Our Top 6 Entry Level Vintage Stereo Receivers from the 1970's!

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Skylabs Audio

Skylabs Audio

Күн бұрын

Want to get into quality vintage audio but don't need the "bragging rights" you get with big watts? We have a great list for what to look for when you are on your search!
Let us know in the comments if you have one of these or if you have another one you would recommend.
Thanks for watching!
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Пікірлер: 463
@bartjones6180
@bartjones6180 11 ай бұрын
I am still to this day enjoying my Realistic STA-42 that I purchased brand new back in 1977 for $149. It is starting to develop a slight hum, but it still has the original filter capacitors, and has never been serviced, other than to replace the lamps. The sound, and the tuner are great.
@archangele1
@archangele1 5 ай бұрын
It is so great to see someone review these smaller lower powered receivers. I remember listening to these at our local Lafayette and another locally owned hifi store and used to drool over these receivers. People today seem to think that if a receiver doesn't put out 150 watts a channel or more it isn't worth looking at. But these vintage receivers are a good example of quality verses quantity with respect to power. Also, the old Marantz receivers sounded a lot more powerful then their specifications would lead one to believe. Back in the 70's we used to say that there are watts and then there are Marantz watts. Marantz rated their amps and receivers at 8 ohms and with a full audio bandwidth of 20 - 20 Khz where as most others rated their power at 4 ohms and 1Khz. All I know is that the 15 watts a channel from my 4415 Marantz quad receiver sounds as powerful as many so called 50 watts a channel modern surround receivers. As for turntables, I have a Marantz 6300 I really like. It is well made and very easy to use. I would have to say that it is my favourite automatic turntable.
@alanrogs3990
@alanrogs3990 5 ай бұрын
I have a Sherwood 7050 that I bought off ebay in mint condition. It is certainly warm or tubey sounding but the bass was just too ridiculous. I talked to a friend that look at the schematic and found out it has a constant loudness built in. He told me to cut two wires going into the volume switch and that removes the loudness feature. Now the thing sounds like a proper receiver. For its low wattage it really drives my Kef Q150 speakers very well. I have several high dollar amps and receivers and I keep coming back to this one. There is something about the early solid state low watt receivers and amps from back in the 70's.
@bkoestring
@bkoestring Жыл бұрын
I have a Technics SL 1300 fully automatic turntable. It has been in my family since 1974 when it was sold new. I bought it in 1979 and still have it. I LOVE IT! Built like a tank and works perfectly. I have an Audio-Technica ATS-14 ATS14 needle stylus for the Audio-Technica AT-14S AT14S phono cartridge featuring a Shibata diamond.
@VicariousYank
@VicariousYank Жыл бұрын
While my garage sale Pioneer turntable was truly my first vintage item, my curb find Marantz 2248B is truly what launched me into a love for vintage.
@Reflectiveness
@Reflectiveness Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your interview of Fix My Dual. I've sent them my 1219 for a tuneup. Using a Shure V15 cartridge with original elliptical stylus. Also, thanks for leaving out the highfalutin audiophile jargon. Skylabs does tremendous service for all honest retailers of vintage electronics.🎉
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Kristofer!
@marco76330
@marco76330 Жыл бұрын
Hi Guys! From South Africa , I so wish we had you guys in SA. Yours is truly a labor of love.Every time you fix a vintage unit you preserve TIME,HISTORY,INNOVATION,MEMORIES and Beauty that is so hard to find today. I hope you never stop fixing these time pieces.Thank you
@watsonstudios
@watsonstudios Жыл бұрын
I had an SX-780 back in the early 80's and hope to get another one someday. Loved that receiver!
@canjo7301
@canjo7301 Жыл бұрын
My favorite automatic turntable is the Technics SL-1300. I purchased this new for my wife in the 70's as she could just not deal with my fully manual turntables. Exceptional build quality and it just keeps going. Had a problem holding speed last year, had it serviced and cleaned and now going strong again.
@jimmydelux
@jimmydelux Жыл бұрын
Great video. My favorite fully automatic turntable of all time is the Technics SL-1300. The original. I've had one for decades and it's like a tank. Indestructible, sounds amazing.
@michaelbarras6950
@michaelbarras6950 Жыл бұрын
Respectable entry-level list Kevin! My favorite fully automatic turntable is the Realistic Elac Miracord 46. Never had a day I had problems with it. When set up, right, it sounded great! With a Shure Cartridge and stylist installed, instead of the realistic that came with it.
@chelle12368
@chelle12368 Жыл бұрын
Again, you've put together a great list that I am all aboard with. I started to get into vintage audio about six years ago and the Pioneer SX-636 was my gateway drug. I absolutely love it and it will be one of the last receivers to leave if I ever decide to start letting go of my collection. Cheers from Roswell!👽
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Michelle!
