Sony TA-F530ES amp on its way...

[the record spot]

I've heard good things about Sony's ES range over the years. Their top end amps in the range don't come up all that often (the CD players are arguably more common) but I saw this one on Gumtree the other night for a good price and it's due to be winging its way up to me in the next few days.

The spec's good, build looks impressive and not much lighter than my current Sansui and I'll be keen to hear how the Sony stacks up. So far, everything I've read's been positive. We'll see how we get on with it. Anyway, here's a shot of one:-

http://www.hifiengine.com/manuals/sony/ta-f530es.shtml

 

[matthewpiano]

I know I'm probably playing devil's advocate here, but I thought you were done with 2-channel integrated amps due to the lack of features?

Not having a go RS, just interested in your thoughts.....

 

[the record spot]

No change there MP, certainly wouldn't spend big money (as in several £00s) but for £75 delivered and being one of the Sony ES range, it's too good to pass up. The Onkyo TX8050 is still on the radar but I'd like to at least read a review from somewhere before I splash the cash (and none of the sites or magazines I use has posted one yet).

And yes, I know I bang on about the DSR's allowing me to return, but I'm not desperate, I probably don't need the hassle of it all just yet and there's only so much Mrs. R_S will take...!

So no, you're right to query Matthew, but the view remains unchanged regarding most current stereo amps. In fact, this Sony is probably about a mid-90s model which rather underlines my point!

 

[plastic penguin]

I think I heard this amp* in a shop in Dorking a few years ago. It was connected to Wharfedale floorstanding speakers (10.3s, I believe) and it sounded okay. Not sure how it'll stack up against the Sansui though.

But for that money it's worth a punt.

*It was certainly one of the ES range of amps from Sony. Apologies for being vague.

 

[matthewpiano]

Will be interesting to hear how you get on with the Sony. The amps I've heard from their ES and even the QS ranges have been impressive so the shoot-out with the Sansui should be a good one!

I can see the attraction of the Onkyo, although I'm quite wedded to the Creek sound at present. I've been more convinced by the 4330R than any other amp I've had here and I'm loving the way it makes music. If something like the Onkyo could convince me and entertain me as thoroughly as the Creek then I might consider it, but my experience of AV amps so far hasn't filled me with an abundance of hope and any amplification changes I make in the future will be executed with extreme caution because I could so easily end up with something that isn't as good as what I have.

 

[chunky70]

My mate has this amp and i think it sounds superb. He's only using budget tannoy mercury custom floorstanders with it,but even so the sound quality is very good. It has an excellant soundstage and midrange presance. You might be onto a winner here!

 

[the record spot]

That's the general thrust of it here!

We'll see though, but I'm hopeful that it could be an impressive performer. It's not far off the then higher end amps (I think the ES range became a bit more widely used in its later life, but not sure of this completely) so we could be in for a bit of a treat. Might be wrong though and it might not work too well with the speakers. Ideally needs to have a bit of bass in it else the CDP and speakers I have won't compensate being lean sounding themselves. Time will tell!

 

[Anonymous]

I just picked one of these up today. Im very impressed with both the buld quality and the sound. I have replaced my old TAF 248e which packed in last month. I havn't been able to find a User Manual though. There are service manuals all over the net but no Users. I really would like t know what the Direct in is for on the left input selector switch. I think the adapter setting is for a Graphic Equaliser.

 

[CnoEvil]

RS, this is turning into quite a nostalgic evening.

I had a Sony TA F4A amp and TCK 4A cassette deck into Keesonic Kub speakers. Also a Trio KD 1033 TT as the main source. This was a recommended budget system in a hifi mag at the time.

I don't know how it compares with the one you are getting.

Cno

 

[psurquhart]

Blimey, thats a blast from the past.

I used to own that very amp - loved and abused it before finally selling it for an av set up.

Its built like a tank - whenever my mates had house partys I would bring my amp round partnered with Mission Freedom 752's ( which i still have/ cant part with ). It did all those partys proud and took some real abuse without one fault.

I used to partner it with a Marantz cd72 mkII SE and it all sounded lovely.

I really miss it and wish I never sold it.

For 75 notes you really cant go wrong but hey even if you didnt like it ( which I doubt ) just sell it on again.

 

[CnoEvil]

Blimey, thats a blast from the past.

I used to own that very amp - loved and abused it before finally selling it for an av set up.

Its built like a tank - whenever my mates had house partys I would bring my amp round partnered with Mission Freedom 752's ( which i still have/ cant part with ). It did all those partys proud and took some real abuse without one fault.

I used to partner it with a Marantz cd72 mkII SE and it all sounded lovely.

I really miss it and wish I never sold it.

For 75 notes you really cant go wrong but hey even if you didnt like it ( which I doubt ) just sell it on again.

My old Sony also got drafted in for many a party (I also remember the first "Now that's what I call music"....what number are they at now?). When I sold on the Kubs, I too ended up with some Missions (710s I think).

It's funny what memories these type of topics drag up.

