The Nikko NR-1415 was introduced in 1978 and comfortably fits within the Monster Receiver category as it produces 175 watts per channel. It was Nikko’s top-of-the-line receiver at the time and retailed for $830. In Japan Nikko was known for their high quality industrial products and they tried to apply the same design principles to their audio line. They focused on over performance and reliability. They certainly succeeded with the NR-1415.
Nikko advertised the NR-1415 as:
The limited edition NR-1415. An important statement in pure power, styling and luxury of features. It’s an AM/FM stereo receiver with character.
The NR-1415 has signal and tuning meters as well as a mid range tone control. The blue dial scale contrasts nicely with the black dial face and silver face plate. The controls are laid out nicely with a mix of knobs, switches and push buttons. Overall the NR-1415 is a nice looking receiver.
Other receivers in Nikko’s xx15 lineup included:
- NR-315 $175
- NR-515 $220
- NR-615 $270
- NR-715 $310
- NR-815 $450
- NR-1015 $550
- NR-1415 $830
Notice the NR-1415 also has a normal/narrow switch for the IF mode (FM bandwidth).
The tuner section has three dual-gate MOS-FETs to provide high gain, better selectivity (65dB normal/85dB narrow) and improved sensitivity (1.7uV normal / 2.0uV narrow) when combined with a five-gang capacitor.
Nikko engineers used high gain and high performance IC’s in the AM section and a phase-lock-loop FM multiplex circuit to minimize noise levels and offer quieter performance.
Four phase linear ceramic filters in the IF stage provide better separation and less distortion, effectively separating weak stations from strong stations.
A direct-coupled OCL pure complementary power amplifier serves as the core of the power section. When combined with dual power transistors operating in parallel, the outcome is remarkable power output and distortion metrics.
The NR-1415 effortlessly delivers a continuous power output of 175 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with both channels active and operating within the frequency range of 15 to 20kHz, all while maintaining a distortion level of no more than 0.045% THD. Increased dynamic range is facilitated in part by the inclusion of dual power supplies – one independent positive and another independent negative. Notably, the power sections are designed for easy removal and are accompanied by robust heat sinks.
The NR-1415 can stand head to head with similar Pioneer and Marantz receivers and are even easier to work on given their modular design. Some have bench tested the NR-1415 at over 200 wpc.
The output transistors (2SD555 and 2SB600) used in the NR-1415 are the same one’s Nikko used in their professional line of amps, the Alpha I, Alpha II, Alpha V, Alpha VI, and others. In fact, they are the same one’s Pioneer used in the SX-1250.
Specifications:
- Tuning range: FM, MW
- Power output: 175 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
- Frequency response: 5Hz to 100kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.045%
- Input sensitivity: 2.2mV (MM), 170mV (line)
- Signal to noise ratio: 65dB (MM), 90dB (line)
- Output: 160mV (line), 40mV (DIN), 1V (Pre out)
- Dimensions: 22 x 7.68 x 20 inches (561 x 195 x 507mm)
- Weight: 58 lbs (26.3kg)
- Year: 1978
Some owners of the Nikko NR-1415 have said:
I have a NR-1415 that I bought new 1979. I have 10 other monster receivers and I have compared it with a Pioneer SX-1250. I can’t hear any direct difference between them.
It is great looking, big statement in the room (wider and taller than the SX-1250). Great conversation starter and sounds awesome!
Great receiver! I have a Marantz 2385, Pioneer SX-1250 and SX-1059, and a Kenwood KR-9600. I would say the Nikko is on par with any of them.
The Nikko brand doesn’t have the same name recognition as Pioneer, Sansui, or Marantz, but they built high quality receivers. They must have sold quite a few as well because many of the models are fairly common. Of course, the monster Nikko NR-1415 is not common and is fairly hard to find in good working condition. It is an excellent example of an off brand monster receiver and should be on any collector’s bucket list.
