Stereo and Surround Sound Receivers, I Have Known Many of Them.

August 6, 2018

#267

Gentle reader,

It's funny how things work out. No sooner had I gotten my Pioneer VSX-917V 7.1 home theater receiver set up with auxiliary cooling fans, the remote control, the printed out 89-page owner's manual and all my FM stations preset, then we went to Salvation Army. You see, I always look for what I'm interested in.

Armed with my "thrift store kit" which comprises a cassette tape, two pair of speaker wires, a pair of RCA interconnect cables and a C3 (I think that's what it's called) AC cord, (you know, the one that looks like an "8" on the end) I was all set to look things over.

First thing I tried was a dual cassette deck. Neither moved with PLAY pressed but both fast forwarded and rewound. Skip that. Several receivers needed to be checked out. I don't bother with ones that are lightweight and/or have spring speaker terminals. "Ah-ha, there's a Yamaha, an RX-496. Oh, and it's stereo, not home theater." Yep, it's heavy, yep proper three-way binding/banana terminals for the speakers. Yep, if it works, it's goin' home.

I tested it by selecting FM, hooked up to one speaker, a SONY they had there with the usual missing foam, I hooked it to to one channel then the other. Both produced hiss. "Yes!" In to the shopping cart it went. Then I was off to look through: LPs, CDs and movies. No LPs grabbed me. A number of box sets too, a "Limited Edition" set of 45s from Glen Miller, but they wanted $20., puh-lease! Several albums of 78s, but no record player for them anymore and only two I recognized. I picked out four CDs and four movies. A slow day for me. But I got that Yamaha!

So, the Yamaha RX-496 came home with me. I decided to do a comparison photo shoot with the Pioneer and Yamaha stacked. Then I opened each up to shoot what's inside. Those photos AND the whole story will be in my NEXT article.

At first, I was not going to include data from Orion Blue Book, Audio 2002, but as I had to look up a NAD to see what the model number is, I  decided to add what the book has. ORION information was added AFTER completion of the story, so I have not changed the original order.

This article is about all the receivers I have owned. Well, all those I have photos of, anyway. The year they were made is not relevant with the active market in all-things-old-and-new that help one enjoy recorded music. 

I did not make the image above. It was made by someone else, somewhere in the thousands of film photographs I have there IS a photo of me and behind me on the shelf is sitting a Sansui Quadraphonic receiver very similar to this, if not the same one. But finding it first then scanning it is not necessary to the story.

I found the Sansui at the main Salvation Army in northern Virginia. It was marked $99.00 and it was huge! I saw immediately that it was a Quad unit and since I could not afford something like this back in the 1970's I snapped it up. It turns out that the algorithm that Sansui used to decode four channels from QS-encoded LP records was the basis for Dolby Surround Sound used in VHS tapes and DVD discs. Or so we discovered.

We were watching Disney's Operation Dumbo tape which took place in Viet Nam during the war. Our heroes with the baby elephant, were in a boat and were being chased by an NVA gunboat somewhere along the Mekong River. The enemy fired their cannon, we heard it boom behind us, we heard the shell fly OVER us and SPLASH-BANG, explode next to their boat in front of us. We looked at each other and simultaneously said, "Awesome!"
ORION: Made from 1973-75. Sold new for $800. 55 WPC x 4.

I don't know if that receiver was the first one I owned, but I can't recall any prior to it. SO, based upon my examination of the pictures, I will present each receiver in the order I THINK they were made over the years. If I get it wrong, that is OK. Don't bust my chops. The amount of time I'd need to look them all up in ORION'S BLUE BOOK - AUDIO 2002 is time I'd rather spend showing them to you. Without further ado, here is what I think is the oldest:

To my knowledge, this is the only MARANTZ product I have owned. I found a seller with the proper bulbs and replaced them all. If I open a component, I clean it inside. And I did with this 2220B stereo receiver.

A pretty thing it is, and I like their "GYRO-TOUCH TUNING".

Those push-button speaker terminals are typical for this age.

The insides are laid out like tube equipment with all the wiring tying the boards together beneath this floor panel.

Proper T03 power transistors and a nice heat-sink to cool them. It worked well, and after enjoying it for a while, I passed it on to a new owner.

ORION: Made from 1974-77. Sold new for $350. 20 WPC x 2.

Next, from Radio Shack, a vintage REALISTIC STA-2600 stereo receiver in very good condition. It was posed atop the first Wharfedale speakers I had ever found and bought at the same time. Perhaps they were donated together. 

