[Tret]

I purchased a u-turn audio turntable which won't be coming until next month. After asking for speaker recommendations, I decided to lean towards the Magnepan MMG speakers.


I was recommended to get a used receiver with a built-in phonostage. As far as brand recommendations go, I was recommended NAD, Rotel, Adcom, and Marantz. The thing is, I'm not really sure which specific model to get, since the Maggie's need a quite of bit of power. I've read quite a few threads on several message boards on this topic and it seems to be debated.


I'm trying to spend less than $400 for the receiver. The turntable system is going to be used in my liviing room which is a little less than 400 sqft.


Thanks

 

[Tret]

bump.

 

[Jack D Ripper]

When you are looking for used receivers, you can only buy what you can find, and both the prices and condition can be quite variable, so it is hard to give very firm advice. I recommend that you only buy locally (which saves shipping costs, avoids shipping damage, and allows you to see what you are getting before you part with your money), and that you make sure it works properly before you buy, if you go with used.


As for the power, how much you need depends on how loud you want to hear your music, as well as how far you will be from the speakers, and the room acoustics. Since I have no way of knowing any of that, it is a bit difficult to say how much power you really need.



At your price, you can go with new if you like:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-A-S500BL-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B0044779HW/



Here is an integrated amplifier:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-A-S500BL-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B0044779HW/




Not that it is going to do you a lot of good, but I have a brother who runs his MMG speakers with an old Pioneer SX-1280 receiver. He never reaches anywhere near full power (which he can judge by the power meters). Judging by the readings on the meters of his more powerful Pioneer, either of the above new suggestions would work for his room and desired volume.

 

[neptunefish]

I'm using an Onkyo 626 receiver to drive my MMGs without a problem. It has a phono input.

 

[Jon S]

With the current state of Onkyo reliability, I would avoid them for now... They have an abysmal failure rate for the past five years. You should go to a review site and see how much the power the AVRs can deliver. The Magnepans are 5-ohm speakers but the impedance is relatively flat so they should not pose much of a problem load wise, but they are really inefficient, 86dB/watt. With a 100-watt amp, you would figure your volume to be about 95dB average with 10-dB headroom for peaks. That's not going to be very loud. If you are listening to music, it might be enough but for home theater use, it will be pretty low in volume.


I have a pair of Magnepan 1.6QR which are being driven by an old 120-watt Yamaha AVR. For music, they are fine (I listen to jazz and classical). But you definitely will need a sub for the bass as the MMGs do not go below 65-hz...

 

[neptunefish]

I was hesitant when making the Onkyo purchase. I took a chance with a Woot 'refurbished' deal on the Onkyo 626. It basically arrived in new condition without any signs of use. Maybe I've been lucky so far, but I have been pleasantly surprised on the quality. I hope it holds up!

 

[PinkFloydQ]

I have a denon avr1513 i can sell you for cheap

 

[Tret]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack D Ripper  /t/1526256/need-receiver-recommendation-for-turntable-with-magnepan-mmg-speakers#post_24584280


When you are looking for used receivers, you can only buy what you can find, and both the prices and condition can be quite variable, so it is hard to give very firm advice. I recommend that you only buy locally (which saves shipping costs, avoids shipping damage, and allows you to see what you are getting before you part with your money), and that you make sure it works properly before you buy, if you go with used.


As for the power, how much you need depends on how loud you want to hear your music, as well as how far you will be from the speakers, and the room acoustics. Since I have no way of knowing any of that, it is a bit difficult to say how much power you really need.



At your price, you can go with new if you like:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-A-S500BL-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B0044779HW/



Here is an integrated amplifier:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-A-S500BL-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B0044779HW/




Not that it is going to do you a lot of good, but I have a brother who runs his MMG speakers with an old Pioneer SX-1280 receiver. He never reaches anywhere near full power (which he can judge by the power meters). Judging by the readings on the meters of his more powerful Pioneer, either of the above new suggestions would work for his room and desired volume.

I will listen to the music moderately loud, but nothing crazy since I live in a duplex housing. Distance wise will be anywhere around 5-20 feet.


Thanks for the recommendations.


I forgot to mention that I came across a Marantz 2325 and they're asking for $650. I know it's above my $400 limit, but I was thinking about coughing up the extra money if it's reallt worth it.


Thanks

 

[Jack D Ripper]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Tret  /t/1526256/need-receiver-recommendation-for-turntable-with-magnepan-mmg-speakers/0_100#post_24588161


...

I forgot to mention that I came across a Marantz 2325 and they're asking for $650. I know it's above my $400 limit, but I was thinking about coughing up the extra money if it's reallt worth it.


Thanks

That is a lot of money for a receiver from the mid-1970's. It is approximately 40 years old. If it has not been professionally looked over within the past year, that is too much money. And even then, I don't think I would pay that kind of money for it.

