Top 5 Monster HiFi Stereo Receivers from the 70's! SCARY!

[@jim010109]

Relax! Its just Audio, that was a awesome line. I wholeheartedly agree with that, breathe folks,lol.

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol

[@joerosen5464]

And if it wasn't... would we be here watching?😊

[@mikeschock9225]

My dad back in the day was considering the SX-1250 but he thought it was too much receiver. He opted for the SX-1050 instead. This was passed down to me. Now that he is gone this is now my most prized possession! I spent many a hour with my dad listening to music on this unit!

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you still have it! Definitely a great receiver to share as a bond with your Dad.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

That is awesome, I lost my dad in 2018, while I don’t play banjo, I sometimes take out his OME banjo and plug in a cassette of him playing it, with his dad on fiddle.

[@lehmanc100]

I bought a SX-850 back in 1977. Still sounds and looks excellent.

[@secondaryunit]

I love hearing this story, never worry about missing out on the 1250. You have the better sounding receiver for a day to day listening stand point. Plus the 1050 is no slouch either from a volume perspective either. Thank you for sharing.

[@paulciprus9582]

My dad bought the 1250..and a PL560..along with a pair of Snell Type A loudspeakers..layer he bought an Audio Source EQ.aiwa cd player..and I added a Realistic APM power meter..awesome stuff.

[@bryandickerson5365]

Woohoo - my 1250 comes in 1st! It was the one I wanted as a kid and thanks to Craigslist I found mine along with a pair of HPM 100s about 20 years ago! Now, if I could only be that lucky finding a ‘70 Porsche 911S, a ‘76 BMW R90S, Nikon F and an original Stickley Morris chair that I can afford. Like Dad always said - “son, you’ve got Champagne taste on a beer budget.”

[@mikeobearle]

This channel got me really down the rabbit hole of vintage receivers. I picked up a kenwood kr3600 just to get my toe wet and then quickly jumped all the way in with a pioneer sx780 which looks brand new. My father then picked me up an old pioneer 4 channel from a goodwill for twenty bucks. Worked like a charm. Now have 3 vintage receivers in total.

[@PlymouthVT]

The SX780 was the first amp that Pioneer went to a STK Power pack. Its a big integrated black plastic package the entire amp section is in this module.They failed alot many from loose mounting screws and poor dielectric. That amp cannot tolerate high volume for lengthy periods. I replaced 100's of stk modules back in the day. In fact between all the techs we would have a contest who could swap both packs out faster lol. There's a you tube about these modules search YT: SX780 Upgrade

[@harry8097]

Me too!

[@johnsonrobinsonjr1272]

Great Video... I own a SX-1250 and I absolutely love it. I have a G8000 right next to it. Love these old receiver's, they are great conversation pieces!

[@mikecampbell5856]

You are correct sir! Everybody loves VU meters. I have been buying stereo equipment since 1975 and sadly I never had VU meters except on cassette decks. I just bought a One Little Bear VU3 and I absolutely love it. I'm driving it with my Harman Kardon PM 650 from 1983. I agree about the Marantz beauty. I just bought a new faceplate from vintage hi fi audio and my 2220b is so pretty now. With new vellum and new lamps, it looks like a museum piece.

[@stevenpotts3056]

Thanks for the amazing channel and videos, Kevin!!! Glad to see you are a Pioneer man too. I worked my way through college as a salesman at a Pioneer authorized audio/video dealership from 1979-1981. What a fantastic time to work at such a place, between selling such audio equipment as the SX-1280, RX-909, CT-1250, and, of course, beginning in 1980, my favorite "toy" in the video world at the time, the VP-1000 Laserdisc player!! Most of my clients were physicians, successful attorneys and businessmen and women, so, needless to say, I did very well in sales and commissions, enough to pay for a SX-1280 (I opted for the receiver, rather than separate components), a CT-1250 cassette deck, and a PL-500 Turntable (unfortunately I had to buy a MM cartridge, as the 1280 does not have a MC input, which, like you, I prefer to MM), all at store cost, of course, since I worked there. I always wanted an RX-909, but, I could not get a hold of one all the time I worked at the store. Never could figure that one out, especially being an authorized dealer. I would have had to settle for the 707, which I passed on - 7" tape reels are useless in real serious recording situations. I had to look elsewhere for speakers, as I really was never a big fan of the sound of Pioneer speakers (I know, it's weird, because I love the rest of their lineup), and I went with a set of Boston Acoustic towers a little later (listened strictly with headphones for the first few months of owning the system, with a pair of Seinnheisers). No, I do not have any of this equipment anymore (sigh and many tears). The CT-1250 was the first item to go, as the VFD's went out on the unit around 1992, making it totally useless as a recorder. I totally agree with you respecting your inclusion of the SX-1250 over the 1280. Actually, at the time, I preferred the 1250, but as I bought my system in 1980, the 1250 was history, so I had no choice but to buy the 1280 for the "WOW" factor, and, of course, for the sound quality. The damn thing weighed about 60 pounds, so I had to buy a special table in order to accommodate the receiver. The receiver sure came in handy, however, when, in the fall of 1983, I purchased my very first CD player, the Sony CDP-101 (Pioneer did not have a model out yet). Man, did those CD's sound great through that beast!! Thanks again, Kevin, for the great vids!! I will be subscribing and watching more on your awesome channel!!! Cheers!!!!

[@tombergman7780]

A guy I worked with had a Sansui G-7000 just lying around unhooked up. It was in near-mint condition. He wasn’t really into audio and I never found out how he had come to own it. I asked him what he wanted for it. He said make me an offer. I said how about 50 bucks. He said fine. I slapped fifty into his hand and literally ran out of the place before he changed his mind. Clearly he didn’t realize the value of what he had. I think this was one of the better bargains in my lifetime. The baby worked perfectly and looked great.

[@geeo57]

I bought my Pioneer SX-1250 Around 16 years ago, It is a Monster for sure and it will be with me Until my Grandkids Inherit it.

[@cheapaudioman]

Great video, brother. I really enjoyed this one.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Randy! Hope you get to feeling better!

[@plowking57]

The Kenwood Kr 9600 is my favorite receiver. I sold off both my Sansui 9090db's . I kept the sleeper of the bunch. It still plays like new . Along with my jbl100's it can still shake the house .

[@Reflectiveness]

I love the way you say the tone controls are there for a reason. I can make up for most deficiencies with a treble, bass, and loudness control.

[@skylabsaudio]

Use them damn things! I do!

[@pietromanno8916]

LOVE ALL OF THEM!!!!!!!!! NOT JUST THE LOOKS!!!!! BUT THE SOUND !!!!!!

[@stighenningjohansen]

My local electronic stuff pusher in Sarpsborg, Norway sold everything from Dark side of the moon Pink floyd 73 cassette and in their Deep carpet heavy glass isolated listening room sold Japanese recivers equipped with a receiver front end, connected to a power amplifier via a thick cable.. I heard one of those pushing a set AR3 speakers. Fantastic, first there was a news guy, telling the news. And it was as he sat 1m away and gave us the news, after that, The Dark side started, and the expensive glass started to rattle.. Nice

[@drewbizdev]

When I was a kid growing up in New York, my dad owned an electronics repair shop. When people would not pick up their repaired units, my father had a legal obligation to dispose of them. Dozens of units ended up in the three bedroom apartment over our two car garage. Our main stereo in the house from 1973-1981 was the Pioneer SX-6000. Never sold in America. Guys coming home from Vietnam by way of Japan would stop in and buy receivers and mail them home. Got to see some pretty cool stuff. ...Love your channel by the way.

[@Slonge92]

I’m pretty sure my Marantz 2330 weighs just under 2 tons. She’s currently the queen of my vintage fleet, and sounds very sweet. Thank for the great videos.

[@tmdillon1969]

I have a good friend who's selling me a 2330. I'd already have it but he's very reluctant to ship it.

[@empoweryou1]

I have one too. My 2330 is designated "BD" I'm told the "D" was in reference to Dolby when Marantz was considering upgradable dolby cartridges. On the back panel there's a location to change out the dolby cartridge. I haven't seen this option on other receivers but the technician who serviced it, recognized it immediately.

[@williamerlewein3983]

Bless you brother I wish I still had mine

[@empoweryou1]

@@tmdillon1969 Did you ever receive it?

[@wildflower1542]

What a good review about the receivers during the '70s & '80's era ..Thanks for sharing ...👏💓

[@kylealsberry8602]

Fortunately, I own the Yamaha CR 3020 ( Weighing in at a crazy 80 plus pounds 😮) And just had it totally restored to add to my completely restored CR 2020 and 1020 receiver's. Along with the Pioneer SX 1250 ( restored by the same person I've trusted for a decade), I consider myself pretty lucky to have all of them working in tip-top condition for years to come, Now the sonic comparison can at least be an equal one. Keep the videos coming, Great Channel 👍🏾

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

I owned the CR 3020 back in '79 when I was 18 years old.

[@stpierreorama]

What is your conclusion of the sonic comparison?

[@joerosen5464]

I know what my choice would be! I haven't heard the 3020, but the CR-2020 just SMOKES (not literally, of course😬) the Fry-An-Ear by comparison. You're comparing mid-fi to true High End!

[@johnnewcomb5162]

I have the cr2020 and it's not going anywhere and it hangs with a bunch of the big boys. Guys online use them with $25 thousand dollar speakers. They get the job done.

[@lobstame]

Thanks Kevin, I was a teen in the late sixties and early seventies, my friends were almost all music lovers and owned at least one of each during those golden years. I’m fortunate to have a SX1010 and owned a few different amps/receivers of the years you covered. They are all good and unique. Everyone should own or have one at some point to understand why we love them. Thanks for the entertainment and humor.

[@Foxrock321]

Yay Kevin! I just picked up the G-8000 and it too is a Monster..I found it at my repair techs store on consignment for $1250. I offered $800 and they jumped on it..apparently it had been there a while..and it really takes up shelf space.. great video..and you know I’m a Yamaha fan boy and I picked up the CR-1020 a while back for a reasonable price, it’s in the bullpen waiting for restoration..I know it’s only 70 watts but it’s a bigboy cab..

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

I have a collection of nine certified monster receivers. Of the nine you selected one of my lot as your top 5 list of monster HI FI receivers. However I totally agree the star of my collection is my Pioneer SX-1250. I got my Pioneer SX-1250 from EBay in bad condition. It worked but was dirty and the pots were insanely scratchy. Even beat up from years sitting in a dusty warehouse my Pioneer SX-1250 sounded great. I spent $4,000 having my Pioneer SX-1250 completely recapped and restored till now it sounds so good it makes you cry to listen to anything it plays. My techs have restored my Pioneer SX1980, SX1280, SX1050 and my SX1250 is the best sounding of the bunch. The Pioneer SX1250 has an almost Marantz 2330B sound.

