Sony TA-F 500ES integrated amp

[synsei]

Where does the 500ES sit in Sony's ES hierarchy, and is it any good? Also, does it utilze the Gibralter chassis?

[struth]

not as good as most es amps.

[walpurgis]

Where does the 500ES sit in Sony's ES hierarchy, and is it any good? Also, does it utilze the Gibralter chassis?

I take it you've spotted the one on eBay Dave? It caught my eye, but I did a bit of Googling and it seems to have a few reliability issues. Mainly concerning relay failures.

[synsei]

I take it you've spotted the one on eBay Dave? It caught my eye, but I did a bit of Googling and it seems to have a few reliability issues. Mainly concerning relay failures.

Yup, I remember reading about the relay issue a while back on here Geoff, however it seems a simple enough fix if it does go wrong.

The reason for the possible change of direction is that I have had a couple of modest Jap amps in the system over the past few months, including my own JVC AX-A3, and frankly I like what they do. In the system just now is a truly minty Pioneer SA-410. This thing is immaculate inside and out, but more importantly it sounds mighty fine driving the MA's. The top end can be a little unrefined at times but the thing is, this little bugger boogies along like Michael Jackson on speed, it really is quite infectious in a manner which puts the JVC and even the Quad/BTE pairing in the shade, my foot hasn't stopped tapping since it went into the system. Sadly it doesn't belong to me, it belongs to my stepdaughters boyfriend. Anyway it has got me thinking about battleship Jap integrated's from the same era and as such I'd like to give one a whirl :)

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/PioneerDuo.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/PioneerDuo.jpg.html)

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/fdbf1b09-6b86-4f28-9c6c-a63974158ca0.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/fdbf1b09-6b86-4f28-9c6c-a63974158ca0.jpg.html)

[walpurgis]

I have had a couple of modest Jap amps in the system over the past few months, including my own JVC AX-A3, and frankly I like what they do.

If you like Japanese amps, look out for a Harman Kardon 401 or 402 integrated. Also their dual power supply receivers are excellent, I had the 430 and the far punchier 730. Both great units. Of those mentioned I still have a hankering for another 730 receiver. It did everything well and looked gorgeous.

[synsei]

If you like Japanese amps, look out for a Harman Kardon 401 or 402 integrated. Also their dual power supply receivers are excellent, I had the 430 and the far punchier 730. Both great units. Of those mentioned I still have a hankering for another 730 receiver. It did everything well and looked gorgeous.


Thanks for the tip Geoff, I'll do some research on them. I'm willing to spend up to 300 quid on the right unit should one take my fancy. I'd really like a Pioneer SA-8800 or 9800 but they tend to punch out above my budget limit, although if somebody has something similar who would like to do a deal with me for the Skibo's I'd be amenable ;)

[istari_knight]

Yeah, its a bit pants... Much better off with a 700ES if going for an ES amp of that era.

Knowing the sort of sound you like Dave I would recommend looking for a Technics SU-V8, I feel gutted every time I think back to the minter I sold for £100 :rolleyes: They are really good amps, up there with any ES I've heard & go for under £200 generally. Failing that the Trio KA-801 currently on eBay would be quite nice, just needs a little service ;)

Don't be a brand snob :ner:

[synsei]

Brand snob??? Says he with the JVC AX-A3 :ner: :D

I will take a peek at the amps you mention James, I really am open to any suggestions :)

I take it you're a bit of a Youn Sun Nah fan then James ;)

[walpurgis]

the Trio KA-801 currently on eBay would be quite nice, just needs a little service

701, 801 and 901 would fit the bill. Nice amps.

[istari_knight]

I take it you're a bit of a Youn Sun Nah fan then James ;)

Completely ignorant I'm afraid :o

... Sounds like something nice from the takeaway :D

[struth]

Korean Jazz vocalist I think although not heard any of her work. Quite pretty too. Your avatar looks a little like her.

[synsei]

Completely ignorant I'm afraid :o

... Sounds like something nice from the takeaway :D


Korean Jazz vocalist I think although not heard any of her work. Quite pretty too. Your avatar looks a little like her.

Spot on Grant, I really thought it was her... ;)

[istari_knight]

Ah I see, maybe it is ? I dunno :D Looks more like a child enjoying a gramaphone to me :scratch:

[Mr Kipling]

Looks like a young Ronnie Corbett on my mobile.

[synsei]

Looks like a young Ronnie Corbett on my mobile.

Without his glasses on I can see what you mean... :lol:

[istari_knight]

:rofl: