College student on a budget, Looking for a Receiver.

[Fantasysage]

Hi all. I just registered, figured I'd start out a with a question.

Here is my situation. I have recently been getting into the wonders of vinyl, and quality audio. (my dad got me into it admittedly, bought a pair of vandersteen 3a's; makes me wish i had 3500 lying around ) Well here is my current setup:

Db Plus 440 loudspeakers*
Rega Planar 3 turntable (on loan from dad)
Sony Str-7055 receiver

*These are a offshoot of audio products international (energy,mirage, among others), made in the mid 80's. They are quite good. I got them free form my aunt, who said she paid around 350 for them in the mid 80's, the foam was blown and i had them professionally restored.

Well, heres my issue. I'm very happy with the quality of my setup, considering it cost me a grand total of $40. But my dads old college receiver is dying, one of the channels goes in and out, whenever you move a knob its static-y, and the tuning knob basically doesn't work. So i am in the market for a new decent receiver.

Today i went to go pick up a Nakamichi sa-3a stasis receiver from a guy for $100 but the right channel is shot. Other then that it works great. Regardless, he gave it to me for free. DO you think it is worth goign after it and getting this repaired? Or ****canning it and buying something that just works.

I was figuring vintage SS gear from the 'bay was probably my best bet. Maybe a Marantz or sansui. But i was looking for some guidance. My limit is about $150, but id like to get away with 100. Any goos models i should look into? Any advice would be much obliged, thanks.

 

[davidtwotrees]

You are looking for a stereo amp, I take it? You betcha' $150 will get you a nice used receiver. Make sure they have a phono input if that's what you are into. If you don't use the radio, get an integrated amplifier. I personally would not own something that didn't have a remote control for the volume.
Any of the big brands will work fine. Kenwood, Pioneer, Marantz, Onkyo, Denon..........ask the usual questions. Is this the origial owner? Do they have the original box and packing materials? ARe there any problems?EtcEtc......

 

[Seth=L]

An integrated amplifier might do you good as well. Does the Nakamichi have preouts? If it does, then I would certainly keep it. It is likely the amplifier in the Nakamichi is damaged, maybe just needs a fuse replaced, but the preamp may be just fine and you could just get a used amplifier from Ebay. I purchased a Hafler DH-120 from pawn broker for $100 and it works great, so Pawn Shops are good places to look as well.

 

[davidtwotrees]

.... so Pawn Shops are good places to look as well.

Yes, but I hear unsavory charecters hang out in pawn shops.......

 

[Seth=L]

Yes, but I hear unsavory charecters hang out in pawn shops.......

Like people that collect Chinese antiques.