Looking for a Vintage Integrated Amplifier

[fiddlefye]

Yamaha CA-1010 or CA-2010.

My vote's with you, but I haven't heard every one of the other amps mentioned. The Yammies go for really reasonable prices compared to their quality, that's got to be a plus and if mine is any indication they're extremely well made and durable. Oh, yes, they sound wonderful, sweet and incredible detail. My 2¢.

 

[Blackstone]

I have a Kenwood KA-1100SD. According to specs...150wpc at 8 ohms. (I think 210wpc at 4 ohms.) Powerful integrated amp that has served me well.

 

[bangsezmax]

The Yamaha CA-2010 is my main rig. Completely unmodded from how I got it. I doubt it's been touched on the inside.

It takes my breath away on a daily basis.

I have heard (and have owned) lots of fine gear. The CA-2010 just sounds uber-smooth and sweet to my ears. Outstanding phono stage, too.

I also really like the Sansui AU-999. But I like the Yammie more.

 

[lorne]

Since you own separates, I'd recommend an integrated amp that can be split into its section. This allows you options may be significant in the future. There will be a U-shaped jumpers on two pairs of RCA plugs on the back panel. This allows you to pair up your separates with either section of your integrated amp.

This may seem obvious to many, but we should remember that some pretty decent amps don't have such a feature. My Denon PMA-1090 doesn't ... and neither does my aging AR. Many of the Pioneers do ... my SA-8900 and A-717; the former is currently teemed up with Kenwood/Trio L-05M mono amps. (This is an excellent marriage.) As I said, it all depends on whether you want to create options.

 

[nailer]

And From Out of Left Field

Have dropped the meter requirement in favor of getting the best tuner. In addition, based on AKer input the new IAs are probably better than the Sony and Yamaha models I had selected.

My new, and never to be altered, choices are Kenwood's 1) Model 500 & 600T or 2) KA-907 & KT-917. I'm leaning to the first because of price and tuner selectivity (a tech I trust is steering me towards the 600T).

 

[Yamaha B-2]

My new, and never to be altered, choices.............

:lmao::lmao::lmao:Right.....and you'll only own one tuner for the rest of your life, too.

 

[Stegnick]

How about the Marantz 1152DC? (76 wpc)

Personally tho, I always loved my Marantz 1060, but only 30 wpc, tho.

 

[nailer]

:lmao::lmao::lmao:Right.....and you'll only own one tuner for the rest of your life, too.

Actually the current tuner count is 9 and am diligently working on acquiring a tenth. However, both Sansui are destined for a float down the river in the near-term and am seriously thinking of accepting the seller's refund offer on the one that just arrived damaged, but fully repairable.

 

[johnda]

By limiting yourself to 85 watts minimum, you are missing out on some REAL nice equipment from 50 watts-65 Watts. For example, I have a Kenwwod KA-6100 rated at 50 watts/channel at 8 0hms, and it is a beaut. I think there are McIntosh, Marantz and Sony vintage amps in that range also. Just a thought.

 

[bangsezmax]

In addition, based on AKer input the new IAs are probably better than the Sony and Yamaha models I had selected.

Your ears will tell you better what you like better than anyone.

I'm just sayin . . .

 

[nukeme]

Have dropped the meter requirement in favor of getting the best tuner. In addition, based on AKer input the new IAs are probably better than the Sony and Yamaha models I had selected.

My new, and never to be altered, choices are Kenwood's 1) Model 500 & 600T or 2) KA-907 & KT-917. I'm leaning to the first because of price and tuner selectivity (a tech I trust is steering me towards the 600T).

I just acquired that same setup, kenwood supreme 500 and 600t and I can say it's great, you wont' be disappointed. The 600t is a fantastic tuner, there seems to be quite a few on the bay lately.

 

[bre's dad]

what are opinions on the Kenwood KA-5700 amp & KT-7500 tuner? Found a pair on CL. We'll be in his neck of the woods this weekeknd. He's asking about $50 on the amp & $100 on the tuner. I'm more interested in the amp. I've got all the specs, but am wanting some opinions. Other toys in my toybox in that range include a Pioneer sx-680 (30wpc) and a Technics SU-7700 (60wpc).

The Technics doesn't have much in the way of highs. Not sure if that's just how they sound or if it needs surgery. Its slated for a good cleaning this weekeknd, along with the Pioneer. The Pioneer sounds MUCH better all the way around.

I'd be open to getting both the amp & tuner, but the combined price is a bit out of my range right not, but I'm seriously considering the amp. Any thoughts? Not trying to hijack this thread, just seemed relevant to the original topic.

 

[nukeme]

what are opinions on the Kenwood KA-5700 amp & KT-7500 tuner? Found a pair on CL. We'll be in his neck of the woods this weekeknd. He's asking about $50 on the amp & $100 on the tuner. I'm more interested in the amp. I've got all the specs, but am wanting some opinions. Other toys in my toybox in that range include a Pioneer sx-680 (30wpc) and a Technics SU-7700 (60wpc).

The Technics doesn't have much in the way of highs. Not sure if that's just how they sound or if it needs surgery. Its slated for a good cleaning this weekeknd, along with the Pioneer. The Pioneer sounds MUCH better all the way around.

I'd be open to getting both the amp & tuner, but the combined price is a bit out of my range right not, but I'm seriously considering the amp. Any thoughts? Not trying to hijack this thread, just seemed relevant to the original topic.

I can't comment on the amp, but the tuner is great. I would still be using it if I hadn't moved up to the 600t. Mine was stock, but it's supposed to be very upgradeable. Great sound good bass. :thmbsp:

 

[nosirrah]

amp

consider the AU 9500 from sansui, you will never look back.
Casey

 

[nailer]

I just acquired that same setup, kenwood supreme 500 and 600t and I can say it's great, you wont' be disappointed. The 600t is a fantastic tuner, there seems to be quite a few on the bay lately.

"Man" he says with an almost inaudible whine in his voice, "if I get that setup now I'll be accused of being a copycat."

 

[art2music58]

Pioneer A71 Elite Reference.. is about the best i have heard...imho and the build is second to none.

 

[nukeme]

"Man" he says with an almost inaudible whine in his voice, "if I get that setup now I'll be accused of being a copycat."

I would bet there are a lot of guys here that have this same setup, so don't worry copy away!

 

[gearhound]

I have a little Kenwood combo:
KA-4002 Integrated Amp & KT-2001 Tuner.
Not a bad sounding little combo....especially for $20!?

Steve

 

[nailer]

Was doing a search for another thread I started and noticing this one remembered I never posted my selection. Decided on the Kenwood 500 Supreme and 600T combo. Sold the tuner last summer and the IA is currently gathering dust. The 500 is a nice sounding unit, but in audionerd terms not close to my separates.

 

[hifihippie]

My vote; Onkyo A-10 or its little brother A-7 well built both :thmbsp: