Kraken

I almost included in my earlier response that I am enjoying the search process. Trying to find the right vintage receiver, integrated amplifier, or amplifier/pre-amp is kind of like a treasure hunt. The objective is to find that hidden gem amongst all the available used stereo equipment out there. It is fun to research all these different brands, models, and technologies that have been offered through the decades to find that one piece that I think will work well for what I am trying to achieve. It isn't simply a study of the technical specifications either because there certainly is a aesthetic element to this equipment. Many older pieces were designed to have a visual interest, too. So yes, I am enjoying this process.

Lost out on the Denon DRA-825a I was looking at in June and the R115 was not as advertised and in poor condition. I also looked at a Yamaha RX-950 that was really interesting but I read about the failure rate of IC BA3122N that was used in the HCA circuitry of this receiver and decided to not pull the trigger on this one, either. So I am still looking and have not found anything that is compelling until I found these two that I felt were interesting. NIB might mean most reliable, BUT, the Denon PMA 1060 with TU 660 have received pretty good reviews.

I can buy a NIB Harman Kardon HK3380 80 wpc stereo receiver that is probably 12 years old, OR.... I can buy a used 28 year old Denon PMA 1060 105 wpc integrated amplifier with a matching Denon TU 660 Tuner. The Denon pair are from the original owners and have been kept in a stereo cabinet their entire life. They appear to be very clean and are fully operational. Which is the better buy? This equipment would drive a pair of 1988 vintage Fortes.

I came across a Yamaha RX-950 in a thrift shop. It is big and heavy and looks interesting. Apparently it was Yamaha's flagship stereo receiver around 1991-92. All the information I can find is this review, http://www.hifi-review.com/153689-yamaha-rx-950.html . This review gives the impression that the RX-950 was worthy of carrying the flagship name for Yamaha. Does it compare with other flagship receivers of the era like the Denon DRA-1035r or the Luxman R-117? Does anyone have experience with this Yamaha TOTL receiver?

I bought a pair of Forte speakers in '88 mated to a Yamaha R9 receiver. In 2004, the Yamaha died so I replaced it with a Harman Kardon AVR 7200 and added a set of home theater speakers and subwoofer. I put the Fortes in storage for use at a later date. Well it is officially later and I want to use my Forte speakers with a vintage receiver in a 2 channel set up so I can listen to music. I found this forum while researching a potential purchase of a Denon DRA-825ra or a Luxman R-115. The 825ra is advertised as in un-used, pristine shape and it looks like it. It does not have any signs of wear and is very clean complete with AM loop and FM antennae, RC-125 remote, original box and packaging including dust sleeve. It does not have its manuals. The Denon DRA-825ra purchase includes a Denon DCM-555II cd changer in equal condition. The Luxman R-115 is used, no remote, no manual, no antennae, nor box. It is fully functional and has been recently serviced. In vintage stereo circles, the R-115 is highly regarded while the Denon has its fans, but is much less celebrated. They are the same price. I can pick the Luxman up locally but the Denon will need to be shipped across the county adding that cost to the total purchase price. So which is the better receiver to use with my Fortes and which is the better buy? Thanks