Whats the best vintage Yamaha amp to invest in?


Really like the looks of the older Yamaha receivers. What's a good investment in the under $500 range for one of these. I see the 2020 around $350. Help!
skvintage
Realize that with any vintage receiver, the electronics are old and often need cleaning, capacitor replacement, and restoration. You really won't get the "best" sound out of any receiver unless you have it re-capped and restored. And when you consider this into your budget, you'll potentially go over the $500 ceiling you placed. This doesn't mean vintage gear won't sound great as is, just not "best."

I agree that the Tandberg receivers are tops in sound, but the TR-2080 has been selling lately for quite a bit more than the $500 and under range as listed by the OP. I believe there's still a TR-2060 or TR-2040 for sale on eBay in the $400 range. Other options are the Sansui receivers - 8080, 9090 or 9090db - excellent sounding receivers that have haunted me ever since hearing my first 9090db. The 8080 has sound on par with the highly respected 9090 at a fraction of the cost, and will leave your wallet room to have it recapped for a really great investment.

Now, if you're set on the Yamaha natural sound, I'd personally skip the receiver and go to the amps. Check out the M-80 (one of Yamaha's best that's often available) then send it to Legendary Amps dot com for a complete upgrade and restoration. Yes, this will cost you more than your current budget, but you'll have a bulletproof amp with top notch sound for generations to come. These vintage Yamaha amps were built like tanks. Even if you don't go this route, you might want to call up those guys for a little chat. And they may be able to help steer you in the right direction for your vintage Yamaha needs.
Best receiver Yamaha made was the CR 3020.
It was massive and built in the late 70s.
It weighed like 90 pounds and was 170 watts.
The tuner section was also great.
I see them on Ebay once in awhile.
The CR-3020 is also one of the better looking receivers of all time. There was a nib 3020 at the beginning of the summer that went for over $2,000. And a re-listed one that just sold for around $1,450. Now there's one on the bay that's buy it now for $1,800.

Anyway, the 2020's are also gorgeous, and well worth it for the price if that's what you have your eye on. Just know that you may end up sending it out for full restoration down the road, and the investment will be well worth the sound upgrade you'll experience.

Good Luck bidding!