I want to pick up a vintage SS integrated

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.

Thanks for the recommendations guys, I've been reading up on the Sansuis as well and they are definitely on the list (recapped). The AU 20000 is a beast! And the only one with meters unfortunately.

Nitewulf:  If it's aesthetics you are after, I cannot help you.  That will be a personal journey.  But I get it.  I thoroughly enjoy dragging out my ST-70 and PAS 3x and hooking them up to some ancient Altec horns.  I have a 100+ year old old oak cabinet Silvertone windup that is a blast to listen to old '78s.  Those early '70s Japanese ss amps have a cool vintage vibe, and recapped and "hot-rodded" can sound pretty decent.  But sound wise, they are bettered by modern well-designed amp from a reputable manufacturer.  There have been many advances in electronics design and manufacturing that are available to modern designers and engineers that enables them to produce high quality gear at very reasonable prices.  The legendary designers of days past did marvelous things with the materials and equipment available to them, but it is disingenuous to think that modern engineers are not "real" and that they all pander to a rarified audience of wealthy patrons.

Please go out and enjoy your vintage journey.  If you are the soldering iron type, it could be very rewarding.  But if I were you, I would consider just going out and buying the Luxman and be done with it.