5 of our Favorite Vintage Stereo Amplifiers from the 70s!

In this video, Kevin and Eric go over some pretty cool vintage power amplifiers that we have around the shop. One of the amps is on loan from one of our best customers, Tony. He also pops by to let us know what he likes about one of his favorite vintage amplifiers.
We go over some stellar amplifiers by Harman/Kardon, Pioneer, Phase Linear, and McIntosh.
Do you have any experience with any of these powerhouse amps? Is there a vintage amplifier you really like? Let us know in the comments!
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[@skylabsaudio]

Sorry about the audio quality on this one- had some equiptment issues =(

[@karaDee2363]

Unfortunately I couldn't watch the video due to the audio issues

[@skylabsaudio]

Sorry Karen =(

[@chelillingworth9466]

I thought it was on purpose from the beginning like you were talking to us from outer space during the opening logo..

[@KillerKlipsch]

I'm a we bit confused... I heard everything just fine. @@skylabsaudio

[@Vercus100]

@@KillerKlipschWatch it on a computer with real speakers hooked up and you'll hear there's a wierd phase issue. Kinda sounds like it's coming from behind you or way to the side. With a phone or tablet, the sound is mono , so that effect is cancelled out.

[@dandinhofer9240]

This Skylab guy is about the only level headed, common sense, no B.S., relaxed KZbin influencer that doesn't try to overthink, overhype or overwhelm his audience. I really like his style and opinions, but then again we seem to belong to the same late boomer generation that valued engineering construction and realistically priced gear. Thank you sir for not making my ears overheat or ring with tinnitus.

[@analogguy5548]

My McIntosh MC 2105 & C26 from 1973 still rockin’ every day!

[@jimmyBside]

@analogguy5548…MC 7270 and C31V here. I’ve been dialing in a new pair of RP 600M II and wow…The old 80’s rig is amazing. Had to use the 5-band EQ and everything…😮Might be the 1st time those knobs have ever been turned...😂🍻

[@stepheneson4107]

Another great video! A few comments: 1)The Pioneer 150watt/ch. Spec-4 was smaller, not larger, than the 250watt/ch. Spec-2 2) I sold Phase Linear gear in the 1970's when I was in the audio business. As you pointed out, these things would get HOT, especially if we left them turned on in the display racks all day... almost too hot to touch. We had lots of service problems. 3) Another classic from the era were the Crown amplifiers... the D150 and DC300... that were built in Elkhart Indiana. They battled with McIntosh for "top of the line" bragging rights in America.... until the Crown factory was devastated by a fire in 1971. Harmon owns them today, building equipment exclusively for the pro industry. Thanks again for a good look at great amps!.

[@lisaharvey4373]

The 70's had some of the best consumer Audio equipment ever!!

[@KillerKlipsch]

I didn't think you guys could possibly get any cooler.... Then I saw the Mullet!!!

[@skylabsaudio]

2X Tony

[@chrislj2890]

Oh baby, that Pioneer amp and pre-amp are to die for.

[@razerginn]

I sold one for $800 spec4, spec 2 and 9500 tuner

[@chrislj2890]

@@razerginn Do you regret it?

[@paulsmallriver6066]

Last week I delivered my Fisher 401 receiver to a man for refurbishment. I was about to leave when he invited me into his work place. There he proudly showed me his Sansui G-22000, both the receiver AND the amplifier. My gawd what a treasure!

[@chevy4x466]

Fisher made my dad’s first vcr. It was a beauty, fully programmable.

[@fredjoel8113]

Good video: brought back memories for me having played with/owned/worked on some of these models back in the day. Another one that should be on the list is the Dynaco ST-416 with optional C100 Energy Bank. These power amps were available in kit form or assembled Spent some time building it and then some years later as an EE Tech, modifying it. Dynaco was a neat company that provided much information and support. When I was modifying my ST-416, I spoke with one of their engineers who was happy to discuss this with me. I owned several of their power amps and preamps which were heavy and well-made, all in the USA of course.

[@Alpha1545]

Wow I agree. I had a Dynaco amp years ago but I can't remember the model it was a small amp maybe 60 watts. What i liked about it was effortless bass almost twangy but not. Unfortunately it suffered a speaker wire short at a party and that ended it. If I could remember the model I would buy it. I know it's a good amp.

[@Dano831]

You got that backwards. Spec 4 is the lower wattage version between the Spec 2 & Spec 4. 250w/ch vs. 150w/ch for the Spec 4

[@skylabsaudio]

You're right! My bad

[@johncain7949]

Another great video! Just wanted to mention another great amp from the 70's, the Crown DC 300A. I truly loved this amp! Matched with the Crown IC150 pre-amp, it would really rock! Many bands such as Crosby Stills Nash & Young used this amp on tour. You can clearly see banks of DC300A's on stage with Triumph at the US festival! I heard almost all the amps at the time including my friends Phase Linear 400, Marantz and Pioneer, and my DC300A took a back seat to no one! Many thanks! John from Canada 🇨🇦

[@keetonkatt4621]

I, too, had the Crown DC 300A/IC-150 driving stacked Advent speakers. Incredible combination. The DC-300A could drive low impedance loads well and had a very solid bass. It also had a "transistory" treble, which wasn't a problem with the Advents but when I upgraded the speakers to some very bright sounding Thiels, it became objectionable. I had no trouble selling the Crown gear.

