Choose between 3 vintage recievers

EndersShadow

So I am buying a nice integrated receiver this upcoming week. I have it narrowed down to a couple local choices a Marantz 226b, 1060 or a Kenwood KA-7150.

I am hoping you can help me figure out which of those would be them would be the best choice. I am planning on using them with headphones mostly so I want tone controls which all three have, but want them to be able to drive a set of SDA CRS+ or SDA 1C's possibly in the future. They dont need to drive them to ear bleeding levels but to a moderate level in a small room (12x10x8). Of the three choices which would you recommend for that purpose?

Of the three the Marantz 1060 is more than either of the other options and I dont know a lot about that particular model. I want to make sure I dont get a nice integrated with unobtanium parts .

All are in good working order and very mint looking.

Thoughts from the masses?

tonyb

The 1060 is an integrated, no tuner, but would be my choice of the 3, The 26b is nice too but alittle lite in the power department compared to the 1060.

nooshinjohn

What's the budget on this one...

cnh

Do you mean a Marantz 2226b? Because I'm not really familiar with a 226b. I know some three digit number models exist that were, I believe later production!

In any case. I'm sure someone here knows if that is a 226b. Is that a receiver or an "integrated" like the 1060 and Kenwood.

I don't know that model Kenwood but it seems close to the KA-7300 which I own and think pretty well of. That's a 65W x 2 integrated with a "wonderful" pre-amp section (considered among Kenwood's best by some). So that might be a factor.

I've not heard the 1060 but have used the headphone sections of classic Marantz receivers, which have been generally good.

Let's see what others think.

cnh

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

The 1060 is an integrated, no tuner, but would be my choice of the 3, The 26b is nice too but a little lite in the power department compared to the 1060.

True on the 2226b, but its got pre-outs as well so I could technically augment it later on if needed. Same with the 1060. Not so on the Kenwood :sad:

Tuner included isnt a biggie for me, no need for it.

nooshinjohn wrote: »

What's the budget on this one...

Honestly ~200, the 1060 is over that currently so curious if its the clear cut winner.

cnh wrote: »

Do you mean a Marantz 2226b? Because I'm not really familiar with a 226b. I know some three digit number models exist that were, I believe later production!

In any case. I'm sure someone here knows if that is a 226b. Is that a receiver or an "integrated" like the 1060 and Kenwood.

I don't know that model Kenwood but it seems close to the KA-7300 which I own and think pretty well of. That's a 65W x 2 integrated with a "wonderful" pre-amp section (considered among Kenwood's best by some). So that might be a factor.

I've not heard the 1060 but have used the headphone sections of classic Marantz receivers, which have been generally good.

Let's see what others think.

cnh

Yes, I did mean 2226B not 226B :redface:. The Kenwood 7150 from what I gathered is basically the Euro version of the KA-7100, the only difference is its got the sexy bronze face. I already checked and it doesnt need a step down transformer to run and it uses standard plugs too...

Here are the spec's I found on the units (using the 7100 for the 7150)

Marantz 2226B
Marantz 1060
Kenwood KA-7100

nooshinjohn

call me... I may have something of interest.

cnh

I'd see what John has up his sleeve, but otherwise. I'd be thinking Kenwood. That was a very popular model, I believe it succeeded mine (which was a true Dual power unit, the 7100 has separate windings on one transformer, I believe?). In any case. I like the sound of these old Kenwoods and they have superior power to both Marantz models. The one possible problem is that they use these Darlington amp modules that have about a 30 year or so lifespan and then just go. It is also a little hard to find parts for that. My repair guy, though, assures me, that he has a "work around" when that time comes. (Mine is still working).

Have fun!

cnh

nooshinjohn

There is a guy right down the road from me that specializes in high end used gear and repairs. I was just in there a few days ago and he had some killer Pio, Kenwood and some other stuff he was looking to move. Excellent gear and great prices...

EndersShadow

nooshinjohn wrote: »

There is a guy right down the road from me that specializes in high end used gear and repairs. I was just in there a few days ago and he had some killer Pio, Kenwood and some other stuff he was looking to move. Excellent gear and great prices...

Will give you a call tomorrow. Just tried you and need to hit the hay, got fun at the zoo with my niece in the morning..........

mhardy6647

(FWIW) All things being equal, the KA-7150 would be my first choice, followed by the 1060. Nothing wrong with the 2226B, but it's a receiver of pretty ordinary pedigree, folks pay stupid money for the Marantz receivers (for the name - even though these were Japanese products and the name belonged to Superscope by then... and for the rococo cosmetics, I guess - not for the sound, in my hardly humble opinion).




Had a KA-7100 here (from my favorite local emporium) that my son used for a few years; it's nice looking, well built, and decent sounding. The nicest thing about the KA-7100/7150 is that this amp sports a dual mono supply (dual secondary windings in the PT for the DC rails, and totally separate P/S for the two channels downstream of the PT).

I've got a couple of 1060s here (both, likewise, from my favorite local emporium). One has an issue in one channel, the other works fine. These aren't bad at all, and they're kind of cute.




Any of these will benefit from a rehab if they're in original condition. If nothing else, all electrolytic capacitors (and there are plenty of them) in the amplifier and preamp sections should be changed. On the bright side, modern caps actually are better than the old ones (not true of many other kinds of electronic components).

TNHNDYMAN

Enders- I still like that Kenwood best of the 3. I have a KA 7300 that is really nice but need to check some components inside. I got it about a year ago and it has a pop and crackle occasionally from the left channel that is probably a bad cap. When working, it really sounds sweet and strong. I also still have the Luxman L80V that I'd let go for under your budget as long as shipping stayed under $50. Here's a couple pics....

Had another idea... if you get the Kenwood locally and use it for awhile, I'd be interested in trading the Luxman for it just to try something different.

onebadchad

I like marantz but i think the best of those 3 is the kenwood..I have a bunch of similiar amps for a good deal if you wanna confuse your selection a little more, lol

EndersShadow

TNHNDYMAN wrote: »

Enders- I still like that Kenwood best of the 3. I have a KA 7300 that is really nice but need to check some components inside. I got it about a year ago and it has a pop and crackle occasionally from the left channel that is probably a bad cap. When working, it really sounds sweet and strong. I also still have the Luxman L80V that I'd let go for under your budget as long as shipping stayed under $50. Here's a couple pics....

Had another idea... if you get the Kenwood locally and use it for awhile, I'd be interested in trading the Luxman for it just to try something different.

Yeah the luxman intrigues me. Have you tried it with the CRS's you have and if so how did it sound? I am concerned how much wattage those CRS's need. For headphones it wouldnt be a problem obviously though...

If I do get the Kenwood that might not be a bad idea.

onebadchad wrote: »

I like marantz but i think the best of those 3 is the kenwood..I have a bunch of similiar amps for a good deal if you wanna confuse your selection a little more, lol

Shoot me a PM with some model numbers and pics if you have any, always prefer to buy from forum members first if it makes economical sense lol...

mhardy6647 wrote: »

(FWIW) All things being equal, the KA-7150 would be my first choice, followed by the 1060.

Glad folks seem to think the kenwood is the better buy as its 70 under budget, the 2226b is 50 under budget and the Marantz 1060 is 50 over so more than likely that Kenwood may be the winner pending other entries into the fray from TNHNDYMAN and Onebadchad. I want to be able to drive SDA's to some degree with whatever I choose. The Marantz 1060 was just something cute I stumbled upon but it seemed a bit pricey IMHO but wanted opinions on it. Wasnt sure wattage wise it would work well with SDA's either...

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Nothing wrong with the 2226B, but it's a receiver of pretty ordinary pedigree, folks pay stupid money for the Marantz receivers (for the name - even though these were Japanese products and the name belonged to Superscope by then... and for the rococo cosmetics, I guess - not for the sound, in my hardly humble opinion).

Yeah I know lots of folks like them for headphone amps and I hear lots of good things about them driving SDA's as well which is why I mentioned it. There are days I love the looks and days I dont know lol. I think its that I just like the integrateds without tuners because they just look simpler and more clean than those with.

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Had a KA-7100 here (from my favorite local emporium) that my son used for a few years; it's nice looking, well built, and decent sounding. The nicest thing about the KA-7100/7150 is that this amp sports a dual mono supply (dual secondary windings in the PT for the DC rails, and totally separate P/S for the two channels downstream of the PT).

For a dummy what does that mean lol.....

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Any of these will benefit from a rehab if they're in original condition. If nothing else, all electrolytic capacitors (and there are plenty of them) in the amplifier and preamp sections should be changed. On the bright side, modern caps actually are better than the old ones (not true of many other kinds of electronic components).

Yeah I am afraid of that, and more afraid of buying a model with parts not availible anymore.

Because I trust you fella's here is the link to the ad for the kenwood. I have been in contact with the seller a couple weeks back and touched base recently and its still around...