The insides are quite differently laid out than the Marantz. It has even larger heat-sinks than the Marantz. Ribbon cables indicate it is newer too.

Simple layout on the rear. So quaint compared to the dozens of inputs and outputs sported on modern multi-channel home theater receivers.

ORION: Made from 1987-97. Sold new for $500. 100 WPC x 2.

Based upon what I named these photos, this shiny SONY STR-6055 was made in 1971.

Sporting the classic Japanese layout and matching knobs and switches. If you have ever tried, you know, making photos of electronics either silver or black, can be difficult to achieve without overexposed areas from the flash.

Interior is similar to the Marantz, but has unique features are laid out differently. Note the "front end" is covered in clear plastic to keep it dust-free. Note how the heat-sink sticks through the back panel.

Simple screws to attach the speaker wires on this back panel. I kind of wish I had it now.
ORION: Made from 1971-76. Sold new for $280. 40 WPC x 2.

I lucked upon two of these classic Pioneer SX-550 stereo receivers. I will show photos from both. One of them, the plastic veneer was peeling on the end panels, so I removed the veneer and painted them flat black, as well as the top.

Here's the blackened one, front and rear. I wonder about whether the engineers considered that dust would get in those vertically mounted terminals. I suppose it was easier to see and hook them up while leaning over from the front.

Vinyl veneer is a little scratched on this one too. You can clearly see how different it looked in woodgrain. I've always loved wood, especially black walnut.

ORION: Made from 1977-79. Sold new for $275. 20 WPC x 2.

Two of their big brothers also came to live here: SX-750. The vinyl was in better shape on them.

How many of us love the look of these vintage receivers? Fortunately, I opened one of them and here is the photo:

Boards are laid out vertically as well as horizontally. Still uses the T03 transistors in heat-sinks. The same horizontal terminals on the back. How many AM antennas were broken off by those not realizing it was NOT a handle?

Speaking of  the aforementioned dust, some I had not managed to remove. I suspect that one had to strip the insulation off the coaxial FM antenna cable to attach it to screw terminal below, on the left.

ORION: Made from 1977-79. Sold new for $425. 50 WPC x 2.

I believe this is the next newest receiver, a Yamaha R-700. The photos are fairly small since the digital cameras I had early on were of course of lesser pixel counts.

It sports a digital synthesizer tuner. The front panel is simpler in design and layout. No more fancy knurled knobs.

AM antenna is disconnected, but is seen atop the case.. A simple plug one slides the coaxial cable into from your FM antenna. Spring speaker terminals which I do not like one bit.

ORION: Made from 1981-83. Sold new for $450. 50 WPC x 2.

Now we turn to the Dark Side.  

The all-black receivers that follow are led by this Denon DRA-335R.

Simple, clean layout. Despite the blackness, the white labeling is clearly readable.

No photos of the inside. The rear panel is simple and cleanly laid out as well. Proper three-way binding/banana speaker terminals.

ORION: Made from 1989-91. Sold new for $350. 40 WPC x 2. 
 

The DRA-425R is a little bigger and better equipped. 

Sporting a second set of TAPE inputs and outputs allowed one to dub tapes if they desired.

Managed the get this photo of the inside. Note copper tube which had some kind of fluid inside which carries the heat to the large heat-sink to the right. Simple one-board layout makes it easier to get to things and service things.

ORION: Made from 1988-91. Sold new for $450. 50 WPC x 2.

I'm not sure if this Harmon/Kardon or the NAD which follows is the more recent. This is a HK3500.

Quite a different layout with the convex curved portion that flanks the window of the digital readouts.

Clean, simple layout of all the controls and switches. This is the only Harmon/Kardon unit I ever owned.

This is an audio/video receiver, and offers video inputs from your VCR. Plus TWO subwoofer RCA outputs. 

ORION: Made from 1990-93. Sold new for $550. 50 WPC x 2.

Next is the only NAD component that I have had so far. It must have been a bad photo of the front of it, so this photo and the one of the rear is all I have.

Since I can't see the front, and the photos are fairly small, it looks like a 7240PE.  It IS that model number. Power Envelope is what the "PE" stands for.

ORION: Made from 1986-92. Sold new for $480. 40 WPC x 2.

