stereo receiver recommendations


Hi folks,

A friend recently got me interested in this hobby, but I'm definitely still a newbie without much real world listening experience. A colleague at work knows I'm interested in audio and came to me for advice to replace a broken stereo receiver. Problematically, she was fairly coy about budget, so a few recommendations would be greatly appreciated... Lets go with <$500, $500-600, & <$1000 as the 3 price ranges.

She definitely wants to have a phono input for a connected turntable and to have a FM tuner built in so unfortunately we're stuck with stereo receivers rather than integrated amps, which drastically limits the options. She also definitely wants to buy new. She didn't know the model of speakers so I'm not talking about a serious audiophile but rather someone who just enjoys having music playing in her home and doesnt want to give up local radio or her vinyl collection. For that reason I'm thinking ease of use, functionality, and reliability are probably just as important as sound quality (I hope that doesnt make too many of you cringe), but I still want it to sound good. Searching through musicdirect & crutchfield, I've come up with the following:

<$500: Cambridge SR10 or Yamaha R-N303
$500-600: Cambridge SR20 or Yamaha R-N602 
<$1000: Outlaw RR2160 or Yamaha R-N803

Would love input from people with experience with any of these products or recommendations about something else that might be better. Any problems any of you have found with any of the above models? Anybody experienced both in a particular price range and found one to sound particularly better? 

Thanks!
ethos123

Showing 3 responses by ethos123

Thanks to all who responded. I realize this is at the level more likely to be in a bedroom or office setup for most of you, but your feedback is greatly appreciated. Marantz, Denon, & NAD don't have any stereo receivers that also include a phono input. They do have multi-channel options, but it seems like a bad idea to pay for amp channels that will never be used when that money could go towards better components in the two channels needed. I also realize an integrated amp would sound better for the same reason and told her as such, but she's pretty set on keeping the tuner even despite the availability of streaming internet radio... presumably in case of a zombie apocalypse or something.

I did see that Onkyo offered some options but figured the mass market Yamaha & Onkyo would likely offer a similar sound quality though perhaps slightly different character...wasn't sure if the Cambridge & Outlaw products might offer superior sound quality since they are at least a bit less of a feature laden product and at least claim to cater more towards the sound quality first market. Wish I could hear them in person to compare, but figured some of you probably had. 

Sorry I don't have details on the speakers or old model being replaced...I realize that is vital info and hopefully she can get back to me with those details. Thanks again!
Definitely looking for something new despite how great some vintage gear may be.

Seeing as it's not the 1970s, for me to hear them in person would require buying them myself, which isn't gonna happen. However, I figure its possible that someone on the forum might have tried one (or a similar earlier version ie 2150) and recently switched to another on the list...or perhaps has a friend with one and owns another him/herself. From that feedback, it seems like I can't really go wrong with Yamaha and that the Outlaw is a solid option as well. Onkyo and some others are also worth considering but probably not any better or different in SQ than what I had in mind already for these entry level products. No word yet about Cambridge except perhaps from those saying they're all the same.

@blindjim I hadn't considered a separate tuner, which might be a good idea. I have mostly been interested in speakers and integrated amps since its where I've started recently for my own setup as well as improvements to the SQ for my two HT setups...and even with that my experience has mostly been reading forums and reviews far more than listening to tons of gear. Frankly, I know nothing about separate tuners, but seems like a reasonable suggestion for an outside the box (pun intended) idea if she's amenable. I also had not considered the idea of using a multi-channel receiver to bi-amp the speakers and thus avoid having so many "wasted" channels. Obviously making sure her speakers are bi-amp capable would be critical.

Mostly, I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be giving bad advice. If I suggest something she's happy with, hopefully I get to hear it. Down the road hopefully she recommends someone else asks, and I get to hear whatever we put together for that person too...only thing more fun than playing with new toys is doing it on someone else's dime and getting to share the fun. Thanks again for all the feedback.
I appreciate the feedback about the vintage Luxman, but my colleague definitely wants something new...with a warranty and bought from someone she can go back to if issues arise. I realize the performance to cost benefit of used gear but it’s just not an option. 

Totally agree with those who note the superfluous nature of a tuner in this day and age when everyone has access to streaming radio on their phones and that can be connected to an integrated amp wirelessly...but it’s a feature this person wants regardless. If I can change her mind, I’m sure the PS Audio Sprout (and several other integrated amps) would be a great option. I’ve heard nothing but praise for the Sprout and it’s a great looking piece for sure.