 

[Tret]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack D Ripper  /t/1526256/need-receiver-recommendation-for-turntable-with-magnepan-mmg-speakers#post_24589393


That is a lot of money for a receiver from the mid-1970's. It is approximately 40 years old. If it has not been professionally looked over within the past year, that is too much money. And even then, I don't think I would pay that kind of money for it.

It's been looked at and they claim that everything works fine, but I get what you're saying.


Are their any new receivers at around the $600 range that you would recommend?

 

[Jack D Ripper]

I see that I messed up a link before, as the two links should be to a receiver and to an integrated amplifier, instead of both to the same integrated amplifier. But now that you are upping the price, you might want to consider:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S700BL-Natural-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B0044779G8/


Refurbished:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs700bl/yamaha-r-s700-natural-sound-stereo-receiver/1.html


I personally would pick that before the Marantz that you mention. With a new product, you will get a full warranty, and it isn't already about 40 years old. However, I do very much like the 1970's audio gear, at least from the better brands. I personally still use a Pioneer SX-1250. But I would not be willing to buy one at the usual prices on eBay.


Upping the price you may also consider separate preamps and power amps. That way, you can get whatever power you want, and look for the features you want in a preamp. But at the current level, I would be looking at a receiver or, if I were not interested in a tuner, possibly an integrated amplifier.

 

[Tret]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack D Ripper  /t/1526256/need-receiver-recommendation-for-turntable-with-magnepan-mmg-speakers#post_24590198


I see that I messed up a link before, as the two links should be to a receiver and to an integrated amplifier, instead of both to the same integrated amplifier. But now that you are upping the price, you might want to consider:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S700BL-Natural-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B0044779G8/


Refurbished:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs700bl/yamaha-r-s700-natural-sound-stereo-receiver/1.html


I personally would pick that before the Marantz that you mention. With a new product, you will get a full warranty, and it isn't already about 40 years old. However, I do very much like the 1970's audio gear, at least from the better brands. I personally still use a Pioneer SX-1250. But I would not be willing to buy one at the usual prices on eBay.


Upping the price you may also consider separate preamps and power amps. That way, you can get whatever power you want, and look for the features you want in a preamp. But at the current level, I would be looking at a receiver or, if I were not interested in a tuner, possibly an integrated amplifier.

So, I'm down to 2 receivers now after reading some more info online.


The HK 3490 and Yamaha r-s700.


How does the HK 3490 compare to the Yamaha r-s700?


Reason I'm asking because someone on Craigslist is asking $200 for the HK 3490.


Thanks for all your help.

 

[Jack D Ripper]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Tret  /t/1526256/need-receiver-recommendation-for-turntable-with-magnepan-mmg-speakers/0_100#post_24591992

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack D Ripper  /t/1526256/need-receiver-recommendation-for-turntable-with-magnepan-mmg-speakers#post_24590198


I see that I messed up a link before, as the two links should be to a receiver and to an integrated amplifier, instead of both to the same integrated amplifier. But now that you are upping the price, you might want to consider:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S700BL-Natural-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B0044779G8/


Refurbished:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs700bl/yamaha-r-s700-natural-sound-stereo-receiver/1.html


I personally would pick that before the Marantz that you mention. With a new product, you will get a full warranty, and it isn't already about 40 years old. However, I do very much like the 1970's audio gear, at least from the better brands. I personally still use a Pioneer SX-1250. But I would not be willing to buy one at the usual prices on eBay.


Upping the price you may also consider separate preamps and power amps. That way, you can get whatever power you want, and look for the features you want in a preamp. But at the current level, I would be looking at a receiver or, if I were not interested in a tuner, possibly an integrated amplifier.

So, I'm down to 2 receivers now after reading some more info online.


The HK 3490 and Yamaha r-s700.


How does the HK 3490 compare to the Yamaha r-s700?


Reason I'm asking because someone on Craigslist is asking $200 for the HK 3490.


Thanks for all your help.

You would need to find a review of each in which they are measured (subjective reviews are generally worthless). Here is one for the HK:

http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/hk-3490


Here is a preview for the Yamaha, which is not a proper review:

http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/yamaha-r-s700-s500-s300-fl


You might want to download the manuals for each from the manufacturer's web sites and carefully look at the specifications, controls, and connections. I personally would rather have the Yamaha, but people say that HK is a pretty good one. Since I have not found a proper review of the Yamaha, I cannot say that it is actually better in performance. But Yamaha has been reliable, which is a great virtue. And I prefer the way the controls are done, which I would probably find easier to live with. But you must decide those kinds of things for yourself.



If you go with used, make sure everything works before parting with your money. If you make a mistake, it can be costly. But if you are careful, you can save a good amount of money with used gear.