Best sound in old late 70s early 80s receivers

I have personal experience with Yamaha CR series, the CR-3020 is fabulous. The CR-1020 is equally good but of less wattage.

All CR series are keepers I.M.O. Upgrade the caps or not they are of high quality.

Very good dual phono jacks, great tuners, truly "flat" sound with decent tone control, underrated wattage, good filters, great recording configuration options, terrific looks with their brushed silver metal encassed in premium wood cases.

The Nakamichi STASIS receivers were excellent. The power amp sections were designed by Nelson Pass of Threshold.

The Harmon Kardon receivers of that vintage were also very good sounding.

My favorites were Tandberg for a warmer, robust sound and Yamaha for overall clarity and detail.

Tandberg, Carver, Revox and Luxman
My favorites are Carver 2000, Revox B285 and the super rare Tandberg 3080

They are getting old and may need service now or soon!

I liked my Marantz model 19 receiver. I have not seen one in years. They had a great FM tuner.