Shopping for an integrated, advice s'il vous plait.


Some time ago I decided to upgrade my stereo and spent virtually my entire budget on speakers (no regrets), tacking on a Harman HK3490 as an afterthought. Well, it recently bit the dust for no apparent reason. It was only $260 and gave me 5 years of almost daily service, so I'm not too mad. Unfortunately there's nothing comparable on the market at that price, adjusted for inflation. The closest thing I could find was the Yamaha A-S801, but it appears to have the same build quality as my previous receiver. I'm not sure I'm comfortable spending close to $1k on something with disposable quality, so I've been assessing my options within my budget ($1500 max). Looking for an analog integrated with quality components and construction that will last me at least 10 years. So far I've narrowed my options down to:

Yamaha a-s1000 (new)
or
Vintage i.e. Yamaha ca-2010, Sansui au-717, Pioneer sa-9500 ii etc. 

My only problem with vintage is that it seems to take many months of waiting before a deal comes up on the model you want. I see a fully recapped and restored au-717 recently went on eBay for less than $700. Probably not gonna find a deal like that in the next year, if ever. 

TL;DR Would like thy esteemed opinions to vet my purchase of a Yamaha a-s1000. 


unknoahble
What a coincidence, I was just listening to some Steely Dan on my Yamaha A-S1000/CD-S1000 combo.  Each time I fire up this rig I become more and more amazed how it just let's the music flow.  Dead quiet, punchy, very detailed.  Did I mention the build quality?  A hefty 48.5lbs of solid chunk.  

As much as I love the A-S1000, for $1500.00 you should be able to pick up an A-S2000.

Are you in the US?

Accessories4less has one left that's refurbished for $1399.99.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas2000bl/yamaha-a-s2000-natural-sound-stereo-in...

Bill
There are so many options for modern integrated amplifiers in your price range, why would you want a 40 year old Mass produced Japanese receiver?
Look here on Audiogon - within your price range currently for sale:
  • Canary Audio 608
  • Wyerd 4 Sound STI-1000
  • Jolida Fusion 3502S
  • Creek destiny
  • Krell KAV400ix
  • Anthem 225
  • Arcam A39