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Vintage Receiver: TANDBERG, MARANTZ, or…?

Hi guys,

My primary system is in storage in NY, and I am building a small system in Lisbon, Portugal, where I am currently basing.

I have started with the purchase of a pair of Von Schweikert VR-1 speakers, and would like to use a '70s vintage receiver as the heart of the system.

Frankly, I am shooting blind, so to speak, as I haven't listened to any of the units that I am considering (having used separates for decades). However, having done a fair bit of research on-line, I am gravitating towards the Tandberg 1040P. The Marantz 2230 also looks like an interesting possibility, as I am seeking something high-quality, warm, and with an excellent tuner.

So…if any members have strong opinions about good '70s receivers, especially if you have listened to them with the VS monitors, please do contribute, and you don't have to limit yourselves to those models.

I should add that in NY I used Virtual Dynamics David speaker cables, and loved them. But that was with a different (and better) system, and I will now look for something less expensive. Any opinions on cables and the type of receiver I am considering would also be appreciated.

Thanks much in advance!

Regards,

Tony C.
whipsaw
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
yes it was both impressive and sadly rather typical of him. I forgot about the sansui au999 that might be my choice as its much more laid back than other sansui offerings and i've heard many. What are you leaning towards?
whipsaw OP
758 posts
 
As always, system synergy is the big unknown, and I have no way of guessing which of the contenders is most likely to click.

While certain Marantz and Sansui models are attractive, I think that I'm going to give the Tandberg a try. It has been serviced by a specialist, and at under $300 shipped, I can easily afford to sell it on and try one of the others, should it be unsatisfying. It's also a bit of a gut feeling, which, when shooting blind, could prove beneficial.

I appreciate all of the input, and will post some impressions after the components all arrive.

Cheers,

Tony C.

ebm
9,311 posts
 
Im so sorry please forgive me.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Here's two sleepers: Sherwood 7100 and Sherwood 7100A. If you like tubes, go with the 7100. If you prefer solid state, go with the 7100A. They are both solid state, but the 7100's sound is more tube-like. I picked up the one I have in my bedroom system for 20 bucks at a thrift store. You can find clean ones on Ebay for 50-75 bucks or so. These are great sounding receivers ... good headphone amps too.
aktchi
274 posts
 
@whipsaw

Another Audio Consultants alum here. It is their mention that inspired me to post to this old thread. As you may know, they had stores all over Chicago area. Very high class stores and people. Sadly, to great loss of all Chicago area audiophiles, the chain has closed.

Anyway, the Tandbergs were beautiful receivers and one can’t go wrong with them. I also have a soft corner for Nakamichi and Luxman, but Tandgerg’s visual appeal was in a class of its own. Mac gear, old or new, has always been pricey. Of course with vintage pieces it all depends on what you find and in what condition.

I am sure that you have made your purchases by now, perhaps more than once. Good luck!
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