Old or new for for 2-channel receiver/amp

[rewoffl]

Looking to replace my Sony STR-DE197 with something better (shouldn't be too hard). Speakers are a pair of RTi4's with a PSW303 sub.

I'm considering some Onkyo receivers available on Crutchfield Canada as follows:

TX-8222: $200
TX-8255: $300
TX-8522; $400

Also considering Denon as the room is very bright (hardwood floors) and the RTi4's don't need any additional help in that regard.

However, I'm also intrigued with some vintage gear available on the local (Winnipeg) market:

NAD 7140: $150
Yamaha A-420: $75
Yamaha CA-810: $80

Any opinions of new vs. vintage gear?

[lakesailor]

If you are looking for something 2 channel buy something vintage with a toroidal power supply that is rated to run speakers down to 4 ohms. Good quality power cannot be beat ! What you can typically find for $ 300-400 used is often at least $ 1500 to $ 2000 new.

[dkg999]

The Yamaha CA-810 might be worth a listen, but may be a tad bright for the RTi4's. I had good luck using a NAD C720BEE receiver with RTi6's, not sure if the older NAD receivers will sound the same.

[rewoffl]

Unfortunately the CA-810 is gone already. I didn't expect it to last long at that price, but I was hoping to enjoy the hypnotic bounce of the peak level meters.

[DaveMuell]

Unfortunately the CA-810 is gone already. I didn't expect it to last long at that price, but I was hoping to enjoy the hypnotic bounce of the peak level meters.

I have both a CA-610II and a CA-810. I would let the 610 go for a good cause like this - it has the meters and is very similar in functionality. Let me know, maybe we could work something out.

[reeltrouble1]

IN general NAD blows those other companies away.

RT1

[rewoffl]

Thanks for the suggestions. I picked up the NAD 7140 this weekend and have been extremely pleased so far. The sound is smooth but still detailed; a huge improvement over the Sony which I found thin and harsh. The tuner in the NAD is fantastic!

It's great to finally hear the RTi4s with quality amplification - I knew they could sound better (the Sony also made my old Energy ESM-1s sound like crap).

[reeltrouble1]

Glad you like it, the NAD house sound is pleasing to most just a tad to the warm side of neutral, no harshness, I used their gear for a few years and still have a NAD pre amp, nice stuff.

RT1