@bmboldt
@bmboldt Жыл бұрын
I like the Sherwood S-7100A. Sounds good and was pretty easy to recap. Yes, the power switch is a problem. Mine still works and I use a power strip to turn it on just to be safe.
@marktuyet
@marktuyet Жыл бұрын
I do the same with my S 7200.
@williamconquest5066
@williamconquest5066 5 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for the fun and informative videos..I have a marantz 2220B that I picked up at a repair shop with a pair of ads 570 speakers and really enjoy the nice sound of my vinyl..!
@LA-db9xj
@LA-db9xj Жыл бұрын
I'm partial to the Kenwood KR-2400. It was my first real receiver. It has 16 watts rms, that beautiful Kenwood look and an excellent tuner. I bought mine new in 1974 and thoroughly enjoyed it's warm sound. My favorite automatic TT is the Technics SL-QD3. I grabbed one new in 1985 and still use it to this day. It's never given me a days trouble. These two pieces set the tone for the journey that I'm still enjoying!
@rasheingwilliams5313
@rasheingwilliams5313 Жыл бұрын
I agree. I also have a Kenwood KR-2300. It sounds great and packs an impressive punch for such a low wattage receiver. I use it in my office and when I service my Marantz 2216 and/or Model 27. The 2216 is my favorite. In my humble (and limited) expertise, the best turntable is the Philips 212 Electronic.
@passqualecaiazza7728
@passqualecaiazza7728 Жыл бұрын
One of my three receivers is my dads SX-626. Has 2 Phono inputs, 2 tape in and out inputs on both, Aux, and 3 speaker inputs. It did have issues. I had it serviced by 2 different people in my town. They could not fix it. Finally a friend took it 3 hours south of me. He recapped it and went through it. I love this receiver. I have a Dual 1229 and 1215S hooked to it. Cartridges Gado Silver on 1229 and Grado F-1 on the 1215S. The F-1 is the original cartridge on my Dads 1215S. I found a new old stock stylus 2 years ago. Speakers were made in my home town. I did upgrade the guts to Pyle 10"and 3". It could be entry, but it has enough power to not go above half volume and will move furniture.
@tonycord-growthexitadvisor
@tonycord-growthexitadvisor Жыл бұрын
Terrific list and well produced - thanks. I like my Sony 5520 automatic direct drive paired with a Marantz 2020B and Andrew Jones bookshelf speakers - the sound and look are amazing!
@paulcrowder
@paulcrowder Жыл бұрын
Favorite fully-automatic turntable: Technics SL-1301. Classic looks of the SL-1300 but with quartz lock, and dirt simple to repair with a tube of grease when the automatic feature stops working.
@gkky997
@gkky997 8 ай бұрын
Re turntable, DUAL 504 semi auto belt drive, 53 yrs ago, not exactly what you requested! Recently stumbled upon yr channel on account of acquiring a JVC Ex1A which is now undergoing repairs. Clear, easy to understand hifi talk for enthusiast, tqvm.
@johntempest267
@johntempest267 11 ай бұрын
I only have (ever) one automatic turntable, but I do love it. We use it almost daily, and to us, it sounds great. It came in the 1965 Magnavox Astro-sonic console we bought at a thrift store. It's called Micromatic, made in England. It uses a ceramic cartridge with a flip stylus that lets us play 78's (we've a lot of them). I know there are moving coils, and moving magnets that are on another level, Julie and I remain blissfully unaware.
@55benchguy
@55benchguy Жыл бұрын
Excellent Videos. My Wife & I have enjoyed your videos . She gets really riled up when you talk about the crazy customers. We get them in our store too !
@ditlefchristianjacobsen5351
@ditlefchristianjacobsen5351 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for another great video. My favourite automatic turntable is the Pioneer PL 505 direct drive which I bought new in 1985. It is still working fine. About receivers I love the entry level Tandberg Sølvsuper reciever from the early 70’s with 15 watts into 8 ohm. They are easy to work on with good built quality and have quite small footprint and fits easily into a narrow bookshelf. Have a nice day everyone.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
You too!
@neil1637
@neil1637 8 ай бұрын
What a great video. I've been doing loads of research recently and three of the models I had shortlisted were actually in this list! (Sony, Pioneer, Marantz) Thanks for the reassurance.
@ethimself5064
@ethimself5064 Жыл бұрын
One would be surprised at what 20 watts of RMS power can actually do. Or for that matter 10 watts RMS
@arnoldschloss9634
@arnoldschloss9634 Жыл бұрын
Great point! In your opinion, what is 20 RMS watts equivalent to in today's rated "watts per channel" ? My Sansui 5050 is rated at 30 WPC RMS - if you push the volume control beyond level 3 (9 o'clock), connected my Klipsch Heresy III's, you're on the verge of eardrum splitting volume, without exaggeration! I would have no need or use for a more powerful receiver at this point!
@ethimself5064
@ethimself5064 Жыл бұрын
@@arnoldschloss9634 Depends on the type of rating - discrete power etc. The newer power rating terms like this are about 15% of RMS
@arnoldschloss9634
@arnoldschloss9634 Жыл бұрын
@ET Himself In the mid 80's, I bought a Mitsubishi rack system that was rated at "100 watts pet channel" , thinking it had awesome power - when I slid the volume level up maybe 1/3rd, it would clip and distort very bad - So much for that rating!
@ethimself5064
@ethimself5064 Жыл бұрын
@@arnoldschloss9634 Mitsubishi was never a quality audio manufacture and never came even close to being mainstream in the audio field. Just saying.
@arnoldschloss9634
@arnoldschloss9634 Жыл бұрын
@@ethimself5064 Correct! I threw the whole system out in a dumpster several years ago!
@RealisticBeefcheeks
@RealisticBeefcheeks Жыл бұрын
Hi Kevin and crew. I appreciate your videos. My favorite fully automatic turntable is the Realistic Lab 400. I currently have it connected to a Realistic STA 2000 receiver and push the pair of Mach One's ( A ). Keep up the excellent work. Cheers everyone
@tomtompkins7546
@tomtompkins7546 Жыл бұрын
I had a lab 400 for years, before. It just quit working correctly, and I replaced it. Looked super cool too. Never had any Mach 1. Speakers, but had some Mach 2 speakers that sounded fantastic. Bought them in a pioneer SX9000 on the same day at a Goodwill for less than $30.
@jeffbrooke4892
@jeffbrooke4892 Жыл бұрын
You should do a program on watts alone and how they really relate to "average/normal everyday listening habits." I always thought big watt amps had more to do with marketing than it had to do with building a superior sounding product. Most of these amps and receivers went into the apartments and dorm rooms of guys in their 20s and selling big bore stereos back in the 70s pretty much was akin to selling big bore cars. Another great video and thanks!
@ethimself5064
@ethimself5064 Жыл бұрын
Modern wattage's are rarely RMS rated, unless on the more expensive side. Great question👍
@davidnorton573
@davidnorton573 Жыл бұрын
My favorite turntable is a Pioneer PL-630, just love the look and feel of the unit.
@owenthompson9313
@owenthompson9313 Жыл бұрын
I've always listened to vinyl records dating back to my father who had a big collection. He passed away in the the early 80's and I continued the collection through the 90s, when I could! More CDs back then. I'm just now getting into vintage stereo equipment. I just bought a Marantz 2220B. And i love it! sounds amazing, However sometimes the speakers cut out intermittently. Not sure what it is, I have an audio repair guy next to my office that is looking at it now, but can't seem to get it to act up! Anyway love the videos! keep them coming!
@trknoff
@trknoff Жыл бұрын
Bought my 2015 in 1975, gave it away 40 some years later and the damn thing still worked without ever having it serviced. I still have my Technics SL 20 manual turntable that I bought at around the same time with only one belt replacement.
@randybarrish1132
@randybarrish1132 Жыл бұрын
Hi Kevin, another great video! I agree that low-wattage receivers in this area can sound great in the right environment. Turntables... Current;y using a Releastic LAB-400 fully automatic and for some reason I am enjoying this over the Daul I used most most of my life. These are like a Honda or Toyota, they just work.
@ricardolopez4166
@ricardolopez4166 Жыл бұрын
Technics SL-J3 linear tracking turntable. Love your videos , thank you! 👏🇨🇦
@rotaxtwin
@rotaxtwin Жыл бұрын
Fun stuff. My favourite is the H-K 330B, only because one fell into my lap. Talk about serviceable and build quality, wow. No complaints about lack of power. Separate L&R tone controls!
@rharcha8878
@rharcha8878 Жыл бұрын
All solid choices, Kevin. I remember that era well. My first good system included a Sansui 350A, Smaller Advents, and a PE3015 TT (ever see any PE TTs?). Thanks for the videos. I hope you enjoy making them as much as we enjoy watching!
@j.patrickmoore9137
@j.patrickmoore9137 Жыл бұрын
I helped a friend select her first system. HK 330 - I think it was the A version, coupled with some Smaller Advents. It was a sweet and satisfying system.
@johnloiselle6250
@johnloiselle6250 Жыл бұрын
Favorite fully automatic turntable is the Pioneer PL-707. Bought mine in 1985 and I'm still using it. Had the motor cleaned 5 years ago, I love this turntable.
@PerfDayToday
@PerfDayToday Жыл бұрын
Nice! I still have my Sherwood S-7050 10 wpc from high school, plus the speakers. And I have a Skylab Marantz tee shirt!
@johnvincent4048
@johnvincent4048 Жыл бұрын
I'm not looking for any audio equipment right now but every time I watch Kevin I want to get a new piece of vintage equipment.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
Sorry! :)
@marcparsons1726
@marcparsons1726 Жыл бұрын
My underdog favorite is the Fisher Futura 202 Very tube like sound. Heavy bass! Nice to know I own most on the list!
@primeanalogrecords
@primeanalogrecords Жыл бұрын
The two fully automatic turntables I own I think are the best! A Yamaha PX-3 and a Technics SL 1600MKII Both have amazing features as well as great build-quality! Also both have incredible specs!
@srl1215
@srl1215 9 ай бұрын
What are you running for cartriges? I have a SL-1600MKII in great shape but a ATK100n cartridge and I'm thinking to go more upscale.
@primeanalogrecords
@primeanalogrecords 9 ай бұрын
@@srl1215 I am using. Grado Prestige Red and have about 100 hours in and starting to really sound great! I switched headshells with a friend who had an Ortiphon Blue and it sounded spectacular! I’ll probably be switching! Guess it matters what kind of music you listen to! If it’s rock, the one I have right now is great! But I listen to mainly progressive jazz, and the detail of the Ortafon blue is definitely better
@srl1215
@srl1215 9 ай бұрын
@@primeanalogrecords for the suggestions.
@SwassMike
@SwassMike Жыл бұрын
Awesome video per usual. I picked up an sx-650 for $23 recently at a thrift store so I can’t say I could recommend a better entry level receiver than that! As for automatic TT’s, I haven’t used many automatic turntables but I do enjoy my Revox B795 quite a bit. My technics Sl-l2 is also a feature packed DD Auto that I bought for only $50
@pathfinderdiscovery9395
@pathfinderdiscovery9395 4 ай бұрын
I own a Marantz MR 220 at 21 watts 1978 model , an it’s power sounds way more than 21 watts per channel , it pushes my twin pioneer 8” woofers an one tweeter speakers , it’s clean an beautiful, an sounds great lows to highs , I love it an got it at a steal , for 100 bucks , cabinet an face are flawless , im in love ❤
@willhouse
@willhouse Жыл бұрын
The *DUAL 1229!* It has not only top-tier performance but also *style* in spades. My ol' best friend had one & it was a truly beautiful beast despite having to work around its aging mechanics (fixmydual didn't even exist bsck then & he never had enough time to find a service manual.)
@papertoyss
@papertoyss Жыл бұрын
I never had a fully automatic TT... Thank you for making this video!
@donrumgay5200
@donrumgay5200 Жыл бұрын
Into this category i might throw in the Technics SA-200 series…25 watts/channel…readily available…$200-$300 range depending on condition…(Personally i like the sound, and have found then reasonably easy to work on when needed).
@thomasmoore5346
@thomasmoore5346 Жыл бұрын
I love your videos, one day I might make up to your shop, I’m in Colorado Springs and my favorite vintage fully automatic turntable would be the pioneer pl570
@renebollengier1111
@renebollengier1111 Жыл бұрын
Dual 1257, with the original ulm Cartridge. Still works well 45 years later.
@willhouse
@willhouse Жыл бұрын
My first amp was a Pioneer SX-434. I listened to it almost exclusively, from 1993 or so right up until this year - when I replaced it in my little at-work system with a Nelson Pass Amp Camp Amp Mini (only 5W in that teeny thing!)
@Techrewinds
@Techrewinds 10 ай бұрын
Great List! on Budget Receivers I Personally own a Sansui 350a I got back in the 70s it still running Great
@johntempest267
@johntempest267 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the awesome post.
@tombuehner6119
@tombuehner6119 Жыл бұрын
DUAL 1229, one of the great automatic turntables. Loved mine for years.
@kkoller8952
@kkoller8952 Жыл бұрын
I'm with you on the H/K 330C ....I currently have one in my collection, and I plan to keep it there. It's one of my favorite receivers! As for fully automatic turntables, I would rate my Sony PS-X600 and Dual 1219 as my favorites.
@raulcastellanosjr.4754
@raulcastellanosjr.4754 Жыл бұрын
My first vintage receiver was a Pioneer SX-636, closely related to the 535. It sounds great, is a breeze to work on, and parts availability is fantastic! I bought mine with some more serious issues - a dead channel that ended up being blown output transistors - but it didn’t matter much since I was able to replace all transistors with brand new substitutions that are still readily available from Digikey/Mouser. And the knob arrangement on the front with the blackout dial is pure class. Can’t go wrong with a SX-535/636!
