1970's receivers and integrated amps...

Back in the late 70's, Harry Pearson, editor of The Absolute sound reviewed Pioneers top of the line 120wpc receiver. His review was only 5 words: "plainly a piece of shit". Receivers and amps from that period used huge amounts of negative feedback to make the numbers look good, but the sound was God-aweful.

Bob

Bob... I could care less about what Harry Pearson says or thinks. I do know I'm getting very good sound out of that Pioneer -- maybe not Shindo good, but still quite respectable. I'd put that system with the cheap Pioneer and VMPS up against your stuff any day.

I'm really put off by audio snobbery like this; especially when people have no first-hand experience with the gear they're giving opinions on. Sure I've heard some mediocre-to-poor receivers, but I've heard some good ones too. Also just FYI, my Pioneer is not the top-of-line 120-watt model and I bet Harry did not even give that one an honest chance with an open mind.

Frank

Tried a Marantz integrated (forget the model #) to hear what it sounded like and it was warm and and euphonic and rolled off on top. When I hooked it up it bottomed out my drivers which startled me. All that juice still in the caps. It brought back memories and I appreciate the nostalgia but it was mid-fi, at best. At least with that model in the context of my system and my tastes. It would be good in a garage system and that is not a put down as I enjoy the looks and feel of vintage gear. No doubt there are better makes and models but I think one would have to look far and wide and maybe recap some to get a good sounding unit.

Plato versus Bob.

The vintage Pioneer from the early seventies is likely remarkably different from the vintage Pioneer from the late seventies reviewed by Harry Pearson.

I suspect that solid state gear over that decade really evolved and changed quite a bit.

Try the late seventies Sansui 65 Watt AU-517 or the 85 Watt AU-717 integrated amp models. They sound sweet. Luckily the AU-717 remains plentiful due to its huge popularity back in the day. Expect to pay $200 for either model in original, excellent and complete condition. The rack handles on these commonly go for $50 alone! See my system for one take on the vintage trip.