2. amps-preamps
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Shopping for an integrated, advice s'il vous plait.

Some time ago I decided to upgrade my stereo and spent virtually my entire budget on speakers (no regrets), tacking on a Harman HK3490 as an afterthought. Well, it recently bit the dust for no apparent reason. It was only $260 and gave me 5 years of almost daily service, so I'm not too mad. Unfortunately there's nothing comparable on the market at that price, adjusted for inflation. The closest thing I could find was the Yamaha A-S801, but it appears to have the same build quality as my previous receiver. I'm not sure I'm comfortable spending close to $1k on something with disposable quality, so I've been assessing my options within my budget ($1500 max). Looking for an analog integrated with quality components and construction that will last me at least 10 years. So far I've narrowed my options down to:

Yamaha a-s1000 (new)
or
Vintage i.e. Yamaha ca-2010, Sansui au-717, Pioneer sa-9500 ii etc. 

My only problem with vintage is that it seems to take many months of waiting before a deal comes up on the model you want. I see a fully recapped and restored au-717 recently went on eBay for less than $700. Probably not gonna find a deal like that in the next year, if ever. 

TL;DR Would like thy esteemed opinions to vet my purchase of a Yamaha a-s1000. 


unknoahble
62 responses Add your response
2channel8
758 posts
 
Another endorsement for ami and yogiboy. But I love my Rotel RX-1052, so maybe add the RA-1570 to the list? Also, the Musical Fidelity M3i. 

If I were in the market the first three I'd audition would be the Rogue, the Wyred4sound, and the Musical Fidelity because my budget is limited. I also heard a Prma Luna that sounded divine. I'd probably shop so long the gear would go out of production before I decided. But what fun! Like dating.

If you need a quick fix while you shop, there's a RX-1052 on eBay USA for $300. If you were happy with the HK, it will be a modest upgrade.


mesch
3,481 posts
 
I also agree with ami. The OP is looking for an integrated that will prove reliable for 10 years. Many good suggestions here. 

What speakers do you have? 


yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,661 posts
 

@ami
Ditto!!
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
" How about this Marantz PM-15SI for $895? No affiliation with the seller, it looks like a great deal on an amp that's probably better than the Yamaha you're considering."

In no way downing that fine Marantz integrated amp you mentioned, but what makes it probably "better" than the Yamaha A-S1000/2000?

I am asking for multiple reasons including considering it for myself for another rig.

Bill
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
Seek out a used Vincent sv 236 mk.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
You might also consider the NAD C375BEE  or NAD C356BEE integrated amps

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-375BEE-Integrated-Amplifier
jond's avatar
jond
5,798 posts
 
How about this Marantz PM-15SI for $895? No affiliation with the seller, it looks like a great deal on an amp that's probably better than the Yamaha you're considering.
 https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-marantz-pm-15s1-reference-series-stereo-interated-ampl...
ami's avatar
ami
63 posts
 
@donjr - why would I be kidding?
Any of these integrated amps will sound far better than the Sansui (or similar), and will most likely be far more reliable.
I've heard the most highly regarded vintage receivers, including TOTL Marantz, Sansui, Yamaha, Sony, and others.
Some of them sound very nice, they do have a distinct 'color', which you may like, but none of them I would consider as high-end.
I even owned a much treasured Sony VFet TAN-8550 which sounded really nice, but I never even considered using it in my main system.

-> All in my humble opinion of course. <-


donjr
1,335 posts
 
"There are so many options for modern integrated amplifiers in your price range, why would you want a 40 year old Mass produced Japanese receiver?
Look here on Audiogon - within your price range currently for sale:
Canary Audio 608
Wyerd 4 Sound STI-1000
Jolida Fusion 3502S
Creek destiny
Krell KAV400ix
Anthem 225
Arcam A39"

Are you kidding?

ami's avatar
ami
63 posts
 
There are so many options for modern integrated amplifiers in your price range, why would you want a 40 year old Mass produced Japanese receiver?
Look here on Audiogon - within your price range currently for sale:
  • Canary Audio 608
  • Wyerd 4 Sound STI-1000
  • Jolida Fusion 3502S
  • Creek destiny
  • Krell KAV400ix
  • Anthem 225
  • Arcam A39
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,661 posts
 
Another option under $1500 new!
http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_sphinx.htm
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
What a coincidence, I was just listening to some Steely Dan on my Yamaha A-S1000/CD-S1000 combo.  Each time I fire up this rig I become more and more amazed how it just let's the music flow.  Dead quiet, punchy, very detailed.  Did I mention the build quality?  A hefty 48.5lbs of solid chunk.  

As much as I love the A-S1000, for $1500.00 you should be able to pick up an A-S2000.

Are you in the US?

Accessories4less has one left that's refurbished for $1399.99.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas2000bl/yamaha-a-s2000-natural-sound-stereo-in...

Bill
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