I was a receiver guy growing up in the 70’s - mainly because I did not want to pay for separates. Got turned on to Sansui watching this channel, and I have since picked up an AU-9900 and the matching tuner - TU-9900. I learned the hard way buying a tuner shipped from Japan - they use a different FM band. 😮 It only goes up to about 90MHz. I took it out of the box and looked more closely and said “what the……” I later picked a US spec TU-9900. So all is good. I also snagged a Yamaha CA-2010 earlier this year. These are all fantastic pieces of gear. So far, no volume or balance control issues. Fingers crossed.
I had the same issue with a Japanese 7700. I knocked up a Frankenstein powered band shifter from units designed for Japanese car imports to the UK. It's not pretty, but it works. Kinda.
I have a Kenwood KA-8006, which I believe was the TOTL for Kenwood integrated amps circa 1974, and the overall sound & build quality leads me to believe it to be true. Great video. Keep up the good work you do!
I haven’t heard a bunch of integrated amps, but the Marantz 1060, when restored and upgraded has such a unique sound signature. Some people say “tube-like”. I think is somewhat haunting.
I went the Seperate way once in 76 , after that when the Great Recievers from , Pioneer, Sansui, Yamaha, Technics, Marantz and Seriously the Realistic SA? 2000 was actually pretty dang good too. It was Recievers all the way, and Now my First Integrated the Advance Paris A12 will be my return to some what Seperate components if I was to add a Cool Tuner, it's in the Listening Room not yet unboxed along with my VU3 PRO to switch between the Pioneer SX1280 and AP A12, Can't Wait but need to figure everything out for placement interconnects etc. The Adventure is about to begin!!! Keep up the Vids and Say Hi to Dad!!!
My first integrated amp was the Sony TA-1130. I had just got out of boot camp in 1975 and had my first real paycheck. $168.00 every two weeks! In 1978 our ship was in Japan and the Kenwood KA-7100 was my second integrated amp. It was the height of the receiver wars and guys were buying monster receivers but I loved the sound and the specs of the Kenwood.
20 years ago, or so, I bought a Yamaha CA-2010 integrated amp at a thrift store for $9.99 expecting it not to work. The wood case was scratched up, but the face plate looked good. As expected, it didn't work. The main problem was failed capacitors in the protection circuit. The lamps behind the VU meters were also replaced. I had the case repaired new wood veneer. I eventually bought the matching tuner on eBay. I still own both pieces today.
I have the Pioneer SA-1000 integrated amp and the matching tuner TX-1000, circa 1971. The construction is outstanding along with the matching wood cabinet and the sound to match.
I can vouch for the Sony 1130. I had mine looked over and am so pleased with it. Punchy and detailed. The matching tuner with it and it's beautiful to look at.
Another great video Kevin. I love Kenwood integrated amps. My first stereo had a KA-3500. I later upgraded to a KA-5700 with dual UV meters and matched that with a KT-5500 tuner. I still have both of those and they work great after 45+ years! The only repairs I've ever made was to replace the VU meter bulbs. The brushed aluminum face plates look great. And as you said, they just look like they mean business. Thanks for all the great informative videos. I'm hoping someday to make the drive down to Iowa to visit the store.
Great video, Kevin..Thanks for taking the time. I use an Audiolab 8000A Integrated Amp to run my semi-vintage system. I'm the original owner of the amp and I've been lucky enough to never having to do any type of maintenance work on it. Anyways, thanks again for the video..Enjoy what's left of your Sunday!
I got my first loan to buy a Yamaha CA2010 (120 watts per channel) in 1978 to upstage my brothers CR820 (60 watts per channel) receiver. I paid $1000 for it.I paired it with a pair of JBL 4311 monitors that I traded a music store an expensive air conditioning repair for.We were in awe as we thought that hi-fi couldn't sound any better.I blew a woofer out on the JBL's like three times before buying a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls in 1985.I had enjoyed this magnificently dynamic combo nearly every day for 30 years until I upgraded the speakers with a Bob Crites crossover 10 years ago, which sent it to another level.This has been a remarkable system through the phonograph era, the CD era and back to exclusively phonograph's again.Pick up one of these beauties cause a similar new Yamaha amp costs more than 7 grand nowadays.Cheers!
I have two KA-7100s, I bought one new in 1978.. What I like is it's a solid amp with very little colorization and all discrete transistors ! It can be repaired for many more years although other than cleaning controls (not Volume), i have never had a failure and I did add pre-out main in on one (although I've never actually used it ? I do like your channel.! keep it up, Glad your Dad is back ! Cheers !
I'm sure someone may have mentioned it but i have a TA3650 and it is the model just before they move to the V-FETs. Its an awesome amp at 60wpc and lots great input and control options!! One of my FAV's!!!!
Thanks for the review Kevin. Very pleased to know you think so highly of the Yamaha integrated amps. My first, and only, high quality system was built around a CA-810, I bought new in '78. A year later I had saved up enough money to buy the matching CT-810 tuner. Around 1990 the amp and speakers was stolen during a move and what was left of the system went into storage. Then in 2018, I got thinking about vinyl records, not knowing it was a thing, and wanted to put a vintage system back together. I never thought of going with anything other than a CA-810, which I found for $350, and now it's paired with the original tuner, which happened to be in storage at the time of the theft, and a Thorens TD 160. I never use the tuner, reception is terrible where I live, but stacked they just look so cool. Yamaha design at its best. If only your shop was closer. I'm still on the hunt for speakers to replace the original monsters the CA-810 used to power.
Wow, same here. I saved up and researched gear and ending up buying the Yamaha CA-810 & CT810 together for like $720. he store carried HK, Yamaha & McIntosh. I wanted to go seperates as I felt it was a step up from say the receivers, like the CR 810 or CR 1010. I wasin my late teens.The store offered different Yamaha price points on a quote sheet including the more expensive CA-1010 mated with a lesser expensive CT-610 tuner. More money I did not have, plus I wanted both units to match. Still have both now and use for TV audio and CD & FM listening, the last repair was done in like 1985!
I have had my Sansui AU-7700 since 1978. I had it paired with EPI 100V speakers, Marantz 6150 direct drive turntable, Grado G2+ gold prestige cartridge, and Pioneer CT-F 1250 cassette deck. I have added the matching TU-7700 tuner a few years ago, needs alignment. I do have a Sansui G-8700DB receiver that I am working on, still need to find driver transistors for that. When I get that working I will have to do a shootout between the two and see which one I like better. Of course I have an emotional attachment to the AU-7700.
I picked up a CA-1010 from Japan, fully refurbished, for $900 shipped last year. Ive been using it with a pair of refurbished yamaha ns-690ii's and a victor QL-Y55F (entire set up ran less than $2000, including refurbishing) and it put an end to my upgrading. This TT through the MC preamp and these speakers has been a game changer for me. Awesome value, IMO, for what each of these run right now.
Hey Kevin, Just wanted to thank you for your excellent channel. I'm in Columbus,OH and your store reminds me of the record stores and stereo shops that used to be all over this city. I've got a guy locally that's restoring a Marantz 2226B receiver and a Technics SLQ200 turntable for me. They both basically work but needed some TLC. Can't wait to get them back. For my main system I have a Marantz SR5015 with Legacy Classics I bought new way back in the early 2000's. Best investment I ever made, speaker wise. The receiver has a pretty cool feature in that you can use the 7th channel as bi-amplification if your speakers can be bi-amped. You just have to bring up the internal menu and click on bi-amp in the speaker set-up menu. Works great! Also you can set the speaker Ohms by using the buttons on the front of the receiver, my classics are 4 Ohm so it really gives the headroom once you get them set right. The manual says it puts out 140 wpc at 6 ohms but does not give the rating for 4 ohm. But it will let you set it to 4 ohm. Just fun facts about the modern equipment some of your followers might appreciate. Keep on truckin'!
