• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Recommend me a modern amp

Figarim

Figarim

New Member
I know next to nothing about modern gear. I've been using a sansui7000 powering my SP200s for years, but having some technical issues with the amp that are calling for a full rebuild. For the quotes I'm getting to rebuild and fix my receiver I thought I'd see what I could replace it with that might last another 50 years and have what I want from a modern unit.

What I love about my Sansui is how it sounds powering the speakers. They're warm and powerful and it had a loudness switch that allowed for that bass to be felt without the need for a subwoofer. The only other reputable receiver I've powered these speakers with was an Integra DRX, but that still lacked the oomf and sound I have grown accustomed to. I'm not obsessed with vintage it's just all I have ever known, but it has drawbacks and the biggest one lately is components wearing out one by one that I can't fix.

What I want is to power these speakers properly with something that hopefully is BIFL. If I had to rank my needs they'd be:
1) Audio quality for my SP200
2) Design/aesthetic
3) Ease of use with the way I listen to music:
- Phono amp for project turntable
- Streaming music services that's an upgrade from plugging my echo into tape jack
- Remote volume control

I'm learning a lot and realize that wanting to plug in a turntable, stream music, and have video for movies there might not be a swiss army knife option that will still give me the audio quality I desire at a price in my budget. A couple units that caught my eye through reviews only and not whether they would actually function for my needs are:
- Yamaha A-S501
- Audiolab 6000a
- Peachtree Nova (150 or 300)
- Marantz 40N (splurge)

I'm looking to learn about what's out there and what type of device might help replace my beloved sansui7000 that's been so good to me, but bring me into the digital era.
 
Register to hide this ad
I'm a little familiar with all except the Audiolab. If you can swing it, definitely audition the Marantz 40N. It will faithfully do everything that you mentioned. To my ears, the Marantz produces the warmest sound of the group, regardless of the input.
 
Last edited:
The Emotiva stuff might be work a look.
On line only tho so double check the return policy.
They supposedly perform pretty well for the price.

Some say the Chinese knock off amps can be very nice, especially for the price, but there's also folks who've been disappointed going that route.

Let us know what you hear & your impressions.
 
Most of my gear is vintage but my HT is Emotiva. I'd consider that. I listen to 2 channel on it at times and it is respectable.

If one wants more than respectable there are lots of options. I'd suggest Modwright. I have Dan's amps and they are great. High value proposition amps

In the consumer market Crutchfield has lots of options and are helpful. Not an audiophile swanky source but worth investigating what's currently out there.
 
Nothing today is going to sound like your Sansui driving those old Sansui SP200. You are going to connect the old speakers to the new amp and be disappointed. But.

The fact is, speaker design has come a long long way since those Sp200 were made. Manufacturing as well. Music recording and production as well.

I would recommend the best the OP can do is buy what is known as a WARM sounding amp, and has a good return policy, and audition it at home. Return it and try again…

I recently picked up a Yamaha A-S501 and am really impressed at what it dies with my Kef Q750, and Totem Arro speakers. It compares very well to my main amp. But I can’t recommend it to the OP, it will sound more forward than the old Sansui.

Come to think of it, the Yamaha A-S801 is known as being warmer than the 501, but it’s not cheap new.
 
I tried the Yamaha integrateds and found them too bright. I settled on a Peachtree Nova 150. It's quite neutral so whatever media you feed it, that's what you hear.
 
Some people want warm or dark, some want bright, and some don’t know what they want. In my opinion, the speakers are the biggest factor of the sound, warm or bright. If you have Klipsch or other bright sounding models, you might not want a more forward sounding amp. Or you might dig it.

After I received the Yammy S501, I started reading up on it, and some were recommending klipsch speakers or the LS50 by Kef(also known to have some bright characteristics). Audition carefully if you can. Bring your own music to the audition, some songs that you know have a strong treble presence.

I’m coming from the Parasound Hint, and finally decided that it was too warm for me and my set up. So I now have the S501 and a Yamaha A-S1100. It’s been a revelation for me, but everyone’s tastes are different.
 
You might consider a used McIntosh integrated or receiver—either vintage or newer, based on what you need and your budget. They are definitely Swiss Army knife in terms of functions. Some come with DACs, a range of tone controls, variable loudness, MM/MC phono preamps, mode selectors, tape loops, tape monitors, and etc.
 
Thank you all for your recommendations. I ended up walking into a local stereo store and they had a NAD C 3050LE left and I fell in love instantly. It checked all the boxes and looks great with my vintage sansui speakers. It doesn’t quite have the warmth my old receiver did, but I notice more clarity and way less fatigue when listening for extended sessions. Supposedly it will warm up over the first couple weeks out of the box. Overall it’s great, looks great, and I’m sure I can improve the sound a bit rearranging my space and setting up Dirac live that it has available.
 
Good choice. I was actually thinking of getting one for my office setup. Not that I need another integrated, but I was tempted by the meters and real walnut veneer on the C3050 LE. I was late to make a decision and they are sold out everywhere that I checked. Post some pictures when you get a chance.
 
Figarim said:
Thank you all for your recommendations. I ended up walking into a local stereo store and they had a NAD C 3050LE left and I fell in love instantly. It checked all the boxes and looks great with my vintage sansui speakers. It doesn’t quite have the warmth my old receiver did, but I notice more clarity and way less fatigue when listening for extended sessions. Supposedly it will warm up over the first couple weeks out of the box. Overall it’s great, looks great, and I’m sure I can improve the sound a bit rearranging my space and setting up Dirac live that it has available.
Click to expand...
I don't suppose they had another 3050 LE? I am looking for one but keep sticking out.
 
Figarim said:
They might. I got mine at definitive audio in Seattle. They have a couple locations.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I may have found one at another dealer. I’m still debating the NAD C 3050 LE vs the Marantz 40n. I found a refurbished 40n at a great price, less than the 3050. I love the looks and features of the NAD but the Marantz also has a lot going for it. Decisions…
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom