An interim receiver shines!

[Ray_pierrewit]

My Scott 299b is on the bench waiting for fresh output tubes. In the meatime I've swapped a couple of amps into my main LS based system, partly to still be able to listen to music and partly to compare different sound signatures, which is something I've never really done. I'd been looking for a great deal on a vintage SS receiver, either H/K, Sansui, Luxman when I found an ad for a Luxman R-404. Though nothing like a pair of 200$ Belles, or a 20$ Linn Sondek (which I read about on another forum), 40$ seemed more than fair for a nice receiver. The owner had worked in electronics and told me he maintained and cleaned hospital electronics, so when he told me he had cleaned all the contacts and lubricated the receiver I knew it was well done.

 

Well it sounds stunning, in fact I could be quite happy with this setup for a long time. Anybody have any experience with this receiver?

[willland]

Luxman when I found an ad for a Luxman R-404.

Anybody have any experience with this receiver?

 

Not with any vintage 70's Luxman but I have owned an 80's R-115 and R-117.  Both wonderful receivers especially with Heritage.

 

Nice find(and price) with the R-404.

 

Bill 

[Deang]

I bought Bill's R-117, and still use it on a regular basis. I have only owned two things that sound better, it's a great piece. It needs work, and when it dies, I'm going to be mightly depressed.

[J M O N]

I used to own this exact same receiver up until about a year ago -- it is definitely a very nice receiver.  I sold it a year ago for much more than what you paid.  I hooked it up to Klipschorns when the guy came to pick it up and upon hearing it for the very first time with K-horns, I had second thoughts on selling.  I only sold it because I had too much stuff and needed to get rid of some of it (still do).  I do believe it is from the '80s and not '70s.  It's also very elegant looking as most Luxman gear from that era are. 

 

 

Not mine (photo from web).

Edited April 17, 2015 by JMON

[Ray_pierrewit]

I do believe it is from the '80s and not '70s.  It's also very elegant looking as most Luxman gear from that era are. 

 

 

Actually, I'm certain it's from the '80s, it apparently retailed for $600. The previous owner was all too proud to show me his mega 7.1 Yamaha home theater receiver which replaced the Luxman. His wife then recalled that they had paid a small fortune for it in 86. She was utterly surprised that anyone would want such an old thing. I've seen, and let pass by, several great deals on R-113s and R-117s, I'll know better now!