Have to choose between Onkyo Integra A-8800 and AKAI AM-2400 Integrated amplifier

[cjacek]

I've been offered locally an Onkyo Integra A-8800 for $250 Canadian (about $188 USD) and an AKAI AM-2400 for $125 Canadian ($94 USD). If you had to choose only one of these, which one would you get? I'm doing some online research but it would be helpful if you guys could offer some words. Thanks .... so far have gathered that the Onkyo is a beast, heavy and underrated. The Akai on the other hand has the looks of classic amps but is lower in power and weight but sounds musical, seems to be the opinion.
Guys, as an aside question: Generally speaking, do the heavier amps or receivers, those who have a lot more power (watts per channel), tend to break down more, due to cold solder joints, presumably from generating a lot more heat?

 

[ET16]

Onkyo has much better specs. HiFi Engine comments mention potential dry solder joints.

 

[RI HiFi Guy]

The Onkyo all day long. I have another Integra piece and it absolutely sings.

 

[krautmaster]

Get the Onkyo- it is a late 80's model made back when they were still top quality (new ones, not so much) I have a M-506RS that my brother bought new in 1984 and the M-508 that I bought new in 1985, plus a TX-4500MKII receiver and an A-7 Integrated amp, both from 1978.

 

[The Fuxtor]

The Akai looks nice but is mediocre, integra all the way!

 

[Bodhi1]

The Onkyo all day long. I have another Integra piece and it absolutely sings.

+ 1

 

[Rob-ber]

The Onkyo. You'll get a better stage with the Onkyo. I have an Akai AM-2400 and I think its rather flat.

 

[cjacek]

Thank you very much for all the helpful replies, much appreciated!

 

[jayvis]

I'd keep looking. Be patient and let your budget grow for a while. It'll get you to a better place.

 

[cjacek]

Guys, please let me know if this looks good:
I asked the seller to test DC OFFSET for the ONKYO. He gave the following information (please also see corresponding photos attached):
-First two are with load connected (energy RC Mini);
-About 0.3mV but dropped lower after i launched camera app;
-When there's no load, the DC offset is around 3mV but it also dropped after i try to take a pic of it.

 

[krautmaster]

Those are EXCELLENT numbers, snatch that bad boy up asap!

 

[cjacek]

Those are EXCELLENT numbers, snatch that bad boy up asap!

Thanks very much, I made arrangements with the seller and will have the amp in my hands shortly.