NAD, PROTON and the 1990's second-coming of Dynaco were all made in the same factory in Taiwan. Note the white lines between the RCA terminals and the "U" shaped jumpers between the preamp and power amp sections. The other brands back panels look almost identical. 

Speaking of PROTON, next up is one of the most expensive components when new. The AI-3000 II is an all-in-one stereo receiver which sports a built-in top quality CD player AND an auto-reverse cassette deck as well as an excellent AM/FM receiver. They are HEAVY as well. I had two of the original models first. They lacked the "II" after the model number. They retailed for $1,300 in 1988 when new. This later model was "only" $1,000 and had improved and larger power transformer and a better CD transport. 

It may look kind of plain, but it worked well. This one came with the manual, AM antenna and remote as well. Inputs are PHONO and VIDEO. A pair of PRE-OUT terminals as well. Less used controls are behind the door. One press on the raised portion and it slowly opens downward. Most of these are missing that panel.

ORION: Made from 1991-92. Sold new for $1,000. 22 WPC x 2.

Rather than try and determine which was made before which, for the rest, I will show you them in alphabetical order based upon how I labeled the pictures. NOTE: since most of these were made AFTER 2002, then I have no pricing or other information on them.

These are small images and it is a most unusual receiver of all. What they meant by "HYBRID FEEDBACK", I do not know. It is a DIGITAL receiver and at the time I had nothing with HDMI output so I could not test it fully. The model number is RX-D402B. No number like that exists in Orion. According to what I JUST read, it is from 2005. I found a PDF of the manual for it online. No idea what the retail price was.

I suspected it may have gotten wet inside and sold it "as-is". The buyer was happy with the price and I have no idea if it worked for him. 

Next up is the only silver unit of the audio/video receivers. In researching eBay while preparing the auction for my Pioneer VSX-917V, I saw it also came in silver. Oh, was it pretty! By the way, if you are interested in buying my 917, here is a link to my items on eBay:  rfcollectin | eBay

I think this is the only Kenwood receiver, in fact, it may very well be the only Kenwood component that I owned. Model number is KRF-V771D. 

Front is almost completely lacking any physical controls. I HAD to buy the remote, a two-way remote, in order to use it.

No HDMI inputs or outputs, but two optical and coaxial digital audio inputs. Nice that is has a phono input. Plenty of proper three-way binding/banana speaker terminals. It too has an internal cooling fan.

Next up are the two Pioneer Elite units which I have owned, including the 917. Which coincidentally is also the model number of my favorite Porsche race car.

This is the VSX-917V model. It is the one I JUST put on eBay this afternoon. Here you can clearly see all the goodies it sports. I bought the remote separately and it cost me more than the receiver did! Everything works perfectly. Lots of digital and analog inputs and outputs. I also downloaded and printed out the 74 page manual. It is a 7.1 receiver AND can also act as a multi-channel PREAMPLIFIER. Front channels are 110 WPC in stereo. In surround mode, all channels are 90 WPC.
A look inside reveals there IS a built-in muffin fan to cool the heat-sink. I do not know if it is thermostatically controlled or not, but it is not running. So, if you buy it, expect to either add an external fan(s) like I did or replace the internal fan. 

Below are the insides of the 917.

This is the older of the two Pioneers and has all-analog inputs and outputs. The VSX-04. 

ORION: Made from 1998. Sold new for $600. 100 WPC x 5.

Next is the second Radio Shack receiver, it is much newer than the one seen way above. Part of the Professional Series it is model number STAV-3470.

"FOUR CHANNEL EQUAL POWER OUTPUT" is what is detailed next to the headphones jack.

There are those dreaded cheap speaker terminals. Not a lot of inputs and outputs, but I have a soft spot for Radio Shack components as I think most of us in this hobby do too.

ORION: No information as no "STAV" model numbers listed.

Here we have a SONY, the STR-DE597. While there are similar numbers in ORION, neither this model or two other SONY models listed below are included. This is a 6.1 receiver. Providing a SINGLE central Surround Back speaker output.

Look at all those tiny buttons.

 Does anyone else see a face next to the volume knob?

See? SIX speaker outputs through proper three-way binding/banana terminals. Added are a pair of spring terminals for front "B" speakers, such as in another room. 

SONY STR-DE997. Is also not listed in ORION. It is a 7.1 channel receiver. 

I often wonder how previous owners managed to mar surfaces such as above. The SONY nameplate was gone, but somehow, I had a spare one.

It disappoints me when companies do not keep their older products manuals in their servers for downloading. Fortunately, SONY does not do that.

