Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
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.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
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.

Strengths:
All the above

Weaknesses:
None

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Pawnshop

Summary:
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.

Strengths:
A bargain in its price range.Plenty of power.

Weaknesses:
For a ten year old receiver it has none.

Price Paid:  $400.00 from audio den

Summary:
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

Strengths:
very good natural sound on good speakers

Weaknesses:
none that i can think of

Similar Products Used:
nakamichi sr3a

Price Paid:  $95.00

Summary:
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.

Strengths:
Keeps going like a friggin Energizer Bunny.

Weaknesses:
While generally good, has no particular strengths

Similar Products Used:
Many