[@robertwright5487]

Damn, some of these receivers when new were under $1,000. I was stationed in Germany, and we had some great pricing from the audio stores plus they were tax free .

[@harlest71]

Great List Kevin !! Unfortunately I can't buy any of those because I'm still on the buy up old McIntosh train you put me on a while back and because of your last video I just received a DynaKit ST-70 😂 Thanks for the great content man.

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

Great review, thanks for sharing !I agree with your top choice, I also have an SX-1250, restored a couple years back by one of the gents from AudioKarma. It was cosmetically mint, and now has sonics to match. In a secondary system, I am running a Luxman R117 receiver (their TOTL at that time). Rated at 160 wpc, it delivers a significant amount of headroom, and would be a good choice for someone looking for a very capable black-faced unit.

[@joen2423]

These are some serious pieces of HiFi gold. I would love an SX-1250 someday, that must be massive! I am currently cleaning up the SX-950 my dad just gave me, wish I was close enough to your shop to stop in!

[@jskobe808]

Outstanding video. I have the Kenwood 9600 that I got at a garage sale a few years back. Absolutely love the sound quality and looks. 👍

[@huronchess4810]

I always had a stereo back then but could never afford a good system being a teenager. For nostalgia I bought a Marantz 2235B last year and absolutely enjoy it!

[@skylabsaudio]

I'd be happy with a 2235b all day long! The receivers in this list are 50% bragging rights.

[@mopar3502001]

I love my SX-1250. I have an entire collection of the silver face SX series all the way up to the SX-1280. The two that I use the most are the SX-1250 and the SX-950. I have a boat load of these old Pioneers and I love every single one of them. One day I hope to have an SX-1980, but that day is still a long ways off I think. I love the channel too! Excellent content!

[@vantowers9017]

I got a Kenwood KR 9600 with new purple outputs, and instead of original rack handles it has cabinet pulls that look surprisingly better to me. I also have the little brother 7600 that also has rack handles.

[@andregoulet3446]

Another great video :) In my perception of a monster receiver The first that comes to mind is the Harman kardon Citation receiver :)

[@RaiderCBR6.5]

Great review, I run my all my audio through my SX-1250, TV, computer etc. Have been doing this since finding it in my landlords garage new in the box 2 years ago. I use it hour's every day and it spends more time than most at above 50% volume. The 1250 with the SDA 2's is a good combo.

[@richyz01]

Nice Recievers. I own a MCS 3125 that is a monster reciever and was built by NEC. The biggest reciever you could get from JC Penny in the late 70's. Great sound.😊

[@mjg263]

Totally agree on the Pioneer SX-1250. I’ve got all of the SX-x50 series from the SX-850 on up because of their excellent build quality, flexibility and serviceability. Love working on them and listening to them and have for many years!

[@DaveFoehring]

One of my favorites of your videos. Maybe sometime you could do a beginner's tutorial on receiver controls and inputs/ outputs? For example, pre-out main in; turnover switch, etc. for some of us newer to the hobby. Thanks and keep 'em coming!

[@skylabsaudio]

Good idea, thanks!

[@louieatienza8762]

I have a Kenwood KR-9400, which was Kenwood's former flagship, and I always floored at how "responsive" it is, and how well it drives virtually every speaker set I threw at it even at lower volumes. I also love its looks, is built like a tank, and weighs about as much as one too. My space is not big, and really the only time I get it past 3 is when I'm showing off to friends who get blown away. I can't imagine what more power sounds like...

[@dustmaker1000]

Well done. When I read the title of this video, my first thought was the best vintage receiver ever is the Pioneer SX-1250. While I don’t own one, I do have a SX-1050, a SX-850 and a SX-750. As an amateur technician, I find the Pioneers easy to work on and the quality of the build is evident when you take the bottom plate off. Very well done. For the mid-tier receivers, my favorite is the SX-850. For most people, this has all the power one needs, great features and excellent build quality. The 850 is an audiophile receiver and is superior to the 750 which looks like the top of the line consumer grade. In today’s market, $1000 will get you a rebuilt/refurbished SX-850. You can save thousands and still have a top quality vintage receiver.

[@skylabsaudio]

Always a very large premium on the flag ship. Usually the model below is half price, I agree that the sx850 is a great receiver.

[@johnclintonmusicandmore]

thanks for the info last week on the Boston Acoustics A100. i got some Series III these are what i had in 1988 i found a pair 3 hours away really clean so i got them and now i ordered a set of matching Boston Acoustics A60 Series ii its nice to have a sealed cabinet i have been using klipsch klf-20's and klipsch rb 35's for years thanks for the cool video i had a Sansui 9900Z a few years ago

[@rotaxtwin]

I can sure see why you take serviceability into account, some of the large receivers get seriously heavy and complex. Flipping a 60 lb unit over would get tiring pretty quick. There are some very handsome units on the list, love all that silver!

[@Sunrayman123]

Kevin, when I saw that first receiver, the Kenwood KR 9600 I almost fell outta my chair! What a beauty! Now for the rest of the pack...

[@TurboDV8]

Still have mine!

[@DanielHog13]

GREAT vid. Love the necessary caveats. Love the pics. 💪

[@varsitycamplife]

Just saw a Sansui G-22000 up close and personal last week. I was in awe.

[@dougb3699]

I enjoy the black lettering on a silver colored panel. it makes it easier to operate.

[@TheHomeExpert5]

All right, Dexter Manley, this was a very very good episode. What about some love for some 80s receivers, make an episode with those even though they are currently unloved. Secondly what makes a great volume knob is that heavyweight and quality feel.

[@nadude98]

Good job Kevin. I bought an SX-1250 when they came out. As an Airman First Class back then I actually took out a loan to buy it and a pair of speakers. i fondly remember blasting out Aerosmith's Toy in the Attic in the barracks on it. Actually the 1250 was $650 brand new. That was over 2 months pay for me back then. I totally agree with your assessment. Definitely the best receiver ever made.

[@icmman7]

nakamichi had some premium stuff back then, too costly for my A1C pocketbook.where i was stationed you could take out deferred loans to buy whatever...i chose hi end hifi!!!

[@billfunk3168]

I remember the 1250 Pioneer having a lot of power. I had Phase Linear. (Carver) power.

[@dtracy03ss]

Awesome Vid and loved the Comment about the Sound Controls, I would go one-step farther though, I Love Equalizers and I Don't Care what the Flat Line Audiophile says!

[@CharlesSheen-x6h]

I never heard them say anything

[@dtracy03ss]

@CharlesSheen-x6h Seriously, How about 90% of the Time when posts are made with Equalizers in the Mix ? OK maybe 70% and I'm not talking about Normal Stereo System Collectors or Lovers, but the Hardcore Audiophile you know the ones With the Best of the Best, Those are the ones that ridicule Equalizers with " your introducing Noise " " you're not listening to the Music as Intended" "Flat is the Only way" blah blah ! Some People love the looks and there are Recordings out that Definitely don't appeal to me without some Adjustments, Others are Awesome! Also Everyone's Hearing is not the Same and Equalizers can make up for Weak Equipment. This is not meant to start an argument - if Someone likes an Equalizer in Their System that's Awesome!

[@CharlesSheen-x6h]

@@dtracy03ss okay well that seems like a strange idea to me I love equalizers and being able to adjust from a news station to music or some other thing it’s definitely needed

[@cowanthegreat8966]

I have a CR2020, bought it new. Haven't seen it in 15 years, been sitting in a locker (which I've been paying $55 a month) 3500kms away. I'm nuts.

[@babs1450]

Hello and thank you for the vid. It was a long time ago. dumpster diving at radio shack, collected many new electronic parts, still in the package. I was a regular customer at a pawn shop back in the day. then I saw a Marantz unit. bought it for 20$ I think, a little while later, I saw the 2325. For 40 $ and the dumpster finds I had my first true unit. I had no idea what I had. Thanks for the info.

[@rcowens7]

Cool video. Love the Marantz 2325! 🎸

[@mrrpepsi24]

I came across your channel today, Im glad I did. I have a Technics 5760 receiver, I believe its rated at 160 Watts, Its pretty nice. So I guess I was wondering what your take on Technics is, Thanks

[@hayest9872]

You just answered my 2 questions I posted in your other video on the 9600vs9050 and the powerpack retrofit kits.

[@joes7166]

About 15 years ago a friend gave me a Kenwood 9600. Yes, a monster. Only problem are the missing handles. The volume control is a bit scratchy. I use it nearly every day.

[@tonyclark6235]

Great Video!!… love my Rotel RX1603. Fortunately still has its original Sanken output transistors too. Had it serviced recently by my tech here in Sydney lots of caps and diodes replaced just cause of age .. sounds superb as all of these Receivers do really..

[@lorindamikaela]

Your ROTEL is a beautiful looking receiver, I own a ROTEL RA-1312, LUXMAN R-1120 and AKAI AA-1200. The AKAI is not the best looking receiver but the most beautiful sounding.

[@tonyclark6235]

@@lorindamikaela … also have an RA1312 & RA1412. 1412 is what I’m listening to at the moment I had my tech change the main filter caps with some Nichicons and any others that needed doing although most were done a few years ago …

[@lorindamikaela]

@@tonyclark6235 - personally I think ROTEL have some of the best looking vintage receivers. I don't collect vintage gear anymore as I sold off 90% of my collection. Like yourself I had my gear rebuilt/serviced and I will keep what I have left. The ROTEL RA-1412 is also a nice piece of gear. I brought my RA-1312 for $25 yes you read right $25 about 2 years ago, it wasn't working but cost $175 for a service and it's in mint condition. Also from the same seller I brought KEF Concerto speakers for $25 and had crossovers rebuilt and upgraded. My favorite though is the AKAI AA-1200, on paper rated at 120wpc but tests at 170wpc way more power than anybody needs but it has the best sound to my ears.

[@TPOrchestra]

I own a 70's Marantz 4400 quad receiver and it's still going strong, though I almost destroyed it by having a four ohm load on the front channels. I remember I paid a small fortune in repair costs, but the sound is extraordinary, so it was worth it. My dream was always to own a McIntosh, but could never see paying THAT much.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Good Video! I admit, I was hooked and obsessed with monster receivers in the late 70's. I wanted a big 160 watt+ Marantz, Yamaha or Pioneer. I ended up with a 8010 Kenwood (more in my budget). 125 WPC BIG, 3 speaker outputs and even a mic input on the front. Huge and heavy, at over 21" wide and 16" deep. I had to widen and extend the shelving on my stereo rack to hold it. Had it for many years (wish I still had it), eventually replacing it with a R-100 Yamaha 100 WPC. Much smaller and only 17" wide so it fit in a standard rack system. Have been a Yamaha guy all along, have a CR-820 only 55 WPC but at 20" wide in a wood case it does look more like a monster receiver. If they weren't so expensive now I might get another monster. I know I sound old now...I'm happy with my McIntosh C-26 Preamp and 2100 amp and don't need another giant, However...