Back in the 70s, my local HiFi store carried a lot of Kenwood and Pioneer products, which I would drool over after school. My very first HiFi receiver was a Kenwood which I left on 24/7 and lasted 30+ years, so I have no complaints regarding Kenwood.. Great video Kevin, definitely a video I would refer to if I was in the market for an integrated amp 👍
Thank you for another wonderful video!! I usually do receiver's but do have numerous separate's with a couple systems set up. You reminded me that I have a ca1010 in the box in storage somewhere. I am going to dig it out and let it sing. The CA1010 does not have a loudness switch and I like how the tone controls can be disabled. The 1010 does make some heat when in class A mode and I think it drops to 28 watts out in class A, but what clean, pure sonic ecstasy it produces. Love to hear it with the W/dale Canton's. Incredible speaker's.
Again, a terrific video. I really appreciate how you remind viewers that an interest in, and a urge to collect these pieces of HIFI, is a hobby! A lovely, fascinating hobby. I take great pleasure from my 30+ year set up of Denon, Technics and Panasonic kit. All budget, but loved and cared for. Thank you again for everything you do. You have an outstanding channel.
I'm glad this list didn't come out till today, I picked up a complete rack of Yamaha, including a 1010 amp for $35 off CL this morning, it had sat on CL for the past several months at $100 with no takers but being 45 minutes away, I didn't bother. I finally shot off a $30 offer and they said come get it, when I got there I found it was a guy selling off all his in-laws things so he could start renovating the house. I left there with a Yamaha CA-1010 amp, a YP-B4 Turntable, a TC-720 cassette deck, and a Denon DCD 1500 CD player with two Boston Acoustics T1000 speakers. The speakers are intact but will need refoaming. For another $5, I bought an Onkyo A7 amp that's got a dead channel. For $35, I got a complete working system. The tape deck will need belts, it acts funny on first play, then gets better after a while, a quick looks shows the belts are really loose or stretched. The amp had a few scratchy pots but a shot of Deoxit cured that, and the TT needed a belt, not having one, I carefully cut one out of an old car innertube. I was shocked at how correct it looks on there. The seller also gave me a cheap 60" TV that they were throwing out, he said the picture quality was awful and that it was a freebie tv from something they signed up for. Its been playing on my bench in the garage for 8 hours now and seems fine. I'll tinker with the A7 amp when I get around to it but from what I remember those were pretty decent amps as well.
I was always an interted amp guy. I bought a Sansui AU-717 when it was first introduced and never looked back. I still have it. I've since bought receivers, but they don't have all of the upgrades that my integrated has, such as dual mono design. I think I can hear the difference. And aesthetically, a tuner/integrated combo looks great.
I have an original Onkyo A-10 that I purchased in the 70's. I don't see them mentioned much but its a true beast. Dual mono and 85 under rated watts at 40 pounds. My wife just let me pull it out from our garage storage and hook it up to my original ADS 810's and even she is impressed. It's a nice blast to the past!
I recently purchased a r2r deck off FB marketplace. Little did i know he was also throwing in his kenwood ka-8300 and matching tuner. Unfortunately the amp suffered the blown darlington pack you mentioned. My tech suggested the replacement you showed in your video. I went for it and it sounds great. So thanks for pointing out that solution for others who might be in the same boat. Plus now it's easier to repair in the future.
4 weeks ago, I picked up a fully restored Sansui AU-2900. All new electrolytic caps and all new gain matched discrete components. All controls cleaned and lubed, reflowed and defluxed boards. Idle current checked and fully detailed. The case and facia are immaculate. $450 Love it
I bought an au-7700 after watching your video on Sansui integrateds, and I absolutely love it. Like I’m gonna be buried with it love it. And with the pre/main jacks, I was able to pair it up with an adcom gfa-5500 after a recommendation from my tech for more power(grew up on metal), and it’s sublime.
I picked up a Sansui BA-F1 power amp from Japan and plan on using it with my 7700 as a pre. That's if I can fix it. I screwed up recapping it because the through holes were too small and have a lot of fixing to do.
I have the Pioneer SA-8500II as the heart of my speakeasy system. I absolutely love it. I also am a fan of vintage Realistic Equipment. I have a SA-2001 amp and an SA-1000a. They are both great amp, especially for the price.
After subscribing to this channel for a few weeks, you've got me going into pawns shops... Here in my small town in the SW of NM we have NO stereo stores... and limited resellers.
First system that I ever bought with my own money in 1977 was a Harman Kardon A 402 40 watt amp paired with a T 403 tuner. Twin power, high current and ultra-wide bandwith - I'd put it up against any of the integrated amps you have listed - although all of them are excellent. I still have it today...will need serviced soon. HK design was ahead of its time, very simple look - but the vertical LED VU meters was a real attention-getter back in the day. Keep up the great work! 👍
@@bigaldallas Mine had a major fix in the mid- 90s after it hadn't been working for years...and is now due for another. I have one channel that comes and goes - it's currently gone and I just get scratch/hiss crackling out of one channel now. I get nothing out of the phono section (either channel) too. Luckily I found a good repair shop that completed a full service on my 430 receiver, so it will be going in there soon. Now using a HK PM645 for every day listening; I had been using the A402 to handle PC audio for the speakers in my office/studio and to rip vinyl to digital.
Not on your list due to price but purchased a McIntosh Ma6100 Integrated in 1974 for $699. Still my main go to in my rotation. Thanks and always look forward to Sundays!!!
Thanks to your channel I'm getting back into vintage hifi after almost 40 years - It wasn't vintage then. In 1985 as a 20 year old I had a Proton 950 receiver, Vandersteen 1B speakers, an AR XA turntable, and a Magnavox CDB-650 CD player - Wow! Oh, I forgot.. and a Stax 'ear speaker' system. It was amazing, especially for a bedroom! Growing up, in about 1977 my dad bought a Sansui G series receiver along with other gear that was my daily driver as a teenager....Fast forward to today where I live in Hanoi, Vietnam. We have a good community of avid audiophiles here as well who prize the same gear as you do - and more! We have a lot of Japanese domestic market stuff we never saw in the U.S (Trio , Lo-D, Nikko,Victor, Aurex) ....Which brings me to a question I have.... I am spoiled for choice for inexpensive (for the US anyway) vintage gear and am not sure what to get to start building a system. In just a few days of searching I have come across: 1. Aurex 330 Rack mount system (amp, pre-amp, tuner, tape deck) - $270 2. Trio Rack mount system (KA-3100G Int amp, KT - 3100G tuner, Kx - 3700G Tape deck) - $260 3. Lo-D 3 pc system (HA-330 amp, tuner, D-400 tape deck) - $205 4. Pioneer SA-8800ii - $150 5. Yamaha CA-1000 - $180 6. Sony TA-1055A - $60 7. Sony TA - 1150D - $65 8. Victor JA-S75 - $220 9. Technics SL-M2 $220 10. Onkyo A755 Mk11/70 - $120 Which one should I get to start a small home system? I'm leaning towards the Trio rack mount as i looks so cool (as does the Aurex) Thoughts?
I have a Marantz 1060 and I was sure it was going to be on the list! I am a little shocked it's not! Would it be on the list if your list was top ten? Maybe do a part two, top 6-10?
I had a KA-9150 and loved it. Great phono section. Also had a Sansui AU-719/TU-719 combo. Awesome setup. The only vintage gear left in my collection is a 1959 Scott 299 that I had restored several years ago that is never leaving the house!
The only integrated l have is the 1130 with the matching 5130 tuner. I've never compared their performance with any other pair, and l feel no need to. I think they're fantastic! Also, l love their understated look and the real quality feel of the switches and knobs. To me the epitomize the saying 'built like a tank'! Another great video. Thanks!
