Modern Versus Restored Vintage SS Amp Sound Quality?


 

I'm considering buying my first restored SS integrated amp (Sansui, etc.). It'd be. fully re-capped, problem transistors replaced, etc., good as new operational specs. I couldn't find much insight searching the forum (ditto AudioKarma). Has anyone compared vintage SS amps versus comparable modern amps? What was the result? If we assume modern SS gear is largely neutral with subtle differences, and easy to drive speakers, what can I expect as far as *general* sonic differences? Or is it highly dependent on the brand of the vintage amp? I've read a lot of disparaging remarks against 1970s Japanese SS gear for being bright, sterile, lean, etc. due to excessive and poor global negative feedback application ("the distortion wars") but I never read about it here, which I find odd that no brand(s) of vintage SS gear are known for that sonic issue

greg7

It depends greatly on the amps. My Thresholds SA/1 or Krell KSAs are great amps even compared to modern amps. Old tubes are also good. Old SS mid level gear will likely not compete with modern amps.

problem transistors replaced...

Good luck finding those for old gear. You blow the transistors and most stuff is junk. 

General knowledge: Mass market vintage equipment was not that good. There are exceptions but they are rare. There is so much really good modern stuff it just doesn't make any sense to put any money into repairing old gear. 

I've been down this road and in my experience vintage can be great but like others have said its depends on the kit. 

I personally like the Sansui professional series. recapped etc they sound very similar to modern SS amps with a little more warmth but a little less over all detail. 

I Also like early vintage Luxman specially their class A amps from the about 78-84. L560 for example is wonderful and modern sounding. 

there or many others but do your research as there is a lot of mid-fi crap from those days as well.  Also many of the hi end stuff from the 80's are now vintage and could be a great find, early Krell, Classe A, etc. 

I'd honestly say there are better early tube gear than early SS gear as a whole.