[@andrewbrown1258]

Great info as always Kevin👍 I have a chance to pick up a Nikko NR 1415. Not a lot of them I see online and wondered if you had any experience/thoughts?

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

I had an uncle who was audiophile who was always adding premium equipment to his sound system from the Hi-Fi days to Stereo and quad era. My step-grandfather was a electronics engineer and built all of his equipment including speakers. It was all mounted on a big steel framed shelf above the stairs to the basement with ventilation and fans. Mom dropped me off to do some yard work for them and he called me into the house to show me his newest setup. Then he turned it on and played 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and the cannon fire shook the house to the foundation. I went outside to hear it and all around the neighbors came out to see what was happening. I swear the walls of the house were moving in and out. Something you never forget and never heard anything like again in 60-years since. Would like to have some of the classic equipment from back in my and my uncle's day, but the prices just leave me dreaming. I would have to luck into something so still on the hunt. Thanks for all the effort educating us on the old equipment...Appreciated.

[@hugobloemers4425]

That is a great list and the choices have been well justified. The positive opinion about the Kenwood KR9600 surprised me. I thought Kenwood was a bottom tier brand according to Skylabs. It is nice to see Kenwood has done something right.

[@skylabsaudio]

Not at all, I just think you have to do a little homework and be selective with Kenwood. Every manufacturer made duds, some more than others.

[@joerosen5464]

​@@skylabsaudio One might do well to consider that Kenwood is only one of the Parent Company's 3 brands. That's why the Parent Company's name is: TRIO. Which is the name some of the oldsters like me remember when they first came to North America. As for the other 2 brands in Trio's portfolio, there's some obscure (in North America anyway...) kits they offered under their "Kencraft" monicker. But the pièce de resistance, the jewel in the crown, was their ACCUPHASE line that they brought out in 1973. And if you have seen, used, or heard even their first efforts: the C-200 preamp & P-300 amplifier, then you quickly realize what a piece of crap the Fry-An-Ear stuff is by comparison! Yeah, I know. There's no Accuphase receiver. So, technically they're off of today's menu. But a pair of these VASTLY superior pieces, in EVERY way to every brand on the top 5 list (the Yamaha CR-2020 SMOKES all the other receivers on your list; good job giving it an "Honourable Mention" shout-out, Kevin!😉). Which is to say: Build quality, parts quality, & sound (although the CR-2020 sounds a bit better to these ears...). No, don't diss Trio/Kenwood. Better than you think!🧐

[@fabieneldridge3414]

I’m glad I bought my 2325 Marantz when I did. For thirty years I’ve been using a pair of Klipsch K-Horns up front on A, B channel runs a pair of Klipsch Belle’s in back. My room is double insulated and 28’x24’. The old Marantz gets blown out every few years with my air compressor. Quality products, something you don’t find today. I’ve been thinking hard about recapping my Receiver after 40 plus years it’s probably in need. It still rocks !

[@joerosen5464]

Uhhh...yeah Fabien! Get that beauty recapped YESTERDAY. You really don't want to let the smoke out & end up paying some tech $500-1000 to scour the internet scrounging for parts & putting them back in yours after it's TOO LATE!💥💨😫

[@fabieneldridge3414]

@@joerosen5464 I know you’re right. It’s been great years and years of quality sound. It rocks my Klipsch speakers. More than enough to run you out. It still can make the hair on my arms stand up !

[@johnreis8520]

Hi. As an SX950 owner Im curious about the build differences between the 950 and 1250. IS it mostly watts? Next year Id like to recap my 950...but a part of me wonders if I should just sell the 950, screw the recap and try an upgrade to the 1250.

[@archangele1]

You are so correct with respect to the 2325. I have restored two and also worked on 2500 receivers and the 2325 is a LOT easier to work on and a lot better built. Also sounds better. But, the 2270 sounds better then the 2325. Still, if I were to come across a 2325 at a garage sale I'd certainly buy it in a second. I have listened to Sony and other brands of receivers and to my ears, the Marantz receivers like the 2270, 2245 and 2325 just sound better. The only amps I hear that I would say sound better are McIntosh. I did warranty work for McIntosh and their build quality is second to none and their sound is probably the best there is.

[@lotusmanb3832]

I was wondering how you feel about the Realistic STA2100 ? I purchased one that was recently serviced and it's a beast of a receiver. 120W/ch. Lots of features that you talk about alot. I would value your opinion

[@dustydawson8977]

I owned this receiver also, it is truly a monster. Not sure if your aware, but it was basically a Pioneer amp, so much so Pioneer sued Radio Shack over copyright infringement, that should tell you something.

[@jpaleas]

Messing with tone controls is for audiophiles what dropping ice cubes into expensive wine for wine connoisseurs, Yea, I do both 🤣🤣🤣🤣 and yes everyone loves VU meters or there’s something seriously wrong with them! Great monster receiver picks... oh I’d be so happy if one of them showed up my way LOL ! I loved the video , I’m learning so much while been entertained! Another great one !!!! Thank you!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, appreciate the feedback!

