I want to pick up a vintage SS integrated

+ mental 

As someone said Sansui did use glue on the boards but I think he has over stated the issues. Sansui integrated's are going up fast in the vintage market for a reason if you can get one like the 717 i'd jump on it they are only going up in price. Also Luxman, Accuphase older stuff are some of the best made form that era worth looking as well. but may be to late to get for under $500. 

LOL, I wonder if this will sell?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/pioneer-sx-1250-BOX-ONLY-When-Will-You-See-Another-Like-This-/264083063099

That's the thing, I don't wanna go the route of Accuphase, Luxman or Marantz's sought after models which will cost maybe $1000 - $2000 in nice shape, which will defeat the point of this exercise :)

If I can find a recapped, nice looking integrated (50 WPC or more) for around $500, that'd be ideal. 

I am actually planning to buy something along the lines of the Luxman L509X sometime next year for regular use.

I Know you are looking in the Menwood direction. Though I have heard them, I can’t say I know the sonic profile well. They sounded fine. I would encourage you to consider arecapped Marantz 1060. Legendary and sound lush and musical( if not a bit rolled off in the highs).. I might also try to hear( or pick one up in the cheap) a classic Sansui AU series.. I just got an AU-217( their stripped down entry level from late 70s early 80s for $100)... only 40 watts or so but man... is it musical and actually somewhat commanding considering the low watts ... both are quite musical and can be found recapped for about your budget. Both are attractive in their own right and both have classic performance.. 

I've had a Kenwood KA-7100 60 wpc with phono and a headphone jack that has been rock solid since 1978... until just recently. It's a nice integrated with tone controls that aren't too aggressive (has a tone control bypass switch). High and sub frequency filters. The high filter is sometimes good for taming a harsh rock&roll cd. It also has two Loudness settings, again audible but not over done. I do use Loudness #1 fairly often when listening at lower volumes. It also has a stereo, mono, reverse switch, and a tape loop. In contrast to todays equipment, the RCA input jacks are run of the mill, and the power cord is an affixed two-prong lamp cord. 

One of the channels is dead. Been listening on mono, but mostly just the Onkyo 7030 CD with headphones. Looking to up grade in a big way. I have Energy 22 Reference Connoisseur speakers that I will keep.

Not to hijack the thread, but can anyone suggest what happened to one channel? Transistor? I bought it when in college and wouldn't mind fixing it for a second system.