Vintage AMP - Which are Top rated?

[sudhirbhosale]

Hi all
I am planning to buy vintage amp (prefer with tuner upto 7K, Ok with around 40+40 RMS, should consume less power as I am Eco-friendly ) . Very difficult to decide since many are quite old models, no support information is available. So I decided below parameters where I need expert forum help.

1 - Deciding top rated brands - By reputation, build architecture, design principles used
2 - Specific series from those brands e.g. SA series from Sansui, LAB series of Cosmic are great build
3 - Some tips to gauge performance (this is difficult), finding out any tempering is done e.g. left and right SQ should exactly same by sonic and levelwise.
4. Brandwise tip : e.g. Pioneer uses limited number of transistors hence that is low side

I heard from one expert the below order of vintage brands (among commonly available in India):
1 - Sansui - are the best. Then Tehnics, Akai, Marantz, Pioneer
2. Within Sansui SA series is too good.


So Can I get expert information of brands same like mentioned above ?
Is there any database of vintage amp rating available on net?
Can I get recomandation of any good models matching my criteria i,e, prefer with tuner upto 7K, Ok with around 40+40 RMS, should consume less power as I am eco-friendly

 

[soundbuff]

There are often particular models within brands which have a good reputation, e.g
Pioneer A-400, Marantz PM 80, Audio Analogue Puccini (old model) Musical Fidelity A-1,
NAD 3020, Cyrus One and so on.

 

[kuruvilajacob]

The AU series of Sansui are considered good. I have not heard of the SA series. I am currently using 3 AU series Sansui amplifiers AU 9500, AU 7900 and AU 101. AU 9500 is just awesome. AU 7900 is very sweet sounding and my favorite while AU 101 goes well with Philips full range speakers giving it a rich sound.

 

[Audio_Freek]

Good To See another Vintage Lover. Welcome

I been searching for Good Vintage Gear for years and Could share few points to be noted, when it comes to Vintage.

1. First check whether you Like Vintage Sound, It Warm and might not be quick enough to play new Music(I have tested and felt the same)

2. Dont expect Vintage System in Very Mint condition (That too in India)
3. Be prepared to spend on repairs (Since almost every Vintage system should be 30-40 Years Plus now and might need servicing at any given point of time)
4.Paring the Vintage also bit tricky, Though they Pair well with Old Speakers and few Modern speakers too.
5.Wait for your System, Never end up in buying at hurry.
6. Grab some basic knowledge (In case you dont have already) about what to be checked, How to be check the system before buying to gaze the quality of the Item.
7. Its Safe to Buy Vintage systems within 5-8K margin, being a starter and dont go beyond it for now.
8.Go around pawn shops, Flea market and try to see if you can get any, Or OLX\Quikr is only source.

When it comes to Brands and Models I see Sansui AU, QR,QA Series are good, Kenwood (The Most underrated brand) the Metal Face model KA, Yamaha CA Series,Akai AM ,Cosmic,Series I could suggest, Since I have listen to them

 

[Deleted member 45006]

There are often particular models within brands which have a good reputation, e.g
Pioneer A-400, Marantz PM 80, Audio Analogue Puccini (old model) Musical Fidelity A-1,
NAD 3020, Cyrus One and so on.

I second NAD 3020, with its matching tuner. also, Luxman L 410 and above would be a great find. I have a l410, if low end is not much of a matter Luxman l 2xx will also do. I have a l410 beating which is clearly better than my relatively modern atoll in 50se.


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[ranjeetrain]

No discussion on vintage amps is complete without the mention of Luxman and Kenwood/Accuphase. Nakamichi, Technics, Harman Kardon, Marantz, Dynaco, Fisher, Macintosh are all leaders from the glorious past. They all made products that will hold their own (too many to list them all) even today.

Extend the list a bit further and there are many timeless classics out there from the houses of Krell, Teac, Phase Linear, Sony, Yamaha, Sonic Frontier, Theta Digital, Quad, Audio Research.

When buying vintage people often run after the name (the brand and model no). Which is quite unfortunate, IMO. Sellers often ask for ridiculous amounts due to the hype surrounding the name/model. So the buyer pays for the fame and pride associated with the item, which doesn't always translate to the actual performance.

When buying vintage people should attach the maximum importance to the actual sound produced (not the accolades earned in the past) as only the actual performance can tell how much of the original equipment it still is. There is no dearth of re-sellers that are ready to rip an unsuspecting customer with equipment that are no more than 20-25% of the original product, but the prices!

 

[reubensm]

If you are looking at vintage amps, you can definitely look no further than the second generation NAD 3020. The problem is how to find one as those who own these in good condition usually never part with them

If you have no budgetary constraints, then I strongly recommend the Accuphase E206 integrated. Great amp.

 

[Audio_Freek]

:clapping:

No discussion on vintage amps is complete without the mention of Luxman and Kenwood/Accuphase. Nakamichi, Technics, Harman Kardon, Marantz, Dynaco, Fisher, Macintosh are all leaders from the glorious past. They all made products that will hold their own (too many to list them all) even today.

Extend the list a bit further and there are many timeless classics out there from the houses of Krell, Teac, Phase Linear, Sony, Yamaha, Sonic Frontier, Theta Digital, Quad, Audio Research.

When buying vintage people often run after the name (the brand and model no). Which is quite unfortunate, IMO. Sellers often ask for ridiculous amounts due to the hype surrounding the name/model. So the buyer pays for the fame and pride associated with the item, which doesn't always translate to the actual performance.

When buying vintage people should attach the maximum importance to the actual sound produced (not the accolades earned in the past) as only the actual performance can tell how much of the original equipment it still is. There is no dearth of re-sellers that are ready to rip an unsuspecting customer with equipment that are no more than 20-25% of the original product, but the prices!

Good One, But the FM asked for Vintage Amp Model with 7K Budget, Luxman,Accuphase,Quad to name a few are too costly . Countable people in India own them and they rarely come out for sale, If there then it will be costly\not in good condition or some one will buy within a Moment.

 

[drkrack]

Good To See another Vintage Lover. Welcome

I been searching for Good Vintage Gear for years and Could share few points to be noted, when it comes to Vintage.

1. First check whether you Like Vintage Sound, It Warm and might not be quick enough to play new Music(I have tested and felt the same)

2. Dont expect Vintage System in Very Mint condition (That too in India)
3. Be prepared to spend on repairs (Since almost every Vintage system should be 30-40 Years Plus now and might need servicing at any given point of time)
4.Paring the Vintage also bit tricky, Though they Pair well with Old Speakers and few Modern speakers too.
5.Wait for your System, Never end up in buying at hurry.
6. Grab some basic knowledge (In case you dont have already) about what to be checked, How to be check the system before buying to gaze the quality of the Item.
7. Its Safe to Buy Vintage systems within 5-8K margin, being a starter and dont go beyond it for now.
8.Go around pawn shops, Flea market and try to see if you can get any, Or OLX\Quikr is only source.

When it comes to Brands and Models I see Sansui AU, QR,QA Series are good, Kenwood (The Most underrated brand) the Metal Face model KA, Yamaha CA Series,Akai AM ,Cosmic,Series I could suggest, Since I have listen to them

How is Sansui A series ? at 10k ?

What is the checklist of likely issues to check for, before buying a Vintage amp ? What all the checks we should do before buying one ?

- I usually take my headphones with 6.5mm adapter, so that any undue hiss or discrepancy between the two channels can be easily made out, irrespective of the listening environment, any other tricks ?

 

[Audio_Freek]

I remember I made a Post with my experience with OLX\Quikr\ other Online seller on AV Items, You could check this Since many FM's shared their experience as well.

http://www.hifivision.com/av-lounge...e-owned-via-olx-quickr-adpost-etc-online.html

 

[sudhirbhosale]

Good To See another Vintage Lover. Welcome

Thanks Audio Freek.

I bought Pioneer A117. Is very soft but as you said extreme not wide.
I enjoy that listening vividh bharati on FM.

 

[sudhirbhosale]

I remember I made a Post with my experience with OLX\Quikr\ other Online seller on AV Items, You could check this Since many FM's shared their experience as well.

http://www.hifivision.com/av-lounge...e-owned-via-olx-quickr-adpost-etc-online.html

How about Chor Bazar in Mumbai. Some seller have many vintage models and they connect to speaker and show sound as well.

 

[Deleted member 45006]

Thanks Audio Freek.



I bought Pioneer A117. Is very soft but as you said extreme not wide.

I enjoy that listening vividh bharati on FM.

If you have paid under 4k it may be a reasonable buy. But is that amp really "vintage"? Even the Luxmans I told were not from 70's which I feel the label vintage more apt. By the way, those made in Japan pioneers would last long, and are relatively easy for a service person.


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[Audio_Freek]

Amplifiers made in 70's could be named as Pure Vintage. We had Very good amps in 60's as well but the Revolution happen only in 70's I feel. Transformation from Tube to Transistor, Separators to Integrator, Amps Built like Tank to serve for years.
If you like Vintage Sound, Dont Hesitate to find the better Model and better technician and recap the Amplifier with quality Imported components to serve for next 10 Years

Its Worth, Since its not easy to get Vintage Sound in Economical or even Midrange Modern amplifiers.

 

[rpanand25]

Any pointers to the source for vintage amps in USA? Properly refurbished perhaps? and price? I hear there are good restorers.
If i go there next year i may bring back . Budget below $300

 

[Music Freak]

Any pointers to the source for vintage amps in USA? Properly refurbished perhaps? and price? I hear there are good restorers.
If i go there next year i may bring back . Budget below $300

The amps listed by the top rated sellers on ebay.com is the best bet. Their description about the item will be 100% authentic & trustworthy. You can just go ahead considering it if the amp meets your requirement or you may probe them. As you might know, better to get the general model (220-240V) as these consume great power & having a bulky step down transformer in your set up will look odd. Good luck.

 

[drkrack]

The amps listed by the top rated sellers on ebay.com is the best bet. Their description about the item will be 100% authentic & trustworthy. You can just go ahead considering it if the amp meets your requirement or you may probe them. As you might know, better to get the general model (220-240V) as these consume great power & having a bulky step down transformer in your set up will look odd. Good luck.

Any idea about Marantz PM 54 and PM 64 (not MK2) ?
according to specs have first quarter of volume levels in Class A amp mode ,is it right? How about heating issues ? a local dealer is asking 22k for PM64 is it a good deal ? working & cosmetically fine as far as I can see.

Another option in the same range he has is Fisher CA2320 at 20k (which can be used as preamp as well)?
Also what are the best models in Kenwood KA series ?

 

[Audio_Freek]

Any idea about Marantz PM 54 and PM 64 (not MK2) ?
according to specs have first quarter of volume levels in Class A amp mode ,is it right? How about heating issues ? a local dealer is asking 22k for PM64 is it a good deal ? working & cosmetically fine as far as I can see.

Another option in the same range he has is Fisher CA2320 at 20k (which can be used as preamp as well)?
Also what are the best models in Kenwood KA series ?

Sir , PM54\64 Not worth for 22K,Within 10-12K Max.KR-9400,KA 8100,KA 907,KA-6100,5500 are few Models I know,But trust me you will not get these Stuff in India for easy price.

 

[kuruvilajacob]

I recently bought couple of vintage amplifiers. One is a Yamaha CA-810 . I bought it because it has 3 phono inputs . I found it's performance to be top class. I was never a Yamaha fan before. I bought a Luxman L 2 in mint condition from the original owner. It has not reached me yet. These vintage amps are a class apart from most of the new gen amplifiers

 

[Deleted member 45006]

I read some very good reviews about Yamaha's CA series. I had the L2 before, I m curious to hear how it stands against the Yamaha. I assume it will be lacking the low bass extension in comparison. But, luxman's treble is what I love the most, it's never harsh, not rolled even on the lower models. In the last few, I was having L210, L230, L405 and L410. Now I am looking for L5xx series, but they seem damn expensive! It always depends on what condition your device is. I had two Marantz Pm 30's in the past which sounded fast and the other slightly muddy and slow. This may be due to aging of caps on one of them. So, it's not the best idea to trust all of the online reviews, sometimes u might strike gold.


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