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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
nakamaye
16 posts
 
I would second the Anthem 225i.  Powerful, exceptionally low noise floor, very versatile, solid build so it should last a long time, accurate but musical sound for a solid state amp.  The only flaw in the ointment is the remote control of the volume which is not very fine so it makes too large of jumps.  This may not be a problem with inefficient speakers but with the very efficient Spatial Holograms I run it is a pain.  For digital I end up using my DAC for fine volume control.  
helomech
1,535 posts
 
Can't go wrong with the Yamaha IMO
tiago729
18 posts
 
Second the NAD 375 BEE. Although you said you're looking for an analog option, I would still research the new digital options.
I'm an an analog solid state guy myself but I would love to get my hands on these two digital integrated:

Nuprime IDA-8
NAD C388

The IDA-8 just received "product of the year" award by Sound Stage Magazine. The reviewer liked the piece so much that he actually bought the demo.

The C388 should be a great option if you like more power on tap. And given NAD great track record producing digital amplifiers should be a top choice as well.

mesch
3,419 posts
 
Great luck with the HK! Here hoping it continues to provide service until you find that Yamaha with meters. 
clmelis's avatar
clmelis
21 posts
 
Check out Yaqin or Silk Audio  for well built, reliable Tube integrateds at less than $1000 new. Good sound, tube rolling options and VU meters, since you like them!
I love my Silk Audio MS 38. It's the centerpiece of my second system.

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