Hi all, I'm (re-) building my setup.
In the market for a vintage 70s/80s integrated amp with phono stage. Will use mainly for music (need to pair speakers too) coming from vintage (Dual probably) turntable + some modern-day streaming devices (thru external HDMI splitter/DAC to the unit's AUX in). Lotsa rock, 80s dark and female vocalists.
Budget ~130$ (amp only)
I've put my eyes on:
1. Kenwood KA-3500, saw some nice feedback here about it, looks very solid build, dry tech specs are not-so-good: 0.2% THD, "only" 40W RMS per channel, I'm sure sound is a whole different thing. 70s unit, separated non-switching power supply.
2. Sony TA-AX500 - about 6 years younger than the Kenny, looks very solid, found one in pretty good condition, has an extra IN, MM/MC phono stage, some "CD direct" mode, a 0.008% THD and 80W RMS per channel.
more options:
3. extend budget for a higher model from Kenwood like KA-6100/5700/601?
4. something newer as Denon PMA-520 (not AE), is that pure class A? advantage over previous ones SQ-wise?
Really confused on what should I pull the trigger on.
Any insights greatly appreciated!! Thanks!
In the market for a vintage 70s/80s integrated amp with phono stage. Will use mainly for music (need to pair speakers too) coming from vintage (Dual probably) turntable + some modern-day streaming devices (thru external HDMI splitter/DAC to the unit's AUX in). Lotsa rock, 80s dark and female vocalists.
Budget ~130$ (amp only)
I've put my eyes on:
1. Kenwood KA-3500, saw some nice feedback here about it, looks very solid build, dry tech specs are not-so-good: 0.2% THD, "only" 40W RMS per channel, I'm sure sound is a whole different thing. 70s unit, separated non-switching power supply.
2. Sony TA-AX500 - about 6 years younger than the Kenny, looks very solid, found one in pretty good condition, has an extra IN, MM/MC phono stage, some "CD direct" mode, a 0.008% THD and 80W RMS per channel.
more options:
3. extend budget for a higher model from Kenwood like KA-6100/5700/601?
4. something newer as Denon PMA-520 (not AE), is that pure class A? advantage over previous ones SQ-wise?
Really confused on what should I pull the trigger on.
Any insights greatly appreciated!! Thanks!