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I want to pick up a vintage SS integrated

Hi, as a stop gap solution, as well as for enjoyment, I wanna pick up a 70's vintage integrated amp.  I have been looking at the Kenwood KA 5700 as well as the KA 405.  Aside from the specs, which one was the higher end model, do you guys know?

My budget is around $500, and I like VU meters.  Around this range, what else could I be looking at?
nitewulf
nitewulf OP
422 posts
 
Yeah I am definitely interested in the Marantz receivers. But they seem to be desirable, therefore expensive.
nitewulf OP
422 posts
 
So basically I am going to look for Kenwood and Marantz receivers/integrateds that have been refurbished/updated.
minorl
1,016 posts
 

I don't know about that.

I have vintage Marantz, Pioneer and Sansui receivers and I can tell you that I have restored them all and the Sansui QRX5500 sounds better than the others.  I love the wood grain enclosures.  Just like older Pioneer Elite electronics that were built like tanks.

The Marantz 2252B sounds really nice, but I was told that earlier Marantz models are better and that the B was a slight downgrade.  I like it anyway, but for sound, the Sansui is simply better sounding.

If it works and you can get it fairly inexpensively, go for it.

enjoy

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
274 posts
 
For a stop-gap measure, you could pick up a new Emotiva A-100 for $230.  This amp will out-perform the vintage amps you are looking at and will come with a three year warranty.  You may well decide to give up your search for a restored vintage amp, but at least it will buy you time while you are searching for a reasonable deal or messing around with finding parts, new caps and pots, and cleaning and refurbishing an old unit.
nitewulf OP
422 posts
 
Oh for sure I can pick up a modern one. I am in the market for a high end SS integrated, but as a stop gap I want to try a vintage, because of the aesthetics, plus they were also of a high quality. Real engineers were building real amplifiers, not "audiophile" gear for a wealthy set of clients.
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