@paulcrowder
@paulcrowder Жыл бұрын
My daily driver is an SX-626. I’ve always been happy with it.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
The whole X3X line is great, IMO
@chapsnaps1
@chapsnaps1 5 ай бұрын
Pioneer PL300X direct drive turntable. I still have mine - bought in 1980. I have the box and the perspex cover is perfect. It has been covered with a soft cotton cloth since I bought it. I just love it. My dad had a Bang and Olufsen turntable built in 1963. It was great - wooden case, 4 speeds 16, 33, 45 and 78 - you had to change the stylus for 78s. It had a futuristic looking tone arm that was raised and lowered with a lever. It did not come with a cover and the platen was covered with a pale blue/grey rubber moulding. The pressed metal beneath the platen was painted a pale blue/grey to match the platen. It was primitive by modern standards but paired with a Rogers valve amplifier and Celestion speakers it sounded great. It's long gone. I wish I could find it. The stylus would be almost impossible to get hold of.
@garethleitner9547
@garethleitner9547 2 ай бұрын
My first receiver was a Sony STR 6036 hooked up to a pair of ElectroVoice 2 way bookshelf speakers. It sounded great! The turntable I was using was a Dual 1218 with a Shure V15 type IV, the best turntable I have owned.
@chrisehrhorn4160
@chrisehrhorn4160 Жыл бұрын
Loved your video ! The Marantz 2015 was my first “good” piece of stereo equipment. I paired it with the Marantz Mark 4 speakers. It was thrilling for me to listen to it every time. I wish I still had it. I went onto a Marantz 1156 integrated amp ,that I still have. The left channel drops off after bout 15 min. of play. I can’t find anyone who can repair it. It’s very frustrating ! Anyway thanks for the memories and your review of intro receivers. It was a blast from the past !
@chrisnovakowski9827
@chrisnovakowski9827 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic list. I have respect for a couple receivers that I have owned: Rotel RX-203A & Superscope R-1250. I don't have much experience with fully automated turntables, but I do have a Pioneer PL-A45D turntable on my workbench that I think is fantastic. It still won't take the place of my Yamaha YP-701.
@chriswilson2989
@chriswilson2989 Жыл бұрын
Hi Kevin, thanks again for another great video! You asked about favorite full auto turntables. I happen to really enjoy the Kenwood KD-5066 that I was given in non working condition, a trip to my tech, and the price of a nice dinner for two, I had a very nice deck, that I didn't have to worry about lifting the tonearm at the end of the record. I also have Thorens, and AR decks, and I don't feel the KD-5066 is beneath those decks in any way.
@muskymac4063
@muskymac4063 5 ай бұрын
I have to agree with you on the Harmon Kardon 330c. What a sweet sounding box she was. I had her mated up with some nice Sansui speakers with the nice wood grills. I still have her and would be willing to sell for parts. As I recall the volume control got a bunch of distortion when the knob is turned so I put her in storage and bought a Sansui AUX-1 which is also in storage. It has a nasty hum. I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.
@Kane26510
@Kane26510 Жыл бұрын
I have two favorite FULLY AUTOMATIC turntables. Pioneer PL-400 Technics SL-1350 (this had a stacking spindle option - I used it once when I first got this to make sure it worked). Most of my Hi-Fi buys are from the thrift market, and most of the items you talk about are never seen. Nonetheless, I find the videos highly enjoyable. Favorite entry level receiver - never really owned one. I guess I'd gravitate towards the Pioneer SX-450 (I like the look and my wife had one when she was a teenager) or the Technics SA-80 or 101 (Again - I like the design style -= we had an SA-404 growing up).
@richarris1111
@richarris1111 Жыл бұрын
I think the Pioneer SX-450 & SX-550 make terrific entry level receivers. Also the Sansui 221,331,441 are great little units as well.
@patriciawilson9666
@patriciawilson9666 Жыл бұрын
Yeah,i agree.I have a Sansui 551,661,5050 and a G-2000.These i believe are or were all considered "entry level."I love every one of them but that little 551 just sings...
@jmad627
@jmad627 Жыл бұрын
I have an SX-780, love it.
@patriciawilson9666
@patriciawilson9666 Жыл бұрын
@@jmad627 Yep,i've had my 780 since high school '79.Still kicking ass...
@MarvinHartmann452
@MarvinHartmann452 11 ай бұрын
The sansui 5050 is also a good one.
@ryangratwohl9246
@ryangratwohl9246 Жыл бұрын
First receiver I restored was a Pioneer Sx-440. I loved learning on this unit, I am now onto an Sx-780 and thankfully the Stk paks are good! My heart is with Sansui, it is very special equipment. I'd recommend a G-2000 or G-3000 as a good entry level receiver as well.
@patriciawilson9666
@patriciawilson9666 Жыл бұрын
I've had a SX-780 since '79 and those packs are the weak link in a beautiful unit.Mine have gone twice.I agree with you on the Sansui G-2000.What a badass little unit and so pretty to look at.I'd never part with mine.
@jasonspence9516
@jasonspence9516 8 ай бұрын
Great list Kevin, I agree with most, never heard a couple on the list so can't comment there. One brand I personally started with and love the sound of, is the old Nikko's. I have an STA 5050 and an STA 4030. The 4030 is only 18 watts, but sounds great, awesome looking receiver too, wood case, (veneer), and beautiful silver face, black smoked glass over the tuner needle/ scale. I have mine sporting the cool blue LED's, it is simple but, IMHO, elegant. Thanks for these vids and keep them coming. (Love to send a pic of my old Nikko, no idea how???)
@johnnytoobad7785
@johnnytoobad7785 Жыл бұрын
Favorite automatic turntable was also my very first "'audio grade" turntable. The Dual 1219 circa 1970. Sold it when purchased my Thornes. Should have kept it.
@warrenwillis6477
@warrenwillis6477 Жыл бұрын
My favorite automatic turntable is the Dual 1229, got it when it was new, I still have it.
@kevinomura5251
@kevinomura5251 8 ай бұрын
Hi Kevin, sorry for commenting on an old post but thought you might find this interesting. I just did a repair on a Marantz 2015 and it is different then the two you mentioned. This is also a five button receiver but instead of the far left button being a Tape Monitor button it is for Dolby FM, followed by Tape 1, Mono, Loudness, and Muting. The other oddity was that instead of a fuse holder being mounted to the rear of the unit it had a spot marked for it but not punched out. Instead it had three glass fuses soldiered via pigtails to a daughter board underneath the main filter capacitors. 1 2A 250V, 1 3A, and 1 1A and an unused position for a fourth. The only other oddity was that the previous owner had dismantled the unit, taken out the tuning marker glass and removed all the fuse bulbs! In the process destroying the needle on the tuning dial. McGivered in the tine from a Wendy's plastic fork (aka tuning fork) until I can either source a part of get one 3D printed. Once cleaned up it does indeed have a very nice pleasant sound through my old PSB speakers.
@ericweimer2101
@ericweimer2101 Жыл бұрын
The Dual 1219 has to be on the list for fully automatic turntables! Great build quality and has been my main turntable for years.
@jameslanman5431
@jameslanman5431 8 ай бұрын
My Dual 119 is 52 years old and works great!!! Wouldn't change, ever.
@lamarw9901
@lamarw9901 Жыл бұрын
I'll vote Mitsubishi LT-10v that I am researching getting back working. Thank you for the videos and the prior discussion on recaps.
@therevted
@therevted Жыл бұрын
When talking about my favorite Automatic Turntable, I know what I am going to post could be met with some disdain, but it is the only automatic turntable I have ever owned. I bought it back in 1978 and still have it. It is the Garrard 42M turntable with the Shure Cartridge M93E. I know it is considered entry level, but it has worked wonderfully and only needed servicing twice in the over forty years of ownership, and I love the sound of it. The problem of course is finding someone to work on it now as it is an idler wheel drive (referral’s appreciated). Early on I thought of upgrading to a direct drive, but back in the early 80's my friends were complaining of motor noise of their direct drives.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment. Glad you found a lifelong table!
@998cooper
@998cooper Жыл бұрын
Nice video and yes I can vouch for the sound quality of the low powered Marantz amps. My fave auto TT Dual 701.
@randyclere7756
@randyclere7756 Жыл бұрын
Hey!!! Really love all of the videos you do. I’m getting ready to put together a vintage system. My jam is integrated amps… Kenwood or Pioneer
@user-dq5xx9hi4q
@user-dq5xx9hi4q 6 ай бұрын
My first receiver was a moderately powered Realistic QTA-752 four channel unit in 1977 that I bought used. 30 watts RMS stereo or 15w per in four channel mode. it came with four 2-way speakers with 8" woofers. Not the most impressive system but clean enough to enjoy, and I will never forget listening to the 4-channel version of DARK SIDE OF THE MOON in "SQ4" mode. It was remixed for 4 channels by Alan Parsons himself. Wish I still had that LP. Not long after I replaced the Radio Shack receiver with a JVC AX-4 amp and TX-6 tuner from Alco Stereo & TV.
@keithrody1477
@keithrody1477 Жыл бұрын
Really enjoy my Pioneer SX-580 and the Realistic LAB-400 turntable I have hooked up to it
@stevefoster2700
@stevefoster2700 Жыл бұрын
Great list Kevin, thanks. I have the H/K and coincidently just picked up the Sansui. I'm almost finished cleaning it up and am looking forward to an A/B. Something in the early Sherwood 71xx and 72xx series might make the list if it wasn't for that poorly designed power/volume knob...and the speaker terminals we all hate :) For favourite auto turntables I have the Dual 1019, 1229Q and 721, but my 1219 is my favourite. Great build and consistent operation.
@stevefoster2700
@stevefoster2700 Жыл бұрын
I was able to A/B the H/K and Sansui. Both receivers are all original except for a couple of lamps. I found the 330c a bit smoother. The 350 A had a bit of a bump in the midrange I wasn't that fond of, though it seems to have a better tuner. Still, both receivers are punchy with more than enough power for a medium size room. Just my opinion of course. Speakers were ADS L570/2.
