WTD: Vintage Integrated Amplifier

[Weeman1973]

Really fancy a vintage Integrated.

Something big and chromey with wood, yes must have wood sides, top, bottom whatever.

A good phono stage is a must as will be pairing it with my LP12.

Bigger the better with power to spare. Also an Aux input as will also stream to said amp.

Will also consider a receiver but it must be in tip top condition with everything working, no dirty or crackly pots etc and a recent recap or service would be preferred.

Thinking around £500 but would stretch for the right Luxman or Accuphase.......)

Let me know what you’ve got!

[RobbieGong]

I really like the look of this. Luxman too, so should be quality.

Seller accepting offers as well ........ https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LUXMAN-L-...wAAOSwzqBcsfNQ

Owner appraisal https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_li...an/l-525.shtml

[vintagesteve]

Consider Pioneer and Sansui who both made amps that were world class or even leaders in their class. Problem is you're unlikely to get one of those for £500.

[RobbieGong]

Consider Pioneer and Sansui who both made amps that were world class or even leaders in their class. Problem is you're unlikely to get one of those for £500.

Exactly and unfortunately.

I wanted to suggest Sansui for sure as a big Sansui user/owner, and Pioneer too but as pointed out, not impossible but couldnt see any of their big/powerful vintages for that money

[Lawrence001]

I really like the look of this. Luxman too, so should be quality.

Seller accepting offers as well ........ https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LUXMAN-L-...wAAOSwzqBcsfNQ

Owner appraisal https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_li...an/l-525.shtml

Never seen a phono straight button before I thought that only started with CD.

[Weeman1973]

Consider Pioneer and Sansui who both made amps that were world class or even leaders in their class. Problem is you're unlikely to get one of those for £500.

There are Sansui and Pioneer within budget but then perhaps not the ones to be looking at.

There is a nice Pioneer SA8800 for around the money I’m looking for but it’s in Preston.

My issue with spending more or even like SA9800 money (£1500) is that the end of the day, it’s a 40 year old (+) amp and for that cash there are better options to be had with modern equipment.

Looks like I’ll have to rethink.

[vintagesteve]

There are Sansui and Pioneer within budget but then perhaps not the ones to be looking at.

There is a nice Pioneer SA8800 for around the money I’m looking for but it’s in Preston.

My issue with spending more or even like SA9800 money (£1500) is that the end of the day, it’s a 40 year old (+) amp and for that cash there are better options to be had with modern equipment.

Looks like I’ll have to rethink.

Indeed, but there's a certain nostalgic joy to be had running a beautiful looking vintage amp that not only performs as good as if not better than many modern amps, but its physical presence with those wooden side panels and lots of knobs and switches is irresistible. A modern black or silver box just doesn't compare in that respect.

[KJM]

I'm with Steve on this. I've had some very high end amps over the years but a year or so ago when in an 'in between' period acquired a vintage Sony TA5650 Vfet as an interim measure. I was astounded at how good this amp was. Curiosity aroused I chanced across a Yamaha CA2010. Again, ��. There's a vid on YouTube reviewing the CA2010 against its modern equivalent. Check it out, speaks volumes. I've 2 vinyl sources. LP12/Aro/Troika, Garrard 301/SME309/DVXXII. They're both far from uncomfortable hooked up to these amps.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I'm with Steve on this. I've had some very high end amps over the years but a year or so ago when in an 'in between' period acquired a vintage Sony TA5650 Vfet as an interim measure. I was astounded at how good this amp was. Curiosity aroused I chanced across a Yamaha CA2010. Again, ��. There's a vid on YouTube reviewing the CA2010 against its modern equivalent. Check it out, speaks volumes. I've 2 vinyl sources. LP12/Aro/Troika, Garrard 301/SME309/DVXXII. They're both far from uncomfortable hooked up to these amps.

I've also owned a Sony TA5650 VFET amp and the power section, particularly, is absolutely astonishing.

I now own a Denon PMA-850 and don't know of a modern day amp , at a remotely affordable price, that comes anywhere near it.

Top end vintage stuff is amazing vfm.

[walpurgis]

I've also owned a Sony TA5650 VFET amp and the power section, particularly, is absolutely astonishing.

I had one, lovely sounding amp. I'd like to try a TA-8650.