80s/90s amp advice - Denon or…?

[Hund-of-Doom]

You can’t go wrong with a NAD 3020. Soundwise, you have my word it blows most of the Denon amps mentioned above out of the water. They are prone to showing signs of old age, though, so try it before you buy it. There might be thumps and “spikes” at start-up/shut-down, or worse. Tread lightly.

Among “budget amps”, I want to mention the Sansui AU-D33 as well. It’s not supreme in build quality - lots of plastic and difficult to clean - but the SOUND. Wow.

 

[hopeless]

h/k, PM660 or 665.

 

[Filip I]

I would add another vote for 777/757 series, also 770/750 series, most of the people praise 900v as one of the best ( mid range gear ).1060 and 920 are newer, new denon crew,new sound...can't comment but it seem that most of the members here prefer original denon sound up to the 86'.

Also might be very surprised with sansui au 317 ( if 50 w is not a big issue here).Truly amazing little one. If you are using 4 ohm speakers and like your music loud than I would pass this one, this series mostly prefer 8 ohm speakers.

Finally, Yamaha a 720 seem to to go unoticed and very cheap but this amp is highly praised among my tech friends... ( Working in A class first 10 w ).

And yes,don't know Technics model mentioned but I would stay away if they have STK outputs in them.

Of coure it all depend what you can find,what condition,what price but most of the gear mentioned should be in that range...

Good luck!

Phil

 

[jayvis]

This one's from the late 70's, but it's a stellar performer and meets most of your criteria. The problem could be that this and other top integrated amps from that era that have been properly restored can cost as much or more than some of today's offerings.

 

[Filip I]

This one's from the late 70's, but it's a stellar performer and meets most of your criteria. The problem could be that this and other top integrated amps from that era that have been properly restored can cost as much or more than some of today's offerings.

Not to spoil the party,just supporing your review jayvis 717 is legendary,had it,had 317 as well, not a big difference unless you want to go wohooo on your volume knob. For most listening situations they are the same, 717 being more complex with more components that can go dead anytime ( almost 50 y old now ) 50w vs 85w won't make day and night difference.

Speaking of wolume knob, 717 has sealed ALPS pot, if that goes down it could be a big problem.Also famous deadly glue issue this series had.

And I dubt you will find one for 200 these days...

As someone who love and own Sansui collection, I wouldn't go for this one unless it is dirt cheap and you are able to verify its condition.

 

[reggaenaut]

And I dubt you will find one for 200 these days...

As someone who love and own Sansui collection, I wouldn't go for this one unless it is dirt cheap and you are able to verify its condition.

Good advice!

 

[jayvis]

Not to spoil the party,just supporing your review jayvis 717 is legendary,had it,had 317 as well, not a big difference unless you want to go wohooo on your volume knob. For most listening situations they are the same, 717 being more complex with more components that can go dead anytime ( almost 50 y old now ) 50w vs 85w won't make day and night difference.

Speaking of wolume know, 717 has sealed ALPS pot, if that goes down it could be a big problem.Also famous deadly glue issue this series had.

And I dubt you will find one for 200 these days...

As someone who love and own Sansui collection, I wouldn't go for this one unless it is dirt cheap and you are able to verify its condition.

Good tips. This is why I usually stay away from vintage audio. I'm not an electronic tinkerer and am not interested in spending time and money on restorations. I just want to listen to music.

 

[Filip I]

Good tips. This is why I usually stay away from vintage audio. I'm not an electronic tinkerer and am not interested in spending time and money on restorations. I just want to listen to music.

Yeep, vintage is beatiful can of worms...

 

[E2]