stereo receiver recommendations

Outlaw is really a Sherwood in disguise,  I certainly would not recommend that one.

The Yamahas are good and have the advantage that they have digital inputs as well, as does the Cambridge sr20 and the Outlaw. The Yamaha RN 803d also has room equalization built in.

A couple things you (we) need to know to assist your colleague. What  is model and power rating of the broken receiver? Did it power her speakers to satisfaction? What speaker is she using and what are the specs regarding sensitivity and impedance for them?  

I do believe that in the $500-$1000 range the new Yamaha receivers are worthwhile contenders. That said, i would prefer the integrateds.

Stingreen is wrong. Outlaw has no relationship to Sherwood. Many years ago Sherwood help with the design of one product only, and nothing since. I called Outlaw and the new receiver is designed in house and is manufactured for them in China...like many other manufacturers do.

That Yamaha R-N803 looks very intriguing.   Yamaha is known to be reliable, neutral, and built well.  If I was not set with my rigs I would put that 803 near first in line for a budget system.

Bill

My son has an Onkyo receiver with phono preamp. I forgot the model. It’s a couple of years old, sounds really nice.
I bought it for him for Christmas online...Crutchfields maybe.
believe it was in the $500- 600 range

Feedback from someone who has owned one of the options that the OP asked about:

I have owned the Outlaw RR2150 since 2005, the year it was introduced and it is still going strong.  I use it in a bedroom system with Wharfedale Denton speakers and a Rega CD player.

https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/wharfedale-denton-80th-anniversary-bookshelf-speakers-pr

The updated RR2160 was introduced a few months back and with it some  improvements, but also a few of the parts suppliers have changed over the years and that had to be accommodated.

The receiver is built like a tank.  Its tuner is exemplary and will pull in a good number of the stations, assuming you use a decent antenna.  I live in NYC and use rabbit ears and it pulls in stations strongly.  

I have not tried the phono section, but it has been reviewed favorably, especially for use with moving magnet cartridges.

The receiver has a lot of power.  It plays loud and clean.  All types of music are well served with the Outlaw.  I always thought that from an amp perspective, it was comparable with NAD and Cambridge Audio.

This review in Stereophile will give you a better idea of the receiver's capabilities.

https://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/306outlaw/index.html


 Rich 

I was not at all impressed by the outlaw rr2150, I found it flat and dull. Nice design though. I would look for something else.  

Marantz, Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, nad, Cambridge Audio

lots of choices

Close your eyes and pick one! They ALL sound the same!

Thanks to all who responded. I realize this is at the level more likely to be in a bedroom or office setup for most of you, but your feedback is greatly appreciated. Marantz, Denon, & NAD don't have any stereo receivers that also include a phono input. They do have multi-channel options, but it seems like a bad idea to pay for amp channels that will never be used when that money could go towards better components in the two channels needed. I also realize an integrated amp would sound better for the same reason and told her as such, but she's pretty set on keeping the tuner even despite the availability of streaming internet radio... presumably in case of a zombie apocalypse or something.

I did see that Onkyo offered some options but figured the mass market Yamaha & Onkyo would likely offer a similar sound quality though perhaps slightly different character...wasn't sure if the Cambridge & Outlaw products might offer superior sound quality since they are at least a bit less of a feature laden product and at least claim to cater more towards the sound quality first market. Wish I could hear them in person to compare, but figured some of you probably had. 

Sorry I don't have details on the speakers or old model being replaced...I realize that is vital info and hopefully she can get back to me with those details. Thanks again!

Over the years I have found that Onkyo equipment isn't that great, ie  dull and lifeless.

Don't discount the Onkyo/Integra offerings.  I once drove my Klipsch Heresys with a "legendary" Luxman R-117 stereo receiver and it was pure bliss.  Through much heartache, I sold the Luxman after I picked up an Integra DTM-40.4 network stereo receiver for free and though it did not have the unlimited headroom and dynamics of the R-117, it held it's own pretty well in the spare bedroom rig.  Dead center neutral with a surprising amount of punch.  Keep in mind the Heresys are 96dB efficient so your mileage may vary.

Hey, just look for a Luxman R-117 and your search will end there.

Bill

last years Denon ..Onkyo..a couple model levels have the Phono input.
plus,if you go high enough up in the model chain you get preamp outs for all of the channels for the future ability to add more power.AVR X4300 Denon looks sweet for 8 bones.

used HK990 ?

Lets save her a lot of money.  Go onto Ebay and pick up a Sherwood 7100 or a 7100-A.  The first sounds a little more like tubes and the second one is .... well, more like solid state. Both are great sounding receivers. 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1311.R1.TR4.TRC0.A0.H0.Xsherwoo...

Frank

yes, the Sherwood is legendary

will that change her mind re new?

Hi Ethos -

Wish I could hear them in person to compare, but figured some of you probably had.

Not sure how you would do this. I doubt there are many (any) stores around that have more than one quality stereo receiver in stock, let alone a few to compare.  It is not the 1970s.

Which leads me to the following ...  I doubt very much that many women would go with a used receiver, especially one that is 40 years old (Sherwood 7100).  I remember when that receiver was being sold by Tech HiFi when I was high school. 

She is most likely looking for something new and that is going to last for a number of years.

If radio is important, the Outlaw is the way to go.  The company's founder (Peter Tribeman) is a radio fanatic and much research went into both the FM and AM tuner portions.  It also now sports HD radio.

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/outlaw-audio-updates-its-longstanding-receiver

Rich 

@ethos123

Apparently no consideration was given to adding a tuner to an Integrated amp. As separates there may well be some advantages there if you think about it..

One thing to keep in mind is the budget. So far you’ve not said what it is, or what is the phono style.

As for receivers with more than 2 channels? So what?

I once had a scooter that could do 145mph. in the quarter mile. I did not drive it that fast all the time.

I’ve found in life, having something and not needing it is better than needing or wanting it and not having it.

I’ve owned Sony, Kenwood, Sansui, Integra, Onkyo, and some I just don’t recall presently. Latest is Onkyo 805. It plays everyday for hours. I bought it new years ago. No problems at all. BTW, their support is easy to reach, but has long hold times occasionally. For in or out of warranty concerns.

As for Onkyo SQ? it is fine. Less extended by a touch than the upper end Sony likewise iterations. About as neutral as one could ask. Balanced across the bandwidth. Far more durable and reliable. Feature filled!! As for Onkyo vs Integra SQ? about the same oddly enough. Both come out of the same house.

I wish I could account on their phono section, but can’t. I’d bet they are MM only thogh.

I’d look into Peach Tree, NuForce, NAD, Arcam, as well, just off the top of my head Not trying to confuse you. Just add more choices..

For X dollars, chances are you’ll get X quality. Regardless the brand name. especially in receivers. They are aimed at one size fits all crowds. Folks who don’t want or need to have several pieces of kit to connect and match. It is what it is. Neither bad nor good. I often prefer them as a starting point from their sheer flexibility and consequent value.

I’ve heard many brands and until you reach each brands top or near top tier models, the SQ is pretty much a dead heat.

What will make the SQ seem to, or definitely improve will be either the speakers in use with the abc rec., or adding a dedicated outboard 2 ch amp later on. not really the rec itself especially in the less than $800 or so range. One last note, if a multi ch rec is considered, also think about the fact a number of 7.1 rec allow for bi amping the mains, which seems to be the only channels used going forward, but then…. Who knows the future really?

I agree with the just throw a dart here if the unit is less than a grand. Just ensure compatibility and features are appropriate for the user’s needs, ala phon type tuner HD and a support arm is a tangible asset.

Good luck.

Definitely looking for something new despite how great some vintage gear may be.

Seeing as it's not the 1970s, for me to hear them in person would require buying them myself, which isn't gonna happen. However, I figure its possible that someone on the forum might have tried one (or a similar earlier version ie 2150) and recently switched to another on the list...or perhaps has a friend with one and owns another him/herself. From that feedback, it seems like I can't really go wrong with Yamaha and that the Outlaw is a solid option as well. Onkyo and some others are also worth considering but probably not any better or different in SQ than what I had in mind already for these entry level products. No word yet about Cambridge except perhaps from those saying they're all the same.

