The Golden era of Japanese integrated amps, are we missing out?


Maybe it’s just me but.....
I just threw together an el cheapo system with a Sansui A-2100 integrated at its heart and diminutive Wharfedale Diamond 220 speakers.

And I still cannot get over just how good and right it sounds.... All for $240 total shipped!

So this got me thinking about the golden era of Japanese equipment and while tuners , tape decks and turntables appear to have large followings and a large knowledge and fan base, I do not get the same vibe on integrated amps?

Are there devotees of these amps out there?
I very rarely hear anybody talking about them and so many can be picked up for peanuts, I mean $75 shipped in perfect working order and decent cosmetics( and built in mm phono to boot!).
Are they likely to be the next " big thing" or?

Thoughts?
uberwaltz
Sorry for this post, which is a repeat, but my current rig retails for somewhere in the $20K to $30K range, but no one ever compliments me on it.  But many years ago in southern California I had a second system with a Sansui receiver and Cerwin Vega speakers in an enclosed patio.  Didn't matter, whoever heard it would say how great it was, me too.  Go figure.
That says a lot about mythic gear and sound...Thanks for the anecdote Jetter...
The store I worked at in 1978 sold Cerwin Vega and many other well known quality brands of the day. People loved the muddy bass of the Cerwin Vega. I hated them...my least favorite. So there you go.
The vintage sound is obviously not going to be for everyone, likely myself included as a SOLE source of amplification.

However I was suitably impressed enough by what I am hearing for $75 to have created this thread and get some reactions and thoughts moving.

Maybe I get very lucky and got a good one and some great synergy with the little Wharfedale Diamond speakers and the Sansui amp?
Hey map, owed a buddy a favor and gave the stereo to him.  He never complained about it.  Had the 12" woofers, not the mega 15" ers.