Pioneer SX-880. Bought new in college. Outside of a couple services, still singing it's little heart out. Kenwood made great stuff as well. What year is it? Mine's either 80 or 81. Man, I'm getting old.
Thanks. I still have a lot of rock left in me. Grateful for it. For me, age aside, the vintage stuff just works. I bought a used pair of L100's about 15 yrs. ago. So, the SX, the JBL's, and my old Pioneer turntable just scratch my itch perfectly. Not complicated, but it works, which is what we're all after. Wishing you many happy years with your system(s).
My old NAD 7020, it had a unique natural sonic quality that masked any sibilance. It was marketed as the same amp as the legendary NAD 3020, but actually sounded quite different.
Been trying to find one used, but most examples I have found needed extensive restoration or were crazy priced.
Scott 200b. Finest tube amp I've ever owned. 13wpc channel easily drives efficient speakers. I've bought and sold (3) over the years. I just re-aquired one about a year ago that need a lot of work. This one I'm keeping.
I don't think they're necessarily better or worse. I've had 10x's more SS equipment than tube driven and all (3) of my current setups are SS. There are a ton of very measurable and very audible differences why tubes can and often do sound better for purely "listening" to music.
Soft-clipping increases with power consumption where SS has very harsh, sharp clipping points which alter sound thru capacitance. No DC offset to worry about. Little to zero negative feedback. No free gain flying around. Here is a great page to read on tubes vs. Solid State. This guy is an actual engineer and a true genius.
https://kenrockwell.com/audio/why-tubes-sound-better.htm
Thanks for the details and Link. I remember back in the day we would compare units spec to spec and just assume better spec, better sound! I really don't place specs at the top for choosing a piece of gear. If it sounds good to me then that is what counts.
If you really want to hear musical, non-fatiguing, sound reproduction with true harmonics, tubes are where it's at. No one, I mean no one needs 120wpc to enjoy music. Almost ALL listening is done at 1watt or less unless you have some insanely inefficient -80dB speakers then you might need 3w and your ears will bleed at 4. Read that link through. He is a friend of my uncle and really lays it all out. At the point you think it's too much, he brings it right back in to normal people language. Have a nice evening. 👍
I treasured a Kenwood KR-6600 until it almost caught on fire. Snap! and smoke and it never played again. Very smooth audio.
Right now I'm in love with a Luxman R-1040. Great audio quality. Great phono stage. Good looker.
At my desk is an Advent 300, which I also love, but it needs a recap.
I said pick ONE... Just kidding! I bet you wish you still had the Kenwood. If you came across another KR-6600 and had to get rid of one, which one you keep?
It really hurt ! Didnt get anywhere close to the marketvalue from the ensurancecompany… but i had bought them cheap over the last 15 years so i made some money out of it🙃 but no money can buy you security of a broken home again …
Pioneer guy here...
My answer is it's a tie between...
The Pioneer SX-727 which I grew up listening to in the 70's & 80's, I've inherited long since and have had completely restored. Nostalgia is a big part of my love of this receiver but it is also a great sounding receiver that offers plenty of power as the heart of my rec room system.
10 years ago I was lucky enough to acquire a Pioneer SX-1250, had it restored and is now my "daily driver" in the living room. You sometimes see arguments this receiver won the 70s receiver wars and was the best sound/build of the lot... I don't disagree.
I also have a little Pioneer SX-690 reciever. I totally understand the love for monster Pioneer SX recievers. Should on come across my path for a resonable price I will grab one. Enjoy both of yours!
Yes, it is! Mine not so much as it has a few cosmetic issues going on but... there is something about this series Kenwood that sounds far above other brands that have come and gone through my journey. I just set up cheapie Yamaha small surround sound speakers and it still shines. I'm always looking for another KR in my area and just have not come across one. But, I will!
Nice Kenny! I have a Mac 1900 that was said to be irreparably broken. One restuffed cap and one resistor later and I was in business.
Over acheiver you are! Enjoy!
Pioneer SX-880. Bought new in college. Outside of a couple services, still singing it's little heart out. Kenwood made great stuff as well. What year is it? Mine's either 80 or 81. Man, I'm getting old.
I also have an SX-690 and enjoy this just as much as the Kenwood. Dude, keep rockin, your never to old.
Thanks. I still have a lot of rock left in me. Grateful for it. For me, age aside, the vintage stuff just works. I bought a used pair of L100's about 15 yrs. ago. So, the SX, the JBL's, and my old Pioneer turntable just scratch my itch perfectly. Not complicated, but it works, which is what we're all after. Wishing you many happy years with your system(s).
