If you want to go vintage, then by all means go tube. Try to find an older late 50's early 60's Pilot 402 receiver or if you don't need the tuner section, one of their integrateds of the same era. I have read that same era Scott,Fisher and Eico are also good alternatives. Unfortunately, unless these units have been refurbished with new caps, etc. you'll have to invest another couple hundred $$ to get them to sound right. In the 60's and early 70's solid state was still in it's infancy regarding audio and most of the big manufacturers were into low distortion ratings as opposed to good sound. There were a few exceptions, however. The 70's Marantz receivers and integrateds were very warm and musical as Saul Marantz was very careful with his use of negative feedback. Again, remember that anything over 20 years old in its original state will probably have dried up capacitors that will need to be replaced.I have a refurbished Pilot 402 receiver in my 2nd system that I'm absolutely in love with. This thing has tone and timbre that would make most modern day receivers pale in comparison and a lot of modern day integrateds green with envy.
vintage integrated
I got into the audio game to late to listen to what is now labeled as " vintage " In fact I remember the first time I went into a high end store and saw a high end piece I remarked to the salesmen " It has knobs on it ! " But after much listening to various pieces the knobs seem to disappear. But now I'm wondering about yesteryears equipment for a den application. I remember that Marantz was really popular back then, and I have heard good things about Sansui. But I'm wondering about the sound quality. Do they do a better good and say...... An integrated piece ( bought at a Best Buy ) would today? Say a Yamaha, Onkyo Harmon Kardon? And of so would Marantz or a Sansui be a good selection?
Just curious.
Just curious.