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Intergrated Amp Suggestions

B

Browner

New Member
Hello, I'm new to the forum and looking for some suggestions from some more knowledgeable folks for an integrated amp (or receiver) to replace some aging Crown gear. Current set is D-150,IC-150,OC-150 and a Marantz ST-120 with machined matching Crown face plate. Anyway, the amp will be powering some re-capped K-horns in a relatively small listening space. I figure the power requirement isn't all that high, but would still prefer something at least in the 30-75 watt/per range. Of course Marantz is a consideration but which model? I can't afford to start a collection I'm afraid (as much as I would like to).
I've also heard from some trusted local sources that Sansui/Klipsch makes a particularly good combination.

I would like to hear some suggestions for units that would be good fit, but not break the bank. I would like something with an excellent MM phone stage as well.

Are there some specific brands/models that you think are perfect match?
Currently thinking of these brands, but I don't know which ones to choose/avoid, etc.

Marantz
Sansui
Kenwood
Pioneer
Others???

Appreciate any and all suggestions and feedback.:scratch2:
 
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You do not say if you're looking for modern or vintage. If were talking vintage, there are three that I am familiar with and will perform wonderful... Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Kenwood.

When you are talking vintage audio, IMHO any of these are packed with enough power to suit any need. For instance, Onkyo back in the 70s introduced the A series. The A-7 was referred to as "The Stomper" because it stomped the competition. Apparently the power supply was underrated at 68wpc. Pioneer came out with several new models, but two in mind are the SA-X06 series (SA-506 - SA606 - SA706) and the SA and SX series. Marantz was huge back in the 70s when Saul Marantz still owned the company.

A member made a comment in a thread where he said and I am paraphrasing, " Any silver faced models are the ones to look for."

Other members will chime in about the other models. The vintage models will give you the best bang for your buck, and either model will give you stellar performance.

Good luck on your search and keep us posted! :music:
 
Thank you Telemike, Harman/Kardon is another underrated brand. I would put H/Kup there with Marantz, Pioneer, and Onkyo. I just recently bought a H/K Citation 19 and Citation 17 for my vintage system I am putting together for a dedicated listening room downstairs.
 
Yamaha? I have a CA-1010 that sounds wonderful and has been amazingly reliable and durable. Accuphase? A number of great options there as well. I think the E-202 is a fine sounding unit. Sansui intergrateds are very highly thought of by many as well. There are also some reasonably priced new units worthy of consideration. I haven't heard any personally except the current Yamahas and I've liked what I heard there so far.
 
4Play makes a good point of new vs vintage. Actually I am a bit on the fence with that. The new stuff would likely have the network connectivity I want included. So how does a say $600 new Marantz compare (sound wise) to maybe a vintage unit at the same price point?

On another note, I have looked at barter town a bit and of course there's a variety of equip on epay. Are there other sites I should be looking at?
 
I think your first step is decide on vintage v modern. Does a remote or network or any of these things matter?
Having worked in the biz and tried a ton of different modern integrateds and vintage receivers and integrateds , my feeling (and this is just me) I jsut prefer the sound of some of the older gear. There are many nice modern pieces but much of the modern gear I have tried seems to be detail and resolution driven and seems to lack hamonic structure or something. I have have tried some highly praised and reviewed gear and I swear standards have dropped and or ears have changed. I want a modern item with remote but am often disappointed.
I do not care if I can hear a guy tap his foot or fingers sliding. I just do not hear that in a live setting or if I am in a room with the instrument. Having said that it is personal choice. Lots of good vintage gear has been mentioned. Modern offerings from NAD, Rotel, Onkyo, Yamaha. One of the best I have ever heard was a Exposure 2010S Reminded me of vintage gear because it sounded like music and had soul. Liked it better then my $3200 bel canto. I would do some comparing if you can.
 
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I have an audiolab 8000a and I think it's a fantastic bit of kit, superb mm phono stage and a highly rated amp. Drives my missions with ease, produced until '93 so you can choose your vintage and I know as a second hand amp, at that price, it beats hands down anything you could buy new. I too am a strong advocate for vintage over new.
 
Lots of good information guys, thanks for helping make a decision! I'm convinced that vintage is the direction I want to go. More in a bit..
 
Here’s a short list of units I found on the E-chance auction site. I know there could be some real gems or some duds on this list but I don’t have the knowledge to know which is which. Appreciate your preference/thoughts on these please.
Marantz Pretty much any in the $500ish price range
Pioneer SA-7100/SA-8500/SA-1000/SX-1050/
Yamaha CR-600/CR-802/CR-1020/KA-5700
Kenwood KA-3500/KR-6600
Sansui AU-717/AU-719/AU-5500
Given my current gear which is working well, would I actually be improving sound quality? The early Crown IC-150 although technically excellent seems a bit harsh through the K-horns. (The reason for this whole exercise to begin with). I’ve heard others have changed the op amps that made some improvement in tonal quality. With that mod am I actually going to approach the tonal quality of something on this list? Does anyone have experience doing that?
If only I could do an A/B comparisons…
 
Doesn't show up much and cost some coin but if you were to get the Luxman L-85V and T-88 you'd be happy. Or step up the power to the L-100 or L-110 and T-110 or down in power to the L-80/T-88.

If the Crown is leaving, you should get the funds to buy what you want and there is some decent gear out that. You might even want to try tubes as Klipsch like tubes.

That ebay idea...since you are a subscriber, post up in barter town what you want and get better gear, packed right from someone that knows the gear a bit instead of someone trying to cash in on an old chunk of electronics they got from who knows where and they have no idea how to ship.

Where are you located? Maybe someone local has something that they might let you hear.

Other gear, maybe the next series of Luxman, the L-450, L-480 and L-580 with matching tuners. Or the HK gear sounds nice. Lots of vintage choices. Even some modern ones since you don't have high power demands.
 
Likely a poorly received 'suggestion' ..But what the heck :-)
A simple stoopid Lepai ta2020 chip based Amp (20w channel, Lots for the K's ) from China (through Ebay) ~$20 delivered. WILL at least! equal Any of the above mentioned 'traditional' amps.. True actually!.. and the proof is in the hearing.

Couple of caveats though: It is a Really Cheap product, built using primarily Fake components so durability is Iffy. But hey $20 :-)
One can buy Far Better quality Ta2020 amps though.. IF you so desire.
It does require a separate ..12v 5Amp.. type PS (laptop ones work Well ~$10 delivered)
Also! No Phono section.. But a perusual through the other forums here will suggest another Really inexpensive and highly regarded standalone Phono gadget
 
The only 2 of those you listed I've heard are the Pioneer SA-8500 and the Sansui AU-717. Both sounded really good with anything I've heard them connected to. Just not real powerful as some of the bigger models. However once I got my Onkyo Integra A-8087, all else was forgot. The others were borrowed and promptly went home. The best part was finding it in the local CL for forty smackers. Keep an eye out. You just never know what can turn up.
 
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