Kevin another great video ....I can vouch for many of your selections, having several of those listed in my collection. Integrated amps are the best buy for the money. My collection includes a Sansui AU-717 and AU-7900, Kenwood KA-6100 and KA-8100 both with discreet outputs, and that Yamaha CA-1010 and its predecessor the CA-1000. But my favorite of all is that other 70s integrated amp with class A capability that you mentioned but didnt remember the brand. That being the Denon PMA-830....60W/ch . class B and 10w/ch class A, Dual power supply with a single Toroidal transformer. Also a Direct output function and this were the magic takes place, Class A mode with Direct coupked output selected...very noticeable difference in clarity of sound and lack of distortion! The great thing about tge matching TU-850 tuner is that the tuning and signal strength meter have a dual function and can be used as power meters (connected in parallel to the amp outputs). Denon also made a higher powered version the PMA-850II....these can be seen on the vintageknob audio museum website.
I have a sweet vintage pre+amp with meters but the warm glow of a tuner playing forgotten songs and new ones never heard before makes it still relevant IMO
Really like your videos! Your common sense approach is refreshing. I’ve made purchases based on your videos and have been very happy. I live in Kentucky and planning a trip to Iowa!!
Good video Kevin… believe it or not I have 1978 Nikko NA 650 that IMO could match sound and build with the top brands you mentioned… I’ve owned a few Pioneer and Marantz amps and the Nikko is my choice.
Nice video, as always. One thing I'd love to see you do is expand past the 1970s and get into some of the gear from the 1980s-early 1990s. There was a bunch of great gear that came out through that era. Right now my main system is a Pioneer SX-1250. It's great. But, I do have to say that (obviously) it lacks modern convenience. My backup/bedroom system is a Carver CT Seven Preamp and a Carver m-0.5t power amplifier. It serves bedroom duty. When the Pioneer needs to go into the shop it serves as a temporary replacement whilst I await the Pioneer's return. The Carver gear is 1980s gear and sounds very good to my ear, although I do get a bit of transformer hum. I've been keeping my eyes open for an old Onkyo M-504 power amplifier at a reasonable price. I think that those big green VU meters are pure art and they are pretty solidly reviewed across the board. I think a good preamp with modern conveniences tied to that amp would be a killer system. Or maybe I should keep my mouth shut so people don't start snapping that 1980s/1990s gear up when it turns up.
They are all cool , I like all of them. The Pioneer was like that as well with meters and peak lights on the 6700 and 7700 . You don’t see peak level led lights on amps much, such a cool feature when you get them flickering.
I love this channel! Can't get enough of how much you love vintage audio as much as we do! keep up the great videos. have you ever thought about doing more live/podcast style shows as well?
We sold quite a few of the Yamaha CA-1010 Amps at the store in the 70's and the people knew exactly what they wanted when they walked in the door so there was no selling involved pretty kool!
I’ve got a Kenwood KA7100 that’s been in a box in the basement for years. Last time I had it hooked up one channel was cutting in and out. One of my first projects after I retire will be to get it running again. Hopefully you’ll be doing repairs again. FYI I also have a pair of ADS 810s too, so based on your expert opinion it’s good to know that I chose well all those years ago.
Thanks for another great presentation. As mentioned in previous posts, I'm a separates guy. I went straight from receivers to separates and skipped the integrated amplifier line up. I'm in team-Yamaha so, of your list, the CA-1010 is the one that most interesting, to me.
I've always had an interest in integrated amps. But I've always been a receiver user, both for the radio and the more elegant designs. Thanks for the video ...
I’m running a pioneer SA-6500II and a Rotel Ra-1312 both mid 70s integrated amps. I had them both serviced and cleaned, cost less than 300 a piece. Absolutely wonderful. Paired with a set of mission 717 speakers. Technics SL-20 and a WIIM Pro Plus for inputs. Everything has been sourced and repaired locally and I’m not that deep into my gear in terms of money or repair. I highly suggest others to poke around and see what you find. There’s a lot of great stuff out there! Happy crate digging everyone
Got my first integrated amp late last year as an “Open Box” deal. I bought the Cambridge CXA-61 and love it. In fact, I’m satisfied with my current system. Sounds great paired with my Wharfedale Diamond 225 speakers. No regrets. Feel like I got one of the best value amps in Hi-Fi. Simple, easy to operate and produces great music with plenty of power. It was right before you started carrying Cambridge gear, or I would have purchased from Skylabs. 👍🏼🎶😎
I still Love and play my Kenwood KA-6100 integrated amp. I bought it used back in the late 70's for $100. I employ an Auris bluetooth receiver to connect with my iPhone. Now I can adjust the volume right from my pocket.
To your point Kevin: My Kenwood receiver has 2 levels of loudness as well. When you have the button in the off position you get regular loudness, perfect for most hard rock. When you push it to the on position you get "tubro" loudness, perfect for most hard rock when you have a bunch of friends over. They just wanted to make simpler for the customer !
I still have my Sansui AU-717 intergrated Amp it still works flawlessly looks good and I still have the original box can't believe that. I like the sound of this DC Amp and it's rack mountable.
I've still got and still works a Rotel RA 1314 Intergrated which runs my Celestion UL10'S which a tweeter has gone on one and I also run Wharfdale Dittons. The sound is what it's all about.
Great review and breakdown. Have had the fortune of owning or using some of the various integrated amps from those manufacturers. Pioneer sa9500 had two at one time, have had 2 marantz model 1060s in different times in life. Kenwood ka5700, ka 9100. Had a chance to use a Sansui au317 integrated . Great video thanx sir!!
Another great video Kevin! I have a couple dozen vintage receivers from the mid -late 70's , pioneer,Sansui, Yamaha, Sanyo, and one Marantz 2265b. But I don't own any integrated amps, but this video does great in showing what they are all about. I might be getting into them in the future! Thanks for another awesome video and keep them coming! I always get excited to see when you upload a new video! It's going to be another fun one! 👍😂
I've got 2 Kenwood 6100 hooked up for my gaming/movies feeding pairs each of SQC , 70's Magnovox 12" horns front, Polk audio bookshelf ceiling rear, 12" Rockfort P1s behind couch. I love the punch, and sound of these integrated amps.
A stereo was everything in the 70s, i started with a 2270, then 2275, switched to a Sansui AU919 and TU919, then a Mac4100 and finally an MC2200 with an APT Holman pre amp, and this was all during 4 years of high school. I didn’t know how good i had it.
That Yamaha is GREAT. I've had two CA-810s and a 1010 and they really do have everything you could ask for in a vintage stereo piece. I have Yamaha separates now, and I wouldn't go back, but those old CA series amps and CR series receivers are memorable.
I will throw out the Project/One Mark XX Integrated amplifier at 45w/ch. Not a big name and very regional sales, but sorta like the Kenwood KA7100 except it has preout/main in jacks. I use mine several times a week. Nice job again!
Newbie to your channel and newbie to the hobby, though I had my first amp and tape deck back in the late 70s -- JVC. Knew nothing about the technology then and next to nothing now, and what I like most, given quality build and sound, is lighted meters, for that Xmassy effect in a dark room. (The AKAI AA-1150 receiver with the orange LEDs was brilliant! :)) Currently have a Yamaha CA 710 in for repair (right channel blowing out the speaker). In an earlier video you "dogged on" 'empty boxes' (the budget lines, Kenwood and Technics) which gave me a pang of fear that my Yamaha 710 might be one, bc I did look into it before taking it for repair and it did seem 'empty'. Have watched perhaps 10 of your videos and in none of them did you mention Yamaha. So was very very pleased to see the Yamaha CA-1010 make the No. 1 spot. That must mean the CA 710 is of good quality, quite apart from the lighted meters which fascinate me and warm the room. This is the second time it has been in for repair; previously, it was a blotchy volume and balance knob, but technician fixed that, then... Wonderful channel, so rich with knowledge, and your delivery and persona are right on, 'guy next door', no pretensions, yet really fluent and colourfully phrasing. No salesmanship, no used car patter. It's quickly become go-to 'comfort food'.🤌
...Sir, you could teach a college course on this topic. Informative, entertaining and sincere as always. If we ever get to road trip back to Chicago, we will make a point to stop and visit and purchase at your location. Excellent.
