The verdict is the 8500-II is phenomenal! If you've not heard the difference of dual-mono, in terms of soundstage, separation, etc., it's huge. Still, I liked the crisper leading edge that I seemed to get with the more headroom of the SA-9500, even though I missed the separation of the SA-8500-II. Sold the SA-8500-II - I doubt I'll ever see one in as good of shape unless an AK'r does a full refurb.
I liked the extra headroom so much I started looking at the SA-9900's. Man, they go at a premium! Even a non working boat anchor of an sa-9900 was $700. Somewhere, I came across the A-27 and look at the auction site for fun. and nabbed one for $500.
You mean to tell me I can get a Series 20 Integrated, 120 wpc, dual mono, working, for less than a non-working SA-9900. To me that looks like a market disequilibrium. I can use the extra $$ on a chain hoist, which I'll need if I plan on moving this 50# beast around.
I plan on recapping the power and amp stage, and using this as the amp between my Musical Fidelity pre and my Monitor Audio Silvers.
I liked the extra headroom so much I started looking at the SA-9900's. Man, they go at a premium! Even a non working boat anchor of an sa-9900 was $700. Somewhere, I came across the A-27 and look at the auction site for fun. and nabbed one for $500.
You mean to tell me I can get a Series 20 Integrated, 120 wpc, dual mono, working, for less than a non-working SA-9900. To me that looks like a market disequilibrium. I can use the extra $$ on a chain hoist, which I'll need if I plan on moving this 50# beast around.
I plan on recapping the power and amp stage, and using this as the amp between my Musical Fidelity pre and my Monitor Audio Silvers.
