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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
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,587 posts
 
There used to be a member here who went by Ezekiel who did outstanding jobs refurbishing vintage gear. I'd spend hours perusing his ads and marveling at the quality of  his work. He may still be around but I haven't seen any of his ads in quite awhile.

All the best,
Nonoise
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
12,896 posts
 
On the net, I dont remember where is the video tough, you can listen to a match between the best tube amplifier sansui ever designed( the Au 111) and, after like 20 years of experiment the  best S.S. amplifier Sansui designed especially to be like his tube amplifier with exactly the same sound...After that you will understand why the Sansui sound is detailed and organic, and why the Sansui afficionados are the most fanatic of afficionados… I know I am now one of them... 
cscrutinizer
34 posts
 
I'm still enjoying my Kenwood KA-7100 60 wpc integrated, bought new 1978 for $200. Haven't done anything to it. 

Posted a while back asking for typical reasons why one channel went out. It was a bad interconnect ! Silly me, always look for the simple stuff first.
jl35
3,938 posts
 
I had a Yamaha CA-810 that Ezekiel refurbished years ago. Great improvement. 
baranyi's avatar
baranyi
717 posts
 
Dave Cox of Puckerbrush Audio is a great resource for refurbishing vintage gear. He is a former radio engineer and audiophile who has a bricks and mortar used audio store  located in Norway Maine. A great guy also! He has refurbished all sorts of vintage gear.
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