Top three vintage power amps, submit your votes

[Marantz7t15]

Accuphase marantz and crown

 

[filecat13]

many worthy suggestions

Happy to see Soundcraftsmen getting some love here. Those Phase Control Regulation, MOSFET, Class H models were (and are) sensational. Hafler also gets a few nods. The models with MOSFET outputs and JFET inputs and the Trans•ana designs were clean, fast, and powerful. The 70s and early 80s were good years for Kenwood integrated amps, and though they might be slightly outside the definition of the OP, the High Speed DC models with dual power supplies were outstanding.

Soundcraftsmen
Hafler
Kenwood

 

[Nacon]

Soundcraftsmen- Mcintosh-Maranzt

 

[tooloud62]

I like my Sansui B-2101s, Great clean sound with lots of power. I have owned BAs 3ks and the B-2101s sound better.

 

[jstang]

Are the chads still hanging....or are we ever going to count the votes?

 

[qboneus]

Threshold or any amp designed by Nelson Pass

Having had quite a few vintage power amps and having retained select few i Hereby nominate the obviously un-represented in this thread Nakamichi PA-7.

Absolutely hands-down "for me" the king of vintage power amps list would HAVE to include some NP designs!

 

[Damage]

My number 1 is still the Sony TA-N77ES.

But 2 and 3 have changed to be the Adcom 5500 and the Nakamichi/Threshold Stasis.

The Rotel RB-980BX still holds the over-looked award.

 

[dangerbird]

Mankey Snappers
VTL 125 monos
Anthem Amp 1

 

[Asha]

Yamaha B-2 is the best I've heard so far, by far.

 

[beans]

Not seeing much love for the McIntosh MC240. By comparison, is the 225 that much better? I've not owned either one.

 

[fairchild]

#1: McIntosh MI-200 industrial monos - 8005 transmitting tube output. Very few've had the priviledge of hearing a pair... Gratetful Dead used 'em on tour.

#2 marantz 9 monos

#3 (affordable?) tie: Marantz 2, Scott 280, Scott 250 monos (lower power version)

 

[Iluvatar]

Yamaha B-2, Yamaha B-2 and Yamaha B-2 !

 

[Viking_One]

My vote:
Sony TA-N1
Luxman M-05
Denon POZ-3000Z

 

[wsissons]

Hk citation ,hk citation hk citation.......

 

[titan57nl]

Sansui BA-5000
Rotel RB-5000
Denon POA-8000

 

[automojo]

Hk citation ,hk citation hk citation.......

I have to agree. I would also add the PA2400, one of the best amps I have heard period. It's Citation roots are easy to hear.

 

[marantzroom]

HELP !!! I NEED HELP!!! I tink I just messed up my SAE A501
I just bought it from a gentleman who collected SAE. Here's the kicker... I hooked it up to my Infinity QLS 1's and it sound spectacular..
louder...LOuder...LOUDEr LOUDER and snap!
I blew the fuse.So I put a new one in and the same thing at start up.
Any Ideas???
I sure would apreciate some suggestions.
Albert

 

[theophile]

HELP !!! I NEED HELP!!! I tink I just messed up my SAE A501
I just bought it from a gentleman who collected SAE. Here's the kicker... I hooked it up to my Infinity QLS 1's and it sound spectacular..
louder...LOuder...LOUDEr LOUDER and snap!
I blew the fuse.So I put a new one in and the same thing at start up.
Any Ideas???
I sure would apreciate some suggestions.
Albert

Try starting a new thread on the Vintage Solid State Forum.
Good Luck.

 

[jbl_daddy]

1. Crown DC300 Serise II The original classic
2. Crown PSA-2 When they work
3. Crown K1 Tight and clean in any application

 

[montecarlossfan]

Whatever SOUNDS good to YOU!