Which 70's Amplifier?

[Batty]

I don't really know, I have some cash burning a hole in my pocket, but have several things I need to do and lots I want to do

I'd love to give Earle $2.5k for one of his amps in reality I'm worried my speakers will not suit it.

 

I could use the Copland for the KEFs and the valve amp to drive the Castles which are a lot easier to drive and fairly high sensitivity at 92dB for 1 watt at 1 metre.

Edited November 22, 2018 by Batty

[blakey72]

1 hour ago, Batty said:

I don't really know, I have some cash burning a hole in my pocket, but have several things I need to do and lots I want to do

I'd love to give Earle $2.5k for one of his amps in reality I'm worried my speakers will not suit it.

 

I could use the Copland for the KEFs and the valve amp to drive the Castles which are a lot easier to drive and fairly high sensitivity at 92dB for 1 watt at 1 metre.

Yeah but isn't that getting away from the theme? I was thinking one of the bigger Sansui's, even a mid range Alpha series. Not hugely vintage but amazing sound. @Cafad @pete_mac @skippy124 Any suggestions on models that may suit?

[blakey72]

@Batty PM sent.

[EekOZ]

One of these - punchy and warm

 

[Batty]

I do have a meridian 101 pre amp I can use, so power amps are also good.

 

[Guest Eggcup The Daft]

104aB s are awkward so-and-sos. My sister's ex had a pair and an A&R A60 amp. The combination was as dull as anything, no amount of repositioning could save the bass from being slow and muddy. I'd consider slightly later amps than the speakers. I believe the A60 was replaced with a Cyrus pre-power setup that was better, but I never heard that.

 

I heard them with a big Naim combination (32/250 IIRC) in the mid 1980s and they were OK, though it still wasn't exactly neutral. Given that they aren't insensitive or otherwise "difficult" on paper, I don't know what the difference would be.

 

They work much better on open frame stands if you can find them to match, by the way.

[sloper]

5 hours ago, candyflip said:

Hey Bruce - what do you use to swap between the two amps, to the same speakers?

l made a change over box for the speakers and have a old Realistic box for the inputs.

 

regards Bruce

[Batty]

30 minutes ago, Eggcup The Daft said:

104aB s are awkward so-and-sos. My sister's ex had a pair and an A&R A60 amp. The combination was as dull as anything, no amount of repositioning could save the bass from being slow and muddy. I'd consider slightly later amps than the speakers. I believe the A60 was replaced with a Cyrus pre-power setup that was better, but I never heard that.

 

I heard them with a big Naim combination (32/250 IIRC) in the mid 1980s and they were OK, though it still wasn't exactly neutral. Given that they aren't insensitive or otherwise "difficult" on paper, I don't know what the difference would be.

 

They work much better on open frame stands if you can find them to match, by the way.

I have them on these atm.

[georgehifi]

On 22/11/2018 at 9:10 AM, Batty said:

Now that I have my TT and speakers sorted for my 70's system the question is which amp?

TT is LP12 and speakers are KEF 104aB.

Suggestions on a postcard to ....................

 

cheers

 

There is  ME 100 in 1977

 

 

 

Nelson Pass's Threshold Stasis would be good from the 70's especially the Stasis 300 mkII or 500 MkII optical.

 

 

 

 

Cheers George

Edited November 23, 2018 by georgehifi

[davewantsmoore]

8 hours ago, Batty said:

Or do I order one of these?

Great, but not from the 70s  

[blakey72]

8 hours ago, Batty said:

There is a Quad 405/44/FM4 on gumtree for $950. I know nothing about them.

I've just read on an overseas thread that this is an excellent combination. I have not heard this so it's only another persons opinion that has the same speakers as you. Might be worth keeping on the list.

Edited November 22, 2018 by blakey72

[Guest]

It's not 70s, but is Sansui. And, by all accounts, it is very good



Please view this ad:

Sansui AU-alpha 607Extra Amplifier (Rare),
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/scarborough/stereo-systems/sansui-au-alpha-607extra-amplifier-rare-/1201748806?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

Price: $750

Download the application from the Google Play Store.
http://goo.gl/7NzhP

[mjs]

The first decent amp that I had was a Technics SU-3500. Excellent integrated, >40W/ch, served me well for quite a few years.

[Batty]

Meridian 101/105 going for $895 locally.

I already have a 101 (thanks Evil C).

Edited November 22, 2018 by Batty

[evil c]

Meridian 101/105 going for $895 locally.
I already have a 101 (thanks Frankn).

Very respectable combo which sold for $2500 in 1977 !
I thought I sold you a 101 pre.

[Batty]

Ahh yes, I got the component one from Frankn, sorry about that.

post amended.

Edited November 22, 2018 by Batty

[MIKE.D79]

14 hours ago, Grizzly said:

It's not 70s, but is Sansui. And, by all accounts, it is very good



Please view this ad:

Sansui AU-alpha 607Extra Amplifier (Rare),
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/scarborough/stereo-systems/sansui-au-alpha-607extra-amplifier-rare-/1201748806?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

Price: $750

Download the application from the Google Play Store.
http://goo.gl/7NzhP

SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

 

[EDIT]nah just joshing

I'm sorted for my Sansui goodness, but not as good as this. but mine is currently undergoing a recap and other bits and pieces so i will see where I end up.

 

But you are right I had the pleasure of hearing one the alpha's a while back, albeit only for a few minutes and not 100% if it was the same model. It sounded like a violinist was standing in the room with us. just so open and crystal clear but not harsh at all. and it seemed like it had plenty of grip.

 

Mike

 

Edited November 23, 2018 by MIKE.D79

[Batty]

Bit of a risk unseen purchasing at this level.

[Batty]

How about these? 

Sansui BA-F1 & CA-F1 Power/Pre-Amplifiers, maybe not starting bid id $1200

Edited November 23, 2018 by Batty

[Hal Saunders]

If you wanted to stay English Naim would be an obvious to partner an LP12. Personally though I can't recall ever liking Naim Amos from this period. Quad ?

Sent from my MI MAX 2 using Tapatalk

[Doctor Faustus]

Luxman 505x or 507x ..had these back in 1972 and 1975 when they were new.... back then when luxman made good gear... no comparison to the much less expensive amps like Sansui and Pioneer ...lol

Of course that was before Luxman was bought out and started to make cheap gear in China( and more recently re birthed again in Japan to make quality amps again)

Marantz also made good stuff back then as did McIntosh.

All in all...Just because it is old does not make it "classic"

 

 

 

[mjs]

The first decent amp that I had was a Technics SU-3500. Excellent integrated, >40W/ch, served me well for quite a few years.

Forgot to mention that I used this amp with my first LP12, using a diy Marshall Leach design Pre-Pre. Sounded great.

[Batty]

Marshall Leach was an awesome designer of phono gear.

 

[Sansui77]

@batty

I have a pair of 104aB's and really enjoy them with my AU-9500. I've tried alot of Sansui amps and decided that the AU-6500 suited them best. Quad 303 would be nice as well. Cheers

[Dboy]

Accuphase. Love em.