Carver Receiver - The MXR 2000

Here is the Carver MXR 2000 from 1988. An incredible 200watt powerhouse that really took the market by storm. It was my first Mid Fi unit purchased and have the greatest fondness for all it offers. 

Here is the specs...

Amplifier Section
8-ohm FTC rated power/ch	200W
4/8-ohm FTC rated THD	0.15%
Rated full power bandwidth	1Hz to 30kHz +-0.1dB
Slew Rate	>100
Dimensions (HxWxD inches)	5.5" H, 19" W, 17.9" D
Comments	Protection: Short Circuit DC Offset Low/High Frequency Trip
Tuner Section
IHF Sensitivity mono/stereo,dBf	1.8uV
Capture ratio,dB	1.5dB
Seperation at 1kHz,dB	45dB
THD at 1kHz,stereo	0.1%
Maximum S/N,stereo,dB	78dB
PreAmp Section
Frequency response	20Hz to 20kHz + 0.5dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.05%
Phono input capacitance pF	47K ohm
MM S/N A-weighted 0.5v ref.	85dB
MC S/N A-weighted 0.5v ref.	76dB

This Magnetic field amplifier boasts massive amounts of power in reserve... essentially available for your performances peaks. This is the magnetic field capabilities. The Carver Receiver 2000 uses a better way. A method of delivering the power speakers need without heat, bulk and distortion. The solution is elegant and effective. Imagine a lightning-fast valve on your incoming power outlet. When power is needed, the valve senses the demand and opens, actually using the power of the actual power generator to deliver the needed current and voltage. Note that this approach provides VAST POWER WHEN NEEDED during peak demands … without keeping excess around during lulls. The 'valve' we've described in the Magnetic Field Coil inside the Carver Receiver 2000. By delivering power only when needed, it can satisfy your speakers need for power while generating less heat and virtually no distortion. The finest receiver FM section ever offered. The Carver Receiver 2000 employs Asymmetrical Charge-Coupled Detector technology which makes FM sound as good as other stereo sound sources. Free of background hiss and annoying radio interference. All of these great circuits set this baby apart from anything produced in the era of

 "bigger is better" 

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Sansui 7900Z - Monster Receiver

Just arrived is this stunning monster receiver from the great Sansui Corp. Built in '81 this receiver truly is a "monster" measuring a full 22" x 14" deep. It packs 120watts per channel and although not sonically punchy at lower volumes she really opens up when you get here pushing the watts. Sansui was a real leader in the receivers of the vintage era. Incredible eye candy! Nice full scale spectrum analyzer and also linear output LED's. Interesting beep alert as you scale the tuning up or down and it LED on the analog scale travels every 8/10th of a MHz with your digital read out. A neat looking feature for sure that I have not seen before.

One of the great features also is the 2 Phono inputs. Next to the output LED's there is an interesting slide light for volume levels. Quite unique also. This is a vintage audio unit that will run for years and fit into any system with it's classic look and nice details.

Harman Kardon Receiver - hk350i

If I was only using a one word description it would be "vibrant". This great sounding 20watt receiver has the classic early eighties look from the well respected Harman/Kardon corporation. Although this hk350 is a lower entry audiophile model it doesn't disappoint in hifi quality at all. In fact, after listening to it on a comparison to some others in the Vintage Sound collection, I would say that the quality of sound is in direct competition with others that are twice its MSRP of it's time. Newly arrived, I was struck by the vibrant tones it produced. Amazing performance on a budget. A very nice analog tuner as well to keep that traditional receiver concept.

These are readily available second hand units that I would recommend if you are getting into some vintage equipment. Start with this and then trade your way up. Your ears will enjoy the hk350i.