Vintage integrated amp - where to buy

[oggie]

Hi all

Just wonering does anybody know any online shops that sell vintage/refurbished amplifiers ?? I know there are some on ebay and I have also come across audiogold, any others I should look at ?

Thanks for your time 🙂

 

[the record spot]

There's a few, Big Ears Audio, 2nd Hand Hifi, Green Home Electronics / Used Hifi SHop, to name but three, all offer a wide range of gear in price and condition.

 

[sthomas048]

I would add Classique Sounds to the list too. A lot of the best kit is on Ebay Germany, however prices are quite inflated at the moment.

 

[oggie]

Will have a look at those, thank you !!

 

[oggie]

German ebay seems superb!! Some good deals to be had 🙂

Need some sugestions though Please. I have old B&W DM601S2 speakers but need an amp for it. From my understaning Rotel amps are good combo with these speakers. Any other amps I should look out for?

Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙂

 

[sthomas048]

Well I have owned S1 B&WDM601s and they are pretty versatile speakers, I remember trying a few amps through them and they all fitted pretty well. A deciding factor in choosing your amp will be what music you listen to. Arcam used to be the first choice of amps to pair with B&W speakers. Im not the best at suggesting systems due to the haphazard way of building systems I have. Maybe someone else could give you more support.

 

[oggie]

Have made a short list of some 2nd hand apms, any opinions of how they might go with DM601's. Looking at getting warm sound out of them.

Arcam Alpha 9

Rotel RA-01

Marantz PM4000

Rotel RA-930AX

Arcam Alpha 3

Pioneer SA-608

 

[sthomas048]

I have owned Pioneer, Arcam, Rotel and Marantz so I know how they sound with the DM601s.

Arcam Alpha 8 or 9 are good choices and shouldnt cost you more than around £150. They would be my 1st choice with your speakers. The Alpha 7 to 9 were the peak of that series, with the 9 and 10 deviating slightly from the warm sound of early models.

Marantz I have experience of, but only their CD players. The are traditionally smooth and slighly warm sounding. But not as much as that era of Arcam.

Pioneer - I have a SA-500a which cost me £30 but is such a wonderful amp. Warm and tubey sounding. Sparkly highs and a lovely full mid-bass. I dont know how the 608 will compare however as it came five years after the 500a model.

Rotel are good amps, but imho arent warm sounding.

 

[oggie]

You sir are a true gentleman, thanks for your input

 

[sthomas048]

No problem at all. I hope you find your audio nirvana !