Hi-Fi Gurus: Which of These Two Receivers Is Better?

[mrlynn]

My father had two receivers, probably from the '90s. I want to take one to replace an old Pioneer with a bad volume control. They are:

(1) Kenwood KR A47

(2) Sherwood RX 4105

Advice welcome. I know the Sherwood works. Haven't tried the Kenwood.

/Mr Lynn

[Speedy]

The poll isn't showing up.

[mikebw]

The Kenwood appears to be a 1988-1990 vintage, and the Sherwood is actually still available for sale new. Pretty similar specs, I would go with the Sherwood since you know is working and it is newer.

[deckeda]

Which is better for what?

Another option is sell both to fund the Pioneer's repair.

[Robert M]

Deck,

In looking at the specs of both models, I doubt MrLynn is going to get much for both receivers. I'd consider one for music use only for maybe $25. The prices I saw for the Sherwood are crazy considering it doesn't have modern connectivity, i.e. optical audio, etc.

Robert

[deckeda]

The Sherwood's a basic, hundred-dollar receiver. It shouldn't have "modern connectivity" at that price. If it did, something would be wrong. It doesn't compete with surround sound receivers.

My answer to the OP's question depends on what inputs or other capabilities are important to the OP, including sound quality differences between all 3 receivers, but I doubt that's been evaluated.

[mikebw]

It seems clear he wants to use one of the to replace the Pioneer with the faulty volume control. Can we assume the other specs are comparable? I think so.

[OWC Jamie]

Without knowing any history of them I would take the new Sherwood on the odds/possibility it was purchased to replace the old Kenwood.

[Fritz]

alot of the older mid lines have open back pots.
if you're gonna toss the Pioneer anyway, why not give a shot at reviving it? Assuming it's a "analog" job.
Unplug it ........ yeow!.
Usually the case cover is a dozen or less screws.
Locate your volume pot. If the back is open, even just the terminals, get some contact cleaner and give it a spritz and some exercise.



If the Pioneer is a more modern rig, from the digital era (IE 21st century), it may have a DCA pot which you can clean til the cows come home and won't do you any good. Though I kind of doubt any mid line consumer gear is that sophisticated.

Bet one of the house techs at the radio station would be happy to give it a try if you have electronic exploratory squeamishness. Maybe even add a tube front end in the Pio for extra fun. miley-laughing001:

[Robert M]

Deck,

We'll have to agree to disagree. Even a basic receiver should have some modern connectivity. Optical comes to mind. Then again, basic receivers that offer modern connectivity including HDMI can be had in the same price range as the Sherwood if someone wanted to buy one brand-new.

Robert