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The Golden era of Japanese integrated amps, are we missing out?

Maybe it’s just me but.....
I just threw together an el cheapo system with a Sansui A-2100 integrated at its heart and diminutive Wharfedale Diamond 220 speakers.

And I still cannot get over just how good and right it sounds.... All for $240 total shipped!

So this got me thinking about the golden era of Japanese equipment and while tuners , tape decks and turntables appear to have large followings and a large knowledge and fan base, I do not get the same vibe on integrated amps?

Are there devotees of these amps out there?
I very rarely hear anybody talking about them and so many can be picked up for peanuts, I mean $75 shipped in perfect working order and decent cosmetics( and built in mm phono to boot!).
Are they likely to be the next " big thing" or?

Thoughts?
128x128uberwaltz
rossfrank
3 posts
 
Refurbished a Yamaha M-85.  Amazing amp., and goes well with a re-engineered pair of Altec Lansing Model 19 speakers.
irisonray
2 posts
 
I’m relatively new to vintage audio gear, but from my experience nothing “ modern” that I have owned, can hold a candle to the sound quality, aesthetics and build of these timeless pieces. I will add that after much reading and research I decided to skip the chase and purchase rebuilt gear from quality techs. To date I have a Marantz 2270 and 2250B. I also own a pair of rebuilt OL Advents to play with the 2250B, and use the 2270 with my Klipsch Cornwall’s. Music to my ears every day.... Now looking for a nice vintage power amp. 
sharbatgula
19 posts
 
uberwaltz - Several have told me that those speakers do amazing with cap upgrades. Even with relatively inexpensive caps like Mundorf MKP or Clarity CSA.

I think it's a very inflated story. I just recapped my ~35 years Heco speakers to a disappointingly minute difference. I mean, 9 out of 10 people will not notice the difference. Only a very very slight change in transparency and twitter level and I think the highs sound harsher now. 
The original caps were bypolar smooth type and I recapped with Jantzen Cross-caps (MKP).

I'm not saying it doesn't work, but the speakers need to be very revealing and the caps probably need to be of higher (more expensive) class. It's not night and day on old equipment.
szelda53
2 posts
 
Sansui AU-717 and TU-710 tuner used everyday day. Recently serviced and recapped. Sounds as good as my Marantz KI-PM Pearl integrated. 
wayneschlapkohl
13 posts
 
I loved my Kenwood integrated amp. For 37 years it was my only amp. Beautiful natural, balanced sound. 
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