Really enjoying your channel! I have a few units, wish I could afford more, but my favorite in my Yamaha A1 high current integrated amp with a clean 70 watts/channel (1979) paired with a set of Canton 701DC tower speakers. In the bedroom, I have an NAD 7130. I always liked the NAD equipment, I felt they were a good bargain. It's paired with a pair of Linn Tukan bookshelf speakers paired with a 10'' Yamaha sub. Sounds very good. In the shop is an SX980. It's been there too long. He's out of his league and hope he doesn't ruin it.
Bought a McIntosh MA6600. It’s got the tuner upgrade on it, but I’ve yet to use it. No good stations near me. Absolutely love the sound and simplicity of this amp. Makes my Chorus II speakers sound fantastic.
I have an AU 7700 and an AU 101. Both great in their own way. I plan on using the 7700 as a preamp with a Sansui BA-F1 power amp ( once I fix it). My pride and joy at present (though at 1989 I'm not sure if it counts as vintage) is a Luxman L540 integrated. 110 watts into 8 Ohms, but the first 15 in Class A. A thing of beauty and gives my modern gear a run for its money. I also recently acquired a Luxman R1050 receiver from the 70s and it's a great piece of kit.
Back in the 70s, my dear friend had an amp with no meters. By chance, the University where he worked upgraded their oscilloscopes, so he bought two of the discards. Problem solved and after attaining the proper attitude, watching "Dark Side of the Moon" was an unexpected treat....way better than anything on TV and he could even tell when a guitar was out of tune. The glowing green CRT screens and plethora of knobs and switches were visual candy on his tune shelves, too. Rock on.
I'm stil rocking my Pioneer SA-9500II from 1978, which is very similar to the SA-8500II, but it has a little more power. Love these units, and except for some noisy switches and controls, it works as well as it did almost 50 years ago. Dioxit has resolved most of the noisy controls, and the others i just leave alone. Love these 70's vintage Pioneer amps!
I'm thinking about getting into vintage audio (my Dad had a complete silver-faced system when I was a kid, while I've always made do with all-in-ones or (later) digital music or my computer's CD drive--and then I got into laserdiscs, and now I want to go full vintage, heh), and I find myself torn between a full receiver and one of these tuner-less integrated ones. Realisitcally I probably don't need the full set and an integrated would be the most practical--but oooo, some of those with the cool blue lights look so nice... Anyway, thanks for these videos: they're doing a good job of both informing and feeding the itch (I only wished I lived local to you folks--my area seems to have a lack of stores with this kind of selection!).
Hi Kevin, great videos. You seem to favor (in vintage receivers as well) > 50W, but since those days these were RMS Watts one can do really well w 35W or even less. My teenage years integrated amplifier was the 35W Pioneer SA-6500 II (w/ a Pioneer TX-6500 II tuner) and at that time Jensen speakers. I still have as my #2 stereo at the home office the same integrated amp and tuner, but w/ ADS L470/2 speakers and I love it. It may be worthwhile to make a video (videos?) about these lower wattage receivers and integrated amps, as they are great for many home applications, w/ still plenty of "umph". Thanks again, greetings from Crete, Greece.
Sony TA 8650 (V-FET) here. It has been served well (replaced): diode 7 pieces, transistor 10 pieces, half fixed resistance 2 pieces, resistance 3 pieces, electrolysis condenser 48 pieces, film condenser 1 piece exchange. each contact disassembly cleaning being completed. idling electric current adjusted. I hope it will still have many years to come. Soundwise? I doubt many vintage integrated amplifiers from 1970's to 1990's can beat it.
17:31 Wait. You only talk about things of which you have first hand knowledge? You are not just talking out your butt about things you don’t know about? I have to double check. Am I really on UA-cam?!?!? Great video. Always enjoy your opinions. Thank you for having integrity. Keep on truckin’!
Ran Pioneer SX-950 until it died (was wonderful unit). Switched 20 years ago to Rotel integrated amps. Very reliable. Very simple. Very powerful for the money!
I have a soft spot for integrated amps. They're really all most people need these days and can often be found at a bargain. I got my 1120 for $150 and was just missing jumpers.
I own both integrated amps and receivers, but prefer my integrated. I have an AU-717 (yes Kevin, I had to get the matching tuner because I suffer from the same ailment as you) that is my main listening system. Maybe it’s the look of the separates, as you mentioned that we sometimes listen with our eyes, or it’s just that sweet ‘Sui sound that I love. I guess it doesn’t matter what you are listening to your music on. If it sounds good to your ears, then it’s the perfect system!
Great list Kevin! The 7700 is my favorite of the AU’s. The aluminum side panels with that thin silver bezel are just gorgeous. The 5500 and 6600 have the same case type.
For a budget priced integrated amp with large, massive knob, I always liked the sound signature of the Pioneer SA-6500 II. Only 30 watts per channel, but give one a listen if you can.
I was a receiver guy growing up in the 70’s - mainly because I did not want to pay for separates. Got turned on to Sansui watching this channel, and I have since picked up an AU-9900 and the matching tuner - TU-9900. I learned the hard way buying a tuner shipped from Japan - they use a different FM band. 😮 It only goes up to about 90MHz. I took it out of the box and looked more closely and said “what the……” I later picked a US spec TU-9900. So all is good. I also snagged a Yamaha CA-2010 earlier this year. These are all fantastic pieces of gear. So far, no volume or balance control issues. Fingers crossed.
2010s are amazing for sure
I had the same issue with a Japanese 7700. I knocked up a Frankenstein powered band shifter from units designed for Japanese car imports to the UK. It's not pretty, but it works. Kinda.
I have a Kenwood KA-8006, which I believe was the TOTL for Kenwood integrated amps circa 1974, and the overall sound & build quality leads me to believe it to be true. Great video. Keep up the good work you do!
I haven’t heard a bunch of integrated amps, but the Marantz 1060, when restored and upgraded has such a unique sound signature. Some people say “tube-like”. I think is somewhat haunting.
Heard the Marantz integrated are hard to work on. I think my tech said the recievers are much easier.
Love the 1060 and 1030. Both are excellent. Thanks
I went the Seperate way once in 76 , after that when the Great Recievers from , Pioneer, Sansui, Yamaha, Technics, Marantz and Seriously the Realistic SA? 2000 was actually pretty dang good too. It was Recievers all the way, and Now my First Integrated the Advance Paris A12 will be my return to some what Seperate components if I was to add a Cool Tuner, it's in the Listening Room not yet unboxed along with my VU3 PRO to switch between the Pioneer SX1280 and AP A12, Can't Wait but need to figure everything out for placement interconnects etc. The Adventure is about to begin!!!
Keep up the Vids and Say Hi to Dad!!!
The 1250 is a pretty good receiver/amp, but I can see you going with Paris since they use AB amps in their stuff.
Thanks! Will do. Those switch boxes are fun. Enjoy
My first integrated amp was the Sony TA-1130. I had just got out of boot camp in 1975 and had my first real paycheck. $168.00 every two weeks! In 1978 our ship was in Japan and the Kenwood KA-7100 was my second integrated amp. It was the height of the receiver wars and guys were buying monster receivers but I loved the sound and the specs of the Kenwood.
Good stuff
KA-7100 into DCM TimeWindows...unreal !
