Vintage Amps - Pleasantly surprised


A while back, i was given a non-functional Sansui AU-666, which I recently had restored for sh*ts and giggles. Hooked it up to Rega Aras in my bedroom, using a computer source with a basic NuForce uDac.

Honestly, i was not expecting much out of this combo. However, I am blown away by the sound quality i'm getting out of this extremely modest setup. It shockingly possesses much of the desirable 'audiophile traits' one would typically hope for. I'm not saying it's perfect, but for a 40 year old piece, i'm utterly stunned.

And considering the entire setup cost less than 450 bucks, including stands (excluding computer, but which i had already), i could not have asked for more.

Anyone else with this kind of experience using vintage gear?
loose

Showing 1 response by dayglow

Maybe not vintage to some but the Yamaha MX-1 gets my vote. Produced between 1992-97 it retailed for $1200 put out a conservative rating of 200w/ch/8ohms and is a true dual mono amp. NOTE that the power cord is captive, I would get that updated and have the capacitors checked. Auditioned the amp(several times) about 15 years ago and was shocked by the sound quality driving the ML Aerius. The Yamaha was superior to the best Sunfire(Carver) and Adcom in the store. The sound reminded me of Classe or better MAC gear at the time. The MX-1 now sells for around $500 mate it with a Classe pre(47.5-50) with phono section($1500)and you have a killer set up. I doubt any (new)$2000 intergrated would be competitive.