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Opinions on best vintage amplifiers

Musicman10

Musicman10

New Member
Hey Folks,
I currently use a restored Marantz 2325 with my Technics SL-1200 Modded by KAB with an Ortofon 2M black cartridge. I play a lot of late 60's thru late 70's Rock. I have a pair of new Klipsh RP-280F floor speakers. I'm considering buying an amp, and possibly a tuner, although I don't listen to FM much anymore.
I would like to know what your opinions are on some great vintage amps. I have a nice Marantz 1020 with the tuner, but I want to step up and get something really nice. Can you advise on what might be worthy to look into? Much Thanks!!
 
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As an example:

I bought a late '80's/early '90's Forte Model 3. Was a Nelson Pass company, 'budget' line of Threshold. Original MSRP in the $1000 range. 200W at 8ohms, 400W at 4ohms, so plenty of power. No electrolytics in signal path.

As far as restoration, there are just two big filter caps that are screw tops and maybe replace the bias pots.

These can be had for less than half of original MSRP and sound really good.

I'm sure there are many many more examples.
 
Tough question. Need more info for sure. Size of your listening room, volume needed, budget. Floor standers, stand mounts. The more information the better.
 
Looking for something integrated. Listening room isn't huge, probably 18'X20', drapes, hardwood floor w/area rug. I would consider spending up to 2K. I don't listen at super loud volume, but I prefer something with at least 65 watts min. The Klipsch RP-280F speakers would be used- they are a full sized floor model. I was a musician for many years, so I like a nice bottom heavy punch in my music. I realize vintage would most likely mean either having a recap done, or getting something already done. Thanks!
 
You seem to already have a pretty nice setup. What's wrong with your current rig that you think additional gear will remedy?
 
I enjoy my current set-up and don't really have an issue with it. I have the means to buy another piece of equipment, and I have always enjoyed amps as well. I'd like to find something that plays clean and detailed, with a punchy bottom end. Again, I have no issues with my current set-up. Just looking for another amplifier.
 
Musicman10 said:
like to find something that plays clean and detailed, with a punchy bottom end.
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So, in other words just like the Marantz already in your rig?

I'm just not clear on what you want, it sounds like you just want an amp for the sake of having an amp because you have money to spend and don't know what to do with it.

You have a small/medium space and don't listen at loud volumes. I don't really understand your need for any more equipment, but hey, it's your money.

If it were me, I'd take the $2k in your budget and buy like 100-200 awesome records.
 
Musicman10 said:
Hey Folks,
I currently use a restored Marantz 2325 with my Technics SL-1200 Modded by KAB with an Ortofon 2M black cartridge. I play a lot of late 60's thru late 70's Rock. I have a pair of new Klipsh RP-280F floor speakers. I'm considering buying an amp, and possibly a tuner, although I don't listen to FM much anymore.
I would like to know what your opinions are on some great vintage amps. I have a nice Marantz 1020 with the tuner, but I want to step up and get something really nice. Can you advise on what might be worthy to look into? Much Thanks!!
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Why don't you just use your old tube pa gear?
 
Specifically, benricci, i'm not rich. I don't have money that I don't know what to do with. I don't have an expensive vintage car or live in a million-dollar house. I work long hours and very hard for everything I own, and don't spend a dime unless my obligations are met first. I have a large record collection already, and can buy vinyl anytime. I'm simply asking the audiokarma community for their opinions on a good vintage amp. There is nothing difficult about my post, it is like thousands of other posts out there. The audiokarma community is awesome and never fails to come up with great advice, so that's the simple ask I posted.
 
The Klipsch speakers are pretty efficient, so big power is not necessary. If you are really into Marantz, I would look for a model 18 to start with. There are a few 10 B tuners, 7T preamps out there if you want separates, and amps ranging from adequate in power to real brutes. I come from a time when Marantz meant tubes. Thats big money. From your choice of speakers I can't see investing in Marantz reissues or Mcintosh.

Efficient speakers means you want very quiet amps, thats a reason to stay away from vintage electronics with compromised signal to noise ratios. My oldest has Klipsch RF series speakers as do some friends, and to us they can be a little edgy with the wrong electronics. The kid and most of my friends chose NAD, one has restored Sansui and one has Yamaha. Don't tell but I prefer the Sansui. So find a nice 70 watt unit or if you just have to something just over 100 watts per channel. But be careful. Who knows if diaphragms for the horns will be available 20 years from now.

When I buy hifi equipment its a permanent purchase to be kept a lifetime. Its the only way I can justify the investment. Some of my pieces are from the late 60's and have been rebuilt to be better than new. Thats just me being me. With the predominance of digital source material today and streaming becoming the predominant source for sound, recorded yesterday or currently I would forget vintage electronics. I would want something more current.
 
I had an early 80's silver faced Denon PMA series integrated that I really liked. I felt it was a notable improvement over my PAT5/Citation 12 combo.
 
Keep what you already have! Many would be happy to have what you already have.Marantz Power,Good Speakers?
 
While I have some of your attention, how about speakers? I know, there are SO many speakers and opinions out there!! If you had a Marantz 2325, what would you choose to run off of them?
 
I'd recommend becoming an AudioKarma Subscriber, which would give you access to Bartertown, where you will see wonderous things offered up for your consideration daily, and you'll be able to help a fellow member move along his cherished equipment so that he may chase his own next dream.
,,,,And the Beat Goes On...
 
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