I've used the RE-2 continuously since 1992 (20 years!) as the main audio receiver in my living room. It's certainly very basic compared to the receivers of today, but it still sounds amazing with all types of audio input (CDs, Bluerays, cable TV audio, etc). If you can still find it on Craigslist or eBay, I highly recommend it. Worth every penny.

I got this Nakamichi RE-2 through Craigslist. For the money and after seeing the reviews, it’s worth trying a real stereo amplifier. I’ve got a Denon, Harman Kardon, and Yamaha AV receivers. Sure, they have the bells and whistles, but no matter what speakers I connect, I’m still looking for the “right” sound. I went to the hi-end audio shops downtown and those expensive gears just sound a little bit better, but not much.

When I hooked-up my Paradigm 5se MK3, it sounded great. Mordaunt Short 3.30, very good. Tannoy J30, superb. I stopped trying my other “better” speakers. I’m convinced that his Nakamichi RE-2 is an excellent receiver/amplifier. I didn’t know that my speakers are that good. The highs are crisp and clear. The lows are round or bold, but not boomy. Mid-range, I think that I can clearly every bit of sound played and connecting my subwoofers are longer necessary.

It’s a pity that Nakamichi was not able to adapt to the digital audio race which forced it to close shop.

All the above

None

The original owner with a set of B&W 602 and still sounds like the day I brought it home!! Clean and consistent sound throughout. No bells and frills, just good quality sound. The best way to discribe is all the instruments, voice, mids and high's are all at it's peek, but each sound is separated and they don't over power over the other.

A bargain in its price range.Plenty of power.

For a ten year old receiver it has none.

I previously owned a Denon AVR-681 receiver which has more bells and whistles than the Nakamichi RE-2,but in my opnion is not as clean sounding.I can't believe this receiver is ten years old!By the way,The price of $150 that I paid also included an Infinity sub and satellite speakers.Was worth a trip to the pawnshop.

very good natural sound on good speakers

none that i can think of

ok this receiver has low power only 55watts per channel. im using it as a pre amp . it has pre outs ok . ihave it controling a rotel amp rb1080 hooked up to a pair of bw nautilus 800 series 804 model speakers it sounds very open and acurate . im going to up grade to a better or sould i say adeadcated pre amp. but i must say this receiver is a great one compared to all the brands out there for the money . cant make a mistake if you find one in good condition buy it

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nakamichi sr3a

Clear throughout all ranges, beautiful sound

Tuner - blech!

I love my RE-2. I've owned it for about 6 years, I have had no problems with it. It's just superb. Everyone thinks they need 200x2 in their 10x10 listening room. Just not true. There is more than enough oomph in my 55x2 RE-2 to give me all the crispness, clarity and dynamic range I desire. I wouldn't excahnge this for any other integrated reciever on the market, of course, it doesn't compare to my father's separates, but hey, I expect that. An excellent first high-end reciever

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none

excellent!!!

Crispy highs

Some harshness

I posted a review earlier. Recently, I purchased NAD C340 on recommendation from Sterophile. After listening to it for couple of month and comparing it to RE-2, I have to say that C340 is unbelievable for the money. It is a whole step up from RE-2. C340 has better lower resolution than RE-2. It has a musical sound and keeps you tapping with the beat. It has better control of the music and human voice sounds more realistic with more air. Hearing "When I Dream" by Carol Kidd made me shiver in awe. In spite of this findings I am lowering my review of RE-2 to 3 stars.

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NAD C340

Keeps going like a friggin Energizer Bunny.

While generally good, has no particular strengths

I picked it up at a Police Auction for $95. I knew what I was bidding on, the teenager that was bidding against me had no idea (he wound up spending $110 for a lesser Kenwood). My attitude was, worst case, I sell it for $200.

I was looking for something respectable for my secondary system. This unit fit perfectly. I've had multiple people offer to buy it from me and I'm keeping it. However, it has no real strengths. Even my cheezy Onkyo ($350 list and easily the weakest point in my primary system, thank goodness for CD-Direct) preamp, kicks this thing up and down the street. $650? Not a chance. $400? Maybe. $95? You betcha!!!

I have to add one thing. When I got it, it was a MESS! I cleaned it up (inside and out) before thinking about applying power. Took about an hour. The darn thing worked and has been working for several years. I've no intention of giving it up.

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Many

I have searched for a good two channel receiver for a while and settled on RE-2. I considered Rotel, Harman Kardon, Onkyo, and Yamaha. Rotel was the closest competition but the makeup and feel was flimsey. I have had my RE-2 for almost a year with Mission 731i, Marantz 67SE, and Audioquest Topaz cables and I have to say this combo works.