20 years ago, or so, I bought a Yamaha CA-2010 integrated amp at a thrift store for $9.99 expecting it not to work. The wood case was scratched up, but the face plate looked good. As expected, it didn't work. The main problem was failed capacitors in the protection circuit. The lamps behind the VU meters were also replaced. I had the case repaired new wood veneer. I eventually bought the matching tuner on eBay. I still own both pieces today.
It's a keeper! Thanks
I have the Pioneer SA-1000 integrated amp and the matching tuner TX-1000, circa 1971. The construction is outstanding along with the matching wood cabinet and the sound to match.
I can vouch for the Sony 1130. I had mine looked over and am so pleased with it. Punchy and detailed. The matching tuner with it and it's beautiful to look at.
I have a Pioneer SA-9500ii and absolutely love it. No VU meters on the 9500 either but it's my pride and joy.
Another great video Kevin. I love Kenwood integrated amps. My first stereo had a KA-3500. I later upgraded to a KA-5700 with dual UV meters and matched that with a KT-5500 tuner. I still have both of those and they work great after 45+ years! The only repairs I've ever made was to replace the VU meter bulbs. The brushed aluminum face plates look great. And as you said, they just look like they mean business. Thanks for all the great informative videos. I'm hoping someday to make the drive down to Iowa to visit the store.
Thank you!
Great video, Kevin..Thanks for taking the time. I use an Audiolab 8000A Integrated Amp to run my semi-vintage system. I'm the original owner of the amp and I've been lucky enough to never having to do any type of maintenance work on it. Anyways, thanks again for the video..Enjoy what's left of your Sunday!
Thank you, you too
I got my first loan to buy a Yamaha CA2010 (120 watts per channel) in 1978 to upstage my brothers CR820 (60 watts per channel) receiver. I paid $1000 for it.I paired it with a pair of JBL 4311 monitors that I traded a music store an expensive air conditioning repair for.We were in awe as we thought that hi-fi couldn't sound any better.I blew a woofer out on the JBL's like three times before buying a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls in 1985.I had enjoyed this magnificently dynamic combo nearly every day for 30 years until I upgraded the speakers with a Bob Crites crossover 10 years ago, which sent it to another level.This has been a remarkable system through the phonograph era, the CD era and back to exclusively phonograph's again.Pick up one of these beauties cause a similar new Yamaha amp costs more than 7 grand nowadays.Cheers!
I have two KA-7100s, I bought one new in 1978.. What I like is it's a solid amp with very little colorization and all discrete transistors ! It can be repaired for many more years although
other than cleaning controls (not Volume), i have never had a failure and I did add pre-out
main in on one (although I've never actually used it ? I do like your channel.! keep it up, Glad your Dad is back ! Cheers !
I've got one also, been a really good unit for about a decade now. I also have a couple KA-8300's that also have been very good to me.
Thank you
I'm sure someone may have mentioned it but i have a TA3650 and it is the model just before they move to the V-FETs. Its an awesome amp at 60wpc and lots great input and control options!! One of my FAV's!!!!
Thanks for the review Kevin. Very pleased to know you think so highly of the Yamaha integrated amps. My first, and only, high quality system was built around a CA-810, I bought new in '78. A year later I had saved up enough money to buy the matching CT-810 tuner. Around 1990 the amp and speakers was stolen during a move and what was left of the system went into storage. Then in 2018, I got thinking about vinyl records, not knowing it was a thing, and wanted to put a vintage system back together. I never thought of going with anything other than a CA-810, which I found for $350, and now it's paired with the original tuner, which happened to be in storage at the time of the theft, and a Thorens TD 160. I never use the tuner, reception is terrible where I live, but stacked they just look so cool. Yamaha design at its best. If only your shop was closer. I'm still on the hunt for speakers to replace the original monsters the CA-810 used to power.
Wow, same here. I saved up and researched gear and ending up buying the Yamaha CA-810 & CT810 together for like $720. he store carried HK, Yamaha & McIntosh. I wanted to go seperates as I felt it was a step up from say the receivers, like the CR 810 or CR 1010. I wasin my late teens.The store offered different Yamaha price points on a quote sheet including the more expensive CA-1010 mated with a lesser expensive CT-610 tuner. More money I did not have, plus I wanted both units to match. Still have both now and use for TV audio and CD & FM listening, the last repair was done in like 1985!
I have had my Sansui AU-7700 since 1978. I had it paired with EPI 100V speakers, Marantz 6150 direct drive turntable, Grado G2+ gold prestige cartridge, and Pioneer CT-F 1250 cassette deck. I have added the matching TU-7700 tuner a few years ago, needs alignment.
I do have a Sansui G-8700DB receiver that I am working on, still need to find driver transistors for that. When I get that working I will have to do a shootout between the two and see which one I like better. Of course I have an emotional attachment to the AU-7700.
I picked up a CA-1010 from Japan, fully refurbished, for $900 shipped last year. Ive been using it with a pair of refurbished yamaha ns-690ii's and a victor QL-Y55F (entire set up ran less than $2000, including refurbishing) and it put an end to my upgrading. This TT through the MC preamp and these speakers has been a game changer for me. Awesome value, IMO, for what each of these run right now.
Out of all of the integrated amps I've owned, I love my Sansui AU-6600 the most. Great and informative video, as always!
Cool, thanks!
I appreciate the shout out to the Kenwood KA line. I have a KA7002, and it's a tank of an amplifier, and I really like the way it sounds.
Hey Kevin,
Just wanted to thank you for your excellent channel. I'm in Columbus,OH and your store reminds me of the record stores and stereo shops that used to be all over this city. I've got a guy locally that's restoring a Marantz 2226B receiver and a Technics SLQ200 turntable for me. They both basically work but needed some TLC. Can't wait to get them back. For my main system I have a Marantz SR5015 with Legacy Classics I bought new way back in the early 2000's. Best investment I ever made, speaker wise. The receiver has a pretty cool feature in that you can use the 7th channel as bi-amplification if your speakers can be bi-amped. You just have to bring up the internal menu and click on bi-amp in the speaker set-up menu. Works great! Also you can set the speaker Ohms by using the buttons on the front of the receiver, my classics are 4 Ohm so it really gives the headroom once you get them set right. The manual says it puts out 140 wpc at 6 ohms but does not give the rating for 4 ohm. But it will let you set it to 4 ohm. Just fun facts about the modern equipment some of your followers might appreciate. Keep on truckin'!
Back in the 70s, my local HiFi store carried a lot of Kenwood and Pioneer products, which I would drool over after school. My very first HiFi receiver was a Kenwood which I left on 24/7 and lasted 30+ years, so I have no complaints regarding Kenwood.. Great video Kevin, definitely a video I would refer to if I was in the market for an integrated amp 👍
Thank you, Kara. Glad we are still in line :)
Thank you for another wonderful video!! I usually do receiver's but do have numerous separate's with a couple systems set up. You reminded me that I have a ca1010 in the box in storage somewhere. I am going to dig it out and let it sing. The CA1010 does not have a loudness switch and I like how the tone controls can be disabled. The 1010 does make some heat when in class A mode and I think it drops to 28 watts out in class A, but what clean, pure sonic ecstasy it produces. Love to hear it with the W/dale Canton's. Incredible speaker's.
Quit typing and start digging, lol. Thanks
Can't wait for your over $1000 list.
Again, a terrific video. I really appreciate how you remind viewers that an interest in, and a urge to collect these pieces of HIFI, is a hobby! A lovely, fascinating hobby. I take great pleasure from my 30+ year set up of Denon, Technics and Panasonic kit. All budget, but loved and cared for. Thank you again for everything you do. You have an outstanding channel.
Thank you very much!
I'm glad this list didn't come out till today, I picked up a complete rack of Yamaha, including a 1010 amp for $35 off CL this morning, it had sat on CL for the past several months at $100 with no takers but being 45 minutes away, I didn't bother.
