Any suggestions for a good 2 channel receiver?

I know it's only 2 channels

But I need a receiver for a two bookshelf system, not too mushy and not too "digital" sounding. By that I mean to sterile; I got a Denon avr-1600 and I didn't like it because it sounded too harsh. I want good healthy bass response for these two speakers.


I've thought about Harmon's. What about Sony receivers and Onkyo (sp?)

Any advice?

I want to spend around 2-400 dollars.

 

A Fisher or a Scott might fit the bill or maybe even a Denon. Some Yamahas can sound quite smooth. Don't remember the model #s. though as they would be old being I'm speaking of Yamaha receivers back in the late 70's/early 80's.

 

Never heard of the brand 'Scott'.

I once used a fisher cd player and it sounded pretty good, really brought out the "digital" in my cd's. Not sure if that was such a good thing though! Seeing as how I'm really not a fan of digital sound that much.

I've been looking at some 2 channel H/K it's hard to tell the difference of SQ in a store though.

I have a Pioneer 509 right now, it sounds good, but not enough bass for my taste.
Only does +6 for bass. I want at least +10.
What are your opinions on H/k? Good choice ? I've heard that Onkyo was good too.

 

If you must have a mass market brand the HK's are probably the best. I think you can get much better quality with integrated amps from Cambridge Audio if you can do without the tuner.

http://www.audio-direct.com/cgi-bin/pgen_asp/catdisp.asp?category=hom_amp_stereo_receivers

 

The Onkyo TX-8211 is an excellent sounding receiver. Its around 200 bucks retail, but it sounds dynamite. Its 50 watts per channel. It has an unusually large power supply, and heat-sinks for such an inexpensive receiver. It really sounds nice. Its on sale here http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538249142 for 160 bucks. I have listened to a lot of receivers over the years, and this one remains one of the best I have ever heard, aside from the old Sansui stuff. The phono stage in it is also very good sounding too!

 

Forget a receiver; treat yourself to a used Sansui amp. Very smooth sound, delivers enough power to keep you happy, and it's nicely sensitive and detailed across the sound spectrum. It gets the most out of your speakers or headphones!

 

FWIW, I can also second (or third) the Sansui amp recommendation, the ones I have heard all sound nice. From 1986 to last year I had a NAD 7175PE receiver (first in my audio system and then in my video system), I really liked it but it finally quit on me last year. I do not think NAD makes it anymore so would have to look for one used. If you can stretch your budget last year when the NAD conked out I picked up a used Musical Fidelity A3 Dual Mono Integrated Amp for $600 - $700. I use it in my video system, it is such a good amp for the money.

 

For smooth solid state power, you might try a 1970s era Marantz 2270, 2325, 2240, or other amp in the 2200 series. These routinely sell for anywhere from $100 to $500 depending upon condition. These are known for their true, conservative power ratings and smooth sound (2270 is 70 wpc; 2325 is 125 wpc, 2240 is 40 wpc, etc). The blue dial looks really cool at night as well. With any vintage purchase, it is best to get it checked out and you might build some probable rehab into your purchase price. Good Luck!

 

Good point and I agree 100%. I had forgotten about the old Marantz.

 

Take a look at the NAD 320bee integrated. It can usually be found for less than $400, and sounds better to me than any receiver I have heard.

 

I guess I'm torn between the onkyo and H/K. But I want to go and check each out if I can at a store.

 

Agreed. I scored my '76 2220 for $30 seven years ago. All she needed was a good cleaning, new bulbs and had to have the FM realigned. Although now it's looking like she needs new caps she is still working like a dream (still sounds better than my Onkyo to boot). Built like a tank. You can't go wrong with one of these.

 

I own a Marantz 2235 receiver, 1975-76 vintage. Paid $100 on ebay. A nice sounding unit.

 

I dont think he is into vintage stuff,,,,,

 

I'm also considering getting a new cd player.
Just cuz its been a few yrs since I got my current one, I've been wondering if new tech would be better than what I've got, that's all.

I would get a new sacd player but there arent enough releases that I want to justify it in my mind.
I've got a denon dcm-65.

I'm going to check out some H/K and onkyo's in the stores if I can.

Thank for your help guys.