Toshiba 665 Series, Thoughts?

[acvdk]

I have an opportunity to buy a Toshiba SC-665 amp, SY-665 pre amp and ST-665 tuner for about $200. The seller says they're in mint shape and has been using them as his main set up lately. Currently I'm running a Dual 505 TT and a pair of Dynaco A25s through an Akai AA-R20, and I want to upgrade to a system with more power to get the most out of my Dynacos. I'm pretty new to vintage audio so I just wanted to know what you guys thought of Toshiba and their 665 series. Are they really "TOTL" as the seller claims? How do they sound?

I could also pick up an Akai AA-1150 receiver for about $50 cheaper, is it the better buy?

This was my first time posting in AK, sorry if I screw this up somehow.

 

[dshoaf]

Since your current receiver is about 25 wpc on a good day, you _may_ get a bit better response out of the Dynacos depending mainly on the size of your room and how loud you typically run the system.

The biggest advantage you have with the Toshiba is that you can use the preamp with other higher powered amps if needed. Your current receiver does not support that.

Otherwise, its a step across - not forward, IMHO.

Cheers,

David

 

[acvdk]

Since your current receiver is about 25 wpc on a good day, you _may_ get a bit better response out of the Dynacos depending mainly on the size of your room and how loud you typically run the system.

The biggest advantage you have with the Toshiba is that you can use the preamp with other higher powered amps if needed. Your current receiver does not support that.

Otherwise, its a step across - not forward, IMHO.

Cheers,
David

Ok, thanks for the response. What kind of thing should I be looking for to take things up a notch then? (sorry of that's a dumb question, I'm new to this)

 

[ggregg]

Power and lots of it. a 100% increase in power is only a 3db increase in sound. Which is noticeable but not even close to twice as loud, which is a 10 db increase or about 10 times the power. Probably would be considered "up a notch" though. Really depends on your listening habits. A 50-100 wpc amp surely makes a difference over a 25 wpc amp.

More efficient speakers can accomplish the same thing but that doesn't mean they will sound as good as what you have. Only that they will be louder. The speakers you have are very nice sounding IMHO.

 

[ovaeasy]

My $0.02 opinion, since you asked. I have that set also. I've used them to power Vandersteen 1's and 2's, Yamaha NS1's, Mission 662i's, and various AR's, Advent's and PSB's.

It is the TOTL from Toshiba, but there was only one other unit, the 335 series.

Three quality pieces for $67 each is a pretty deal. Having separates enables you to play around with other units as you continue to get sucked in to this hobby. I know there will probably be lots of blood-curdling screams, gnashing of teeth and damaged keyboards, but a good quality 65 WPC separates system will leave a like quality 25 WPC receiver in the dust.

The amp has a few items already built in that a lot of us geeks think might bring us closer to the "truth": toroidal transformer, mylar caps across the main caps, and meters (yawn).
Lots of flexibility with the pre-amp, including an MC phono input.
And the tuner isn't bad either, although it looks like it was made from another manufacturer and several years after the other two pieces.

In the end, it's your money, and you shouldn't really feel bad about the decision you make. I know I haven't...you have two feet (I hope), get 'em wet and have some fun!

 

[bubbajack80]

What about the preamp, tuner, and integrated of this series for $100?

 

[Maramao]

Ok, thanks for the response. What kind of thing should I be looking for to take things up a notch then? (sorry of that's a dumb question, I'm new to this)

My 2 cents: Those old speakers would thrive on the Toshiba sc-665. The build quality is superb, any other contemporary mainstream class A+B complimentary push-pull amplifier built by .... Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, Scott, Fisher.... would have Power Transistors supplied by Toshiba... you better you better you bet that Toshiba reserved the very cream of the crop and most carefully matched those transistors for their own product. The Toshiba SA series Receivers? AWESOME and conservatively rated. Go for the Toshiba! barring any unfortunate shipping damage or shudder... should all the caps need replacing.... no bueno. One of my very favorite amps is the Sansui 7070. Use the main-in, and ignore the pre-out. ... although the Tuner section in the Sansui is also quite capable IF the unit is thoroughly grounded. Good Luck!
Maramao