As already said there were some very nice receivers made in the '70s. The Marantz' were my favorite line, especially the 2270 model which a buddy owned. Some have said that Sansui made good products which up to a point is true. BUT in the late '70s and early '80s they made some absolute JUNK! The store where I worked at the time carried their line. Even though they paid the highest commissions in the store, none of us sold Sansui because too many came back defective. In fact, almost ALL of them did! One customer insisted on buying the top of the line Sansui receiver even with the salesman discouraging him. He went through FIVE of them before finally giving up. I don't remember the model numbers involved, but if it has enough flashing lights to qualify for a disco dance floor, that's the ones to avoid.
Vintage Receivers vs. Modern MidFi
As I was looking at classic tuners from Marantz I started to notice their receivers and I've become very interested. I'm curious what people here think about the comparision between these 'classic' receivers and modern midfi equipment. I've been considering an NAD c340 or Jolida 102b matched with a classic Marantz tuner or my current FT-11, but when I considered replacing my FT-11 I thought 'why not consider replacing my whole deal with one of these vintage receivers'. The more I look at these receivers the more I am struck by their beauty. I am too young to have ever owned one of these new, but I must admit that I am very drawn to them. In the end though it is about the sound, and I want the best I can afford. I've got about $600 to spend on tuner and amplification. So, should I get a classic Marantz(or McIntosh?) receiver or stick with my NAD/Jolida + Magnum/Classic Marantz combo, and how do these two paths match up sound wise? Your advice, concerns, confessions, and/or recommendations are warmly welcomed. Oh ya, if it matters I'm using AE Aegis speakers. Thanks. Carter.