Top vintage receivers vs. modern high-end equipment

Im surprised that no one has mentioned the Harmon Kardon Twin Power 730 or its smaller brothers, 430 or 330. I bought one in '78. I recently fired it up and was shocked at how big the sound is.

I'll second the Sansui 9090 series.
I have the DB version and over the years whatever I pair it with shines. Occasionally when a meet a repair tech at audio shops and discuss various equipment, when I let them know I have the 9090 they all tell me don't ever let it go. Some claim  magic comes from power transformer, others say who needs tubes when SS sounds like this.

I have a Heathkit 151a integrated redone by Sam Kim and can't believe how sweet sounding it is.  He uses only the chassis and transformers and completely builds the amp from the ground up.  MC and MM phono sections.  Incredible linestage. If 8 watts work you can't do any better.  Google Sams Audio.

I have a Pioneer SX1010 connected to Pair of Pioneer HPM-100 speakers. I listen to this for background music playing Pandora through an old iPhone. I can have this setup playing all day at a moderate level without any listening fatigue. There is something to be said for synergy between components. It's very true that my system for critica listening; McIntosh and Sopra2's , is so much more detailed but for background music my Pioneer setup sounds fine.

I say go for it.  Vintage equipment can sound fantastic.  It also tends to appreciate in value and almost always looks cool.  I have a Marantz 2285b reciever that i had recapped and it sounds fantastic.  It's firmly on the warm side of neutral but you can listen to it all day.  My PrimaLuna HP integrated is much more detailed and has much better imaging but i like them both equally.