[@joerosen5464]

Tone controls don't fix what's wrong with badly-designed awful sounding Japanese vintage mid-fi. If it has foofy or boom-boom boomy bass, turning the bass control down doesn't magically tighten up your bass. There's just less of it, and it STILL SUCKS. Ditto the treble control. If your highs sound strident, thin, or piercing; turning the treble control down won't "magically" eliminate the grain & glare. You'll just have dull highs & grain & glare instead.😵‍💫 As for a midrange control...why doncha buy some speakers that don't sound like 💩 in the first place??? Serves you right for buying those Cerwin-Vega HED's, Altec Voice of the Train Station, or JBL L-100/112's!😝😝😬

[@tcrutch65]

Yamaha made some quality equipment in that era

[@dynodon9182]

Wow! What memories. I was a clueless 19 year old selling stereos in 1976. I sold the Kenwood, Marantz and Pioneer. I remember the big deal when the Pioneer SX-1010 was introduced. I wish I was aware of the quality differences. I preferred the Kenwood. I wasn't that fond of the Sansui 9090DB either. What did I know? Always assumed the receiver race would continue so didn't stash away any. Any SoCal old timers remember Equasound loudspeakers?

[@83pantera]

I still use my SONY STR-V5 (bought 1980) on a daily basis with a pair of 70's Pioneer CS-63 DX speakers as "soundbar" for a TV and my old vinyl's. What an excelent pairing 😍

[@russellcardwell6502]

I have a Sony str v5 and love it , it’s a nice receiver and perfect for my mint and completely restored AR4X speakers

[@mistert7958]

CS-63 DX !!!

[@damirhlobik6488]

Sansui G 22000, completely restored by expert, 2000 euro, sold in three days, here in Croatia

[@rxonmymind8362]

A lot of great receivers on this list. I bought a Marantz 2500 and had it restored by an engineer (and your correct my good friend doesn't like working on them) but that's one receiver I'll never get rid of. Actually had two at the same time by luck. If you ever get a chance to buy one cheap do so. I walked away from a Pioneer 1980 having looked at it and decided it wasn't for me. It was bigger in person than I imagined! I thought my 2500 was big. Not compared to the 1980. That thign was a Hulk. Honorable mentions. Finally jumped into the Yamaha family with a nice little score on the CR-1020. That thing holds it's own and punches well above it's class although no monsters receiver. It's going toe to toe with my Marantz 2370 and that one was fully restored. Crazy. Fun hobby and looking forward to many more years of it.

[@-elijahriggs-]

I really love these kinds of videos from you guys.

[@Darrylizer1]

Pioneer SX 1980 is gonna be on this list! Edit: I was almost right! I have an Pioneer SX 850 and I love it.

[@flyone8350]

Before I watch this video I'm going to mention some things I like in a receiver, or amp. 1) a power flip switch.. Not a power press button, not a on off knob, a actual switch to flip up or down with my finger. Seems like a small thing but to me it's a big deal. . . . . 2) wattage meters, right and left . . . . 3) no more than 4 channels, 4 total outputs for speakers, not that 6 channel monstrosity in fact, a two channel would be even better for how I use it. Keep it simple. 4) a large volume knob, preferably in the center of the unit. No push button or slide volume, round and big, like the size of my hand. Ideally..

[@purplefreek69]

Not sure why really, but toggle ( or flip ) switches are personal preference for me on audio gear. For me the more, the better 😃.

[@johnhilton7048]

I rock a Rotel RA-1312 80 wpc @ 8ohms I think it’s a close to a monster receiver as I need to get. The phono pre amp sounds excellent!!! Plenty of onboard EQ options And the -15db input switch is great for hooking up a phone via the aux

[@stephen579]

This is a fantastic video, I have a passion for vintage receivers, so I will check through your list now and see what is available.

[@stevennelson7444]

I have a 9090 my brother has a 1980 I’ve listened extensively to both. Great sounding and looking receivers and perfect long term KEEPERS that said the G9000 and SX1250 are top notch choices I’d love to add either to my collection! Both are beautiful units that can be a focal point for any vintage stereo system

[@jimcaldwell2354]

All Hail The SX1250! Bought mine in '78, on closeout from Custom HiFi, along with a PL-540 TT and a pair of Cerwin Vega 12 TR speakers. One of the speakers was lost to a fire in the '90s, got the 1250 re-capped a couple years ago and did a partial re-cap on the 540 myself when the strobe stopped strobing.

[@WilliamVezina-zs5us]

Now I have a Pioneer txh94 blk gloss, beautiful! 08 new, 140 x 9 ht, now using it as a 2 channel with Elac ref. 2.0 ub52. Great little Speakers, so detailed, sound stage, imaging, tight bass, Andrew Jones is a really good creative designer. Sure you heard of him. Elacs I believe was 2020 or 2021. Great combo!

[@jamester1ful]

A lot of people will say anything >100 wpc is considered a "monster", so with that in mind I nominate the venerable Sherwood S-110 CP receiver at 100 wpc. Awesome gear.

[@roguesquatch1]

I started my Sherwood obsession by randomly acquiring a Sherwood S-8910 and discovering that it sounded better than almost ever other piece of gear I own. That led me to search for the rare S-9910, which i found last summer. Now I found that there is an even rarer integrated amp, the HP-2000. I'm doomed!

[@jamester1ful]

@@roguesquatch1 Yes it can be a rabbit hole, I currently have 6 Sherwoods.. the S-110CP is almost identical to the S-9910.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Love your review..Pioneer was awesome back in the day.Also Marantz...

[@peterheinen6110]

Wow, Pioneer on 1! My first stereo tower was Pioneer, around 1979. I was a kid, and had to work in weekends to get it. The set lasted until 2010 - ehen i blew the speakers. There was no receiver: all separate components. Tuner, turntable and cassette deck died on me at earlier stages. But what a machine!

