Are you guys up for another video like this? If this video gets over 1000 likes, I will be sure to share more ! other related videos: This Japanese High-End Amplifier can be had for only $500: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EsTIDagHbMI.html BEST Speakers of ALL-TIME (Vintage ~ Modern) : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MmdLHXqzjBw.html First Solid State McIntosh Amplifier Ever Made With Blue Meters !: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AK6HxwJNMvw.html 6 Reasons Why McIntosh Amplifiers are one of the BEST in the world: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UW-s0Ry8DMg.html
I know this isnt easy to do on a one-take video but if you could (A) Avoid using the word "very" and (B) compare them to modern popular hifi more often, it would help nuance the differences to most people whose never owned vintage gear. Keep up the good work!
Good one J, it’s good see reviewers not trying to flog overpriced new gear when there is obviously some great vintage gear out there that’s great value as well as great sounding. It’s also reassuring to know that your also a collector of vintage hifi equipment as well. You have have to practice what you preach. Good episode, very entertaining.
Vintage is a great option for new audiophiles or any music lovers who doesn't wanna spend a lot and have good sound, especially those which Made In Japan...WOW still rocks! Very high quality
I laughed when you said the Marantz 8B , every HiFihead knows about that one , finding one of those in good condition for a decent price is like finding a pregnant nun riding a unicorn.
Listening at the moment to my office HITACHI SR-903 (Class G amp w/75W per ch into 8ohm & peak 160W for transients) that I bought used locally ($120); paired with minty mint Marantz EQ20, $120. It was in need of a deep cleaning but is in excellent condition (aside from a minor 2mm nick/dent at the lower edge of the face plate) . I "spruced up" the factory black wooden case (boring) with a glossy burled-walnut vinyl wrap and swapped the factory hard rubber feet for machined ALU feet (58mm, with rubber isolation base rings). It really makes this unit look incredible. In terms of sound...extremely pleased. I cleaned the pots (Deoxit D5 & F5), checked certain caps with the ESR, ran it up on a DIM-bulb rig (OK), then checked the offsets sat. The service manual is detailed and the PCB's are clearly labeled/marked for ease of future revision. I also researched and purchased all the electrolytic capacitors (& filters) + known/problematic transistors (thanks Audiokarma!) for a revision on TWO SR903's...since I liked the first one so much I bought a second SR903 for the family room (mint $134). I figure it will be easier for me to "master" the schematics and do the revisions across the same model receiver. As well, these lifetime/solid-state units will be easier to pass on to our 2 children. I own/have owned Yamaha (CR420), Nakamichi (SR2E), Pioneer (LX626), Sanyo (DCX6000K)...and decided to settle on these Hitachi's. They simply deliver excellent performance~power/build quality/looks at prices which do not carry the Marantz/Pioneer/Sansui "tax". Recently, a Hitachi SR503L showed up on a local listing, pristine and fully revised...with nice audio-grade Nichicon FG caps and all. Again for $120...pulled that trigger too. It's for my eldest daughter, who has taken a liking to vinyl and needed a good receiver for the system I am putting together for her. As in the prior purchases, I took a chance and voila...as advertised...success!
OF COURSE you know this equipment!! I could have guessed by your knowledge and aesthetic. It was a pair of dynamo 70's that changed my life forever (in 1990!) That Hafler XL-280 was out! I mono blocked those babies and never looked back. The sounds floats on the air. The breath, the guitars..... And that Pioneer receiver! I love that people are re-discovering those. Love your work Jay.
Where to start? I was blown away when you hit #6! LO-7Ms. Both of my older sons are using them right now. One with a pair of AP 9s and the other AR91s. One also has a pair of the lower powered brothers, the LO-7M. While I have a pair of the monster big brother LO-9Ms on the bench soon to drive my Magneplanar 1.7i. But I have to make a major correction to what you think is it's history. I was a Kenwood Rep covering the 6 SE states in the late '70's. I introduced the Kenwood Audio Purist line at that time. That included the LO-7C preamp, LO-7T Tuner and LO-7M amp. It included the KD500, later the LO-7D, LO-1D, .... and the accessory plater and center and outer ring weights. I travelled giving demos and seminars on them. So i know they existed in the '70's. I even arranged for a review of the LO-7M for Audiofile in Atlanta. I was also the AR Rep and introduced the AR 9 series which is why my chips did not fall far.
Man I currently have 1 of the L-09M's which I found in a barn during an estate clean out and man it is a monster I have been looking for probably 5 years for a second one. One day I know it will happen but till then I am completely jealous lol!!!