@blindjim I hadn't considered a separate tuner, which might be a good idea. I have mostly been interested in speakers and integrated amps since its where I've started recently for my own setup as well as improvements to the SQ for my two HT setups...and even with that my experience has mostly been reading forums and reviews far more than listening to tons of gear. Frankly, I know nothing about separate tuners, but seems like a reasonable suggestion for an outside the box (pun intended) idea if she's amenable. I also had not considered the idea of using a multi-channel receiver to bi-amp the speakers and thus avoid having so many "wasted" channels. Obviously making sure her speakers are bi-amp capable would be critical.

Mostly, I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be giving bad advice. If I suggest something she's happy with, hopefully I get to hear it. Down the road hopefully she recommends someone else asks, and I get to hear whatever we put together for that person too...only thing more fun than playing with new toys is doing it on someone else's dime and getting to share the fun. Thanks again for all the feedback.

The latest models of Yamaha integrateds and receivers have all the features the OP's colleague needs.

And yes, stereo tuners are easy to come by inexpensively when one is willing to buy used to use with an integrated. That is they way I would approach this. That said, if the OP's colleague wants a receiver that is what she should buy. What remains is to pick the model that will mate well with her speakers, sonically based on taste, electrically based on power.

For a $500-$1000 budget, the Yamahas have phono, digital, and line level inputs. They are well built for the price range and have a good rep for dependability. 

Not knocking the other suggestions, just have knowledge on the Yamahas.

An FM tuner is superfluous these days. FM always was a challenged technology and at current bitrates of the better internet radio stations, the imperfections of internet radio are far smaller than those of FM. In addition, you have a far wider choice, of course. A Chromecast Audio is an easy way to do this.
On the other hand, a receiver is hardly more expensive than just an integrated amplifier. It does not require a more expensive case, and it does not require a more expensive power supply, the two most expensive components. My guess would be that the extra component cost is only a few dollars. In the case of the Yamaha receivers, their advantage over and above their amplifiers is that the more expensive ones have more digital inputs - you quite quickly need more of those (at least three for a streamer like the Chromecast Audio, for the 2 channel output of the TV, and for the digital output of the disc player).

I have the Onkyo Tx-NR838 on all day and night.
I did add a usb fan that connects to my TV so when i's on the fan is on.
It does not get hot at all even under spirited listening[gets warm but that is it]
.Having an HD Tuner would be nice as that will get you closest to "old school" radio listening .
That is based on KSHE 95 HD in my area and I am sure other stations are the probably same

Ethos123, do not be afraid of the Luxman R-117 because it is not new technology.  Do some research and read the reviews.  This is one of the best receivers of all time!  You can probably pick one up for less than $400.  I'm giving mine to my grandson!

Isn’t the Luxman R117 one of the most legendary receivers in audiophile circles? I mean for receivers, I think this thing is the holy grail for an integrated device. Have I owned one? No. But you can easily find tons of positive reviews on this forum for the Lux. And it has a ton of inputs, one of which is a phono stage. They cost a few bucks new and most were owned by picky owners so they seem to be well cared for and can be had for a low price on the used market. I swear I heard someone call this thing the McIntosh of receivers :) I have owned two high end Yamaha receivers. I still use one in my kids home theater but I have to admit that the low end is just a little light and I have to compensate by gaining my powered sub a little more than necessary. My ancient/vintage Pioneer SX class receiver always had warmth on the low end that these newer units seem to lack. It seems to me she would be delighted with a lower cost receiver and higher priced speakers, if she can swing it.

I definitely would say the R-117 is legendary.  It is one special piece that came along after the 70's receiver wars.  Not the most beautiful looking, somewhat industrial in appearance, but the sound sure is beautiful.  I kick myself every time I think about that I sold mine.  I was about as close to "minty" as you can get without it being in a sealed box.

Bill

Ethos :  consider the PS audio Sprout.  It has phono but does not have FM tuner.  Personally, I don’t see the need for an FM  tuner anymore although surely others have an opinion on this.  I’m sure your friend had a cell phone (can connect via Bluetooth) and a computer (usb) and get her radio stations online.  ~$500.  

