Upgrade to Vintage amplifier for T/T?

Peter Fleming

I own a Rega Planar 3 T/T with Linn Basik Plus arm and a Ortofon MC10 Super moving coil cartridge with Supex SDT77 step-up. This set-up has been in storage for 5 years as I traded my Luxman L480 amplifier for a 6 channel digital Yamaha AV receiver (yes I went to the dark side). I am running Polk RTi10's as my main speakers.

I hate the AV receiver for stereo playback, particularly with the T/T. I recently aquired a 1975 Nikko TRM-550 stereo amplifier and ran it with the turntable through the RTi10's.

I was in awe of the sound, despite the Nikko amp only rated at 24 wpc. The soundstage and tight bass was awesome, although it did lack top end. In fairness to the Yamaha AV receiver, the older amplifiers will always have a better phono output.

My aim now is to source another stereo amplifier that will give me more detail in the top end and retain the bass.

I'm looking for some feedback or advise on whether I should consider purchasing a new stereo amplifier or vintage amplifier, and what would be a good fit or compliment the Rega and RTi10's.

Thanks for your help.

jon s

I find that older vintage amplifiers were better sounding than new IC based equipment. the problem in the mix is that older equipment while better sounding, had higher levels of noise, especially hiss. Almost anything before the mid 80s should sound pretty good, as long as they are of decent quality and an eye is kept open that some of the caps may have aged.

I really like the Sony TA-F808ES MOS-FET integrated amplifier for listening to digital music but prefer the older V-FET lines, such as Sony's TA-8650 or 5650, Yamaha's B2, C-2 amp/pre-amp for a smoother warmer sound. The Sony can be a bit warmer than the Yamaha...

pearsall001

Peter Fleming wrote: »

I own a Rega Planar 3 T/T with Linn Basik Plus arm and a Ortofon MC10 Super moving coil cartridge with Supex SDT77 step-up. This set-up has been in storage for 5 years as I traded my Luxman L480 amplifier for a 6 channel digital Yamaha AV receiver (yes I went to the dark side). I am running Polk RTi10's as my main speakers.

I hate the AV receiver for stereo playback, particularly with the T/T. I recently aquired a 1975 Nikko TRM-550 stereo amplifier and ran it with the turntable through the RTi10's.

I was in awe of the sound, despite the Nikko amp only rated at 24 wpc. The soundstage and tight bass was awesome, although it did lack top end. In fairness to the Yamaha AV receiver, the older amplifiers will always have a better phono output.

My aim now is to source another stereo amplifier that will give me more detail in the top end and retain the bass.

I'm looking for some feedback or advise on whether I should consider purchasing a new stereo amplifier or vintage amplifier, and what would be a good fit or compliment the Rega and RTi10's.

Thanks for your help.

Another Nikko owner!! Cheers!!

I just stumbled on to a "Ultra Mint" Nikko Alpha VI amp (over 300w/8ohm) & it is absolutely gorgeous with it's meters & face plate. The sound is stunning to say the least. It was manuf. by Luxman for Nikko back in 3/80. My only concern is the age of the caps. Some guys say not to worry & others advise on replacing them, I'm still undecided.

If you like the sound of the Nikko & it's got enough juice...my vote is to keep 'er up & running. They sure knew how to make them back in the day!!

Fongolio

I recently purchased a Kenwood KA-9100 integrated amplifier (circa 1977) that sounds very good. Very neutral sound but with excellent bass and treble control. Two completely seperate power supplies for each channel. The phono output is moving magnet only though. Powers my RTiA7's very well. I highly recommend it.

Peter Fleming

Thanks for info. The amps you listed are fine choices but somewhat rare where I live. Cheers.