[@qb101]

I've always wanted an SX-1980. Watching this, I think I might start holding pennies back for a 1250. Good recommendation. There are like two 1980s for sale I can find right now and the cheaper one is $8k. That'll be a hard pass if I want to stay married.

[@mikechurch4703]

While like many on here, I have several 70’s amps and receivers (marantz, spec 2 rack, etc). I must say, it was really good to see Sony make your list. I have the str7800 sd which I believe was the flagship of it’s time @120 watts per at 8ohms. Seems like the old Sony’s never get a lot in the recognition department. This simply validates why I like your channel. Honest, no hype reviews. I appreciate your style sir.

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate it, Mike. Thank you!

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

The Sony str 7800 is rated at 125wpc but is somewhat lightweight at 50lbs for a flagship.

[@joerosen5464]

I appreciate Kevin's style too...but not Sony's! Who beat their components with the ugly stick? They must have deliberately hired the Japanese Olympic Form Squad to style those 70's receivers & integrateds!🤦 Those 2 big knobs standing far off in the top right-hand corner, with the little rectangular depression on the volume knob. Reminds me of the dumb kid in grade school who always had a booger hanging from one of his nostrils...🤪🤨

[@joerosen5464]

I HATE "auto-correct"!!!🤬🤬🤬 POS Motorola DUMBphone! (Hint: Don't buy one!). I wanted to say: "Japanese Olympic DORK Squad"! Not "Form" Squad... Maybe the Chinese Olympic DORK Squad at Motorola can enlighten us as to WTF that is!🙄

[@spacehopper77]

Great video. My main living room receiver is an SX-1250, everyone comments in it. Sounds amazing, very fast, dynamic and musicale. As for your negatives, I have added an external stereo VU meter box plus an external moving coil phono amp. Only negative for me is the 64lbs weight but it’s a monster.

[@skylabsaudio]

💯

[@santiagosantarge819]

I saw a sansui 33000 or 22000 back in 2006 , it was two piece with the fan in back. Some vendor next to it bought it for 35 bucks .

[@russelljdj]

I love Marantz! My 2285B that I've had since 1978 still works perfect. I like that the B series had a knob for the balance rather than that slider. What will happen to my 2285B when I die is all I worry about when that happens.

[@johnferri4883]

Bought a technics sa 700 in 1978 at age 13 with paper route money. 100wpc super low thd. Midrange control. Pre out/ main in with super cool led power meters. Just sold it last year. Can't believe the money these old receivers are fetching!

[@skylabsaudio]

Give it 5 years, unless the whole market crashes, I think they will follow classic muscle cars and vintage guitars.

[@DavidDarrow]

Great video as always! One favorite of mine, especially aesthetically, is the Marantz 4400. I'd imagine it's a pain to work on, but that mini oscilloscope is just hypnotizing.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

aesthetically 😉

[@DavidDarrow]

@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt 👍 fixed thanks

[@ceylonmooney]

i purchased a used and rebuilt 2325 a good while back…seems like moments before the prices shot thru the roof. ho lee smoke am i grateful.

[@tomvanbreukelen2909]

I used to own a Yamaha CR-2040 and I loved it. It was 2nd hand and I bought it straight from the Dutch importer for a fraction of its original price. 120 Watts per channel and excellent sound.

[@jeffbrooke4892]

Another great video, thanks! Have you ever considered doing something on graphic equalizers? GEs were very popular upgrades when these receivers were being made, albeit they may have came more into their own in the late 70s-mid 80s. And in a sense, graphic equalizers kind of made tone controls a bit of a secondary consideration when these receivers were on the market. Nice gear and I look forward to your next installment.

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

The graphic equalizer I hope he includes is an AKAI EA-A7 because they are built like tanks and are beautiful. I own 4 of them and love them to death. They are crazy expensive on EBay now. I got mine when they sold for $145.00 or so. Today an AKAI EA-A7 will set you back $399 on a good day and $500 on a bad day. Only thing about collecting now is EVERYTHING 70's era and silver faced has gone sky high in price. I'm lucky I just finished my vintage audio collection at 9 complete setups. I must admit this channel makes absolutely great recommendations for gear that is great quality at a good price. Also this guy focuses on tech friendly units making repairs affordable. The 2 insights given together are priceless!

[@dan-sc7fm]

I still have and use my teac eqa10 graphic equalizer which I got sometime in the early 80s. Everything else has burned out or been thrown out, but this thing still allows me to dial in incrementally my mid highs and lows even on my newly purchased NAD c388 (which replaced my old Harmon Kardon hk870 amp that finally bit the dust).

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

@@dan-sc7fm Harmon Kardon's like boats are money pits. My brother had a Harmon Kardon. It stayed in the shop broke more than it was at home and in use. My brother loves it because 1970's, me gave it to him as a birthday present. (Stupid Me!) Back then I believed Harmon Kardon built the best receiver. So to make things right, I stole it from his house and had every last component replaced with new, better equipment, even the transformer. His newly beefed up Harmon Kardon Receiver has been working now for 18 months without issue. Longest continuous time his Harmon Kardon had worked before was barely 6 months. Harmon Kardon's sound great (*When they are working!*) P.S. He's an old Marine. He knew I took it.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

​@@AUTISTICLYCAN I've owned my HK 930 since 1973 and the only time it's been serviced was for panel light replacement. The FM does drift a bit but nothing that occasionally recentering the tuning meter doesn't correct.

