early 80s stereo receiver mm/mc phono....

the Nikko Beta 1 and III preamps have excellent phono stages, so perhaps a Nikko receiver from the same period would be equal.

I got into the high-end business around that time. Nakamichi, Harmon Kardon, Kyocera, Denon all made very nice receivers. I sold Yamaha for years, but didn't really think that highly of it. Just my opinion, but you could do better.

Don't know how much you are planning to spend, but there is an HK 790i on ebay NIB Buy It Now for $300.