Receiver pairing considerations for PSB bookshelves

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wiggingout

New Member
Hi all,

Recently jumped into this world and grabbed a pair of PSB image b6 speakers. I've always wanted a beautiful hunk of metal vintage receiver and grabbed a Marantz 2200b off ebay, claiming to be "professionally serviced," yadda yadda.

I ended up having a number of issues with the receiver, most importantly was static on most the knobs. For what I paid, that shouldn't have been an issue. Still, the receiver sounded pretty great with the PSBs. So, I came here for advice, promptly returned it to the seller, became a subscriber, and am currently scouring Barter Town.

In the meantime, I grabbed a cheap 90s Marantz off craigslist so I'm not without music. Now, I've realized this thing sounds nowhere near as nice as the vintage marantz and I'm determined to find a vintage receiver that pairs well with my speakers.

So my question... What are the kinds of things I should be looking for as far as what would "pair well" with my PSBs? Particular brands? Wattage?

I really want that vintage look, but I'm not only looking Marantz. Anything in particular I should be looking for?

Thanks in advance!
 
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If your speakers are the main factor, what are the specs? Efficiency, impedance are important factors on choosing an amp.
I see that they are rated 8 ohm nominal, which is good, and 90dB (unknown criteria) efficiency, which is also good for lower power amps.
I wouldn't dismiss the '90s Marantz just yet, what model is it?
 
ryuuoh said:
If your speakers are the main factor, what are the specs? Efficiency, impedance are important factors on choosing an amp.
I see that they are rated 8 ohm nominal, which is good, and 90dB (unknown criteria) efficiency, which is also good for lower power amps.
I wouldn't dismiss the '90s Marantz just yet, what model is it?
Click to expand...

Sorry I took so long, long day at work.

Yep, you got the specs right. The Marantz is an sr-82 mkII. I honestly don't know anything about it. It gets loud, sure, but with only one bass and one treble knob, isn't giving me enough variety on eq. And I haven't put my finger on it, but it's definitely doesn't the "warmth" i got out of the 2200b and that I'm going for. Plus, it's an eyesore compared to the 2200b.
 
reggaenaut said:
Sansui: 4000, 8080

Sony: 6060F, 6200, 6120, 6065
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions, but can you tell me what it is about these receivers that make them pair well with the PSBs so I know what I'm looking for? Just a matter of opinion? Or is it more objective than that?

Coincidentally, there's a Sony STR-6055 on my local Craigslist right now. Is that comparable to the 6065? Thanks!
 
wiggingout said:
Thanks for the suggestions, but can you tell me what it is about these receivers that make them pair well with the PSBs so I know what I'm looking for? Just a matter of opinion? Or is it more objective than that?

Coincidentally, there's a Sony STR-6055 on my local Craigslist right now. Is that comparable to the 6065? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Heard them connected to a Sansui 4000 and loved the sound.

The Sansuis and these Sonys I associate with non fatiguing ss sound.
Of course this is a personal reaction. :D

The Sony STR-6055 is the model below the 6065 which is the top in that series.
 
I have a pair of the PSB Image B2 speakers which are the first generation of the Image series from around 2000. The B2 is very similar in size and performance to the newer B6. They are fairly detailed and on the bright side so matching them with vintage receiver is a good move. I used mine with a Pioneer sx-950 and sx-737, with a slight preference for the slightly less detailed 737.
 
I have a pair of PSB Alpha Mites running as a 2nd "quiet" pair on my Sansui 5000x for when my roomies are sleeping/studying. They sound pretty great if you ask me, and even better when I run them along with my floorstanders, which are OLD (kanazawa ks30H) and haven't been opened probably since purchased together with receiver, so the newer PSB help with the highs until I can get the kanazawas serviced or replaced.

EDIT - soooooo I was enjoying my AlphaMites last night, impressed how well they can reproduce some bass on their stands with such small drivers.....and I'm pretty sure I blew both tweeters =/ I haven't unscrewed the back yet (doesn't seem these grills pop off) but I heard the drop off in the highs when it happened so I'm pretty sure they're toast. YMMV but keep in mind these vintage receivers are often UNDERrated.
 
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