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stereo receiver recommendations

Hi folks,

A friend recently got me interested in this hobby, but I'm definitely still a newbie without much real world listening experience. A colleague at work knows I'm interested in audio and came to me for advice to replace a broken stereo receiver. Problematically, she was fairly coy about budget, so a few recommendations would be greatly appreciated... Lets go with <$500, $500-600, & <$1000 as the 3 price ranges.

She definitely wants to have a phono input for a connected turntable and to have a FM tuner built in so unfortunately we're stuck with stereo receivers rather than integrated amps, which drastically limits the options. She also definitely wants to buy new. She didn't know the model of speakers so I'm not talking about a serious audiophile but rather someone who just enjoys having music playing in her home and doesnt want to give up local radio or her vinyl collection. For that reason I'm thinking ease of use, functionality, and reliability are probably just as important as sound quality (I hope that doesnt make too many of you cringe), but I still want it to sound good. Searching through musicdirect & crutchfield, I've come up with the following:

<$500: Cambridge SR10 or Yamaha R-N303
$500-600: Cambridge SR20 or Yamaha R-N602 
<$1000: Outlaw RR2160 or Yamaha R-N803

Would love input from people with experience with any of these products or recommendations about something else that might be better. Any problems any of you have found with any of the above models? Anybody experienced both in a particular price range and found one to sound particularly better? 

Thanks!
ethos123
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
I definitely would say the R-117 is legendary.  It is one special piece that came along after the 70's receiver wars.  Not the most beautiful looking, somewhat industrial in appearance, but the sound sure is beautiful.  I kick myself every time I think about that I sold mine.  I was about as close to "minty" as you can get without it being in a sealed box.

Bill
joshelston
53 posts
 
Ethos :  consider the PS audio Sprout.  It has phono but does not have FM tuner.  Personally, I don’t see the need for an FM  tuner anymore although surely others have an opinion on this.  I’m sure your friend had a cell phone (can connect via Bluetooth) and a computer (usb) and get her radio stations online.  ~$500.  
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
   Shoff
do not be afraid of the Luxman R-117 because it is not new technology.  Do some research and read the reviews.  This is one of the best receivers of all time!


Willand
I definitely would say the R-117 is legendary.

I had the Luxman R-115  It replaced a Harmon Kardon 730  (45 wpc) which had lost the left channel. I listened to the Lux in the showroom. However when I brought it home and hooked it to my large original advents, I was sorely disappointed. There was no bass line...., only a thump for the bass drum. I was happy to sell the Lux and get my HK repaired. Maybe the 117 was a different animal. But Lux had 3 receivers on the Mkt which doubled in wattage as you went up the line. IIRC, the R113 was 35 wpc, the R115 was 70 wpc and the R117 was 140 wpc, all solid state. I've heard others praise the R117. But the 115 was not very good at all IMO. FWIW, I tried Infinity 5000 (?) with the Lux also. Same result. No bass line. So i'm always surprised to see great reviews of the Luxman R series of receivers.
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
@artemus_5 

Most of my experience with the Luxman receivers(R-115, R-117) has been with Klipsch Heresy I's, Heresy II's, Fortes and Quartets.  All a minimum of 96dB efficient and easy to drive with no stress or strain on the Luxmans.  Most experience also has been in a 13' x 13' x 10' room and well damped.  All these factors I am sure have contributed to my fondness of these Luxmans.

Bill
ethos123 OP
83 posts
 
I appreciate the feedback about the vintage Luxman, but my colleague definitely wants something new...with a warranty and bought from someone she can go back to if issues arise. I realize the performance to cost benefit of used gear but it’s just not an option. 

Totally agree with those who note the superfluous nature of a tuner in this day and age when everyone has access to streaming radio on their phones and that can be connected to an integrated amp wirelessly...but it’s a feature this person wants regardless. If I can change her mind, I’m sure the PS Audio Sprout (and several other integrated amps) would be a great option. I’ve heard nothing but praise for the Sprout and it’s a great looking piece for sure.
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