Calling All "Vintage" Integrated/Receiver Owners - Page 404

theres a G701 in my neck of the woods for 150$.  Its missing the back half of the big heatsink, but its the Dark European version.  Very sexy

 

the only reason i haven't grabbed it is 1, im trying to practice better self control with these vintage pieces, and 2, the G series always seemed a little harsh compared to the 8080/9090

Edited by Rawrbington - 10/26/12 at 8:49am

 

Silent One, Skylab's much more of an expert, but FWIW, I agree with everything he said regarding the quads.  I think you're paying extra for 4 amps and processing and if you don't need them, then why pay for it?  The WPC on these quads isn't as high as you could get for the same $ in a stereo receiver and they're very big and heavy (if you're at all space constrained).  They are cool to look at though.  :)

 

I have a QR-6500 and I don't know how the amp architecture is compared to the QRX-5500A you posted, but I find it has a less punch/detailed sound versus some of the other vintage units I have.  For $400, you might also look at the single digit models (in particular, Sansui Eight or Eight Deluxe if you want ~60W/ch or Seven if you're OK with less).  I really like the sound of this generation - the 7070 I have is also very good (also about 60W/ch) if you don't need as much power as the 9090 has.

 

You and Skylab are absolutely right! This offering was something I merely tripped over in the wee hours of the morning before going to bed. Have since done my homework and have been going about my day. 

 

Though, I am considering a SX-1250 if I can get my TS-BGRP's tested-listed-sold. 

I would not hesitate to trade a pair of TS BGRPs for a SX-1250...and what's frightening is that one actually COULD...

 

With my glass being pre-owned, I'm still gonna need to sweeten the deal to bring it home by a couple or three bills. Seller is asking $650, I think. A bit challenged cosmetically but not bad, I understand, and playback is strong. Well, to hear the seller tell it. 

 

He's not interested in shipping the iron and he lives out in the middle of nowhere - far far Northern Cal. I mean, whether I rent-a-car or catch Amtrak, I might as well look at listings for Craigslist in Oregon, while I'm out there. 

 

I'm happy with the SX-D7000, but I simply don't see many SX-1250's come up that often that are affordable. Will have to sleep on this some...

 

And YES, the thought is both frightening and a bit upside down! 

Edited by Silent One - 10/26/12 at 10:24pm

Funny you say it like that.  Of course the best tubes are super expensive but the money could totally be used for something with more bang for the buck :(

I've got a Marantz receiver - a 2220 - with a Marantz 6300 direct drive turntable on it.  The turntable needs a new cartridge.  (It had a crappy one on it, which I'm moving to a mathingly crappy spare turntable.)

 

Any suggestions on a new cartridge that's going to do the Marantz justice without breaking the bank?  None of this is TOTL gear, so I don't want to go nuts with a cartridge, but am looking for the right fit, in something easily obtained.

 

Any suggestions?

Well, the go to budget cartridge for me is the Shure M97xE. Well worth the money, and generally available for $80 or less. Good sounding, tracks well, not fussy.

"Budget" is kind of a soft term in this hobby.  :)

 

 

I have, just today, ordered a Loricraft PRC-6 record cleaning machine.  Ironic that it will be the single most expensive component in the whole system.  :)

I've been reading the web, and the Shure clearly a solid choice.  I was considering the Grado Red1.  I have no desire for a thousand dollar cartridge, but could go to a couple of hundred.  Is there anything else in that range that I should consider?

If you can stretch your budget to $200, the AT440MLA is an excellent choice.

The Denon DL-110 at $140 is another good choice in that range. I personally dislike Grado cartridges, but that's JMO.

The Ortofon 2M series is also great. I Have the 2M Bronze, which is $400, and like it a lot, but the $99 2M Red and $200 2M Blue get a lot of praise too.

I have used Grado cartridges off and on for 30 years and I have yet to have one that does not pick a hum from the turntable or other equipment.  I have a Shure M97xE on my Pioneer  PL-707 now.  Its a much better cartridge for the money.  IMHO   In another news flash I have picked up a really clean Pioneer SX-1080.  Pictures to follow in a few days.  This means I need to sell my Marantz 2250 to make space for the SX-1080.  Anyone interested in the Marantz can PM me.

Congrats on the 1080! And you hit the nail on the head. Grados are famous for hum and tracking problems. And I think they have a universal sonic signature with an annoying lower treble peak.

Thanks Skylab!  There was a SX-980 locally to me last week that was in great shape and had been re-capped in the past year.  I waited too long trying to make up my mind on trying to get it and it got sold last Saturday.  So when I found this SX-1080 for a reasonable price I jumped on it.  I just love the SX-780 that I picked up a couple of months ago but I need something that will drive my Dahlquist DQ-10's in my Vintage rig.

I've come to the conclusion that the premium people charge for re-capped receivers is justified as long as the work is solid; and that for the price you are paying above unmolested units it's like buying a really old used car.  Will probably end up costing you more long-term!