Recommendations for used/vintage integrated for vinyl


Hi, 
you guys have pointed me in the right direction a few times now and totally appreciate the help.  I sold off my pro-ject and music hall integrated that were not playing nice together and I am looking to buy a used integrated that can push my Dzurko Jaguar speakers a little harder.

Long story short I sold best components to pay for grad school a few years ago. That rig was a hodgepodge of really nice stuff mixed with my guitar center fire sale gear.   99% of my listening went Stanton direct drive dj turntable (bought on clearance for around 100 bucks), a Shure DJ cartridge (don't remember which one), 50 dollar ART phono preamp,  into a Mark Levinson No.380 preamp,  Krell KSA 150 power amp, Dzurko Jaguar speakers.  

Even though the turntable and phono preamp was pretty bottom end from a chain guitar store, all of my records sounded good with some real heft to the tone, by comparison the music hall with pro-ject was thin and revealed the imperfections of my records instead of enhancing or allowing the music to just play. 

I am about to get a Thorens 160 in excellent condition in trade for some of my unused recording studio gear and I would like to get an older integrated of at least 100 watts 8ohm to go with it.  I would like to stay away from brand new because I would like something  with longevity and will be worth roughly what I paid when and if I decide to sell. 

What are some good integrated amps for someone who 1) only listens to vinyl 2) listens to a lot or rare and original pressings that are not available on 180 gram vinyl.   

Part of me kind of wants an old Kenwood KA-9600 receiver since they seem to be held in high regard and were made when vinyl was still the top medium.  What about the 9100 integrated?  any good?

Years ago the person who gave me the Levinson 380 recommended that I should consider selling it and buy a Music Fidelity A300 since I am only interested in vinyl.  How is this as an options?

anything else? I would like to spend around 550.00 for a used integrated since that is what I sold my turntable and integrated for but I could certainly go higher if there was something much better. 

Thank you,



128x128mwrenne

Showing 1 response by audioman58

Hello Myself owning a Audio store in the past always asked several very important questions 
before even thinking about a recommendation .
such as type of music and Max SPL level , size of room, and efficiency of speakers and if subs are used to relieve the amplifier duties sonic signature of speakers 4 or 8 ohm , and efficiency.  And most importantly What is your 
max budget.  For $3500 a good used Modwright integrated 200 woc for example 
look at power supplies Va, and capacitance amount ,your dynamic energy storage.
if efficient speakers the Pass labs 150 ,or 60.
gryphon Excellent  used and Vitius ,especially Vitus currently in the $6500 used range online  blow away the competition at or above pass level,Boulder level. I am speaking of compared to world class seperates now .  Mcintosh is the prettiest but middle of the road  performance compared to the $10 k and up. I also have been involved with Upgrades just look in a Piece of Mcintosh gear the Red capacitors  Wima $6 caps they rate about a 7 
out of possible 15 .  For example a  a great med priced cap $60 Mundorf Supreme ,or  VH audio oimp cap which is even better  for $400 more in parts a better then 5% improvement Why not ? To save cost .this is why I either have a Pass labs custom built clone prints from the man himself Nelson Pass ,or a older great amp , same applies to integrated look for a larger, or standard 17x19 box 
to install larger premium parts.
and just upgrade . Best parts in critical areas , Coda another excellent product 
if possible run in part Class A bias, in the first 10-20 watts is always a plus.
Accuphase another class -A build from Japan .currently there is a New one on AG with factory warranty at 50% off. I was evrn considering for a second system .
many options . Research abit and best of luck !!