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Topic: Looking for a Technics receiver or similar (Read 4660 times) previous topic - next topic
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Looking for a Technics receiver or similar

Hi, I am looking for a good vintage receiver. I've seen on a local bid website some Technics SA-xxx and some SU-xxx models. Are they a good bet?  Are they much superior when compared to those 10 year old mini-systems/micro-systems (bundled amplifier, 2 tape players, 3 CD tray, FM).

Looking for a Technics receiver or similar

Reply #1 –
I picked up 3 Technics SA-xxx receivers on eBay over the years for crazy low prices. They generally are very good value and put out more power than the spec sheets claim. Are they super hi fi? Possibly not but likely better than the mini systems and not likely to disappoint.

G²

Looking for a Technics receiver or similar

Reply #2 –
Quote from: krafty on
Hi, I am looking for a good vintage receiver. I've seen on a local bid website some Technics SA-xxx and some SU-xxx models. Are they a good bet?  Are they much superior when compared to those 10 year old mini-systems/micro-systems (bundled amplifier, 2 tape players, 3 CD tray, FM).


The last receiver I purchased (past 3 years or so)  is a Sherwood Stereo receiver that cost me about $80 at an appliance store.  Based on listening and bench tests, I remain ignorant of any good reason why I should spend more for a ca. 100 wpc stereo receiver.  It is possible that my next stereo receiver will be multichannel and support video as well as audio switching. I might even pay twice as much for it as this one.

IME mini/micro systems receivers are mystery meat.  Some are specifically tailored to work with the speakers that they are sold with and are about useless for any other application. Others are fairly competent stand-alone products. 

Ask me a definite question and I'll try to give you a definite answer! ;-)

Looking for a Technics receiver or similar

Reply #3 –
I bought a  SA-5400X in 1976 and my ex still has it in her living room.  It's a quad channel and though I never had a quad source it worked well for biamping  (and is switchable to 2-ch stereo.)

I had to clean the switches, esp the rotary input selector, a number of times over the years.

Looking for a Technics receiver or similar

Reply #4 –
Arnold you got a point about the mini/micro systems, it's unanimous that they generally inferior to those vintage receivers and you're right about their specific working loudspeakers. My current system outputs something like 8W RMS, and it's pretty damn loud, however it's finally falling apart. I'm not looking for something like 300W RMS, no way. I think those of 35W are just more than enough. If possible, could you guys recommend some from ebay?

Looking for a Technics receiver or similar

Reply #5 –
Vintage has some aesthetic in that the cases are wood and metal instead of mostly plastic.  I think the best values for audio are often in home theater gear because they become obsolete for that, like pro-logic only, or can only switch S or composite analog video.

Looking for a Technics receiver or similar

Reply #6 –
Found a SA-290, in perfect condition. Around $150.00 should I go for it?