Nakamichi Power Amps

[AVcrazy]

Hey guys,
So my family is having this long awaited Christmas reunion this year and everyone is going to flow down to Mumbai to meet after a very long time. I'm so excited to see my cousins and their kids and my uncle's and aunts, boy I get a warm feeling just talking about it!

Anyway , spking of warm feelings, I've been looking to upgrade my amp for a while and this year I'm gonna do it. My uncle who lives in Toronto, has eyes on a Nakamichi PA5 Ii power amp that someone is selling in his area, along with a matching pre.

How is this amp? I remember reading good things abiut it. By the looks of it seems in a nice condition (about 8.5/10 cosmetically). My uncle says it sounded fine and the buyer seems a legit music lover. He's asking about 1600$ for the combo.

How is this deal. I feel it's a tad overpriced considering the age (which is 14 yrs btw).
What should be a good price? And is it even worth it? Thanks for the help and I really appreciate your inputs!

 

[afj]

Hey guys,
So my family is having this long awaited Christmas reunion this year and everyone is going to flow down to Mumbai to meet after a very long time. I'm so excited to see my cousins and their kids and my uncle's and aunts, boy I get a warm feeling just talking about it!

Anyway , spking of warm feelings, I've been looking to upgrade my amp for a while and this year I'm gonna do it. My uncle who lives in Toronto, has eyes on a Nakamichi PA5 Ii power amp that someone is selling in his area, along with a matching pre.

How is this amp? I remember reading good things abiut it. By the looks of it seems in a nice condition (about 8.5/10 cosmetically). My uncle says it sounded fine and the buyer seems a legit music lover. He's asking about 1600$ for the combo.

How is this deal. I feel it's a tad overpriced considering the age (which is 14 yrs btw).
What should be a good price? And is it even worth it? Thanks for the help and I really appreciate your inputs!

i wouldnt want to spend that sort of money on a 14 year old amp. you never know when it could break down and then probability is you'll have to junk it. unless you specifically want vintage. whats the rest of your setup

 

[reubensm]

Not that great with amplification and cd players, but legendary with cassette decks.

 

[AVcrazy]

Sir I'm using a pair of Wharfedale Denton anniversary edition speakers.
My collection is mostly flacs and CDs that I have ripped so it's all digital. For this I'm using the Beresford Caiman DAC.
My amplifier currently is the Yamaha as500. It's a good amp and sounds nice but I just wanted to move to the next level by getting seperates. I'll still keep the Yamaha though.

The community support behind this amp seems nice but yes I agree that 14 years is a bit too much.
Still if I do consider, what price you think I should pay?

 

[efernand1]

Hi

Go online ebay and check prices of such amps + spks....you will get a fair idea of whether the pricing is in line with pre owned stuff out there...

Then decide....factor in weight, possible customs etc.....

 

[afj]

Sir I'm using a pair of Wharfedale Denton anniversary edition speakers.
My collection is mostly flacs and CDs that I have ripped so it's all digital. For this I'm using the Beresford Caiman DAC.
My amplifier currently is the Yamaha as500. It's a good amp and sounds nice but I just wanted to move to the next level by getting seperates. I'll still keep the Yamaha though.

The community support behind this amp seems nice but yes I agree that 14 years is a bit too much.
Still if I do consider, what price you think I should pay?

i havent listened to the dentons. and neither the nakamachi. but like i said, its a huge risk buying something for around 1 lac rupees and not being sure a) on its longevity and b) whether it is good enough to compete with newer technology products

separates do have their advantages, but just by getting separates, doesnt mean that you will have a better sounding setup. it also depends on the rest of your setup, and their level in the chain. if you have a setup that is very detailed, then you will find benefits in separates (though not a diff of heaven and earth)

i have just purchased an AP amp (200w model) and they also have a 75w model which is of the same sound signature. it will be a big upgrade on the yamaha (cant guarantee that on the nakamachi). and will come in at around half your budget. if youre looking at branded amps, consider the nad, cambridge, marantz. you will get it around your budget.

 

[Lad1]

If anything goes wrong witj that amp,there are no chance to get repaired.At that price you can go for a top end marantz stereo amp or MM7025 as power and NR1506 as pre.Not sure how pre power will sound but 8005 is fantastic as I bought one

 

[keith_correa]

Search on DIYA for this amp. You will read about other's first hand experiences with it.

 

[reubensm]

I have always been a believer in NAD, they seldom let one down (at least with my limited expectations from what I hear)

 

[marsilians]

I would pass on a 14 yr old amp for that price as resistors, amp circuits, transducers etc can fry at anytime if not serviced regularly. You will get much better ones for lesser than that on hifimart or on sale. Just don't do quickr and olx

 

[AVcrazy]

Thanks everyone for the input.
I consulted a lot of sites and forums and people seem to have mixed opinions regarding the amp.
Although what they were unanimous about is the age factor and how it effects performance.
Anyway, I've decided to wait some more.
In the mean time any suggestions as to which amps can be considered in the 60-80k range?

 

[afj]

Thanks everyone for the input.
I consulted a lot of sites and forums and people seem to have mixed opinions regarding the amp.
Although what they were unanimous about is the age factor and how it effects performance.
Anyway, I've decided to wait some more.
In the mean time any suggestions as to which amps can be considered in the 60-80k range?

acoustic portrait, nad, cambridge, marantz

 

[krell]

NAK amps are great.some of amps designed by nelson pass like pa7,pa5.
they generate a lot heat during their operation.
i may not put that much money on the amp.