I finally shot off a $30 offer and they said come get it, when I got there I found it was a guy selling off all his in-laws things so he could start renovating the house. I left there with a Yamaha CA-1010 amp, a YP-B4 Turntable, a TC-720 cassette deck, and a Denon DCD 1500 CD player with two Boston Acoustics T1000 speakers. The speakers are intact but will need refoaming. For another $5, I bought an Onkyo A7 amp that's got a dead channel.
For $35, I got a complete working system.
The tape deck will need belts, it acts funny on first play, then gets better after a while, a quick looks shows the belts are really loose or stretched. The amp had a few scratchy pots but a shot of Deoxit cured that, and the TT needed a belt, not having one, I carefully cut one out of an old car innertube. I was shocked at how correct it looks on there.
The seller also gave me a cheap 60" TV that they were throwing out, he said the picture quality was awful and that it was a freebie tv from something they signed up for. Its been playing on my bench in the garage for 8 hours now and seems fine.
I'll tinker with the A7 amp when I get around to it but from what I remember those were pretty decent amps as well.
Wow!
Doesn't get much better than that! Nice
👍
I was always an interted amp guy. I bought a Sansui AU-717 when it was first introduced and never looked back. I still have it. I've since bought receivers, but they don't have all of the upgrades that my integrated has, such as dual mono design. I think I can hear the difference. And aesthetically, a tuner/integrated combo looks great.
I have an original Onkyo A-10 that I purchased in the 70's. I don't see them mentioned much but its a true beast. Dual mono and 85 under rated watts at 40 pounds. My wife just let me pull it out from our garage storage and hook it up to my original ADS 810's and even she is impressed. It's a nice blast to the past!
I have a NAD 3155 integrated amp that I purchased in the mid 80’s. It’s been a solid unit since day one and still is.
I recently purchased a r2r deck off FB marketplace. Little did i know he was also throwing in his kenwood ka-8300 and matching tuner. Unfortunately the amp suffered the blown darlington pack you mentioned. My tech suggested the replacement you showed in your video. I went for it and it sounds great. So thanks for pointing out that solution for others who might be in the same boat. Plus now it's easier to repair in the future.
Those new packs are great, IMO. Thanks
Yeahhh! Look at Kevin coming around with Kenwood. Love to see it!
4 weeks ago, I picked up a fully restored Sansui AU-2900. All new electrolytic caps and all new gain matched discrete components. All controls cleaned and lubed, reflowed and defluxed boards. Idle current checked and fully detailed. The case and facia are immaculate. $450 Love it
I bought an au-7700 after watching your video on Sansui integrateds, and I absolutely love it. Like I’m gonna be buried with it love it.
And with the pre/main jacks, I was able to pair it up with an adcom gfa-5500 after a recommendation from my tech for more power(grew up on metal), and it’s sublime.
I picked up a Sansui BA-F1 power amp from Japan and plan on using it with my 7700 as a pre. That's if I can fix it. I screwed up recapping it because the through holes were too small and have a lot of fixing to do.
I have the Pioneer SA-8500II as the heart of my speakeasy system. I absolutely love it.
I also am a fan of vintage Realistic Equipment. I have a SA-2001 amp and an SA-1000a. They are both great amp, especially for the price.
After subscribing to this channel for a few weeks, you've got me going into pawns shops... Here in my small town in the SW of NM we have NO stereo stores... and limited resellers.
First system that I ever bought with my own money in 1977 was a Harman Kardon A 402 40 watt amp paired with a T 403 tuner. Twin power, high current and ultra-wide bandwith - I'd put it up against any of the integrated amps you have listed - although all of them are excellent. I still have it today...will need serviced soon. HK design was ahead of its time, very simple look - but the vertical LED VU meters was a real attention-getter back in the day. Keep up the great work! 👍
my A402 after recap including phono section lost a channel for the third time. bought new on sale. have you had loss of a channel yet? solution?
@@bigaldallas Mine had a major fix in the mid- 90s after it hadn't been working for years...and is now due for another. I have one channel that comes and goes - it's currently gone and I just get scratch/hiss crackling out of one channel now. I get nothing out of the phono section (either channel) too. Luckily I found a good repair shop that completed a full service on my 430 receiver, so it will be going in there soon. Now using a HK PM645 for every day listening; I had been using the A402 to handle PC audio for the speakers in my office/studio and to rip vinyl to digital.
Not on your list due to price but purchased a McIntosh Ma6100 Integrated in 1974 for $699. Still my main go to in my rotation. Thanks and always look forward to Sundays!!!
Thanks to your channel I'm getting back into vintage hifi after almost 40 years - It wasn't vintage then. In 1985 as a 20 year old I had a Proton 950 receiver, Vandersteen 1B speakers, an AR XA turntable, and a Magnavox CDB-650 CD player - Wow! Oh, I forgot.. and a Stax 'ear speaker' system. It was amazing, especially for a bedroom! Growing up, in about 1977 my dad bought a Sansui G series receiver along with other gear that was my daily driver as a teenager....Fast forward to today where I live in Hanoi, Vietnam. We have a good community of avid audiophiles here as well who prize the same gear as you do - and more! We have a lot of Japanese domestic market stuff we never saw in the U.S (Trio , Lo-D, Nikko,Victor, Aurex) ....Which brings me to a question I have....
I am spoiled for choice for inexpensive (for the US anyway) vintage gear and am not sure what to get to start building a system. In just a few days of searching I have come across:
1. Aurex 330 Rack mount system (amp, pre-amp, tuner, tape deck) - $270
2. Trio Rack mount system (KA-3100G Int amp, KT - 3100G tuner, Kx - 3700G Tape deck) - $260
3. Lo-D 3 pc system (HA-330 amp, tuner, D-400 tape deck) - $205
4. Pioneer SA-8800ii - $150
5. Yamaha CA-1000 - $180
6. Sony TA-1055A - $60
7. Sony TA - 1150D - $65
8. Victor JA-S75 - $220
9. Technics SL-M2 $220
10. Onkyo A755 Mk11/70 - $120
Which one should I get to start a small home system? I'm leaning towards the Trio rack mount as i looks so cool (as does the Aurex)
Thoughts?
I have a Marantz 1060 and I was sure it was going to be on the list! I am a little shocked it's not! Would it be on the list if your list was top ten? Maybe do a part two, top 6-10?
The 1060s were off, then on, then off the list. Pushing a grand with 30WPC. We'll put them at #6 :)
@@skylabsaudio I bought mine this year with wood cab for $250!! Cover has never been off until I got it! Not a scratch on the faceplate.
I have owned a really clean, sweet working 1060 for a number of years. Still loving it!
I had a KA-9150 and loved it. Great phono section. Also had a Sansui AU-719/TU-719 combo. Awesome setup. The only vintage gear left in my collection is a 1959 Scott 299 that I had restored several years ago that is never leaving the house!
The only integrated l have is the 1130 with the matching 5130 tuner. I've never compared their performance with any other pair, and l feel no need to. I think they're fantastic! Also, l love their understated look and the real quality feel of the switches and knobs. To me the epitomize the saying 'built like a tank'! Another great video. Thanks!
Thank you!
Kevin another great video ....I can vouch for many of your selections, having several of those listed in my collection. Integrated amps are the best buy for the money. My collection includes a Sansui AU-717 and AU-7900, Kenwood KA-6100 and KA-8100 both with discreet outputs, and that Yamaha CA-1010 and its predecessor the CA-1000. But my favorite of all is that other 70s integrated amp with class A capability that you mentioned but didnt remember the brand. That being the Denon PMA-830....60W/ch . class B and 10w/ch class A, Dual power supply with a single Toroidal transformer. Also a Direct output function and this were the magic takes place, Class A mode with Direct coupked output selected...very noticeable difference in clarity of sound and lack of distortion! The great thing about tge matching TU-850 tuner is that the tuning and signal strength meter have a dual function and can be used as power meters (connected in parallel to the amp outputs). Denon also made a higher powered version the PMA-850II....these can be seen on the vintageknob audio museum website.
