Mark Davis
Active Member
I have a opportunity to buy either one of these. Is one a better choice?
Any advantages or disadvantages?
Any advantages or disadvantages?
Sony 6046a: Nice mid-line receiver. They used discrete output devices - not STK's - so no problem there. Same recommendation for the power switch, too.
David
I don't know that I agree about the power thing. The Sherwood 7100a is a great unit but it can run out of steam real quick. It's easy to get it into a situation where it has nothing left for the dynamics and the sound gets bloated. This can and does severely limit the speaker choices. This in turn limits the use of the receiver.I can only speak about the Sherwood in an informed manner.
Based on the service manual, the Sherwood 7100-A is rated at 14 W/ch, 20-20kHz, driving 8 ohm load.
I would not sweat the power figures.
The difference between 14 W/ch and 20 W/ch, with the volume knobs pegged, will likely be inaudible to your ears.
A 7100-A in good shape is a truly excellent receiver.
It has an outstanding tuner in it, and the sound is both notably strong on the low frequencies and clean/clear in the highs, all at once.
It has a really well balanced sound to it.
No one will ever accuse one of sounding thin and weak.
Efficient speakers would be a good idea.
Mine is driving a pair of Grafyx SP-8 speakers at the moment loud enough for my old ears, and the volume knob is at 11 AM.
I can comfortably drive any of my speakers with it well enough to get complaints from neighbors.
It is a very well built little receiver: walnut veneer over plywood cabinet and solid aluminum knobs.
It feels solid and substantial in use. Solid is a good word for it.
It's actually rather small and light as older receivers go.
The combined power switch/volume control is well documented.
If it breaks, then you have to use an external power switch, i.e. a switch in the cord or a power strip.
I always did like the look of the old Sonys though.They strike me as elegant.
I don't know that I agree about the power thing. The Sherwood 7100a is a great unit but it can run out of steam real quick. It's easy to get it into a situation where it has nothing left for the dynamics and the sound gets bloated. This can and does severely limit the speaker choices. This in turn limits the use of the receiver.
On the other hand the Sony receivers of that generation that I have experience with have been very under rated power wise.
I don't recommend either of the two asked about but those are the ones in question.
I suggest 30 watts minimum for flexibility because that will run most anything.
Nice Realistic speakers are still pretty common used, and demand is apparently light.I so like those 5b's. Had them in 74 in high school. Want them back.