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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?
128x128uberwaltz
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Good old eBay!

Just picked up a recapped and serviced Sanyo JCX2400k receiver for the grand sum of $50.....
Shipping costs more than I paid for it .. Lol.

Now this should be very interesting indeed, these things are overbuilt to say the least.
bluorion
468 posts
 
I've heard (and read) some good things about the Luxman 500 series integrated amps. I just replaced a Marantz integrated for a proper preamp and amp. I'm going to keep the Marantz for my vintage system. 
runkster's avatar
runkster
5 posts
 
Had a Pioneer sx1010 many years ago and loved it so when I had a chance to acquire an sx850 a while back for $200, I grabbed it and was liking it. Then about a year ago a local guy offered up a Philips fa950 integrated for $50, so I said what the heck and bought it just for kicks.  To my surprise, it bettered the sx850 and not by just a little bit.  A lot better sound in every way. Sold the Pioneer for $300 and haven't looked back. The Philips works perfectly and sounds great for SS. (My main system is tubes).  I know we're talking integrateds and I'm comparing with a receiver, but I think sometimes the nostalgia from the "glory years" influences our ears somewhat..  
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
I have never heard one of those Philips integrateds but the looks remind me of the Hegel units.

Quick ebay search shows not many in the USA and a few 240v versions being sold in the UK.

Sounds like a keeper, thank you for sharing!
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