I have a sweet vintage pre+amp with meters but the warm glow of a tuner playing forgotten songs and new ones never heard before makes it still relevant IMO
Really like your videos! Your common sense approach is refreshing. I’ve made purchases based on your videos and have been very happy. I live in Kentucky and planning a trip to Iowa!!
Loved my KA-7100. As I recall, I was attracted to it as a graduating high schooler to the low distortion for the power. And the look.
Good video Kevin… believe it or not I have 1978 Nikko NA 650 that IMO could match sound and build with the top brands you mentioned… I’ve owned a few Pioneer and Marantz amps and the Nikko is my choice.
Very nice!
Nice video, as always.
One thing I'd love to see you do is expand past the 1970s and get into some of the gear from the 1980s-early 1990s. There was a bunch of great gear that came out through that era.
Right now my main system is a Pioneer SX-1250. It's great. But, I do have to say that (obviously) it lacks modern convenience. My backup/bedroom system is a Carver CT Seven Preamp and a Carver m-0.5t power amplifier. It serves bedroom duty. When the Pioneer needs to go into the shop it serves as a temporary replacement whilst I await the Pioneer's return. The Carver gear is 1980s gear and sounds very good to my ear, although I do get a bit of transformer hum.
I've been keeping my eyes open for an old Onkyo M-504 power amplifier at a reasonable price. I think that those big green VU meters are pure art and they are pretty solidly reviewed across the board. I think a good preamp with modern conveniences tied to that amp would be a killer system.
Or maybe I should keep my mouth shut so people don't start snapping that 1980s/1990s gear up when it turns up.
Integrated circuits and repairability really become an issue with 80s and 90s gear if and when you have an issue.
They are all cool , I like all of them.
The Pioneer was like that as well with meters and peak lights on the 6700 and 7700 .
You don’t see peak level led lights on amps much, such a cool feature when you get them flickering.
Some choice options there! I also like the Pioneer series, topped out by the SA-9100. As well, the Sansui AU-9900 which can be had for sub $1k.
Almost hard to find a bad Pioneer or Sansui integrated from the 70s. Thanks, Scott!
The Onkyo A-7040 Integrated Amplifier 1980. (50 Watts) per channel, was amazing! DC servo and excellent power!
I have the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum Edition. 100W with a tube pre. Absolutely love it.
Kevin, I had a Sansui AU-111 in the 70s/80s .What a magnificent beast it was. (Paired with Sansui SP-3500s). Good times.
Yup! Excellent amplifiers
I love this channel! Can't get enough of how much you love vintage audio as much as we do! keep up the great videos. have you ever thought about doing more live/podcast style shows as well?
I have a small Sansui A-7 integrated amp. I am really happy with all the punch I get from the 45wts it puts out.
We sold quite a few of the Yamaha CA-1010 Amps at the store in the 70's and the people knew exactly what they wanted when they walked in the door so there was no selling involved pretty kool!
I’ve got a Kenwood KA7100 that’s been in a box in the basement for years. Last time I had it hooked up one channel was cutting in and out. One of my first projects after I retire will be to get it running again. Hopefully you’ll be doing repairs again. FYI I also have a pair of ADS 810s too, so based on your expert opinion it’s good to know that I chose well all those years ago.
Thanks for another great presentation. As mentioned in previous posts, I'm a separates guy. I went straight from receivers to separates and skipped the integrated amplifier line up. I'm in team-Yamaha so, of your list, the CA-1010 is the one that most interesting, to me.
Thanks!
I've always had an interest in integrated amps. But I've always been a receiver user, both for the radio and the more elegant designs. Thanks for the video ...
I’m running a pioneer SA-6500II and a Rotel Ra-1312 both mid 70s integrated amps.
I had them both serviced and cleaned, cost less than 300 a piece. Absolutely wonderful.
Paired with a set of mission 717 speakers. Technics SL-20 and a WIIM Pro Plus for inputs.
Everything has been sourced and repaired locally and I’m not that deep into my gear in terms of money or repair. I highly suggest others to poke around and see what you find. There’s a lot of great stuff out there! Happy crate digging everyone
That's the fun part! Thanks
Got my first integrated amp late last year as an “Open Box” deal. I bought the Cambridge CXA-61 and love it. In fact, I’m satisfied with my current system. Sounds great paired with my Wharfedale Diamond 225 speakers. No regrets. Feel like I got one of the best value amps in Hi-Fi. Simple, easy to operate and produces great music with plenty of power. It was right before you started carrying Cambridge gear, or I would have purchased from Skylabs. 👍🏼🎶😎
Cambridge is killing it. For new gear "reasonably" priced with good quality? They are tough to beat, IMO. Thanks
@@skylabsaudio Thanks man. I am loving it, and I agree. I’m old and on fixed income now. I had to spend wisely. 👍🏼🎶😎
I still Love and play my Kenwood KA-6100 integrated amp. I bought it used back in the late 70's for $100. I employ an Auris bluetooth receiver to connect with my iPhone. Now I can adjust the volume right from my pocket.
I have had both through the yrs . From all brands. And right now I am a receiver guy for now. Pioneer SX-D7000
Still have my Pioneer SA-1000 that Il purchased new , I purchased a Parasound amp and pre amp in the early 90's and love them both !
Thanks for all of your videos! I just bought Sansui AU-505 yesterday, and it sounds great.
To your point Kevin: My Kenwood receiver has 2 levels of loudness as well.
When you have the button in the off position you get regular loudness, perfect for most hard rock.
When you push it to the on position you get "tubro" loudness, perfect for most hard rock when you have a bunch of friends over.
They just wanted to make simpler for the customer !
Love it!
I still have my Sansui AU-717 intergrated Amp it still works flawlessly looks good and I still have the original box can't believe that. I like the sound of this DC Amp and it's rack mountable.
I've still got and still works a Rotel RA 1314 Intergrated which runs my Celestion UL10'S which a tweeter has gone on one and I also run Wharfdale Dittons. The sound is what it's all about.
I had a KA-3500 for years. Loved it. Gave it to a friend after years of service.
Great review and breakdown. Have had the fortune of owning or using some of the various integrated amps from those manufacturers. Pioneer sa9500 had two at one time, have had 2 marantz model 1060s in different times in life. Kenwood ka5700, ka 9100. Had a chance to use a Sansui au317 integrated . Great video thanx sir!!
Yes sir I've been looking for the Yamaha CA-1010 for over 9yrs now ,thank you for sharing ❤❤❤🎉.
Love your vids. YOu're one of the few channels where my setting is ALL vids on my notifications. Keep up the good work.
Another great video Kevin! I have a couple dozen vintage receivers from the mid -late 70's , pioneer,Sansui, Yamaha, Sanyo, and one Marantz 2265b. But I don't own any integrated amps, but this video does great in showing what they are all about. I might be getting into them in the future! Thanks for another awesome video and keep them coming! I always get excited to see when you upload a new video! It's going to be another fun one! 👍😂
Thank you so much!
I've got 2 Kenwood 6100 hooked up for my gaming/movies feeding pairs each of SQC , 70's Magnovox 12" horns front, Polk audio bookshelf ceiling rear, 12" Rockfort P1s behind couch. I love the punch, and sound of these integrated amps.
Fun!
Always appreciate your lists. 👍. Honourable mentions to the Harman Kardon A402. Had one of these years ago and always regret getting rid of it. 😢.
Thanks for sharing
I have a Kenwood KA - 5700 integrated amp coupled with a matching KT - 5500 tuner! Both have double vu meters and sound and look great!
Very nice!
I love the HK 730 that you have talked about. Miss mine that I swapped out and regret to this day. Would not mind to find a Sony integrated amp.
A stereo was everything in the 70s, i started with a 2270, then 2275, switched to a Sansui AU919 and TU919, then a Mac4100 and finally an MC2200 with an APT Holman pre amp, and this was all during 4 years of high school. I didn’t know how good i had it.
That Yamaha is GREAT. I've had two CA-810s and a 1010 and they really do have everything you could ask for in a vintage stereo piece. I have Yamaha separates now, and I wouldn't go back, but those old CA series amps and CR series receivers are memorable.
Glad to see an integrated amp review. I enjoy my Kenwood KA-3500.
yes! I love my Yamaha! Great to see this unit as #1
I will throw out the Project/One Mark XX Integrated amplifier at 45w/ch. Not a big name and very regional sales, but sorta like the Kenwood KA7100 except it has preout/main in jacks. I use mine several times a week. Nice job again!
Newbie to your channel and newbie to the hobby, though I had my first amp and tape deck back in the late 70s -- JVC. Knew nothing about the technology then and next to nothing now, and what I like most, given quality build and sound, is lighted meters, for that Xmassy effect in a dark room. (The AKAI AA-1150 receiver with the orange LEDs was brilliant! :)) Currently have a Yamaha CA 710 in for repair (right channel blowing out the speaker). In an earlier video you "dogged on" 'empty boxes' (the budget lines, Kenwood and Technics) which gave me a pang of fear that my Yamaha 710 might be one, bc I did look into it before taking it for repair and it did seem 'empty'. Have watched perhaps 10 of your videos and in none of them did you mention Yamaha. So was very very pleased to see the Yamaha CA-1010 make the No. 1 spot. That must mean the CA 710 is of good quality, quite apart from the lighted meters which fascinate me and warm the room. This is the second time it has been in for repair; previously, it was a blotchy volume and balance knob, but technician fixed that, then...
Wonderful channel, so rich with knowledge, and your delivery and persona are right on, 'guy next door', no pretensions, yet really fluent and colourfully phrasing. No salesmanship, no used car patter. It's quickly become go-to 'comfort food'.🤌
Thank you. Appreciate it. Anything Yamaha from the mid 70s to 1980 is really hard to beat, IMO.
In 1978 I had a Sherwood integrated amp rated at 120 watts/ ch with VU meters and 3 sets of speaker input terminals.
I bought a Kenwood KA9100 in 1977 and still have it. It has VU Meters, but just like the 7100- 8000 series didn’t have meters.
Enjoy your program. I believe the flat style knobs on the Yamaha’s are called “paddle” knobs
...Sir, you could teach a college course on this topic. Informative, entertaining and sincere as always. If we ever get to road trip back to Chicago, we will make a point to stop and visit and purchase at your location. Excellent.
Really enjoying your channel! I have a few units, wish I could afford more, but my favorite in my Yamaha A1 high current integrated amp with a clean 70 watts/channel (1979) paired with a set of Canton 701DC tower speakers. In the bedroom, I have an NAD 7130. I always liked the NAD equipment, I felt they were a good bargain. It's paired with a pair of Linn Tukan bookshelf speakers paired with a 10'' Yamaha sub. Sounds very good. In the shop is an SX980. It's been there too long. He's out of his league and hope he doesn't ruin it.
Bought a McIntosh MA6600. It’s got the tuner upgrade on it, but I’ve yet to use it. No good stations near me. Absolutely love the sound and simplicity of this amp. Makes my Chorus II speakers sound fantastic.
I have an AU 7700 and an AU 101. Both great in their own way. I plan on using the 7700 as a preamp with a Sansui BA-F1 power amp ( once I fix it).
My pride and joy at present (though at 1989 I'm not sure if it counts as vintage) is a Luxman L540 integrated. 110 watts into 8 Ohms, but the first 15 in Class A. A thing of beauty and gives my modern gear a run for its money.
I also recently acquired a Luxman R1050 receiver from the 70s and it's a great piece of kit.
Back in the 70s, my dear friend had an amp with no meters. By chance, the University where he worked upgraded their oscilloscopes, so he bought two of the discards. Problem solved and after attaining the proper attitude, watching "Dark Side of the Moon" was an unexpected treat....way better than anything on TV and he could even tell when a guitar was out of tune. The glowing green CRT screens and plethora of knobs and switches were visual candy on his tune shelves, too. Rock on.
I'm stil rocking my Pioneer SA-9500II from 1978, which is very similar to the SA-8500II, but it has a little more power. Love these units, and except for some noisy switches and controls, it works as well as it did almost 50 years ago. Dioxit has resolved most of the noisy controls, and the others i just leave alone. Love these 70's vintage Pioneer amps!
I'm thinking about getting into vintage audio (my Dad had a complete silver-faced system when I was a kid, while I've always made do with all-in-ones or (later) digital music or my computer's CD drive--and then I got into laserdiscs, and now I want to go full vintage, heh), and I find myself torn between a full receiver and one of these tuner-less integrated ones. Realisitcally I probably don't need the full set and an integrated would be the most practical--but oooo, some of those with the cool blue lights look so nice...
Anyway, thanks for these videos: they're doing a good job of both informing and feeding the itch (I only wished I lived local to you folks--my area seems to have a lack of stores with this kind of selection!).
Love the list, a 70s Kenwood integrated amp is one piece of equipment I regret selling most!
Hi Kevin, great videos. You seem to favor (in vintage receivers as well) > 50W, but since those days these were RMS Watts one can do really well w 35W or even less. My teenage years integrated amplifier was the 35W Pioneer SA-6500 II (w/ a Pioneer TX-6500 II tuner) and at that time Jensen speakers. I still have as my #2 stereo at the home office the same integrated amp and tuner, but w/ ADS L470/2 speakers and I love it. It may be worthwhile to make a video (videos?) about these lower wattage receivers and integrated amps, as they are great for many home applications, w/ still plenty of "umph". Thanks again, greetings from Crete, Greece.
Thanks!
Sony TA 8650 (V-FET) here. It has been served well (replaced): diode 7 pieces, transistor 10 pieces, half fixed resistance 2 pieces, resistance 3 pieces, electrolysis condenser 48 pieces, film condenser 1 piece exchange. each contact disassembly cleaning being completed. idling electric current adjusted. I hope it will still have many years to come. Soundwise? I doubt many vintage integrated amplifiers from 1970's to 1990's can beat it.
17:31 Wait. You only talk about things of which you have first hand knowledge? You are not just talking out your butt about things you don’t know about? I have to double check. Am I really on UA-cam?!?!?
Great video. Always enjoy your opinions. Thank you for having integrity. Keep on truckin’!
😂 very funny and appreciated
Ran Pioneer SX-950 until it died (was wonderful unit). Switched 20 years ago to Rotel integrated amps. Very reliable. Very simple. Very powerful for the money!
I have a soft spot for integrated amps. They're really all most people need these days and can often be found at a bargain. I got my 1120 for $150 and was just missing jumpers.
Nice!
I own both integrated amps and receivers, but prefer my integrated. I have an AU-717 (yes Kevin, I had to get the matching tuner because I suffer from the same ailment as you) that is my main listening system. Maybe it’s the look of the separates, as you mentioned that we sometimes listen with our eyes, or it’s just that sweet ‘Sui sound that I love. I guess it doesn’t matter what you are listening to your music on. If it sounds good to your ears, then it’s the perfect system!
Great list Kevin! The 7700 is my favorite of the AU’s. The aluminum side panels with that thin silver bezel are just gorgeous. The 5500 and 6600 have the same case type.
Yeah agree. They sound excellent to boot!
For a budget priced integrated amp with large, massive knob, I always liked the sound signature of the Pioneer SA-6500 II. Only 30 watts per channel, but give one a listen if you can.