Best Vintage solid state Integrated Amplifier

[Lavane]

I'll eventually do that, though I'm not sure that it'll be a better preamp than the TA-2000. There's one way to find out, though! I recapped my 1060 and used higher rated caps, as recommended, and the bass did improve a good bit, but I'm sure it's not as good as the that ES. I've been looking for a nice TA-3200 to go along with that Sony, but those ES330's look good, too!

TheTA-3200's used to be pretty cheap. But the word on the 70's Sony equipment is out now. The smaller cube form Sony DC amps from that line are nice. There are two or three with different power outputs. Im thinking 40 and 60wpc? Maybe an 80wpc one too? I like them for there simplicity. I have a 3200F. I restored it a few years back. Recently the left channel just went dead. I haven't dug into it much yet other than to check the outputs. I'm not a fan if the limiter circuit and how it was implemented though.

 

[Grenadeslio]

Looks pretty clean and nice.

The vintage equipment were very solidly build. They are still alive after that many years ... unfortunately they are no longer affordable

The Kenny pictured is usually quite reasonably priced around $300 on the used market.

 

[Ray Gianelli]

So far the Sansui AU-717's that I've been buying and doing the Leestereo upgrade on have been the best integrated.

Even before the restore and upgrade they sound damn good.

 

[David_NC]

Slap a DC power amp on that 1060. I've been using my 1060 as a preamp for a model 140 power amp for some time. Recently I connected a Sony ES330 to it. You still get the same overall tone without the bass getting flabby at higher volumes.

The 1060 sounds really nice with my Dynaco ST-70, too.

The above is one reason I really have an aversion to integrated amps and receivers without preamp outputs. It's not that I wouldn't have one without them, but it's a big minus to me. Besides making the unit more flexible, quite a few make great preamps / preamp-tuners.

 

[wmgwizard]

Yamaha AX-1050
1990 - 1991
145wpc
40lbs
Very rare in USA

What a beast !!

Will drive anything but nails, sounds oh so sweet and looks darn good too !

 

[Lavane]

The 1060 sounds really nice with my Dynaco ST-70, too.

Yes it does. I've used my 1060 with a ST-70 and a ST-35.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Recently the left channel just went dead.

When I traced the lost signal in a 3200F it was found at the power switch, a wire had come loose. Traced from the input across the front to the switch and bingo back in business before getting to the boards.

 

[Lavane]

When I traced the lost signal in a 3200F it was found at the power switch, a wire had come loose. Traced from the input across the front to the switch and bingo back in business before getting to the boards.

Just one channel though?

 

[Blue Shadow]

yes

 

[frommerstop]

Accuphase or Luxman, if price isn’t a big issue. If on a budget, try to hunt up a Philips 388 or 384.

 

[RTally]

The only integrated I've owned is a Luxman LV-113. Vintage 1988 to 1991. 65/70 wpc @8ohms. Has a built-in DAC that sounds good. Paid $25 a couple years ago, but good luck finding one at that price.

 

[Inscrutable]

Best I have, and bought twice, is Plinius 8200MkII
For vintage, I’d say Sansui AU-717 over Denon PMA-900
Honorable mention to JVC JA-S44

Have a few others. I do prefer integrated+tuna over receivers.

 

[Turner-Table]

I was always fond of the Pioneer SA-9100 and Sony TA-5650. Reminds me I have a McIntosh MA-6100 that I need to get working and give a listen to sometime. I've just moved away from integrateds and to full separates for now...

 

[Akustic]

The only integrated I've owned is a Luxman LV-113. Vintage 1988 to 1991. 65/70 wpc @8ohms. Has a built-in DAC that sounds good. Paid $25 a couple years ago, but good luck finding one at that price.

View attachment 2113739

The Luxman LV-105 was a nice sounding amp ..
Hybrid with MOSFET outputs ..
Definitely a cut above most back in the late 80's ..

 

[doctor fuse]

I'm still partial to that little budget unit, the mighty NAD 3020.

 

[Almonds]

I’ve got a kenwood KA-9100 which has been mentioned a couple times in this thread-
That integrated is amazing. So I went out and scored a kenwood supreme model 600. To me that integrated is perfect- more power and so much detail and so many options on the front plate.
I bought a McIntosh MA-9000 and it saddens me after all the money I spent, but the kenwood is a nicer unit than the McIntosh.

 

[coonmanx]

So many good integrated amps out there. Not sure if there is truly a best one. How much power is needed? How does it sound? Many will sound damn near the same until you spend a lot of dinero...

Yamaha, Denon, Technics, Sony... Then you get into the more expensive stuff. I went through my NAD phase and now came back to Technics. But it is in no way "the best". It does sounds good for what I use it for... The new Luxman stuff looks great but would cost a whole lot more. That and McIntosh. Budget does matter to some. Accuphase is some quality gear as well. Just too much to choose from.

Right now my two integrateds are an MCS 3842 in the main system and a Kenwood KA-77 in the bedroom system. Neither would deserve being called "the best" but they both fit the bill for how I listen to music in my apartment.

 

[Ds2000]

This NEC A10X is a top class model. 70 pounds for 60 per channel. Classy build throughout.

 

[reddodge053]

This NEC A10X is a top class model. 70 pounds for 60 per channel. Classy build throughout. View attachment 2128372

Really Nice!!

 

[Bill Ferris]

Best integrated solid state amplifier I have owned, the McIntosh MA 6100. So fine, I've owned it twice.

,
My experience as well, Kent.