Opinions on Nikko NR-819

Hi all.

This is my first post!!. I scored this unit (the Nikko NR-819) free. My girlfriend gave it to me (its a legacay from her parents separation). What I would love to know is if you guys who own it or have heard it like the sound. I have not had a chance to hear it fully as I got it just as I went for christmas holidays. So my opinion right now is nill. I am thinking of using it to drive some passive monitors. Do you think this is a good idea? or should I look else where?

Thanks

D

Gota ask; what is a passive monitor? Is it a new name for a speaker? Not trying to be wise, just never heard the term used before since by definition all speakers are passive devices, though some feel electrostatics being energized are active devices.

Yes, what Brian said!

Nikko is excellent stuff. I have a gorgeous NR-1219 that I'm going to part with soon.

Don't have 819 but ...

I do have an NR-815 receiver bought off eBay a couple years ago. I don't know anything about Nikko's numbering system. The two don't look anything the same, but.....

I'm VERY HAPPY with the tuner section of the receiver. It's not the Yamaha T-2 or Nikko Gamma 20 I have but it doesn't get beat by much.

I have various pieces of equipment (s/s and tube) but I've ended up listening to the Nikko a lot. Very enjoyable. The NR-815 is approx 45 wpc, sound is slightly warm compared to Technics SA-5460 receiver and Denon PMA-750. Don't want to compare it to my tube gear because they still need work..

It's hard to beat free but Nikko gear on eBay (outside of the Alpha/Beta/Gamma lines) seem to be under-rated (almost ignored!) and priced low for what you get. While the Alpha/Beta/Gamma lines are more expensive, they are still usually priced well for what you get. They just never had the visibility/high profile to be remembered favorably with their contemporaries.

:thmbsp:
Orion sez made fron 79-84, and sporting 45 wpc.
I have an NR-1015 in a system with a pair of Large Advents and/or a pair of Marantz DS-900. Nikko made some very nice gear.