Cno

 

[the record spot]

Yep, looking forward to hearing it - not expecting it to be better than the 717, but it's going to be capable I think. Will let you know how it goes. Hopefully coming up sometime this week.

 

[Andrew Everard]

I really would like t know what the Direct in is for on the left input selector switch. I think the adapter setting is for a Graphic Equaliser.

As far as I recall, 'direct' bypasses the preamp section completely, and allows signal to be fed straight to the power amp – so you could use it and the direct inputs to the rear with the front channel preouts of an AV receiver, for example.

Normal means the amp works as normal, ie with the preamp and power amp sections connected internally, while adapter separates the two sections, for example to use an equaliser or surround sound decoder in the signal path.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Andrew. I cant imagine using it for anything but its good to know.

 

[the record spot]

Well, just had an email to say it's with Parcelforce now and on its way. Should have it on Monday at the latest. Really looking forward to hearing this.

 

[Anonymous]

I am wondering if TA-F530ES is a renamed TA-F222ESR (for Japanese market). The latter was the entry level ES' Series integrated amp (retail price $500).

Japanese brands used to launch different models for domestic and international markets. Acutally the differences are mostly cosmetics. For example, Pioneer UK3 and A400 are the same internally.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=205187

http://audio-heritage.jp/SONY-ESPRIT/amp/ta-f222esr.html

 

[eggontoast]

For example, Pioneer UK3 and A400 are the same internally.

Similar but not the same

 

[the record spot]

I am wondering if TA-F530ES is a renamed TA-F222ESR (for Japanese market). The latter was the entry level ES' Series integrated amp (retail price $500).

Japanese brands used to launch different models for domestic and international markets. Acutally the differences are mostly cosmetics. For example, Pioneer UK3 and A400 are the same internally.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=205187

http://audio-heritage.jp/SONY-ESPRIT/amp/ta-f222esr.html

It could well be; the spec is pretty similar if not identical. It wouldn't be the first time I've seen that - my current amp was the AU-707 in Japan from memory.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, you're right. Both were born from the same mainboard but they are not exactly the same. Anyway, they are quite similar. If my memory is not failed, the Japanese version uses some higher grade parts actually.

For example, Pioneer UK3 and A400 are the same internally.

Similar but not the same

 

[Anonymous]

Altought the name AU-717 reminds AU-α707, the correlated Japanese model for Sansui AU-717 is AU-α607. The high-end models AU-α707 and AU-α907 were only available in Japan.

"It could well be; the spec is pretty similar if not identical. It wouldn't be the first time I've seen that - my current amp was the AU-707 in Japan from memory."

 

[the record spot]

Ah, I always had thought the 607 was the 517 amp. This site mentions as much: http://www.sansui.us/AU-717.htm, but they turned out so much at the time, it's possibly not accurate. I did see another which had a great list of all the Sansui amps...typically, I can't find it now!

 

[lee37]

i had a sony taf 670es back in 1992 and it was excellent, looking at the design of the 530es it was probably released around 2000-2002. i have all the brochers from 1991 but cant be bothered to search through them. i remember the what hifi review for the 670es and the reviewer commented on the source direct button by saying how direct is direct and commented on the strange reason for having such a button and if i remember it got 4 stars, anyway the 530es should be better even though the es range lost some of its workmanship and build quality ( what the hell was the QS range ) they did include mosfet and other enhancements so it should sound better

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, maybe I'm wrong! The referred homepage is one of the most realiable information sources of Sansui's equipament.

If yor amp is similar to AU-alpha707, you've got a great amp. I used to own an AU-alpha707KX (92's model) and I deeply regret selling it. Big mistake, it was sold for about 660 pounds. That amp is head and shoulders with modern sub 2000 pounds integrated amps.

Ah, I always had thought the 607 was the 517 amp. This site mentions as much: http://www.sansui.us/AU-717.htm, but they turned out so much at the time, it's possibly not accurate. I did see another which had a great list of all the Sansui amps...typically, I can't find it now!

 

[the record spot]

Found it! It was the Audio Heritage site after all - I just hadn't looked at the right page. Yes, I have the 707/717 - the 607 is the 517 amp (slightly different fascia on the lower row of switches). The D707 has a different transformer and better distortion rating than mine - the Alpha707 is insanely lovely. They still made some great stuff in the 90s, but I bet we didn't see many of those outside the Japanese border!

The 717 is a great choice for anyone looking to grab higher end performance on a budget, allowing for the usual caveats in dealing with vintage kit. Performance-wise, it's right up there with some of the £1000-1300 bracket amps. For £300 including delivery and service, I think I did alright!

And if I do find one of those a707 amps, I think I might just keep it very quiet... 😉

 

[Anonymous]

Sansui's high-end stuffs are quite rare outside Japan. But it you have a chance of visiting Japan, it's not hard to find second hand 707 or 907 in mint condition as they were quite popular in 90's. During 90's mid priced market for integrated amps were dominated by Sansui. At that time, theymade the best sub 2500 pound amps together with Accuphase and Luxman.

I you decide to visit Japan and would like to bring a Sansui integrated amps, use the Japanese Google for the search (www.google.co.jp).