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Recommended cheaper vintage SS Integrated Amps?

I’ve been pondering trying a vintage SS integrated amp for a while. Which brands *in general* aside from the obvious Sansui do you recommend, or specific models? Looking for that warm, mellow vintage sound I read about, which I know is very brand (or even down to model) specific

Three that I’ve found from a reputable vintage dealer are: Marantz 1070 (not recapped), Kenwood KA-3500 (recapped) and Pioneer SA-5800 (not recapped). Any thoughts on these? I know the Marantz 1070 is well liked but what about the other two?

Side question: should ca. 1970s amps be recapped? I’m getting different opinions on this but I would say yes given their age (electrolytics of this vintage aren’t nearly as robust as current ones)
greg7

Showing 1 response by iopscrl

iopscrl
206 posts
 
Accuphase, Luxman, Marantz, NAD would be good brands, and plenty of choices among their various models.

If you are looking for models from the 70's, early 80's, then YES I would investigate replacement of capacitors.  The chances of a 40yr old component operating as well as it did when new are very low, and declines each day.
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