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Recommended cheaper vintage SS Integrated Amps?

I’ve been pondering trying a vintage SS integrated amp for a while. Which brands *in general* aside from the obvious Sansui do you recommend, or specific models? Looking for that warm, mellow vintage sound I read about, which I know is very brand (or even down to model) specific

Three that I’ve found from a reputable vintage dealer are: Marantz 1070 (not recapped), Kenwood KA-3500 (recapped) and Pioneer SA-5800 (not recapped). Any thoughts on these? I know the Marantz 1070 is well liked but what about the other two?

Side question: should ca. 1970s amps be recapped? I’m getting different opinions on this but I would say yes given their age (electrolytics of this vintage aren’t nearly as robust as current ones)
greg7
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
JVC A-X1 Super A integrated amp from 1980. Can be found for around $150 or less! I have one! Excellent SQ!
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
I really love the Sony, Yamaha and Hitachi VFET amplifiers from the mid-70's to the mid-80's. So detailed and clear! These are NOT to be confused with MOSFET's. These amps and devices are very rare and the VFET parts are all but non-existent, should you need to repair one... From what you listed, my votes would be the Kenwood because it's recapped. If you plan to service it yourself or have a reputable service tech, Marantz 1060 (1st) 1070 (2nd). I had all but forgotten about the JVC A-X1, +1 jasonbourne. Very nice amp, but only 30 watts/channel. If that's enough, buy it, but make sure it's the correct voltage for your country.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
The JVC-AX3 is it's bigger brother at 55 watts/channel. Denon's also come to mind.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 
A quick look at the "Vintage" section in the classifieds here on A'gon shows some nice stuff but nothing cheap (affordable). 

It's too bad ezekiel doesn't post his work anymore as he always had some great gear that he rebuild to very high standards. And, his prices (at the time)  were very reasonable for the amount of work he put into it.

Maybe a tour of some local hifi repair shops in you area might be of value.

All the best,
Nonoise
middlemass
917 posts
 
Late 70's my first "real" amp was a Sansui Integrated AU-717. Very good and should be available on the used market.
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