Lots of inputs! FOUR Toslink optical and TWO coaxial DIGITAL inputs. This is interesting, since SONY was co-inventor of the SACD, and since SACDs only output ANALOG signals, they have included TWO six-channel analog inputs.

SEVEN pairs of proper three-way binding/banana post and another pair for "B" speakers.

Here is the last SONY. A STR-DG910, which is also not in ORION.

It too is a 7.1 channel receiver.

SONY does like to use tiny buttons.

Full complement of DIGITAL inputs and outputs. They dropped the S-Video inputs, but retained the newer composite and component ANALOG video inputs and outputs. Look, FOUR, count 'em, four HDMI terminals!

Final solo component receivers are YAMAHA brands.

I have had three, starting with this RX-V493. It is a a 5/6.1 receiver. This one has a choice of using two center channel speakers. I don't know why.

I experimented with shooting them outside on the deck. Sadly, our table had a glass top with pebbled bottom surface. So it reflected oddly on the face.

See the spring speaker terminals? Top two are REAR right and left. Below that are dual CENTER, if using only one, you use the 2nd and 4th terminals. Weird. 

ORION: Made from 1998. Sold new for $400. 70 WPC x 5.

Now, the next one, was donated in the original box! It is the RX-V592. I tend to keep the boxes and all that came with something for either moving purposes or later sales use. So, this person thinks like I do.

Layout of controls and display window are quite different from SONY.

No DIGITAL inputs at all. But it does have ANALOG SIX-channel inputs. The same odd setup of the spring terminals as the previous model.

Now, for the BIG ONE! The RX-V2092. Another photo shoot on the glass deck table.

This is a big and heavy receiver. We used it for a number of years with great results.

Limited DIGITAL inputs, but plenty of  ANALOG ones and lots of proper speaker terminals. We would still be using it if I had not found a really good SONY unit.

ORION: Made from 1997. Sold new for $1,600. 100 WPC x 7. 

So, I was wrong about the PROTON being the most expensive unit, this one tops the list as far as price!

BONUS: In the past, I have written about buying new-to-us components and doing a comparison photo shoot. So, what follows are images from a few of those articles. It includes the new SONY which we are still using. You will be surprised with one SONY I found!

This SONY is a STR-DA5ES. It hails from 2001 and is not included in ORION. It is the one we continue to use in the living room.

A 7.1 receiver with 110 WPC x 7. Estimated cost based upon similar units was $1,000.

A handful of DIGITAL inputs and one output, but SO MANY ANALOG inputs and outputs. Plus it is capable of playing in a second room. Plenty of proper speaker terminals. Just look at the difference between the two of them!  

Next a comparison of that SONY with STR-DE997, front and rear. Now, I'm totally confused what replaced what?

More like apples to apples here. I now recall the one on top I used in this room as a stereo-only player. Just as I had with the 917, until last Saturday.

Still, looking at the two of them, one would not guess they are both from the same maker.

Since we are on SONY, take a look at a SONY multi-channel PREAMPLIFIER! A TA-E1000ESD it is, and it takes second place as the most expensive piece in this lot. Price when new was $1,400 in 1990! That is $2,760 today.

This was one of those, "I can't believe I just found..." moments.

So, you may be thinking, "Why did you get rid of it?" Well, because I started pricing multi-channel power amplifiers and the multiple interconnects I would need and it was just too much for my hobby budget. 

Anyway, the comparison below is between my, now former, ADCOM GFP-565 stereo preamp and the EIGHT channel SONY preamp. (I bought that ADCOM preamp, the GFA-585: 250 WPC power amp AND an ACE-515 power conditioner, ALL for $149!) That was also another "I can't believe I just found..." moment.

Hmm, the Adcom also has the white lines between the RCA terminals. As far as the SONY, I count 13 inputs and I don't know how many outputs!

FINAL photos are comparing the RX-V493 to the RX-V2092.

The bottom one cost FOUR TIMES what the top one did. This shows what money can by.

Final thoughts. If one reads current day audio/video magazines and sees the current receivers, especially the rear, holy smokes! They have what looks like hundreds of terminals on the back. I just read that some maker is coming out with a 13.2 receiver! WHY! It's like when razor makers started putting more and more blades in their razor heads. When does it ever end?

Thank you, once again, for taking the time to read my words and view my photos. I really appreciate it and your kind comments.

Scott

August 6, 2018

#267