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Vintage Amps - Pleasantly surprised

A while back, i was given a non-functional Sansui AU-666, which I recently had restored for sh*ts and giggles. Hooked it up to Rega Aras in my bedroom, using a computer source with a basic NuForce uDac.

Honestly, i was not expecting much out of this combo. However, I am blown away by the sound quality i'm getting out of this extremely modest setup. It shockingly possesses much of the desirable 'audiophile traits' one would typically hope for. I'm not saying it's perfect, but for a 40 year old piece, i'm utterly stunned.

And considering the entire setup cost less than 450 bucks, including stands (excluding computer, but which i had already), i could not have asked for more.

Anyone else with this kind of experience using vintage gear?
loose
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
03-19-11: Buconero117
HiFiharv, I think your wrong, they have learned something in the past 50 years. What? How to take your money in the name of 'hi-end'

So true, though you can still navigate your way to great sound with new gear without falling into the $$$$ trap.
dayglow
1,912 posts
 
Maybe not vintage to some but the Yamaha MX-1 gets my vote. Produced between 1992-97 it retailed for $1200 put out a conservative rating of 200w/ch/8ohms and is a true dual mono amp. NOTE that the power cord is captive, I would get that updated and have the capacitors checked. Auditioned the amp(several times) about 15 years ago and was shocked by the sound quality driving the ML Aerius. The Yamaha was superior to the best Sunfire(Carver) and Adcom in the store. The sound reminded me of Classe or better MAC gear at the time. The MX-1 now sells for around $500 mate it with a Classe pre(47.5-50) with phono section($1500)and you have a killer set up. I doubt any (new)$2000 intergrated would be competitive.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
The technological advancement of amplifiers has reached a plateau in the 70's or 80's IMO(probably much earlier than that), and there is very little "evolution" or "technological breakthrough" in the current new amps introduced in the market.
coffee2
88 posts
 
Heathkit A 151 smoldering good.
hockeyd52
6 posts
 
I had a Sansui AU-7900 integrated that I should never have sold. The somewhat later Yamaha M/MX series amps and companion C/CX preamps from the 80's are respectable also. Be aware, components from that era will benefit greatly from re-capping, a recommended update should you plan to use them frequently.
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