I recently acquired a TA-1150 and immediately replaced all electrolytics, but still need to replace the two large filter capacitors. It has a lot of 3.3 uf electrolytic coupling capacitors that I replaced with 2.2 uf 100v polypropylene capacitors. I have several vintage amplifiers and receivers with my main system usually uses either a tube preamp and solid state power amp, or both tube preamp and power amplifier. I'm really a tube guy but that all changed after listening to the recapped TA-1150. It's not a lot of power being only 40 watts per channel, but somehow it makes you think you're listening to something more powerful. And with all of my variables, I'm amazed that I've never heard anything that sounds a good as this TA-1150. It sounds like a tube amp very open and airy, but what really makes it great is that brings out instruments and ambiances just like a tube amp and in some songs even better than my tube units. I'm truly baffled as to why and how this amplifier can do so well reproducing those subtle sounds. It has a powerful realism and there's no solid state harshness that's near common with solid state stuff. I read somewhere that its was called the Macintosh killer. Oh, and it has perfect and clean lower range bass and the only amplifier I really didn't mind adding a little bass to the sound. The loudness should never be enabled, it destroys this amplifiers exceptional musical performance.
What a great write up, Love it. I can't agree with you more, I love this amp. Yes, You would think it had more power than it has. I think most older stuff is more conservative with figures, Whereas newer equipment is mostly embellished figures. I keep all of the tone controls in the middle and don't change any of them. I am now looking forward to doing the capacitor change on it, To see if it makes it sound even fresher. Coming soon......
