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 3 responses by sejodiren

I recently purchased a Proton D540....Taiwanese I believe.  It sounds amazing.  From the late 80's.  6db of headroom.  Just brought my Dahlquist DQ10's to life.  https://therobbcollections.blogspot.com/2018/07/proton-audio-nad-and-dynaco-are-cousins.html

@roberjerman..a tech with 40 years exp had suggested it.  Said it sounded better with the 10's than any power amp he'd heard.  Found one in Seattle.....best $159 I have ever spent.  I'm not an audiophile like most of the folks here, but my ears know what they like!  Great thread here....