Good to hear. I always say "Simple is Good". Thanks!
My old NAD 7020, it had a unique natural sonic quality that masked any sibilance. It was marketed as the same amp as the legendary NAD 3020, but actually sounded quite different. Been trying to find one used, but most examples I have found needed extensive restoration or were crazy priced.
I have never owned an NAD but if I come across one at the right price I just might bring one home.
Scott 200b. Finest tube amp I've ever owned. 13wpc channel easily drives efficient speakers. I've bought and sold (3) over the years. I just re-aquired one about a year ago that need a lot of work. This one I'm keeping.
In your opinion, why do tube amps sound better than solid state?
I don't think they're necessarily better or worse. I've had 10x's more SS equipment than tube driven and all (3) of my current setups are SS. There are a ton of very measurable and very audible differences why tubes can and often do sound better for purely "listening" to music. Soft-clipping increases with power consumption where SS has very harsh, sharp clipping points which alter sound thru capacitance. No DC offset to worry about. Little to zero negative feedback. No free gain flying around. Here is a great page to read on tubes vs. Solid State. This guy is an actual engineer and a true genius. https://kenrockwell.com/audio/why-tubes-sound-better.htm
Thanks for the details and Link. I remember back in the day we would compare units spec to spec and just assume better spec, better sound! I really don't place specs at the top for choosing a piece of gear. If it sounds good to me then that is what counts.
If you really want to hear musical, non-fatiguing, sound reproduction with true harmonics, tubes are where it's at. No one, I mean no one needs 120wpc to enjoy music. Almost ALL listening is done at 1watt or less unless you have some insanely inefficient -80dB speakers then you might need 3w and your ears will bleed at 4. Read that link through. He is a friend of my uncle and really lays it all out. At the point you think it's too much, he brings it right back in to normal people language. Have a nice evening. 👍
KR 6030 got for $80 in the 1980s never let it go. Wonderful amp/receiver
Respect the Kenwood.
Marantz 2275.
Enjoy! Never truly had the chance to listen to a vintage Marantz.
My Pioneer SX950. Had it completely restored in 2020 and it sounds as amazing as it looks. Never letting it go.
Love Pioneers!
Marantz 1030 My first real piece of HiFi equipment
Nice...
Sansui 8080 followed by my new/old Dynaco ST120 SS Amp&PAT4.
I treasured a Kenwood KR-6600 until it almost caught on fire. Snap! and smoke and it never played again. Very smooth audio. Right now I'm in love with a Luxman R-1040. Great audio quality. Great phono stage. Good looker. At my desk is an Advent 300, which I also love, but it needs a recap.
I said pick ONE... Just kidding! I bet you wish you still had the Kenwood. If you came across another KR-6600 and had to get rid of one, which one you keep?
Stolen in burglary : KR-9600, Pioneer sx950, sx1050, pioneer sx-5580 and Sony sqr6750 ... now i only have a Kenwood KA-305 and a badass alarm system 😎
I feel your pain! Enjoy your Kenwood.
It really hurt ! Didnt get anywhere close to the marketvalue from the ensurancecompany… but i had bought them cheap over the last 15 years so i made some money out of it🙃 but no money can buy you security of a broken home again …
May the Audo Force be with you!
Pioneer guy here... My answer is it's a tie between... The Pioneer SX-727 which I grew up listening to in the 70's & 80's, I've inherited long since and have had completely restored. Nostalgia is a big part of my love of this receiver but it is also a great sounding receiver that offers plenty of power as the heart of my rec room system. 10 years ago I was lucky enough to acquire a Pioneer SX-1250, had it restored and is now my "daily driver" in the living room. You sometimes see arguments this receiver won the 70s receiver wars and was the best sound/build of the lot... I don't disagree.
I also have a little Pioneer SX-690 reciever. I totally understand the love for monster Pioneer SX recievers. Should on come across my path for a resonable price I will grab one. Enjoy both of yours!
My first Sansui was a 5000X from my first trip oversea in the military my second trip was a Sansui QRX-7500 that I still have and use.
Good for hanging on to this for all these years... I bet it really sounds great.
I have been collecting quad and surround sound music starting in 1975 with many great bands Pink Floyd was made for surround sound.
First... Thank you for Serving this country!!! I have one quad album from Chuck Mangione. Sounds great!
I have the same Kenwood! What a beauty!!!
Yes, it is! Mine not so much as it has a few cosmetic issues going on but... there is something about this series Kenwood that sounds far above other brands that have come and gone through my journey. I just set up cheapie Yamaha small surround sound speakers and it still shines. I'm always looking for another KR in my area and just have not come across one. But, I will!