   Shoff

do not be afraid of the Luxman R-117 because it is not new technology.  Do some research and read the reviews.  This is one of the best receivers of all time!

Willand

I definitely would say the R-117 is legendary.

I had the Luxman R-115  It replaced a Harmon Kardon 730  (45 wpc) which had lost the left channel. I listened to the Lux in the showroom. However when I brought it home and hooked it to my large original advents, I was sorely disappointed. There was no bass line...., only a thump for the bass drum. I was happy to sell the Lux and get my HK repaired. Maybe the 117 was a different animal. But Lux had 3 receivers on the Mkt which doubled in wattage as you went up the line. IIRC, the R113 was 35 wpc, the R115 was 70 wpc and the R117 was 140 wpc, all solid state. I've heard others praise the R117. But the 115 was not very good at all IMO. FWIW, I tried Infinity 5000 (?) with the Lux also. Same result. No bass line. So i'm always surprised to see great reviews of the Luxman R series of receivers.

@artemus_5 

Most of my experience with the Luxman receivers(R-115, R-117) has been with Klipsch Heresy I's, Heresy II's, Fortes and Quartets.  All a minimum of 96dB efficient and easy to drive with no stress or strain on the Luxmans.  Most experience also has been in a 13' x 13' x 10' room and well damped.  All these factors I am sure have contributed to my fondness of these Luxmans.

Bill

I appreciate the feedback about the vintage Luxman, but my colleague definitely wants something new...with a warranty and bought from someone she can go back to if issues arise. I realize the performance to cost benefit of used gear but it’s just not an option. 

Totally agree with those who note the superfluous nature of a tuner in this day and age when everyone has access to streaming radio on their phones and that can be connected to an integrated amp wirelessly...but it’s a feature this person wants regardless. If I can change her mind, I’m sure the PS Audio Sprout (and several other integrated amps) would be a great option. I’ve heard nothing but praise for the Sprout and it’s a great looking piece for sure.

The Yamaha RN 803d has it all. 2x100 watt rms, tuner, airplay, smartphone app for remote control, Spotify Connect, dlna compatibility, mm phono input, 2 optical and 2 coax digital inputs, plus, and this is very attractive at this price level, room equalization. I am sure I am forgetting something. Oh yes, pretty classy looks, and good build quality from a reputable manufacturer that will be around in the future. I am planning to buy one for my daughter.

HK receivers are legendary and priced amazingly.
https://www.crutchfield.com/g_356350/Stereo-Receivers.html#&nvpair=FFBrand|Harman
Here is a review WITH BENCHMARK TESTING of it's predecessor.
http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/hk-3490

So if I had to buy a new receiver today on a budget, that's where I'd go.
Yamaha receivers are always a very good choice. I had one for years and was quite happy. I upgraded to a Nakamichi Receiver 2 which I still have and love; but the best receiver I ever owned, by far, was a Rotel RX-1052. I had to go pretty far up the ladder of integrated amps to significantly outclass her. ($3,000 +) If you find one, it's a keeper.

The good news of all this is that it is actually quite hard to go wrong if you stick to the mainstream brands. Just look at the various options they sport, like digital inputs  etc.

Yamaha R-N303B is a good amplifier...i have one so i could test it. Unfortunately, the tests i did show that in fact the amp only drives
~65 W / channel on 8 ohm and not 100 as they said. Also, the amplifier
frequency response curve in relation to power is quite non-linear: at
lower frequency (20 - 100 HZ) the amp delivers only ~50 W / channel -
while at 15-20 KHz the power goes to ~75W / channel (BTW: now i know why i burned 2 tweeter. Input signal was kept at such level that the output
signal (on the load) was clear sin and not clipped. Also, the tone control on Yamaha was set to "0" - neutral. If that is being changed, depending on the input signal you use (especially if you use a computer or DVD optical output which has volume control) you may/will clip the output.

Hi everyone!
Thanks for all your tips. 
One month ago I didn't know how to choose a stereo receiver, but I have YAMAHA R-S202BL right now, it's really awesome, unbelievable sound. A lot important information you can find on my blog, just follow the link https://besttechexpert.guide/best-stereo-receiver/, after reading, you will understand which one stereo receiver is the best for you.
Good luck!