View Full Version : Sleeper Amps
I'm having a complete re-hash of my system and have put lots of it up for sale.
I will need a new (or used) integrated amp and expect to spend around £150.00 on it.
Does anyone know anything about the new Sansui SAP 201V. This model has been discounted by 50% and seems a bargain.
There are also various Onkyo models around the same price I've looked at. (A9155 & A9030).
Used vintage Sansui's and Sony ES models are also fairly easily got at this price.
I listen mainly to Rock, can't stand an overly bright sound and it will be paired with Tannoy Mercury V4's.
How do you feel about the whole vintage v's new debate? I would like a great amp for not a lot of money.
I realise there are few questions in here but any advice/thoughts would be great. :scratch:
I would go used rathr than new. And you'll need something that is not afraid to swing a bit of current to drive those Tannoy. Sony ES probabaly a good starting point. You could also check out AV receivers since they seem to hold nothing of their value once a couple of years old you can pick them up dirt cheap on ebay. Just get one that has a 2 channel direct option to bypass the internal DAC and that doesn't have a shedload of crossover distortion: Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, Sony, or Marantz. With some of the Onkyo receivers you can bridge the unused channels into 2 channel for more power.
whilst I agree with almost all of the last post, can I add a note of caution regarding 'older' AV amps.
I recently bought...and VERY rapidly discarded a all singing, all dancing AV receiver from pioneer.
my intention was to use it as you are being advised...in direct stereo mode with all the processing gubbins switched out.
as this receiver was less than 7 years old and one of the AIR STUDIO tuned models my thinking was at 110 quid and well over 100wpc I was one to a winner.....oh what a shock!!!
even with PURE DIRECT with turns of ALL digital effects, tone etc, the sound was shockingly bad and lets just say bright is putting it mildly.
probably a very good buy for home cinema....this model had HDMI so was not too old....but as a stereo model....nope.
Used every time. Look out for a good used Denon PMA350UK spec model. Built like a battleship, really well designed and will do rock all day long with the Mercury V4's (a great match in fact). Built in phonostage and remote control too. Expect to pay about £100. Sony ES models ok providing they're the higher spec models.
Any decent powered Sony would be my vote, dont get too hung up on ES. TA-FB930R or 940R would be good boxes to own for instance.
+1 for an old AV receiver. Had a really old, late 80s Pioneer and to my surprise found it surprisingly easy to sit in front of. Guess every brand has good and bad models and I must have struck a good one.
Hal55
istari_knight
11-03-2014, 01:06
All good recommendations so far but I will say: Not all Denon PMA-350's have internal phono stage's, Its generally assumed they do but I've seen more without than with. The PMA-355UK would be a better bet IMO [its basically a 350SE with relay input switching, remote control & every one has a phono stage ;)]
AV amps, some are great but most are crap... Simple as that. If you do take this route I would suggest looking for an Arcam [either AVR-100 or AVR-200] They sound pretty good on 2 channel & can be picked up for under £100.
Pioneer A400, Cyrus streightline both very good amps
fiddlemaker
11-03-2014, 08:08
Post-Farlowe Exposure take some beating in terms of VFM. Wonderful sound, very reliable and a nice 2010 integrated can easily be found for around £150.
With rare exceptions, vintage solid state Japanese amps sound poor IME.
Just sold my Sony TA FB940R QS amp today so am on the look out now.
istari_knight
12-03-2014, 01:07
With rare exceptions, vintage solid state Japanese amps sound poor IME.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c129/istari_knight9/zip_zps600615f4.gif
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c129/istari_knight9/zip_zps600615f4.gif
Ditto.
Just sold my Sony TA FB940R QS amp today so am on the look out now.
:doh:
fiddlemaker
12-03-2014, 14:59
Ditto.
Christ. You lot will be extolling the virtues of vintage japanese graphic equalisers (preferably in "u" configuration) next.:)
Probably not, nor will we be making sweeping generalisations either :-)
istari_knight
12-03-2014, 15:15
Equalizers are used in recording studios, broadcast studios, and live PA... I wouldn't have an issue with using one at home if I felt the system required it.
Vintage Japanese ? If I must :D
http://www.hifido.co.jp/photo/10/549/54936/a.jpg
Probably not, nor will we be making sweeping generalisations either :-)
+1
Equalizers are used in recording studios, broadcast studios, and live PA... I wouldn't have an issue with using one at home if I felt the system required it.
Vintage Japanese ? If I must :D
http://www.hifido.co.jp/photo/10/549/54936/a.jpg
Either that or those made by Urei or Klark-Technik.
It used to amuse me when Naim Audio made a big thing of excluding tone controls when promoting their preamps: claiming that the presence of tone controls interfered with the sound. Agreed, most Baxandall-style tone controls were crude and of little use, but the real reason Naim dispensed with tone controls in their NAC12 preamp was because they fully expected it to be used with graphic equaliser! :lol: (And claimed so in their promotional literature.)
fiddlemaker
12-03-2014, 16:07
Well, I'm sorry for generalising. I do see the appeal of this stuff.
istari_knight
12-03-2014, 16:08
Either that or those made by Urei or Klark-Technik.
It used to amuse me when Naim Audio made a big thing of excluding tone controls when promoting their preamps: claiming that the presence of tone controls interfered with the sound. Agreed, most Baxandall-style tone controls were crude and of little use, but the real reason Naim dispensed with tone controls in their NAC12 preamp was because they fully expected it to be used with graphic equaliser! :lol: (And claimed so in their promotional literature.)
I wasnt aware of that, very interesting !
Either that or those made by Urei or Klark-Technik.
It used to amuse me when Naim Audio made a big thing of excluding tone controls when promoting their preamps: claiming that the presence of tone controls interfered with the sound. Agreed, most Baxandall-style tone controls were crude and of little use, but the real reason Naim dispensed with tone controls in their NAC12 preamp was because they fully expected it to be used with graphic equaliser! :lol: (And claimed so in their promotional literature.)
Just goes to show how history gets re-written...
The only issue I have with my graphic equaliser is that it doesn't have enough buttons and lights. Anyone got a spectrum analyser they don't want? :)
Just sold my Sony TA FB940R QS amp today so am on the look out now.
Bit silly- detention for you young man.
freefallrob
13-03-2014, 16:26
I'm currently using a Rotel RA-04, it's bloody good and has a fine built in phonostage.
Bit silly- detention for you young man.
Its the second 940 I've owned. I get bored after a while and fancy a change about.
Can I get off the naughty step yet?
Either that or those made by Urei or Klark-Technik.
It used to amuse me when Naim Audio made a big thing of excluding tone controls when promoting their preamps: claiming that the presence of tone controls interfered with the sound. Agreed, most Baxandall-style tone controls were crude and of little use, but the real reason Naim dispensed with tone controls in their NAC12 preamp was because they fully expected it to be used with graphic equaliser! :lol: (And claimed so in their promotional literature.)
Interesting, I don't remember that - do you have a link or scan available?
Thanks. Guy
Either that or those made by Urei or Klark-Technik.
It used to amuse me when Naim Audio made a big thing of excluding tone controls when promoting their preamps: claiming that the presence of tone controls interfered with the sound. Agreed, most Baxandall-style tone controls were crude and of little use, but the real reason Naim dispensed with tone controls in their NAC12 preamp was because they fully expected it to be used with graphic equaliser! :lol: (And claimed so in their promotional literature.)
Interesting, I don't remember that - do you have a link or scan available?
Thanks. Guy
I'll have a look - I have some of Naim's early literature. Their original market was aimed at the broadcast and recording industry. I first became aware of Naim Audio after seeing an advertisment for their NAP 200 power amplifier (forerunner to the NAP 250) in 'Studio Sound'.
I'll have a look - I have some of Naim's early literature. Their original market was aimed at the broadcast and recording industry. I first became aware of Naim Audio after seeing an advertisment for their NAP 200 power amplifier (forerunner to the NAP 250) in 'Studio Sound'.
