx]

One of the personal favorites in my collection is the Harman Kardon Three Thirty Nocturne.Just love the sound and look of this baby.

[@N2IPA]

A Pioneer flagship that can be had for the same money as a Marantz 2250 is the Piomeer SX-1010. At 100wpc, it's the receiver that started the watt wars - what a golden age.

[@oldhifi8820]

I will second the choice of the Sony STR-7055. I have two of them. They are as you described them. At 74 I have owned a lot of stereo equipment along the way. Some of what I have owned includes Concept 16.5, Pioneer 1050, Sansui 9090 & 9090DB, Marantz 2385, Phase linear 400 and various others. 2 of the receivers I end up with are the Sony STR-7055.

[@eversway7540]

Yeah.. My 7065-A is a keeper. I had a beautiful Marantz 2245 in a shellac wood case as well as a realistic sta 2080. I sold the Marantz when people were paying crazy money for them. If I A B the realistic 2080 next to it. I can almost guarantee you wont be able to tell the difference between the two. Same thing with the Sony, that's why I got rid of the Marantz. Depending on the speaker, if you play with the base and treble and the manufacturers specs are similar, you can sometimes close in on their signature sound. I can say for sure that 2080 was a serious clone to the 2245.

[@sonyajones]

I have a couple of Yamaha CR-840 receivers that hit my sweet spot for price and features. Very clean sound with a lot of punch. Recapped, tuned and installed blue led's. They are just awesome for me. Still look brand new. ❤

[@raygarafano3633]

I think they are all great rcvrs, yet a good Eq will really make a great rcvr even better.

[@897firefly]

Just want to say thank you, I found my sweet spot with an Akai AA-1150 and baby Advent ll speakers, both of which I learned of from watching your videos. Only wish I was closer and could have gotten them from Skylabs! Thanks!

[@petermarne4718]

I recently upgraded my Marantz 2215B to a HK430 Twin for the equivalence of $250 and I just love it.

[@coreyslumkoski8560]

I’ve got a Realistic STA-850 that is right in the sweet spot. 50 watts per channel, and sounds fantastic.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Really enjoy your videos. Fresno, CA

[@lloydgreen4091]

So far in my short time since August collecting, *Yamaha CR 700* 40wpc $78.50 on ebay shipping Included. Great Looks Green Lit Dial Pre amp in & out better than my Marantz. Eye Candy the Same. Got all 6 Stacked in a Custom rack. Very Happy with them all so far going thru a pair of Genesis Passive speakers.Looks as Impressive as my Mac gear setting next to them.

[@francescotenti193]

Another great video and sort of an instigator to log into eBay and start looking.

[@karaDee2363]

Love the Kenwood, which was the first HiFi receiver I bought when I was a teenager...... And love the Sansui MK..... And Kevin, don't take the blame for prices going up.. it's not your fault..

[@Trojan0304]

My Pioneer SX 780 still plays great , will outlast me😊😊😊

[@Tr1hawaii]

Man Kevin, those Onkyo’s are hard to find in SWOK. I have a Kenwood 7600 and it’s great. Glad to see the Kenny’s getting some love. Now, I’m gonna be that dude that likes the original lights - for me, keep the blue for the Marantz’. Love my little 2226 and its bigger bro, 2285B. Both brought back from Germany (Army). Thanks for the share; waiting on the next vid!

[@mardors]

All Marantz models are “symmetrically” beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. 😊

[@kevinyoungM14EBR]

100K will be reached very soon. Thank you for another great video. I don't know if this holds true with other manufacturers but 1970's Marantz published power ratings may have been conservative... it seems that you could easily add 20 watts per channel to whatever was claimed. I do know that my little 2238B performs like a more powerful receiver, and I love it.

[@astronorthwet636]

I definitely like that Onkyo with the blue lights!

[@michellevey9608]

The Sony 7055 is a wicked receiver!!!

