Picking a new amp

[MadcapLaughs]

Quick opinions needed;

There is a chance to pick up a few amplifiers around the same price point, all look to be refurbished and proper cosmetic/ working order: Kenwood KA 907 integrated, a MC 2100 Mcintosh power amp, and a Scott LK 72 integrated. What would be the piece to jump for in your opinion? I know the comparison is apples and oranges since its power amp vs integrated vs tube...but simply on the merits of each piece alone, what would be the nicest piece for improving overall audio setup? Thanks!

 

[SoCal Sam]

I have owned all three and still have the KA-907 and three LK-72's. The KA-907 is the successor to the 600/650 Supreme Series integrated amps. While the KA-907 is not a Supreme Series, it is built to a higher standard than the "consumer" grade offerings. It is heavy and has a special feel to the switch gear. If it has the handles, jump. I am a fan of LK-72/299D. IMO, this is the best entry level tube integrated because of the tube rectifier which adds a little more tube flavor over a solid state rectified design. They are fairly common and not hard to find. If it has been re-capped and properly restored with new voltage diode and multi-stage cans, that is a tempting proposition. I liked the MAC 2100 a lot. The 2100's MC275 look has a vintage charm and gives a direct connection to the golden era of Mac. While the 2100 is a good amp, the problem is that it is over shadowed by the tubes and also by the 2105 which has the pretty blue meters. Get the 907 first and by all means, save up for a restored LK-72.

 

[MadcapLaughs]

Well thanks for the response, this is the feedback I was hoping for. Let me complicate things a little for you. The LK 72 has been completely restored and biased with new can caps and brand new tubes (New JJ 12AX7s and matched quad of TungSol 7591s.) . The Kenwood ka 907 looks to be in perfect cosmetic shape and had been looked at by a tech professionally but I don't know the extent of the work done. Also without getting in to price discussions too much I would have to sell my ka 9100 integrated amp in order to get the ka 907. If I got the mc2100 I was planning on feeding that into the preamp on the ka 9100. If I buy the lk 72 I would still be able to keep the 9100 but would take it out of rotation. Does that make sense? I am using altec horn speakers also so efficiency is no problem. Given this scenario would you still stick by the suggestion for the 907? Thanks for you input BTW.

 

[SoCal Sam]

Altec horns simplifies your choice. Horns are much better suited for old school amps when watts were expensive and solid state was slow and ropey. Given this (very broad) generalization, LK-72 is going to be the best match. The 2100 is going to work as well. The 907 is a fast amp that pairs beautifully with transparent Yamaha NS-1000M's. This speed is a liability with horns which might result in overly bright and ringy sound. You may already have experienced this with your 9100. Since the LK-72 is restored (assuming fully re-capped), that would be my first choice. There are several versions of LK-72. I like the gold face and silver with rim face best. The gold with chocolate paint is too different for my liking. If you are allowed more than one stereo, sell the 9100 and get the 907...and a pair of NS-690's for smooth accuracy or NS-1000M's for sharp accuracy. The 907 is pure class. If you go with the two system choice, you will have top tube and solid state sound. The usual IMO and your results will vary provisions apply.