Recommendations for Sony ES amps ?

[Hap Hazzard]

Hi all,

I'm looking at recommendations for a back up amp, something new to play with.

Price range £100 - £300 quid second-hand. Something that will fit in my current system. Music wise i listen to everything/anything.

I know i put Sony ES, but it was just that i have been reading a lot about them lately. I may bid on a Pioneer 676 later are they worth having?

Fire away.

 

[MallyMad]

Audiolab 8000a. Maybe a bit of a blunt instrument but great fun. Or something from Musical Fidelity.

 

[i_should_coco]

Audiolab 8000a. Maybe a bit of a blunt instrument but great fun. Or something from Musical Fidelity.

The last thing I'd describe the Audiolab 8000A as is 'fun'. In fact, it's the very definition of grey.

 

[MallyMad]

Just made me laugh with the Missions and the volume attainable. It's 60wpc and what a noise. Cracked me up all the time.

 

[Gromit]

HH - for up to 300 quid you'll get something very nice indeed. I paid £250 (including delivery) for my 770ES and for that sort of money it's a great bit of kit. Loads of power, pretty neutral and with a superb MM/MC phonostage (with adjustable loading on MC). Built like a tank aswell.

I wouldn't go as far as saying the 770's the best amp I've owned, but it's up there as one of them. All I'll say is 'get them whilst they're cheap' because the secret's slowly finding its way out. The only folk in the UK who poo-poo the Sony ES amps are those who a. are badge snobs or b. have never heard/owned one. I had mine doing its thing at Scalford this year and it certainly didn't disgrace itself.

German eBay is quite a good source for ES gear, the only downside being that the Germans appreciate how good the stuff is, and the prices are higher than in the UK. A wide selection to choose from though.

- - - Updated - - -

The last thing I'd describe the Audiolab 8000A as is 'fun'. In fact, it's the very definition of grey.

^This^

 

[i_should_coco]

I know I keep banging on about them, but the Sony VFET types are a bit special. A TA-5650 sound be doable for <£300.

 

[Hap Hazzard]

I have had Audiolabs before 8000a 8000p etc. Have to agree with Coco a bit sterile but thanks anyway. Tried Quads various Arcams, Cyrus, Naims worked quite well with the Avatars but as like most of us i got bored and sold on.

 

[i_should_coco]

We tried my 5650 with Papa's OBX-R2s and it worked very well. The pre section's not all that, but you can bypass that and use a decent preamp of your choice.

 

[myrman]

How about an Audio Innovations Mk1? A great liitle amp for around £100, an ideal backup amp with a surprising amount of power.

 

[Hap Hazzard]

What Audio Innovations are you on about the Alto?

 

[Hap Hazzard]

I know I keep banging on about them, but the Sony VFET types are a bit special. A TA-5650 sound be doable for <£300.

Don't some diodes and resisters need to be changed on these as they may die quickly. Saying that the age would warrant a service anyway.

 

[myrman]

What Audio Innovations are you on about the Alto?

Sorry, yes I mean the Alto

 

[pmac]

How about an Alchemist Kraken integrated?

http://www.alchemisthifi.info/ranges/kraken/alchemist_kraken_apd6_integrated_amplifier.htm

Very good at this level of budget :^

 

[MJ.]

I know I keep banging on about them, but the Sony VFET types are a bit special. A TA-5650 sound be doable for <£300.

Bedn looking for one of these for a while and unfortunately don't seem to go for < £ 300

 

[Hap Hazzard]

I've had a few Audio Innovation amps before but never tried the Alto. I find the Avatars like a bit off wallop up them when using solid state amps, but this could be a consideration. I have never heard one and i have always loved their design.

 

[i_should_coco]

Don't some diodes and resisters need to be changed on these as they may die quickly. Saying that the age would warrant a service anyway.

It's recommended, but is a half hour job with a parts cost of about 50 pence. I did gthang's a few week's ago. Happy to help if required.

Bedn looking for one of these for a while and unfortunately don't seem to go for < £ 300

You may have to wait, but I think Adam got his for about £150 and Graham for about £250.

 

[Hap Hazzard]

How about an Alchemist Kraken integrated?http://www.alchemisthifi.info/ranges..._amplifier.htm

Very good at this level of budget :^

I had the Alchemist Forseti APD15A Integrated Amplifier it was a great amp never thought about the Kraken.

nice one.

:^

 

[Hap Hazzard]

It's recommended, but is a half hour job with a parts cost of about 50 pence. I did gthang's a few week's ago. Happy to help if required.

Thanks.

I'm getting lots more amps to think about now, i going to get frustrated by the end of this. :nuts:

 

[myrman]

I've had a few Audio Innovation amps before but never tried the Alto. I find the Avatars like a bit off wallop up them when using solid state amps, but this could be a consideration. I have never heard one and i have always loved their design.

Apart from the lack of remote (which are for wimps apparently) they offer outstanding performance at their second hand price. I keep one as a backup. I'm not saying its better than Coco's Sony which I've heard with LVs and sounds very good, it just depends on how much you want to spend. If you want to keep the outlay down then the Alto is worth looking out for.