Cheers, I tend to forget about the broadcast equipment origins of Naim :doh:
istari_knight
20-03-2014, 20:55
This is all I've been able to find from the early days :
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/13294896675_da00ea2d80_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920837@N06/13294896675/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/13294888545_ac867585df_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920837@N06/13294888545/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/13295256414_772dbc66ed_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920837@N06/13295256414/)
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/13295248134_0c6732986c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920837@N06/13295248134/)
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/13294867395_3f1c3f4b5d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920837@N06/13294867395/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/13295024273_1415c5ea32_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920837@N06/13295024273/)
I guess the adverts Barry saw pre-dated these by a few years.
jandl100
21-03-2014, 07:35
I've been more than a little bit amazed by the sq on offer from an Audio Innovations Alto amp - picked up on ebay for less than a £ton.
I am given to understand that you need to get an early version, which is what I have, not the later Richer Sounds models.
Even then Macca will tell you they are rubbish. :lol:
But I like mine very much. :)
walpurgis
21-03-2014, 10:47
These:
http://i62.tinypic.com/28jb3g7.jpg
Real 'sleepers'! Probably the biggest amp bargains out there. The Monarchy Audio SM-70 and SM-70 Pro pure Class A power amplifiers. I have both and they sound wonderful, regardless of price.
Link to a brief review that sums it all up: http://www.audioasylum.com/reviews/Amplifier-SS/Monarchy-Audio/SM-70/general/103128.html
Other review extracts: http://www.monarchyaudio.com/SM70_Main_frame.htm
jandl100
21-03-2014, 12:10
Hmm :hmm: I home-demmed Monarchy SM70, and I have to say I wasn't much impressed. Moderate rez at best, imho, a bit pipe&slippery. OK if you like 'smooth', but not all of us do.
But then I find that I never get on with solid state pure Class A amps - I always find them too smooth.
Those Monarchy amps are cute little buggers, though!
I've been more than a little bit amazed by the sq on offer from an Audio Innovations Alto amp - picked up on ebay for less than a £ton.
I am given to understand that you need to get an early version, which is what I have, not the later Richer Sounds models.
Even then Macca will tell you they are rubbish. :lol:
But I like mine very much. :)
Oi! Stirrer!
I like that Naim literature, like something from a different age.
Anyone ever own or even see that NAB 300 pro amplifier?
walpurgis
21-03-2014, 17:54
Hmm :hmm: I home-demmed Monarchy SM70, and I have to say I wasn't much impressed. Moderate rez at best, imho, a bit pipe&slippery. OK if you like 'smooth', but not all of us do.
But then I find that I never get on with solid state pure Class A amps - I always find them too smooth.
Those Monarchy amps are cute little buggers, though!
Bet it was the 'Pro' you tried. It has a slightly softer, warmer sound compared to the regular SM-70. I use both and there is a difference, the basic SM-70 being more open and lucid, but both sound lovely. They are a bit fussy which pre-amp you pair them with though. My 'Pro' sounds stunning with my big Tannoys, no lack of resolution in that application. I use valves too when it suits and don't find the Monarchy Audio amps wanting in any way in comparison, just different.
istari_knight
21-03-2014, 19:00
IIRC Jerry doesnt think much of Tannoy speakers either... Don't quote me on that though, my memory is somewhat hazy.
walpurgis
21-03-2014, 19:22
IIRC Jerry doesnt think much of Tannoy speakers either... Don't quote me on that though, my memory is somewhat hazy.
Oh well, each to their own.
Anybody not using Tannoys is missing out in some respects! :eyebrows:
(bet that'll ruffle some feathers)
Naughty Nigel
27-03-2014, 14:59
Oh well, each to their own.
Anybody not using Tannoys is missing out in some respects! :eyebrows:
(bet that'll ruffle some feathers)
Aren't Tannoys those things they have around race circuits for the PA? :)
(Runs away and hides.)
Nigel
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