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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
piezo
304 posts
 
I vote heavily in favor of the old Marantz. I sold an early 70's version of a 2275 to my brother about 20 yrs ago and it still sounds great and seems to have tons more power than the rated 75 watts. Good tuner section to boot
budrew
467 posts
 
Beautiful receiver, Nice, warm sound, excellent tuner.
vayasteve
171 posts
 
Get a nice MAC 4100 or 4200 or 4275.Very good receivers and solid sound.
drewfidelity
178 posts
 
Two companies that used to produce really decent sounding receivers were NAD and Rotel. The NAD receiver were entire entry level separates placed in a single box. The problem with most receivers is that each of the separate sections share a common power supply. That often limits dynamics and clarity compared to separate components that have their own power supply. Another issue that most receiver tuner sections are an afterthought and are not very good. If your friend is going to listen to quite a bit of FM my suggestion would be to go with an integrated amplifier and a separate tuner. As others have mentioned, the Creek is a great sounding integrated in your price range. They also make a very good tuner.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
There's a mint demo Magnum Dynalab MD208 up for auction right now at about $1500. Phil's suggestion regarding classic Luxman is also certainly worthwhile.
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