Yamaha A1000 amp vs newer moels

[dmckleinfeld]

Hi everyone,

My beloved Marantz PM-68 has bitten the dust, and I'm now looking for a replacement. Hoping people here would have some suggestions. I really loved the warmth and clarity of records on the PM-68, so the closer I can get to that, the happier I'll be!

The setup: I mostly to listen to jazz on vinyl, but with some CDs, MP3s, funk and folk in there. Turntable is an AT-LP60 with an ATN3600L stylus, speakers are Tanoy Mercury M2’s. It's used in a carpeted 15’ x 30' living room, mostly played at a low volume for the sake of kids. I'd like to spend less than $1000; spending $500 would be even better. I'm in NYC, so NYC Craigslist and any stores in the area are available.

I'm currently considering the PS Audio Sprout, Onkyo A-9050, Outlaw RR2150, Cambridge AM10, or Marantz PM6005. But on Craigslist, I found someone selling a used Yamaha A1000 (the old stereo model, not the AV receiver) and a Marantz 2285 for quite reasonable prices.

I'm really tempted by the Yamaha A1000, 'cause I think old equipment is generally best for records and I love the idea of getting “A Class” sound for cheap. But am I seeing the past with rose-colored classes? Would one of those newer amps be worth the money? Anyone have any thoughts or insight?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

I’m not so sure about old gear sounding better than good-quality new gear. My 2004 Yamaha RX-Z9 sounds as good to me as good-quality receivers I had back in the 80s. In fact, newer amplifiers might even sound better than older amps, due to deterioration of caps in the latter.

Still, if the price is right and stereo is all you’re interested in, I’d go for it.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[dmckleinfeld]

Yeah, this is strictly stereo– I have a separate surround receiver for movies/games. And the price is just barely over $200, so I could spend $100 on cleanup and still be in good shape. Thanks for the thoughts– have you tried any of the other newer amps mentioned above?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

No, I’ve pretty much been a Yamaha guy for the past 25 years, at least for receivers and amplifiers.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Jeepers]

I purchased a Yamaha A1000 amp in 1983 and sold it in 2004. I absolutely loved it but I also agree with Wayne's remark on the deterioration of the caps and possibly some knobs/switches etc .. not working anymore or giving bad contacts.

 

[Seth=L]

I purchased a Yamaha A1000 amp in 1983 and sold it in 2004. I absolutely loved it but I also agree with Wayne's remark on the deterioration of the caps and possibly some knobs/switches etc .. not working anymore or giving bad contacts.

If we're referring to the DSP-A1000 pro logic integrated amplifier, then I agree, probably not the best choice. It's a nice piece, don't get me wrong, but it's typical for the unit to develop a couple issues. The gain knob on the back can cause channel drop out is the most notable issue I can recall. There's also some oddities with the input selector on the DSP-A1000 as well as its replacement the DSP-A3090.

 

[dmckleinfeld]

Thanks, everyone! Do people have any experience with the newer amps mentioned above: PS Audio Sprout, Onkyo A-9050, Outlaw RR2150, Cambridge AM10, or Marantz PM6005? It would cost twice as much to buy one of 'em, but if it's worth it...

 

[lovinthehd]

What would make it worth it to you to spend twice as much as needed?

 

[dmckleinfeld]

That's a good way to think of it... I do listen to a lot of records, so I guess I would spend double the money if it's the difference between a merely okay listening experience and a "ohhhhh wow" experience.

 

[lovinthehd]

That's a good way to think of it... I do listen to a lot of records, so I guess I would spend double the money if it's the difference between a merely okay listening experience and a "ohhhhh wow" experience.

Modern amps/electronics don't provide that kind of difference in my experience. It's the speakers and room primarily.

 

[dmckleinfeld]

Hm, interesting. Well the speakers and room will be the same, so maybe the cheaper (but still good) amp will be all I need!