• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Best affordable 50 - 70 watt amplifier from the 70s ?

T

Tom Settles

New Member
From the standpoint of sound quality and parts availability to completely restore, what are the best 50 - 70 watt amps I can buy for under $500 on Ebay in good condition? Sony, Akai, Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, etc.. I have a couple Kenwood amps (ka7100 and ka5500) in excellent stock condition that I planned on completely restoring/recapping but want to consider all options before proceeding. All input is appreciated.
 
Register to hide this ad
Tom Settles said:
From the standpoint of sound quality and parts availability to completely restore, what are the best 50 - 70 watt amps I can buy for under $500 on Ebay in good condition? Sony, Akai, Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, etc.. I have a couple Kenwood amps (ka7100 and ka5500) in excellent stock condition that I planned on completely restoring/recapping but want to consider all options before proceeding. All input is appreciated.
Click to expand...

BarterTown has a Sansui AU-719 offered at $375, no affiliation.
 
I agree with looking at some NAD equipment. Some of it still flies under the radar. Probably because of NAD's somewhat plain, no nonsense look.
 
Dr. Ears said:
BarterTown has a Sansui AU-719 offered at $375, no affiliation.
Click to expand...
^^this also! Shell out the $25 to access bartertown. Lots of nice equipment can be found at reasonable prices from AK members. I've bought equipment and parts listed in barter town from time to time. New stuff get listed all the time.
 
I swear by my Sansui AU-999. Prices fluctuate above $500, but currently see one one Ebay right now for $575. It's a tank that has a lot of warmth, clarity, and more than enough power. Quality construction.
 
Check out some of the late 70s Realistic models, like the STA-2000. It's a little over your wattage range at 75 wpc but they are generally very well liked and, in my opinion, compare favorably to similar Pioneer, Sansui, Kenwood, etc. models. They are reliable, easy to service, and I think they look great.
 

Attachments

  • img_2014.jpg
    img_2014.jpg
    96.5 KB · Views: 11
Harman Kardon A402, twin powered, easy to work on, great sound.
R.4b83a2d502ba09b591079781bf5c7464
 
Tom Settles said:
.... what are the best 50 - 70 watt amps I can buy for under $500.... I have a couple Kenwood amps (ka7100 and ka5500) in excellent stock condition
Click to expand...

I would clarify if you are looking for another integrated like the 2 Kenwoods you have or if your looking for Power amps.
 
I'm looking at 1975 Audio Digest - Hi Fi Stereo Guide magazine and for top rated Amps under $500 retail they have Yamaha CA800 and CA1000 as top choices with Kenwood 8006 and 6006 and Rotel RA1210 as close seconds. I don't think they tested all of the manufacturers, just 25-30 selected models for each category. Not sure what parts availability is for the Yamahas or the older Kenwoods.
 
Sherwood S7910. Very affordable and sounds the same as the S9910 but, with fewer watts. Looks like this S9910, but I’m too lazy to dig up my 7910967B0B02-9318-4BC4-97D9-C4AB3E9BA3AD.jpeg
 
Tom Settles said:
Only 70s or early 1980s please. Not interested in anything newer than 1982. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yes, why do people immediately try to steer a thread originator to something other than what they are proposing? You guys don't even know the OP's motivation before you do that. Why can't you just stick to the query?

Anyway, I would suggest a Heathkit AA-29. Rated at 35 WPC, they are really 50 watts as per the reviews of the day and sound great/authoritative.

Plus, assembly/service manuals are easy to find and the parts or substitutes are readily available. 2N3055 outputs - workhorses for many years now.

I use them or their pretty much equivalents in quad amplifiers to drive my four Advent stacks and it's wonderful.

Doug
 
Tom Settles said:
.. I have a couple Kenwood amps (ka7100 and ka5500) in excellent stock condition that I planned on completely restoring/recapping but want to consider all options before proceeding.
Click to expand...

To follow up on @rickl suggestion in your other thread I would suggest creating a thread there asking the dedicated Kenwood folks what their opinion is on what it would take to complete restore or if it they really need to be, from a cost point and then weigh that against spending potentially up to 5 hundy on another brand that you may or may not like.

It seems per your other thread you really like what you currently have

https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/i...ka5500-vs-ka7100-vs-ka6100-amplifiers.979700/
 
I'm a big fan of the Kenwood KA-5500...something about a silver face with power meters. 55 watts is plenty enough for most enjoyable listening.

Good luck with your inquiry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom