Receiver Recommendations

If you can get a luxman R117 (160watts/ch), or for your situation a luxman R115 (70watts/ch) would probably more than take care of your needs. The R117 goes for $225-350 and the R115 for $125-200 on ebay. Make sure the volume control is smooth and noiseless as they are nearly impossible to replace and tend to go bad. Otherwise, a nakamichi SR3A receiver (30-35watt/ch) is a nice Nelson Pass stasis design for low powered use. The TA-4 receiver is higher powered (?100watts/ch) with a remote but not made in Japan. As I remember, the Tandberg 2075 and 2080 receivers were very nice with excellent tuners. I'd probably try the lower powered R115 luxman first.

I have used Marantz from the 70's and Yamaha from the same period and have had good results. Others may disagree

I have an original Marantz 2270 70 wpc ss which, if you can find one, go for about $300 on audiogon. It has pre in and outs for versatility, very good amp section and nice tuner section as well. Considered by collectors as a good unit from the '70's. I also have an old Sherwood 7100, 17 wpc, which is really sweet sounding if you can get by with the lower power. You can find them occasionally for ~ $100.

Carver "The Receiver" was a great all around performer. No remote though.

55dok-
There's a TA-1A on A'gon right now. DO you know anything about that model?

Oh yes, I forgot Carver. That was another that I was considering.

Sansui G-901 or G-9000 from the 70's

How about a minty McIntosh receiver. Would make for a nice focal point in a room not to mention superb sonics.

Sailfishben-
Any particular models? I know nothing about McIntosh. Can I find one in my price range?

I don't know about the TA-1A model. It might be the lowest powered as the TA-4A was the highest as I remember. The TA units were not thought to be built as well as the SA units as the latter were made in japan and the former outsourced to Taiwan. You can check the audiogon blue book for power ratings but I'd get the luxman. If you wait, you'll find one on ebay for $100-175. Anything above that I'd add an extra $75+ and get the higher powered R117. Just make sure the volume control is quiet and smooth.

For a McIntosh recommendation, you'd have to post again and ask about which ones. I just though because its for a great room this could be a display. I've always thought they look so cool, retro, no WAF problem etc.

There is one place on the web that specializes in used McIntosh gear
http://www.mcintoshaudio.com/home.htm

I purchased two receivers this weekend. I'll try them both & keep the one I like more.

The two contenders are:
Carver Receiver
Nakamichi SA-4

They're both in very good condition and I found a couple of places that can fully restore them if I decide to. The Carver is rated at twice the power & I know the tuner section was highly rated. But I read some very good reviews about the Nakamichi too. Physically, the Nakamichi is sleeker. However, I like the matte grey of the Carver better. But they'll be placed in the den & not on display, so that's not a huge factor. The Nakamichi was a little less expensive, but they were both less than I planned on spending, so that's not factor either.

So it will come down to ease of use (for my wife) & sound quality.

Just to wrap this thread up.

I got the speakers installed(much easier than I expected) and tried them with the Nakamichi SR-4a & the Carver receiver. They were both good & the Carver tuner section was slightly better in my house, but I liked the sound of the Nakamichi better. So I'm keeping it and selling the Carver. At this point I'm listening to, and really enjoying, mostly 192 bit internet radio stations. Although I have done some listening to full-size files from my computer, and the combo of the in-walls, the Nak & the full-size files sound much better than I would have ever guessed.

Thanks for all your help.