@richmyers1106
@richmyers1106 Жыл бұрын
I am very old school here,,running a pioneer sx-990 receiver with a sansui ra-500 reverb unit and a dual 1219 turntable a teac 4010s reel to reel and fisher xp9c speakers,,,,not sure where all this lines up but I have been happy with the setup for over 50 yrs
@jeronronnunkoffunk4691
@jeronronnunkoffunk4691 Жыл бұрын
Great video, I enjoyed the part with the Harman Kardon, I can attest to the quality, me and tech friend rescued and restored an integrated amp Harman Kardon a401 it was I believe the same guts as the HK 330c , sounds great and detailed, and I can attest to the sx535 was great unit too found one and cleaned it up enjoyed for a good while. As for my for my favorite auto TT s I have 2 , Sony PS x7 DD Turntable, and a kinda rare one pioneer PLL -L 1000 (1st gen)and PLL L1000A tangential tracking DD turntables
@jhschmidMD4
@jhschmidMD4 4 ай бұрын
Nice list of some more affordable choices! My first receiver back in the early to mid 1980's was a Yamaha R-500 Natural Sound Receiver. It was a very sweet sounding unit as long as you didn't push it too hard. I wish I still had it, but it was lacking in power and would fall apart with the dynamic stuff. At the time I was getting into hard rock and symphonic classical music, which coincided with the new higher output CD format becoming widely available, all of which lead me to realize that the meager 40 watts of the Yamaha was not up to handling this more demanding content. I sold it to a neighbor (who loved it), and moved on up to The Carver receiver which had a hefty 140 watts on tap. I say this to illustrate that at this time I fully believed that power was the only answer that mattered, and the Carver seemed to bear that out as it had no trouble driving my speakers (Dahlquist DQM-9's) cleanly, and to ridiculous levels! Some years later, a friend of mine pulled an old Harmon/Kardon 20 WPC receiver at a yard sale for $10 bucks! It may have been the exact model you showcase in this video, but I'm not sure as it was back in the early 90's. He brought it over to test it out on my Dahlquist speakers, and I was not optimistic at all about what the results would be. I was fully expecting the DQM-9's to sound like low rez mud when we hooked up this little 20 watt job from the 70's. Oh boy, was I wrong!!! Now the DQM-9's are fairly efficient for a 3 way design, so they are not that hard to drive, but still, they sang out loud and clear, and clean, with the HK receiver connected. Much warmer sounding than my Carver, but they were not lacking for juice in any way. That day I learned that amps are more important than watts, and that a power number isn't everything. It's about how that power is implemented through the individual design of the piece. You just have to give it a listen to see if it works for you. My favorite automatic turntable is the only one I've ever owned, and therefore the only one I have useful experience with. It's a Technics SL-QD35, also from the mid 80's. It's not high end, it has the limitations of a P-mount system, but it's never failed me in it's mechanical operation, or it's sound quality. Thanks for these great videos Kevin!
@jeffbranch8072
@jeffbranch8072 9 ай бұрын
I was 14 years old in 1979 when a sister moved to New York City, and she left me her Pioneer SX-434, turntable, and speakers. It needs work now but I still have it all and loved it all these years. I guess at this point it's just nostalgic.
@CraigHollabaugh
@CraigHollabaugh Жыл бұрын
Read the comments about low wattage. In 1986, I gave Paul Klipsch a tour of NMSU EE dept, he's alumni, and asked him about wattage. He designed the original Klipschorns to be super efficient because tube amps then were very small. 1946 specs - 105dB at 1W. Wattage is meaningless until you connect an amp to speakers. My favorite automatic turntable is the Technics SL-10, bought one college. Linear tracker, same size as an album, plays in any orientation, even upside down. Last year, my wife bought one off reverb as a birthday present to relive my long hair years. Rock on my brothern, rock on! 🤘🎸💯
@harlest71
@harlest71 Жыл бұрын
Wow!!! There must have been 3 versions of the 2015 then because my 5 button had a Dolby FM button not a Hi Pass filter. Great list Kevin thanks man
@notyetsilenced9746
@notyetsilenced9746 8 ай бұрын
I don't know whether this is "entry level", but my recently restored Sansui 3000A is an awesome receiver. Restoration included: a complete recap (all electrolytic and film caps), 14 new transistors (outputs, drivers, phono preamp, and several others of questionable reliability), and the incorporation of the recommended capacitor coupled output to prevent woofer frying from the DC coupled output. I'm not a professional technician, just a hobbyist. This took weeks of patient soldering. Still to come: alignment. I have the right equipment, but still worry about messing up.
