• 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

Vintage integrated suggestions for this set up?

34dean

34dean

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hi guys, I’m looking to add a nice vintage integrated amp to add to my collection. I listen to vinyl 95% of the time and have a separate phono preamp for both MM/MC, but would love one that has a great phono stage to test. I’m driving a pair of completely recapped//refurbished KEF 104/2, so looking for ample power. My deck is a Basis 2001 with Rega RB900 arm and modified Rega Ania cartridge.

I’d like something detailed, but not harsh. There is a Sansui AU717 I am looking at but would love to hear opinions and suggestions. My budget is $1000.

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
I haven't heard an AU-717 recently, but I love my AU-9900A. It has less power than the BA-2000 / CA-2000 setup I had but those are gone and the 9900 remains. It will all come down to what sound you like best with your supporting equipment and room dynamics.
 
Any 70’s mid to TOTL KENWOOD are pretty sweet for your combo. I use a KA7002 with a Musical Fidelity MX Vinyl phono preamp with a Denon 103. Nice combo
 
The 717 will make the KEF's sound good, but doesn't have the power/current to make them sound great.

I've been driving my 104/2's (also recapped, etc.) with the amp portion of my AU-919, and a Schiit Saga (because I needed a remote) and thought it sounded pretty good. That is, until I got a Zero Zone tube preamp. (Post #27 in this thread. https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/the-class-d-chip-amps.1082266/page-2) Shipped, with tubes was about $350. Although, with the coming tariff's, that's probably going to increase. How much is unknown at this point.

The difference between the Schiit and the Zero is night and day. If fact, I like it so much that I ordered another to either use in a different system, or simply to have as a backup. It does not have a phono input.

Running the 919 by itself produces a sound that's a bit on the bright side. The Zero tames that, while still being extremely detailed and producing a much more rich, full sound with better sound stage and imaging than the 919, by itself. Since the Zero revealed how much better the KEF's can sound, (with better equipment), I also purchased (from BT) a more powerful amp. It won't be here until at least late this (next?) week, but I'd be happy to let you know how it sounds (compared to the Sansui) when it does get here. All in is a bit more than your budget, but not by much.
 
34dean said:
..I’m looking to add a nice vintage integrated amp to add to my collection. .. There is a Sansui AU717 I am looking at but would love to hear opinions and suggestions. My budget is $1000.
Click to expand...

Is this on top of the $5000 budget you have for a power amp you were considering last week?

Considering “upgrading” from my 4100 and looking for advice

I currently have a very nice condition MAC4100 receiver that I love. But… I’m considering upgrading to preowned separates. I listen to vinyl 95% of the time and have a great deck, BASIS 2001 with upgraded tone arm and MC cartridge, as well as dedicated phone pre. My speakers are completely...
audiokarma.org

Too bad you didn't jump on that Mac MC2200 you had a line on on for $1000 2 weeks ago

MC2200 - Best value in vintage power amp?

Was curious, is the MC2200 the “best value“ power amp from a vintage standpoint? I can score one in excellent, serviced condition for around $1,000 and would then look for a really nice preamp to pair with it. Thoughts?
audiokarma.org

What happened to the MAC7200 you purchased a year ago?

Considering a MAC7200

Would appreciate input from any owners. Thank you!
audiokarma.org

Every time I think I want to upgrade from my MA4100, I listen to it again…

and realize… “Why?” This gem is such a great piece of gear. Mine is recapped and just sounds great. Would a MAC7200 sound better?…. Who knows. But I don’t think I want to spend $8,000 to find out. Not yet, at least.
audiokarma.org
 
rickb119 said:
The 717 will make the KEF's sound good, but doesn't have the power/current to make them sound great.

I've been driving my 104/2's (also recapped, etc.) with the amp portion of my AU-919, and a Schiit Saga (because I needed a remote) and thought it sounded pretty good. That is, until I got a Zero Zone tube preamp. (Post #27 in this thread. https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/the-class-d-chip-amps.1082266/page-2) Shipped, with tubes was about $350. Although, with the coming tariff's, that's probably going to increase. How much is unknown at this point.

The difference between the Schiit and the Zero is night and day. If fact, I like it so much that I ordered another to either use in a different system, or simply to have as a backup. It does not have a phono input.

Running the 919 by itself produces a sound that's a bit on the bright side. The Zero tames that, while still being extremely detailed and producing a much more rich, full sound with better sound stage and imaging than the 919, by itself. Since the Zero revealed how much better the KEF's can sound, (with better equipment), I also purchased (from BT) a more powerful amp. It won't be here until at least late this (next?) week, but I'd be happy to let you know how it sounds (compared to the Sansui) when it does get here. All in is a bit more than your budget, but not by much.
Click to expand...
I’ve heard from other 104/2 owners that 150W+ really brings them to life.
 
The Sansui AU717 is a very nice model do check the volume control for static.
IIRC they can be problematic.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom