I want to pick up a vintage SS integrated

So basically I am going to look for Kenwood and Marantz receivers/integrateds that have been refurbished/updated.

Fair enough, my comment wasn't geared toward all modern amps, just the ridiculously pricey ones: $60,000 - $150,000 K...I mean, why?

I can get a PS Audio Sprout or a used Peachtree/Emotiva/Wyred4Sound for sure, but these old amps seem to have good specs and measurements as well. Certainly build quality was a lot better than 80's, 90's mainstream products.

Oh for sure I can pick up a modern one. I am in the market for a high end SS integrated, but as a stop gap I want to try a vintage, because of the aesthetics, plus they were also of a high quality. Real engineers were building real amplifiers, not "audiophile" gear for a wealthy set of clients.

Yeah I am definitely interested in the Marantz receivers. But they seem to be desirable, therefore expensive.

Thanks for the recommendations guys, I've been reading up on the Sansuis as well and they are definitely on the list (recapped). The AU 20000 is a beast! And the only one with meters unfortunately.

That's the thing, I don't wanna go the route of Accuphase, Luxman or Marantz's sought after models which will cost maybe $1000 - $2000 in nice shape, which will defeat the point of this exercise :)

If I can find a recapped, nice looking integrated (50 WPC or more) for around $500, that'd be ideal. 

I am actually planning to buy something along the lines of the Luxman L509X sometime next year for regular use.

Sounds like great times. Thankfully weed is becoming legal everywhere so I can enjoy great times as well ;)....lentil soup certainly sounds healthier than Doritos and salsa....