Suggestion needed - integrated/ receiver

pablo_rodz

Hello! I’m looking for suggestions.

My dad has always been SUPER frugal when getting things for himself, always putting me and my siblings needs/wants ahead of anything he ever wanted. He recently started listening to his old vinyls in his old, crappy, plastic-y, all-in-one stereo.

I’m putting together a nicer, budget-friendly stereo system. So far I got him a pair of Polk Audio RTi A3 bookshelves, and restored (by me) Pioneer PL-112 record player. Now I need suggestions on a receiver/ integrated amplifier.

I need it to be fairly simple he is in his 70s so it can’t be too complex, however he likes Spotify/pandora so either Bluetooth or streaming compatibility is needed, a phono stage and tuner.

The budget is $250 - $300

Thanks in advance!

rburgess714

This would meet all of your requirements and can be had for $199 at accessories4less

Yamaha R-N303 Network Stereo Receiver

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrn303bl/yamaha-r-n303-2-ch-x-100-watts-networking-stereo-receiver/1.html

kharp1

Saw this on another forum, slightly more but in the ball park:
https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/184237-marantz-pm6006-integrated-mint/

pablo_rodz

That Marantz is nice, but over budget. Specially because I still have to get some speaker cables.

pablo_rodz

rburgess714 wrote: »

This would meet all of your requirements and can be had for $199 at accessories4less

Yamaha R-N303 Network Stereo Receiver

I was looking at that one and I think I’ll pull the trigger on it. Locally there is a mint Yamaha AS-500 for $140. The down side is the lack of streaming/Bluetooth and no tuner.

rooftop59

If you dad is not very critical then that Yamaha might work. But it only weighs 16 pounds, and while I really enjoy some of Yamahas higher end avrs, the lower end stuff is very bright. That combined with the rtiAs might drive your dad nuts...just imho of course...

I personally would look for something older without Bluetooth and either find a chromecast music ( which are getting harder to find) or a used squeezebox or just one of those little Bluetooth streamers to go with this: https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/186832/nice-nad-c370-120-w-ch-integrated-amp-2-of-them#latest

rooftop59

Sorry, I meant chromecast audio: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Google-Chromecast-GA3A00147-A14-Z01-Audio-Media-Streamer-Black/123789197734?epid=217053957&hash=item1cd26941a6:g:KIoAAOSw8idc8syU

Bunch of them on eBay.

FestYboy

Find an older NAD (7240pe or c320bee or the like) to tame the RTi, add a BT receiver and you're rocking for under 2 bills.

pablo_rodz

Thank you all. I’ll look around for your suggestions

jayman_1975

I have a Yamaha R N501 for my second system that does Airplay and Spotify. Pretty decent sounding integrated to be honest. Mind you my speakers are not bright so that might be why I like the combo. It does have tone control so he could colour the sound how he likes it.

codycatalist

rooftop59 wrote: »

Sorry, I meant chromecast audio: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Google-Chromecast-GA3A00147-A14-Z01-Audio-Media-Streamer-Black/123789197734?epid=217053957&hash=item1cd26941a6:g:KIoAAOSw8idc8syU

Bunch of them on eBay.

Worth the money, I enjoy mine.

BlueBirdMusic

DSkip wrote: »

If you went the route above you could go with a used Sherwood stereo receiver for extremely cheap. They have fairly robust power supplies (especially for their price) and outperform their $50ish price point.

Another option would be a baby Marantz like a 2215 or 2216. These are vintage and would pair well with the RTi. Add the Chromecast dongle and you've got functionality, looks, and the sound.

I second Skip's suggestion. I have a 2216 and it amazes me every time I take it out of its box and use.

tonyb

Where are you located ? I have a Sansui 771 sitting here doing nothing. Like Skip suggested, a simple Chromecast for streaming is your cheapest option.

mhardy6647

The 771 is a very cool little receiver, and @tonyb's particular example is in gorgeous condition -- just sayin'*.







___________
* it's not like @tonyb needs a shill or nothin'...

pablo_rodz

Thank you all for your suggestions. For simplicity, shipping (to Puerto Rico) and timing, I decided to go with the Yammy. My dad will not be playing loud, and I’m hoping he doesn’t find it too bright. We’ll see....

rooftop59

I am sure that your father will be very pleased given his past experience. And the yammy does have tone controls, so if its too bright he can adjust to his liking. Very thoughtful of you!