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Is there any such thing as a high end receiver?

I am putting together a system for a friend who knows nothing about electronics, has no technical skill, but is a professional acoustic musician and likes sound that is smooth and sweet above all else. I intend to find her some LS3/5a's and maybe a tube cd player and I don't want to burden her with amps, preamps, tuners, interconnects and the whole rigamerole. Therefore, my question: Anyone know of a receiver (under, say, $750 used) that sounds sweet a la e.g. a Grado cartridge or LS3/5a's? Do all receivers sound like Sony's?
rpfef

Showing 2 responses by sdcampbell

sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
If you are willing to buy an integrated amp rather than a receiver (you'd only be missing the tuner), then you could probably get a good used unit for around $1,000. Among the integrateds you should consider are:
1. the Creek 5350SE (MSRP $1500);
2. the Bryston B-60 (MSRP $1600);
3. the Arcam Alpha 10 (MSRP $1600);
4. the Audio Analogue Puccini SE (MSRP $995);
5. the Musical Fidelity A300 (MSRP $1500);
6. the Rega Mira (MSRP $950).

If you want a true receiver, and are interested in helping your friend begin to build a 5.1 channel surround system at some point, then you might also consider the Outlaw Audio receiver (MSRP $1100). This unit is sold direct over the Internet, and offers exceptional value for the money. For more info, go to Outlaw's Web site: www.outlawaudio.com

Hope this gives you some initial ideas.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I notice on today's "for sale" items that several of the integrated amps I suggested are available: the Creek 5350SE, the Bryston B-60, the Rega Mira, and the Arcam. Looks like good timing for you...
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