Used Integrated under $500 - Vintage or Modern?
- Thread starter kray
- Start date
Aria is great. It was 90-95% as good as a LFD I had at twice the price. It must be on your list to try if you’re looking for an integrated around $1200 used.
Oh thats good. I've got a soon to be released version of the Aria in the works with Mr. Belles right now that replaces his current flagship. Should be done in a few weeks.
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Warm and relaxed is the definition of the Rega Brio. My Yamaha 801 does indeed have plastic knobs but sounds absolutely fantastic. I listen in the Direct mode, which bypasses all tone controls, all of the time. I’ll accept the plastic knobs with the sound quality focus of the design.
240sx4u
Technically It's LexusGuy
I reallly like my Belles preamp. I bet the integrated will be wonderful. Please keep us updated!
Will do. I'll probably start a thread on it when it's received.
I will add my vote for Exposure. I use an Exposure 2010S2 as an alternative to my tube amps When driving Proac 1SC. The Proacs are very revealing with a slightly tilted up top end. The Exposure is compatible with that high end without dulling the sound. Arty Dudley’s review is pretty spot on.
For the O.P. Since there has been so many suggestions for an Exposure,
Echo Audio | Exposure 2010s2
Exposure 2010s2 Nice sounding British 75 watt integrated amplifier with remote. ReviewReview2
echohifi.com
No affiliation. They are semi - local, and I have purchased quite a bit of gear from Echo Audio.
Dan
At one end, you could try a modern no frills class D like the Fosi V3 under $100.
One of the best understated units is the late 90's Marantz PM-17SA
They were made in Japan the old fashioned way - big power supply, real heat sinks, 4ohm power almost double 8 ohm power, etc.
In gold, black, and maybe silver...not sure if under $500. these days, but a good one for the radar...
One of the best understated units is the late 90's Marantz PM-17SA
They were made in Japan the old fashioned way - big power supply, real heat sinks, 4ohm power almost double 8 ohm power, etc.
In gold, black, and maybe silver...not sure if under $500. these days, but a good one for the radar...
old small Kenwood 4002 etc are laid back, spacious and cheap as hell. crazy bang for buck imho. i am allergic to brightness and these old kenwoods knocked off several pricier and highly-regarded integrateds.
That's a really good find. I think in terms of performance for the dollar, used gear from the late '90s to mid '00s is where its at.
And though I have had extensive experience with the broad category of what's routinely called 'vintage solid state' as in 1970s and early '80s I..um.... I wouldn't recommend. -any- of it except for nostalgia and aesthetics. I don't think it sounds great, and operationally I've rarely had a unit that either didn't have issues or develop issues over time.
Probably good platforms to stuff with a couple of Class D modules and call it a day.
And, no, I am not being facetious.
EDIT: Of course - on the other hand - insanity is always an option.
Please note: I am not suggesting that the late Fred Nachbaur was insane... but... doing this to an old hk receiver... well... seems kind of out there. I'm glad he did it, if for no other reason than giving the internet these memorable photos to memorialize him & his work.
source: Fred's Vacuum Photo Gallery
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I have an Onkyo A-7 modified with newer transistors and op-amps by Quirk Audio (who is also a member here, or was). The mods really help bring it up to date and its a great unit. When it comes to stuffing Class-D into something, my suggestion: just buy a nice little Class-D amp. No stuffing required.Probably good platforms to stuff with a couple of Class D modules and call it a day.
And, no, I am not being facetious.
EDIT: Of course - on the other hand - insanity is always an option.
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Please note: I am not suggesting that the late Fred Nachbaur was insane... but... doing this to an old hk receiver... well... seems kind of out there. I'm glad he did it, if for no other reason than giving the internet these memorable photos to memorialize him & his work.
source: Fred's Vacuum Photo Gallery
As far as whatever is happening to that poor HK receiver, I mean ...go on with your bad self? I don't know what to say other than this hobby is a different hobby for all of us
I would add the late 80's to that, at least for FM tuners. It was the last time the big companies in Japan, with deep pockets, did true innovative stuff that mattered. And home theater had not totally invaded the stereo space.
For 70's vintage integrated amps, I do have a few here, being a tuner guy. I see all the $$$ action on top line stuff, that can be temperamental.
For that era, I like the "one down" models, usually far cheaper and simpler, but still very good. My experience with Yamaha SA-8500, not in a reference system, but as a reliable beater amp has been good. It survived 3 years with my daughter at college. A similar Kenwood receiver and a few pair of AR and KLH speakers met quick death there. I should known better on those speakers. I use a Kenwood KA-7300 in a basement area too. Never had the top off either one for service. All those knobs and and features are fun, too. Reverse stereo? No problem.
Maybe these lesser models were bought by more considerate owners...than the top shelf amps party men bought, and beat to death.
Many had microphone inputs, and were used in, ahem, clubs.
Not that I'd necessarily recommend my path to anyone, but I've got several nice vintage integrateds - Accuphase E-202, Luxman 5L-15, two Yamahas - CA-1000 and 1010 and a Teac A-X75 MkII, all in daily play (often many hours), all sound very good (but not interchangeably identical) and are perfectly reliable and problem-free.
Read through this thread and was surprised Pioneer was not mentioned.
My secondary system has a A-616 Pioneer, works flawlessly. Improvement over a Nad 7130, playing with Pioneer S-101 Customs. My recommendation though would be the Pioneer Elite SX-A6-J. My son has this amp in his room playing with LS35A's an outstanding system. Paid $600 Canadian for the SX-A6.
My secondary system has a A-616 Pioneer, works flawlessly. Improvement over a Nad 7130, playing with Pioneer S-101 Customs. My recommendation though would be the Pioneer Elite SX-A6-J. My son has this amp in his room playing with LS35A's an outstanding system. Paid $600 Canadian for the SX-A6.
Threads never die here they just take naps.
And I think that era of gear (where the Pioneer A-616 lived) is about the best value around. There's an A-717 in Japan for under $500 and what you can see through the top grill looks mighty impressive.