Thank you for mentioning the Dynaco Stereo 70! It is an extremely underrated amplifier, but without doubt one of the best deals in audio ever. I found that it has exceptionally good tone, and is more faithful to the music than the vast majority of modern high resolution amps. My musician friend made a recording (guitar, uncompressed, unprocessed) I had him play the same song between the speakers & then listen to the CD. With the stereo 70 I could immediately spot that it was the guitar he played, and the experience was remarkably close to his actually playing the guitar! With very high end amps / systems it sounded ultra high res, as if I stuck my head between the strings, but nothing like him playing in the room. Also, I had no way to tell which guitar he was playing, the tonality was so off. I was mortified by that experience, and had to re-evaluate what it is that we are looking for in "high end". Also, the stereo 70 can produce a stunningly fleshed-out piano rendering.... if you are into classical concert pianists... As thousands of audiophiles have found out the stereo 70 is the best cure for audiophile burn-out. It plays pure music, zero hype.
Don't worry, the Dynaco Stereo 70 has been raved about since I have been in the industry, alongside it's British counterpart the Radford STA25, I guess ( I am UK based). I have been in the business for over 40 years and have been telling people about it throughout that whole time. None of the items mentioned here are by any stretch hidden gems, just gems (well most of them). I though CAN name some real hidden gems which, still, very very few know about... But I will reserve that knowledge greedily.
My vote is for Hafler....like the 220. For a few hundred on eBay, you can buy some legitimate upgrade kits to bring these great amps into 2021. They will compete with amps costing thousands more. I had the big monster receiver from Onkyo in the late 70's. Thought it was a top dawg until the Hafler separates.....no comparison.
As with anything taste is in play when choosing favorites but it still seems strange no Luxman made the list . I have 45yrs of this hobby and still find certain vintage Lux gear equals or betters many newer considered "audiophile " pieces . Especially when A/B comparing with Pioneer , Kenwood , Marantz . Vintage Luxman gear (pre Alpine)is typically "sweet" personified and very fluid.
@@artsabound7627 lots of clueless people & a sprinkling of vulchers capitalising on lack of knowledge - look @ the maskholes & the Neanderthals volunteering to be guinea pigs for toxic pharmakia
Wow, these are all great vintage amps (well, maybe not the Pioneer in my opinion) but I think you missed the boat. In my books the Mitsubishi DA-A15DC dual mono-block amp was the best amp ever produced. It is the sweetest sounding amp I’ve ever experienced and I’ve owned/listened to many solid state and tube amps over the last 55+ years. To boot, the DA-A15DC is still in spec some 44 years after I acquired it. I’ve owned much high end gear but my Carver pre-amp and Mitsubishi amp are still powering my 1970’s vintage Series 2 Bose 901’s (bought new). They still sound great...
Harman Kardon 930 twin mono receiver , Sumo nine class A power amp, thorens 125 turntable , IMF TLS 50 or 80 transmission line speakers. I’ve heard all of the products that you listed and have had some myself, a good list except some are not a great bang for buck because their prices have grown so much.
It is debatable if the Pioneer SX1980 betters the SX1250, some like myself believe the 1250 is the sweet spot of monster receivers. Plus finding a 1250 is likely an easier task than finding a 1980. Although I’d also recommend others in particular Sansui receivers.
SX1250 for the win, in my opinion. Better overall build spec than the 1980, regardless of 1980's power title. More readily available...and more easily serviced. Exceptional sounding.
Marantz 1060,Sony Ta 3200f,Nikko alpha 2, Gamma 1, beta 2 The Nikko stuff is very underrated. The amp is true dual mono. I have this set for 20 years and still works perfect. The gamma tuner is one of the best I have ever had and I have had some good ones.
When i was searching for a new set of speakers at various hi fi stores in Sydney, 1984 to replace my Telefunken L645 speakers, I heard this fantastic sound coming out of one of these stores. I went in to see what was being demonstrated. and a staff member. said we have just received the Rogers Studio 1 loudspeakers (made in England) . I new immediately these were the speakers for me.The amplifier driving them was a Pioneer integrated tube amp model no (i think) SM 83
Nice video and review to see this kit. I'm in the 'vintage' audio age group in the UK, back then no 'global' high end brands so interesting to see this hardware. UK had Quad, Naim, Lecson, Meridian. Quad 22 was very much the Valve amp (or 'tube' as you call it) that people lusted after along with their electrostatic speakers. I chuckled when you showed the Mullard valves, I made a few diy amps with these, there was even a trend in pulling valves from dead TVs to use in amps, friend of mine worked for a TV rental company and faulty sets were often cannibalised for known 'good sounding' valves.
The thing is, there is not a single 40yo+ piece of gear left on the market that still meets the specs, unless serviced. Nothing wrong with vintage but keep in mind that a lot of parts are NLA and the knobs and switches tend to reach their end of life, even cleaned. To me, great almost-vintage amps are recapped Krell KAV300i and especially the KAV500i. Both must be serviced as there are some parts that will always leak. The 500i is nowadays much cheaper than the SX1980.