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

@@j.patrickmoore9137 When it comes to vintage audio there really is no right or wrong. For you Harmon Kardon is awesome and I love that for you. Just to share an example most Audiophiles say Fisher Speakers are pure garbage. I have some HUGE Fisher speakers and I think they are the best absolute bare none sounding speakers ever in a budget to mid-price-speaker. My old cheap Fisher makes music come alive. The bass can rattle my windows. I hear everything as if it is in surround sound, sharp and clear. I don't doubt that to trained ears my Fishers are likely garbage but I love the sound they make. Sweet Sweet vintage 70's sound. I'm in love! Most Vintage audio people hate my Hitachi SR-2004 but I love it as much as any of my Pioneers. The Hitachi SR-2004 has been a bit of a money pit but I love it more than words can say. At night with the lights off the bright silver illuminated by daylight LED's is just breath taking. I've been told by audiophiles my Hitachi SR-2004 is only good for the dust bin. The Hitachi SR-2004 is rare, powerful and I love it.

[@mek90703]

Good call with the SX-1250. It was the first serious receiver I bought with my own money. I only had it for a while as I really wanted an SX-1980. I wish I had just kept the 1250, the guy I sold it to still has it while my 1980 has been repaired 3 times and it's sitting in a plastic bin waiting until my youngest gets out of college so I can send it off to be repaired again. I think I might go with an after-market power supply this time rather than an original rebuilt one. Great list!

[@allsorts9909]

Used to sell quite a lot of these when I worked at an American px in London in the early 80s. Sansui and fisher were the biggest sellers,though I was more of a pioneer fan

[@Warhawk1952]

My roommate in 1976 purchased this incredible receiver with the pioneer speakers. I THINK we paid about $400 for it, it really was a Cadillac of its time.... Wish I had today!! It's THD was really low for the time. I recall playing The Eagles all the time! Great tech for it's time!!

[@b.powell3480]

Great video!!, I had this same unit for about 15 years before a power surge knocked out the main amp modules!!, I couldn't find replacements because the modules were no longer made and unavailable!!, a shop tried to fix it but it disappeared when the shop went out of business!!

[@skylabsaudio]

That's too bad, never like hearing stories like that. Bummer

[@DarthChainsaw]

I picked up a very nice 2325 with an original wc-43 case a few years ago for around $1k. It sounds perfect and gets used daily

[@bobe3250]

Nice receivers! I'll take any of them. In perfect running condition I'll take the Marantz. I like the way they look and own more Marantz components than I do any of the others. The reason for me is that all of them will rock your socks off and play all types of music beautifully. I own receivers from all the mfg's you name here. I have a Kenwood Model 11 II that is so fun to play with when I have it hooked up. Also my Phase Linear amp, preamp and speakers really rocks the house. I agree with your thinking that repairing these beasts and keeping them in working condition is the name of the game. Not always easy or cheap. I know my Mark Levinson 90's stuff isn't included in these 70's roundups but I spend just as much money and more keeping the amps in top shape.

[@haraldfjr5750]

What about the Phase Linear monter receivers from that periode? I was at an HiFi exchebicion in the around 1980, and those PL receivers were monterous. And was they not made in the US?

[@mxbishop]

That is a fine list. You did a great job. I did not know your top fav would be the Pioneer SX-1250. 25 years ago, I bought 2 of them used. One was cosmetically perfect, and one was electronically solid. I used various parts from the nice cosmetic unit, to create a cherry SX-1250, which I still have, and which still works perfectly, with the only exception being the FM muting circuit, which no longer mutes. I suspect the Reed relay that controls the FM muting function is no longer working. A few years ago, I changed out the panel and indicator lights to LEDs, and I've also cleaned the speaker protection relay a few times, but other than that, and the FM muting problem, I've had no issues. It is a marvelous receiver - and the FM reception and sound is quite amazing. I'd like to fix the FM muting issue, but I'm not sure exactly what to do, and I don't want to risk working on it and possibly breaking something else (i.e., letting the smoke out.) Carry on!

[@bigcity2085]

Question : I live too far from the city to get real good FM reception, so I don't bother. Plus all the radio stations i want to hear , stream. And I have an eq in my laptop. Does live broadcast FM (which I haven't heard in a thousand years) sound better than live stream ? I wouldn't know . Thx.

[@mxbishop]

@@bigcity2085 I think under the best of conditions, live FM broadcasts can sound as good as streaming. But most often, FM suffers from various artifacts that degrade the sound. Some of these artifacts include signal multi-path, interference from other broadcasts, attenuation of signal due to buildings and other obstacles, solar activity and weather conditions such as lightning, a less than optimal FM antenna at the receiving end, etc., etc. The SX-1250 is probably one of the best FM receivers out there - but the inherent nature of broadcast radio will always present reception challenges.

[@MinuteBurn]

We have used a yamaha 202 for many years and it still sounds great.

[@jessielubay8229]

Scary, is not what im looking for sound, it's the quality of sound is what im up to 😂😂😂

[@JG.6768]

I love the list you created, Kevin. Also, I have a request, If you ever get a 1983 Yamaha R8 or R9 Receiver in the store, could you do a video review on what you think of them? I love the content on your channel and respect your opinions. Keep the content coming!!

[@danhawkins-g1x]

good advice. these are monsters, i had the pioneer sx 1980 and the 1250. however when i was in the military i got two sr 9000 g by marantz. i compare them to any monster reciever. i love your channel.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Dan!