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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)
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Showing 1 response by rfnoise

rfnoise
153 posts
 
Check out the Yamaha A-1000 (not DSP A-1000, that was a home theater receiver). It was their flagship integrated amp in the early eighties, and sounds excellent. It operates in pure class A up to 10wpc then slides into class A/B up to 120wpc into 8ohm thereafter. 4ohm stable.
It was available in black or silver, and can be had for a fairly reasonable price. I believe I paid around $200 for mine five or so years ago.

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