Hi Jay. I owned the Kenwood L07C (preamp--it is in my attic and non-functional), and the L-07MII monoblocks. From 1979 (not 1990s) I am an original owner of the last model that was built. I used them to powered my Koss CM1030s for 7 years, that were replaced in 1986 with a pair of Klipschorns. The L07Ms were recapped by Kenwood a couple of times during the 29 years of ownership. I gave them to a friend, who still owns and uses them. thx g
I have a Pioneer SX1280. 185 wpc little brother of the SX1980. Just so you know, these are going up in value now. A well refurbished sx1980 is over $3,500 and climbing. Mine is about $2300 and climbing after and awesome refurbish/upgrade was done. Sound is super quiet, smooth and powerful. Drives 4ohm Legacy Focus very well.
The ST70 is 35+35. Two Dyna Mk3 gave you 60+60. My family Dynacos were what got me into hi fi. This is an American icon and there is tech support and parts today.
1977 to be exact on that Pioneer SX 1980. I had one had an SX1010 and still have my SX828. Along with the SX 9000. Remnants of my high school days. And yes they still work I'm using one as we speak
I own 2 pairs of Kenwood those mono blocks. One pair of the original version, one pair of MKII. They are amazing amps, and can be gotten for next to nothing.
People have no idea how good these kenwoods monoblocks were. I would say the more important factor was the trio merger which gave kenwood acess to trio communication chips. Thats why the frequency response is so outstanding.
The Harman Kardon Citation II Power Amp would be a nice addition to this list. A pair strapped for mono operation is the way to go with these amps. Incredibly pure and warm mids and highs... I use a pair with Acoustat Monitor IV speakers... Great video Jay! 😎👍 Atb - Luther
The Trio/Kenwood L-07M was not introduced in the early 1990's. It was launched in 1978 and ran until 1981. These, along with the L-05M were the very best sounding amplifiers to come out of Japan and would wipe the floor with the dull sounding Luxman MX-4000 and MX-6000 power amplifiers that somehow seemed to garner all the praise. These can drive horn loudspeakers with an ability to reduce panel colouration; so controlled while remaining musical sounding, with valve-like detailing and midband. The earlier L-09M was the largest of these (1977 - 1979) with the same Accuphase design team behind them all. 300 watts RMS, but much more in reality.
Back in the 1980's I had a Dynakit 35 tube amp paired with a Marantz 3300 preamp. an Aiwa ADf-990 cassette deck and a Technics SL-7 turntable Wish I still had them.
@@ebaysnipa Quite a bit. Repaired many, and own a bunch. If you can find a G7700 (120 watts per channel) at a good price to start, you will not be disappointed. Then go from there to discover other Sansui models. Don't ignore the quads.
@Marty Tracey awesome! thanks for the reply, as i said i hear good things, pioneer and marrantz seam to be the more popular but that may be because of looks compared to samsui , any experience with them?
@@ebaysnipa I prefer the looks of Sansui over the others you mention. I own and have repaired Pioneer and Marrantz. My least favorite is the Marrantz. There are a ton of vintage amps to consider. Best wishes and happy hunting.
I own a Dynaco ST70 which I have restored and is worthy of being in this video. However as voltages are 400 to 500 volts , just a warning as the condition of used amps varies greatly.
Nice job Jay me still loving the 2nd biggest reciever made by Sansui the 56 pound G8000 and it had that sweet warmth with amazing imaging with my KEFs and JBL ! One of my favorited is the Onkyo M-510 super integra ! Beast !
Nice list...I actually have an STR-55 with the PA-6i Plus preamplifier (both mm and mc modules) and really enjoy them. My favorite vintage piece though is the Sansui AU-111, that one is never leaving.
One thing I find is audiophiles talk about costly expensive beyond the range of Mr average equipment. You hardly find one that talks about music & that's a worry thinking its a obsession more about hi end and its a never ending money pit because they are never content. One thing to do is stop dreaming of your next purchase or listening for minor physiological faults & enjoy the music at present.
Sony made three 3 extraordinarily built mid power vintage receivers...STR-6060F, STR-6120 and STR-6200. Great sounding units with fantastic tuners and they do not cost arms and legs. Just be careful in the vintage scene: some sellers are in a price hiking mood, trying to see what sticks.
I have an ST-70 that sounds great with my Merlin VSM speakers. Really amazing performance, I tried using it with Magnepan LRS and it could not drive them properly.
My shop system contains a Yammy CA800 driving a pair of PMC TB2's. While not incredibly powerful ,it is certainly very sweet sounding. Especially so when switched into it's optional Class A mode.
Just hooked up my L05Ms to my Belles Model I preamp with Spica SC50 speakers. They have been in the closet for at least 15 years. Sounds like I remember. Was worried about the capacitors, but no problem so far.