@daleheiking1295
@daleheiking1295 7 ай бұрын
My favorite fully automatic turntable has to be the Dual CS 721. Huge fan of Dual and I've always seen this table as the pinnacle for them
@jpaleas
@jpaleas Жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Awesome receivers!
@adsph
@adsph Жыл бұрын
Great take on these.
@TheWoodLab
@TheWoodLab Жыл бұрын
Just stumbled on your channel, really good stuff and I subbed. I came across it since I have a Marantz 2216B that was my folks' until they passed in 2017, and just started looking for info on these receivers from the 70s. They hadn't used it in quite some time (probably since early 90s or 2000s). It works (at least phono - tested with their old BSR Quanta 400), but with a lot of noise when adjusting the volume. I'm hoping to clean it up and see if if can run clean again.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the sub!
@rogeliogarcia258
@rogeliogarcia258 2 ай бұрын
Currently rolling with an HK560 from 1979. Love it.
@andyevans2336
@andyevans2336 4 ай бұрын
Hi pass is used to CUT low freqs, that is why it it is called that and passes high freqs. Mostly used to reduce turntable rumble.
@ethimself5064
@ethimself5064 Жыл бұрын
My favorite Auto Turntable was a 1979 Kenwood, with a synthetic Marble base and commercial grade acoustic feet. No such thing as record rumble at any volume or low frequency, down to an honest 30 Hz anyway. Managed to put a 5 ft. crack in a living room window and had a solid oak coffee table frequently moving across the carpet. Can not remember the model though
@jackstiles1874
@jackstiles1874 Жыл бұрын
Dual 1229Q is my fav full auto table. Amazing looks and performance.
@blujack100
@blujack100 Жыл бұрын
I have a Sansui 7 original to me. Still works great and never needed any repair. All the incandescent bulbs still good.
@andykeena8767
@andykeena8767 Жыл бұрын
Fully automatic turntable favs. Mid level ones Onkyo CP-1150, Yamaha P-550 - P750. I like search cueing on the Onkyo and all controls are outside of the dust cover.
@lotusmanb3832
@lotusmanb3832 10 ай бұрын
Mitsubishi LT-5V. I owned one with an Ortofon OM20 for 10 years and it worked lawlessly , not to mention looking amazing.
@marktuyet
@marktuyet Жыл бұрын
Keeping my Sherwood S 7200 . Its a real sleeper.
@andykeena8767
@andykeena8767 Жыл бұрын
I love the sound of my Nakamichi TA-1A. Low watts and super clean sound.
@felipezitzmann
@felipezitzmann Жыл бұрын
The best automatic turntable was DUAL CS 721. I have one since new, and I haven’t had any issue. Works like new, and never have had to adjust anything. The finest ever.
@Retro_Analog
@Retro_Analog Жыл бұрын
My favorite automatic turntable is the Denon DP-45F. I've had my original since 1984. I'm currently running an Ortofon Blue MM cart.
@allanellis5827
@allanellis5827 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video.The Marantz tax IMO is well worth it. The enjoyment one gets just looking at them makes the added dollars you pay justified. I believe Marantz made the best looking receivers back then. And if you decide to sell you will get that extra money back. To me it’s a no brainer.
@raymondgarafano8604
@raymondgarafano8604 9 ай бұрын
The Pioneer SX650 is a sweet receiver, she looks good in a low-lit room but is High on good sound, 2 tape deck loops and cd drive work great as does a turntable. 35 watts drives a pair of SL-12's very nicely
@joetime4798
@joetime4798 6 күн бұрын
Favorite turntable is the Realistic Lab 400
@petenamlook18
@petenamlook18 Жыл бұрын
I have to say that I quite enjoy my Kenwood KR-4140 with 18 wpc. Nice capacitor coupled output sound.
@pervertedalchemist9944
@pervertedalchemist9944 Жыл бұрын
I am a huge fan of the Harman/Kardon 330 series. I have the Nocturne, 330B and 330C. They all punch above their weight class. They can also handle 4 ohm speakers around 250 watts. Also, in reference to the limited outputs on the entry level receivers, there is a way to go around that. What I did was use the audio source selector or AV source selector. I use that when I want to add on things like streamers or CD players.
@73seewerner
@73seewerner Жыл бұрын
i was hoping for a little explanation why the 330C specifically (as opposed to the 330A, 330B etc.). i have a rotel rx-400a, which is essentially an HK330A under the hood, and i adore it. but this is definitely not the first time i've seen a stated preference for the C variant and i'm curious as to why.
@MarvinHartmann452
@MarvinHartmann452 11 ай бұрын
I also like these receiver, older HK stuff is usually very high quality.
@karaDee2363
@karaDee2363 Жыл бұрын
Definitely get out and enjoy the good weather.... As far as the survey goes, I never owned a fully automatic turntable.. Have a great day 🍸
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
You too, thanks Karen!
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