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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
103 responses Add your response
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
^^^ I also had a Yamaha CA 1000 back in the day. It had a switch where you could run it in class A. The only difference I noticed was it ran a lot hotter in Class A with no difference in SQ in either mode. It was a nice sounding unit for sure.

Its not Japanese, but these were some really good sounding receivers in the day ...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TANDBERG-TR-2045-FM-STEREO-RECEIVER-SOUNDS-INCREDIBLE/183917204224?hash=item2ad251d300:g:vlEAAOSwvdxdUGMl
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
I do not think I have ever owned any Yamaha besides an Rd500LC back in the days of my 2 wheeled madness, that thing was a hoot!
Certainly nothing electronic or music related.
Back in England, Yamaha tended to be a bit more expensive than majority other Jap stuff.
So it was mostly JVC, Akai, Aiwa, Trio and Pioneer, probably the largest Japanese sellers back in the 70,s from my memory.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Does anyone else who runs Japanese vintage receivers hear the same as I do?

That they really do not need to warm up to play at their best.
I honestly cannot tell any difference on my Sanyo whether it's fresh power on or been on for hours.

This is very different to my BAT which sounds it's best after a good hour of power on.
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