Stereo Receiver for Parents

[piece-it pete]

I ordinarily don't use words like "ubiquitous" but it sure applies to Magnavox consoles!

You are right, the components are pretty much useless, with the possible exception of the tweeters. If they are horns they should be black with a green cap. If so check them out. They are probably Jensens, not terribly valuable ($20?) unless they are RP-109s', in which case you might get $100-150 or more depending.

The 15" woofers are great for decorating your stereo room . No kidding ! Hang'em off the ceiling.

Pete

[ronning]

My biggest limit seems to be the dimensions. However, I think I may be limiting myself unecessarily as that the is space for the "faceplate" of the magnavox receiver. It has a wooden trim all around which make the width and height smaller than the actual interior space of the cabinet. For example, the regular "full-size" (17" wide) 5-disc changer and tape deck fit below in the open area of the cabinet. I can either take out the tape cassette case (which they really don't use anyway) and move the speaker selector box somewhere else and put the receiver in that space.
Maybe I could put the selector box where the current receiver is?
Anyway, I guess I"m just thinking outloud here.

As far as the Marantz 1060 goes, that's very nice.. but it doesn't seem to have a tuner?
It really needs to have an AM/FM tuner.

I'd also rather get something "new" as it is a christmas gift and it just has a little bit more charm if it's NIB.

I'm also toying with the idea of one of these "home theater in a box" ideas. This way i could get small speakers, a receiver, and possibly another set of small speakers to run out to listen to in their library (which my dad was hinting about) all in one package. Quality, i realize, is lessened with this. But budget-wise and bang-for-buck it seems pretty cool. Here's one set:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...eater_HTSeries

Obviously the dolby surround sound options are meaningless in this case. However, if something like this had a 5-channel stereo mode... ??

[markw]

some people are not used to the new generation of digital receivers. Perhaps your folks are more adventerous (sp?) than most but you might want to see how they react to the new technology first.

[ronning]

true...

my parents are very technology shy.

However, they essentially only use input select and volume. If i can find a new system which has simple controls for these, then they should be fine. I'll just set everything else and leave it. They also probably will not be using the remote.

An older system would be more readily understandable, but i think a simpler newer system would be doable.

[markw]

Seriously, check out what's out there yourself and put yourself in your folk's place. I went through this with my mom and it ain't too easy to teach an old dog new tricks. Of course, your situation might be different but check out what's out there and let me/us know what you consider "simple".

I still think a NICE used vintage stereo might be the trick. nothing simpler than a good old analog tuner and no logic controlled anything. Beautiful and simple as a ball bearing. One of the many reasons I still love and use my 30 year old Marantz 2270.

Call Randy at http://www.saturdayaudio.com and see what he would recommend from the "used" section. good place to buy from. Fair prices, honest dealings.

FWIW, you might want to check out the web site yourself first.

[ronning]

Good suggestions - thanks.

If I can I'd like to get a "new" unit so that I have warranty, box, manual, etc.

With some scrounging around on the internet I found this model:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.proc...feed.TEA+AG370

Opinions?

Seriously, check out what's out there yourself and put yourself in your folk's place. I went through this with my mom and it ain't too easy to teach an old dog new tricks. Of course, your situation might be different but check out what's out there and let me/us know what you consider "simple".

I still think a NICE used vintage stereo might be the trick. nothing simpler than a good old analog tuner and no logic controlled anything. Beautiful and simple as a ball bearing. One of the many reasons I still love and use my 30 year old Marantz 2270.

Call Randy at http://www.saturdayaudio.com and see what he would recommend from the "used" section. good place to buy from. Fair prices, honest dealings.

FWIW, you might want to check out the web site yourself first.

[markw]

I had a Teac receiver similar to this about 15 years ago. IT was in our bedroom system. Not too bad for the price. The ex took it when we split.

Basically, it handled like an analog unit, save for the tuning and you should be able to talk 'em through that or even set it up for them. 24 stations seems more than adequate for almost any market..

It doesn't seem to use a remote control. If this is important, you might want to upgrade to the next model model in that line. Still won't cost a fortune.