2. amps-preamps
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Is there any such thing as a high end receiver?

I am putting together a system for a friend who knows nothing about electronics, has no technical skill, but is a professional acoustic musician and likes sound that is smooth and sweet above all else. I intend to find her some LS3/5a's and maybe a tube cd player and I don't want to burden her with amps, preamps, tuners, interconnects and the whole rigamerole. Therefore, my question: Anyone know of a receiver (under, say, $750 used) that sounds sweet a la e.g. a Grado cartridge or LS3/5a's? Do all receivers sound like Sony's?
rpfef
killerpiglet
374 posts
 
Haven't heard Sony ES, but between:
Marantz
Sony
Yahama
Pioneer
Denon

Denon I think sounds the best. Not always the most "watts" but if you look at the specs they tend to have higher current. Most of the others don't even mention current.

There's a catch: Denons are not very reliable.

KP
ljgj
955 posts
 
Mcintosh just released a new HT receiver.
blkadr
739 posts
 
Magnum Research, the maker or some of the best tuners you can buy offers a reciever now. I think the model is the 208(?) and it features an excellent Sim Audio amplifier section. High end it is.
lazarus28
339 posts
 
i'd go integrated amp as well, and there are LOTS of good choices. if you'd like to stay inexpensive, i'd go rega brio or mira.

or if you'd like to stay *really* simple, there's always the linn classik, which is a true high end cd pplayer, preamp, tuner, and amp all in one. just add good speakers and it's high-end-in-a-box.

good stuff.
aroc
760 posts
 
I can vouch for Denon being hi-current. I've 'played' around with some Denon receiver models, and they have 'balls.'

Receivers:
NAD
AMC
Creek
Denon
Yamaha
Sony ES
Nakamichi
Marantz
Pioneer Elite
Outlaw Audio

Though, I'd recommend an integrated amp, (like others) if she doesn't need a tuner or any 5.1 stuff. You'll get more for the $$$ with an int amp.
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