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Need ideas for replacing a Tandberg receiver.

I have a early-1980's vintage Tandberg tr-2080 stereo receiver (100w/channel) that I use in my 2 channel A/V system. REcently, I have relegated it to another use and I would like to replace it with another receiver. I loved the sound of this unit (smooth , powerful and sweet would be a good description) in my system and would like to replace it with something similar or slightly better, probably something I would acquire second hand off of Audiogon or ebay. I'm looking for suggestions. If anybody has experience upgrading or replacing a similar Tandberg unit specifically with good results, I would be interested in hearing. ALso, if anyone has had a similar TANdberg unit refurbished successfully for reasonable cost, I would be interested in any leads regarding where to send my 2080 to get it fixed up, if you think this would be a good investment. The unit has had some bulbs out for years but has worked well (with occasional switch cleanings) over the years. REcently, I'm experiencing more serious trouble with the volume going intermittently on the right channel, so I have switched it for use as a power amp only for now.

THanks in advance for any advice.
128x128mapman
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
The Soundsmith in Peekskill, NY specializes in Tandberg repair.

Regards,

Rich
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
Thanks Rich. THis looks like a viable option for repairing the Tandberg.

Your posted description of your systems suggests you like a sound similar to what I've described with the Tandberg. I'm wondering if you've ever heard this or other Tandberg receivers or amps and could offer any comparisons to other units you either own or have heard. For example, I've heard of Outlaw Audio but have no idea how this might compare.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
repair the 2080 for sure...an iconoclistic wonder that is really one of a kind in terms of cost/performance.
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
Hi Mapman:

I had vintage Marantz receivers (2216B and 2240) in service for a number of years. What did I like? The very warm sound with both the amplifier and the tuner. The Marantz seemed to handle CD players pretty well.

I never paired the vintage Marantz receivers with vintage speakers and that may be where I went wrong. Over the years, I began to realize/believe that vintage receivers must be paired with vintage speakers, as "garden variety" modern era speakers are designed to be more accurate than most vintage speakers ever were.

I could be all wet with this theory, but I was never quite satisfied with the Marantz' performance and I had wanted a Marantz since I was 15 (1972). The Tandbergs are in a similar, but different league as the Marantz receivers. I went through a whole number of small monitors with the Marantz (B&W, EPOS, Wharfedale, Omega) and only NHT SB2's really worked for me.

I have been extremely satisfied with the Outlaw and Rega Ara speakers. The Outlaw is a bit more detailed sounding than the Marantz, but also more alive sounding. The Outlaw is still warm and musical, but it has a nice pop to it. I wound up giving my Marantz 2240 to Les Paul last year. The 2216B sits in a closet.

Restoring your Tandberg will wind up costing you somewhere around $400 to $500. Before you go the restore route, I wonder what your other plans are. The Outlaw at $650 is equal to anything that I have heard under $1000.

Regards,

Rich
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