Excellent video I really want to know more about vintage gear because you can get them a good prices thanks for this review and I do hope you make more of them
Audio Research did publish a modification for the Dynaco ST70 at one time and Audio Amateur (AA) published a lot of mods for Dynaco product mostly by Walt Jung. Nelson Pass also wrote articles AA and I believe he had a low cost 40w Class A design that was popular for anyone inclined to diy
The Nakmaichi 420 power amp is excellent.Nothing to look at but it sounds really good.Not sure if Nelson Pass had any design input as was the case with some of the other Nakamichi amps like the PA7 but it sounds like one of his amps.Oly 50 watts but very organic and open sounding .
I have a pioneer svx 95 elite copper chase 5.1 the 1 elite 5.1 thay made love it sounds amazing 600 WATTS total works great never been any issues with it for 1500 retail back then I got mine for 1200 which was a lot for me at the time but it's been very reliable 😀 made in Japan great gear money 💰well spent just my opinions
Ever tried an Holfi? Just saying..........The cheapest no nonsence 35 watts weigh 12 kg. Can easely play down to 3 ohm speakers. Their top model are an reference class amp.
You didn’t cover price on the ST70, interested in your opinion. They seem to be all over the place in regards to price and modifications. Love learning about all gear, vintage and new. Keep em coming!
I have a Sony ES Stack TA-N77ES (200WPC) TA-E77ESD.. 730ES Tuner 700ES DD 3head cassette deck I got for $60 in really good shape... pretty good score when I got this stuff.
Got my vintage stuff years ago... I paid 100 for a reciever that goes for 1000 ... What really matters is what speakers you are driving... Just go to estate sales...
Excellent review as always. I had Audiolab pre and Orelle SP-150 power and upgraded to Hegel H190 for my KEF LS50 meta recently since Orelle was ageing (built in 90’s). Now i have realised Orelle can run LS50 much better than Hegel and decided to use Hegel as pre and Orelle as power. When LS50 connected with Hegel alone I am loosing the energy i get from Orelle.
Back when the world was still flat Enid Lumley addressed the question of which is better -- new gear or vintage? Her wisdom was that a good component is a good component. Period. I remember much more clearly where I was when I first heard a particular piece of music than my reaction to most gear. I am rather fond of vintage music, too.
Great comment I feel the same but I'm leaning towards vintage.Recenly pick up vintage Kenwood 5700 & recap as well as a rotel ru-603 recap and a sweet akai 1050 all sound sweet.
When I was in the UK running my own audio business I came across the more desirable (certainly in the UK) L-07 MK II, but like so many the heat from the high current fries the internals over time. Common to find tracks lifted and numerous onboard components dead. Several components such as the IC’s are unobtainable. My last pair I donated to an audio technician at a very high quality UK audio store (Deco Audio) in the hope he could resurrect them but due to everything mentioned previously they remain dead
Jay, did you ever hear the Yamaha V-FET amps that were available in the late 70s and early 80s? They had a 150 watt per channel amp that sounded just fantastic.
Absolutley. I used to own B2, and it was one of the best anps I ever owned. Problem is, if you can find one and it needs parts, they are unobtainium. But they sound so good.
@@asplmn Beast ! Almost 50 pounds and one of the best imaging amps i ever owned large soundstage with my ole Tyler speakers I sold the first one and traded for a Sansui Au 11000 for the 2nd one , but dam did they get hot !
Pretty good choices, Jay. One thing, about the Kenwood's. Those were introduced in 1977, not the 1990s, unless they re-introduced them. Which they didn't I'm pretty sure. I'm 65 and I first heard of these amps back in 1977 or so, in the pages of The Absolute Sound, (I believe - could have been Stereophile) back when it was handbook size. They reviewed a number of the best that Japan had to offer like the Yamaha B2 and these amps. They were very highly regarded and a bit of a surprise to me. And I can attest to the sweet sound of these vintage Japanese amps. Sold a lot of Yamaha in my day. But a few years ago I helped an old friend or together a vintage system and I cobbled a system with a very vintage 38 wpc Sansui 771 receiver and I was floored by its sound. The bass was just killer and the highs were liquid. I had zero experience with Sansui amps before that. I've often wondered about the 9,10, and 12 receivers from the Pioneer 50 and 80 series. I've mostly assumed they must have been quite good too and more reasonable than the 1980.
Love the video, I own the 8b which is very special amp, I own a lot of gear from high end to vintage including the Acuphase P600 which IMO is one of the best amps I ever heard . I’ll search for a pair of l07m, used to own the l07d turntable. I want to suggest another peace u should look for which are the Telefunken V81 monobloks 10w per Chanel very strong and sound amazing, especially with quad 57.
