The Golden era of Japanese integrated amps, are we missing out?


Maybe it’s just me but.....
I just threw together an el cheapo system with a Sansui A-2100 integrated at its heart and diminutive Wharfedale Diamond 220 speakers.

And I still cannot get over just how good and right it sounds.... All for $240 total shipped!

So this got me thinking about the golden era of Japanese equipment and while tuners , tape decks and turntables appear to have large followings and a large knowledge and fan base, I do not get the same vibe on integrated amps?

Are there devotees of these amps out there?
I very rarely hear anybody talking about them and so many can be picked up for peanuts, I mean $75 shipped in perfect working order and decent cosmetics( and built in mm phono to boot!).
Are they likely to be the next " big thing" or?

Thoughts?
uberwaltz

Showing 9 responses by jl35

When I mentioned refurbishing I was referring to replacing 45 year old dried out caps with equivalent new ones, not upgrading or changing 
I find I like them for a few weeks then not so much. Sold off about 30 pieces a few years ago to a new collector 
Yes. Didn’t literally mean fortune. Referring to big jump in price past few years. I still use a Tandberg receiver and Yamaha integrated and enjoy them. Love the vintage tuners though 
I had a Yamaha CA-810 that Ezekiel refurbished years ago. Great improvement. 
There has always been a small group that prefers vintage electronics, but usually refurbished with old caps replaced...