2. amps-preamps
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Best Receiver?

I’m setting up a second system with a set of stand mount speakers and a nice Garrard 301 and want a tuner built in, rather than an integrated amp. Of all the receivers, vintage and more recent, what’s the best sounding? I always thought those massive Marantz etc looked great but didn’t sound particularly good. Anyone have experience with something that sounded great?

dhcod
elliottbnewcombjr
5,211 posts
 

OP

erock79 mentioned the Fisher 800-C. A bit rarer than the 500-C, but several available.

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=fisher+800c

It is the 500-C with AM tuner added. I had one, same dead quiet operation. 

I traded it to a member here to get my Mitsubishi LT-5V Vertical Turntable in my office system.

jonwolfpell
342 posts
 

The tuners in the Better Pioneer receivers in the mid 70’s were very good. Overall, I really liked the best  Tandberg Units of that era, very nice sounding & high build quality.

thermionicemission
16 posts
 

Properly restored Fisher 500c. Match 7591a’s in unit and  either Mullard or Telefunken ECC83’s in the phase inverter and preamp sockets. Bliss.

boxcarman
326 posts
 

I bought a Kenwood 45 watt receiver in 1976,played it regularly till 1995 and gave it to my son and he still uses it and it always sounds great.  They don't make 'em like that anymore.  Wood sides, discreet power supplies and all that.

mickeyb
537 posts
 

Had all of them. Kenwood, marantz, sansui and pioneer. The one I feel was the best is the pioneer sx 1250. Kenwoods have excellent tuners but the sound is dull. 
The build quality on the pioneers really stood out and the looks are just stunning. 
They are getting very expensive. Mine is completely original with the double box and all the paperwork. I use it in a vintage 2nd system and enjoy the heck out of it. 

Cheers

 

 

 

 

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