I bought a a Kenwood KA-7100 four years ago for the same reasons you are looking, Nitewulf. I think I paid $120 for it. Except for hitting it with deoxit, I didn't do anything to it. It sounds pretty good - especially for how old it is. I think it's one of the best looking vintage amps too.
It's been in a closet for years. Someday I'll use it as my first refurb project then give it to a nephew or friend. There are a lot of threads at AudioKarma about modding, repairing the 7100.
Something to consider that has a vintage look with less risk and better sound would be a new Yamaha A-S301 (60wpc) for $350. They are only sold in black in the US, but you can get new silver ones from Japan on Ebay for the same price or less.
A very versatile amp. The variable loudness is great for improving low volume listening. When you eventually get your higher-end amp, you could still use it for a 2 channel TV setup via the optical cable. (which is what I'm using my A-S801 for since I upgraded from that. FWIW, the kenwood hasn't been used once since I got new amps - it is gorgeous though.)
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS301B/Yamaha-A-S301.html
Happy hunting!
It's been in a closet for years. Someday I'll use it as my first refurb project then give it to a nephew or friend. There are a lot of threads at AudioKarma about modding, repairing the 7100.
Something to consider that has a vintage look with less risk and better sound would be a new Yamaha A-S301 (60wpc) for $350. They are only sold in black in the US, but you can get new silver ones from Japan on Ebay for the same price or less.
A very versatile amp. The variable loudness is great for improving low volume listening. When you eventually get your higher-end amp, you could still use it for a 2 channel TV setup via the optical cable. (which is what I'm using my A-S801 for since I upgraded from that. FWIW, the kenwood hasn't been used once since I got new amps - it is gorgeous though.)
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS301B/Yamaha-A-S301.html
Happy hunting!