[@paulv22]

Great list, but I'd add the Sansui Eight in there. It'd be a bit more expensive than most but they're excellent.

[@Gearset807]

I purchased a KR 6600 Kenwood receiver in 1977. I purchased it brand new. It was a fantastic unit. I had it hooked up to JBL L36 speakers with a Sony reel to reel TC377 and a techniques SL 1300 turntable. I really miss that system so much.

[@skipknot7389]

Great vid. Sansui rocks!

[@PB-mr4ze]

another great video, thanks, Kevin.

[@robertdentel1775]

I bought my girlfriend a Sony 7065 & a pair of Bose 901’s for her family room. For her living room I bought her a Pioneer SX 7500 with matching tuner & a pair of large Advent’s. She has now caught the audio bug. This is such a fun hobby.

[@s.k.y_kitty3godward850]

Love the channel ,nostalgia and my hi fi past ,and thankyou one day when up that way ,definitely going call into the store 🏬,Chris your British watching DFW TX 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@ajdenzer3039]

Thanks for this video, and the information contained, I have always wanted a G 9000 since the 70s, unfortunately like then it's still beyond my reach, while there's Sansui receiver's on Craigslist all the time, we don't have a lot of information about them, your helpful information is welcome in shopping, thanks.

[@mikeg9140]

Great information Kevin. Thanks for the videos!

[@danwheetman6914]

Nice video, thanks. How about taking is through your system/systems and talking about how you got there with what you’re using? What did you put aside, what did you send you wish you’d kept, what are you jonesing for now? Could be a lot of fun.

[@jergervasi3331]

Great Jellyfish photo!

[@robkorczak]

Great video and great gear. I was traditionally more of an integrated amp guy but I wouldn't say "no" to any of those receivers especially now when I'm just getting back into the hobby. I currently have a receiver that isn't supposed to exist and I bought it at Goodwill. It's a Sansui 690 black face stereo receiver and finding information about this particular one is surprisingly hard.

[@jeffmalloy8200]

If it's black faced it might be a European model.

[@spaztekwarrior]

Great list and great idea for a video. Cheers

[@johncrawford6992]

Great topic on the video Thankyou for doing this

[@Steve-w6k4b]

Thanks Kevin for another enjoyable Sunday morning video. There are a bunch of receivers from the 70’s that will please the vast majority of music lovers. We all hear things a little differently. I hope music lovers don’t think louder is always better. Protect your hearing folks! Kevin, how about an episode on how loud is loud enough so you don’t damage your hearing?

[@michellevey9608]

I also have a 6600! In the wood case it looks awesome! Positively overlooked.

[@teekay_1]

The sweet spot IMHO is a lower-watt Sansui from the 1970's. Beautiful build quality, great sound and it looks great. A relative gave me a 2000A and it is so sweet sounding with a pair of AR-15 speakers. 35W per channel, probably rated fairly conservatively. Great FM tuner, has a tape monitor circuit. Although I just looked on ebay and the prices are a little out of line for a basic receiver, especially one that looks good cosmetically.

[@glenncurry3041]

Harmon Kardon anything was one of the best of it's time!

[@chuckgilly]

My first receiver was a Hamon Kardon when I was 12 years old.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

​@@chuckgillyim getting a hk tu911 tuner coming my way

[@bradc32]

my champagne HK from 80s still rocks on all i have done is dusted it out a couple times..best for efficient speakers

[@markschweitzer6920]

Right! Sometimes twin power. Always super wide bandwidth, higher current capability, higher damping factor and lower negative feedback compared to most. That's why they deliver more performance for their rated power. 👍

[@chipguy11]

I have had mine since 1973. I have replaced lamps and it recently had a good going through when it lost the fm tuner! Paired with Pioneer A50,s from the same era. 55 watts max. We used to have duals between my friends marantz kenwood pioneer back in the day. Always held its own!

[@KenV62]

Nice list for sure. To this list, I would consider throwing in the Kenwood KR-4070 (40wpc) and early Vector Research VR 5000 (45wpc) & VR 7000 (65wpc) receivers, which punch in way above their weight. Solid Japan build quality and look & sound are excellent. VR receivers still fly under the radar, as many stereo store chains offered them as almost an 'in-house' brand, and more affordable. Great reviews out there on them, too. And won't have the cost premium of more popular mid-sized receiver brands or models mentioned already.

[@charleslynch4377]

Nice video and very informative !

[@rockroll575]

So right about the lights on, on a receiver

[@glenncurry3041]

One you missed that was one of the best units of the time is the Kenwood KR-4070. Built like a tank. Wide bandwidth, increasable phono stage. And going for

[@anthonymalovrh2912]

Loved the HK 430. Super wide bandwith, plenty of dynamic power.

[@broeheemed32]

In my small, remote town, there is a lack of many (any, really) repair technicians for vintage gear, so when my Marantz 2230 began to "protest", I picked up an "emergency' receiver, which turned out to be a Pioneer SX-626. I've been smiling ever since. A mid-level unit at either 20 watts or 27 watts depending on who you ask, I couldn't want more than what you get with this beauty. A 1972 model, it's built solid, has two tape loops, two phono inputs, main in/pre outs, a seriously high-performance tuner, and a fabulous sound.... and they're available anytime. I think between eBay and Reverb, there were at least a dozen of these for sale when I bought this one for about $300. I liked it so much, I bought another one as a "backup".

[@machintelligence]

If you were really lucky, you got a full set of speaker plugs. They are proprietary and easily lost. I purchased a Pioneer SX 727 new almost 50 years ago and am still using it. I had it cleaned, relamped and recaped a few years ago and it still sounds great. I believe it was rated at 45 watts per channel. Which is plenty.

[@broeheemed32]

@@machintelligence - Yep..... that's practically the same receiver. Yours has more power and a volume attenuator button, but other than that they're the same. My first unit did come with one pair of factory speaker adapters. It was advertised as having all boards recapped, rebuilt power supply, serviced output amp section, LED conversion. Time will tell, and the second one I bought will be sent out for a "complete" servicing. I'm just 100% disinterested in any "modern" receiver, so I'll keep buying these!

[@G77799]

Coolest channel ever great content no BS you keep it honest and real keep doing what y’all are doing ‼️Thank ya ✝️🇺🇸

[@uncleremus64]

Kev, you're leaving out the Technics SA series. The sweet spot around 50Wpc is covered by the SA 500. I've had the one my dad bought in 1978 playing for decades.

[@meredithharvan5632]

Kevin is on the money with 60wpc +/- receivers, anything more is for bragging rights only-- unless you have a huge room and some power hungry electrostatics. Love the Onkyo receivers from that era and have a TX 4500 and a TX6500 mk II. While Kevin raves about the color change on the TX *500 mkII series , it is even better with the MK1's as the dial is backlit and you can change from warm white to cool blue (Marantz) to green (Sansui or Harman Kardon) or royal blue ( Pioneer SX 1010) and they just look fantastic. Completely underrated brand and I'm OK with that as I can usually find a good deal on one- I just added back and A-5 integrated from my HS/College days, paid about the same price as it was back in 1979.

[@WildHorses9958]

I have one of the Onkyo 4500 mk2 it's a beast and still sounds good! I bought it with a pair of Infinity Quantum 3s for 150 bucks. Restored the speakers for about 200, and they sound great !

[@bigcity2085]

I have the original Onkyo TX -4500 from 1975 (pre mkII). They are supposed to be the same inside, just slightly cosmetically different. I did the blue lights...but I was torn - now I'm okay with it. I also have a TX - 2500 mk II and the gold lights in there are "golden" - she's real pretty, so I have the best of both worlds. Got the 45 for 319.00 and the 25 for 30 bucks and fixed it up myself. It's good to have a spare, cuz they can be months away from home when they go in the shop.