Superampman
AK Member
No, it doesn't, hence my statement they were way ahead of their time.
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
But those are integrated amps with control functions. Power amps, the subject of the thread are just the watts per channel units. Most have on off and maybe a gain control for the channels. Some have meters. But if you like those Pio units, I'm ok that they are in the thread. It isn't my list of great power amps from the 80s. But if folks get wind of this change, maybe a few more integrated amps will show up. There were not many 200 wpc integrated amps back then, more today I would think. Only the A-90 in your list is 200 a side.
My favorites are the Threshold Stasis 2 and VTL MB-300.
There are evolutionary versions of each available today - Pass Labs X250.8 and VTL MB-450 Series III
There are evolutionary versions of each available today - Pass Labs X250.8 and VTL MB-450 Series III
swamppirate
Lunatic Member
Phase Linear DRS-900....though it's rated at 150 wpc on the low voltage side, it can achieve 450 wpc on its high voltage side into 8 ohms.
Dan Reardon
New Member
How about the SAE series Power Amps A501 250 wpc 8 ohm and A1001 500 wps 8 ohm? These are around 1982.
charles 1973
Super Member
Bryston's 4B power amp @ 250 wpc would be my go to amp if you are looking for an amp in the 200 wpc range that just gets out of the way. It's not warm or lush, unless your source is. Whatever you feed it you get back in spades. It is still made today as a 4B SST 3 @300 wpc now (500 wpc FTC @ 4 ohms) and is still a killer amp. Way more amp than I need.The 20 year warranty is just a side benefit.
I have their B100SST Integrated, Which uses the 2B SST power amp (100 wpc/180 wpc FTC @ 4 ohms) and BP16 Preamp on a single dual mono chassis. The backgrounds on music from this amp are the blackest I have ever heard. It's very much the 4b SST until clipping.
That said, I also liked Luxman, Accuphase (which I looked at before buying my Bryston) and Harman Kardon amps in this power range back in the day.
--------------------------------
Hey Dan Reardon!
I heard an SAE Power amp/Preamp combo powering a pair of Altec Lansing Model 19's in the early 80's. Man what a killer combo. IIRC the amp had a pair of red LED power meters. We don't seem to much about SAE around here.
I have their B100SST Integrated, Which uses the 2B SST power amp (100 wpc/180 wpc FTC @ 4 ohms) and BP16 Preamp on a single dual mono chassis. The backgrounds on music from this amp are the blackest I have ever heard. It's very much the 4b SST until clipping.
That said, I also liked Luxman, Accuphase (which I looked at before buying my Bryston) and Harman Kardon amps in this power range back in the day.
--------------------------------
Hey Dan Reardon!
I heard an SAE Power amp/Preamp combo powering a pair of Altec Lansing Model 19's in the early 80's. Man what a killer combo. IIRC the amp had a pair of red LED power meters. We don't seem to much about SAE around here.
Last edited:
PRESSON100
Member
For me I rank the Tandberg amplifier number one with the Bryston second. Although I have not heard the Accuphase, but I assume it is most likely as good or better. But the original list on this post seems to list middle end amplifiers that would not compare to the three previously mentioned amplifiers.
charles 1973
Super Member
Yes...I forgot about Tandberg. I remember reading a review comparing a 150 wpc Tandberg with an upstart class D power amp with WAY more power (I think 300+ wpc IIRC). The Tandberg ate it for breakfast.
70'sMusic
Well-Known Member
I also Vote on Luxman M-117 as Top 5...Using this with Marantz 7T.
I had a Spec 2(Great Looks) and the Luxman musically is so much better.
xero-D-hero
Super Member
Did anyone mention the Kenwood Basic M2/M2A yet ???
...If not they should have...
Those are so 80's it's hard to imagine a list like this w/o 'em.
JM2¢ ~ FWIW
Bret P.
...If not they should have...
Those are so 80's it's hard to imagine a list like this w/o 'em.
JM2¢ ~ FWIW
Bret P.
dondoucette
Too Many Projects
Similar threads
