Best Receiver?

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

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.

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

Nakamichi TA4.  Utilized Nelson Pass’s Status technology in the power amp section and sounded quite different than other receivers in its class at the time.

What speakers?

DeKay