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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
vinylzone
288 posts
 
Onkyo Integra if you can find one.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
I would try to find a harman kardon, tandberg, or accuphase for a truly high end vintage sound from an integrated amp you will be surprised and impressed but you need to find the old original models which can be hard or a challenge to find but well worth the effort in the long run.
jrpnde
271 posts
 
While not truly vintage and not an integrated but a receiver, I have a Harmon Kardon HK 3480. Am the original owner. The unit has no more than about 100 hours of use. Due to a "hand me down" from an uncle I have no further use for this one even those it makes pretty good sound. Would let it go for a VERY reasonable price.

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
380 posts
 
I worked selling audio equipment retail from 75-77. The Kenwood KA-3500 & 5500 were very sweet sounding pieces. We carried all three brands, and the Kenwood integrated amps were a stand-out!
iopscrl
196 posts
 
Accuphase, Luxman, Marantz, NAD would be good brands, and plenty of choices among their various models.

If you are looking for models from the 70's, early 80's, then YES I would investigate replacement of capacitors.  The chances of a 40yr old component operating as well as it did when new are very low, and declines each day.
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