[@chinmeysway]

nice. seems like all amps will sound the same 90%, per wattage similarity.

[@johncain7949]

We must be closely related! I also had Advent speakers! I drove them with a Luxman receiver. I know there are many proud customers of 70's Crown gear!

[@adsph]

Great content Kevin. Unique perspective that you provide. Keep it coming. Thank you.

[@pauljanssen7594]

I had the question of digital and old audio the old audio is more of what music instruments play and the voices😊

[@NCislander]

Very much enjoying the subtle change to your channel recently. Kevin & Eric hitting it out of the park on appealing Vintage Audio topics within your shop. Super cool. -Thank you

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

Thanks for sharing this excellent tutorial ! There is such a wealth of great vintage equipment out there, it`s good to see a shop like yours giving them the TLC that they deserve. Rock on, Brother !

[@davealexander59]

Great explanation of the pluses and minuses of hooking up an amp to a receiver. Thanks!

[@crmixman]

Great video Kevin! I love the look of the Phase Linear amps. It would be hard to choose which model looks cooler. I just kick myself for chucking a pair of Altec 9440A amps into the dumpster back in the 90s. But I needed a reliable rig for the band I was working with and those amps had too many intermittent issues and deemed not worth the expense to repair back then. If I knew back then what I know now - I would have been able to fix them myself.

[@festerofest4374]

This was definitely some of the stereo gear I lusted after as a teen in the 70's! Finally in the mid 80's I was working and saved for the Carver Receiver with Ohm Walsh2's. I thought I'd finally gone to heaven with that rich sound. My Ohm's are still playing today... actually in the background at this very moment. And cool that for a KZbin audio channel you have some nice stereo sound with the video!

[@paulhare662]

That was like a walk thru the "I can't afford it" room of a 1978 stereo shop, thanks. I'm currently using a Carver C1 and a PL400 driving a pair of Infinity SM150s and a pair of Polk 10s. The Polks were found set out for trash pick up at the curb. I just hooked up a Bluetooth Dayton Audio reciever to it and I am loving it. The Danish Philharmonic Orchestra doing Ennio Moricone western theme songs is quite impressive. Heck, the Poni Tails singing Born Too Late is impressive.

[@edwardbagu1252]

"It even makes the Panasonic Thrusters sound good", I love that line makes me want to go out looking for one.. Great video, thanks... interestingly most low watts receivers do not have the pre-outs and pre-inns but you are right people have a right to enjoy their music whatever way they want to as long as it does not go "ka BOOM"

[@Cimone90]

Just finished rebuilding a JVC M3030. Great amp. Basically, dual monoblocks in a single chasis.

[@prestige2000rider]

Citation 16. One of the best amplifier s at any price! That one there was a series one I had one of the last 16A all black with relay speaker protection, and also discreet driver boards .made a difference great great series

[@jim010109]

Great video. It nice that you also showed how to hook a external amp up.

[@mstorrente]

More videos like this, please. Nice and interestnig one, great

[@chiefhobbyist3203]

I moved from Arizona back to Illinois 3 years ago and sold 70% of my collection of vintage equipment including my Spec-4 and a mint Akai GX-635D. I wish I had several of those pieces back. I did keep my favorites.

[@normwetherbee3403]

Had a friend around 1981 or so with that big Phase Linear Amp and matching pre. Ran it with a pair of EV Voice of the Theater speakers( if you've never seen a set they make Klipsch Horns look small ). Good lord that was some big sound.

[@ChillToMusic87]

I really do like your channel, sensible, informative and no theatricals 👌🏼💯🙂

[@ceylonmooney]

luvin this veideo. man, i oogled the phase linear amps for years. had no idea they were bob carver. all i know of bob carver his big red expensive tube amp he said put out 75-80WPC got busted havin 15W edcor OPTs in it--thats puttin a lawnmower engine in as F150.

[@robertliskey420]

Excellent! I have the 700B lab one thing about them a low impedance load is no problem for them. And when you mentioned "Pulling them from a rack" First time anyone picks one up they are very "side heavy" the transformer weighs a ton. Only one I would add is the old Dyana 400 My first high power.

[@johnsenuta1038]

My Carver M-500t and M-1.5t have been upgraded and rebuilt by Nelion Audio now putting out 400 and 500 watts per channel. Nelion is the only remaining Carver factory authorized center that rebuilds Carvers.

[@ripjones5294]

Another enjoyable installment. Thanks to both you and Eric. During your "breakout" discussion, you hit upon one thing that I do find annoying -- the "switch". I am finding that I prefer the Pioneer approach to having jumpers, versus having the switch. While you and I both really like the Yamaha receivers, that switch is really a pain in the rear. My Yamaha 600 truly has reinforced my dislike of switches versus jumpers. Thanks again....

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

It's worth mentioning that 10 times the power is only twice as loud. The biggest reason for buying a higher power amplifier is to keep from frying your tweeters if you listen really loud. The higher power avoids getting into clipping, which generates lots of harmonic distortion (= lots of high frequency noise) and all the increased high frequency power sent to your speakers may fry the tweeters. As an example, the original Advents had a toggle switch on the back to adjust the amount of high frequency power to the tweeters, so that you would be less likely to fry the tweeters when playing loud music. Having more power means you're less likely to drive the bigger amplifier into clipping at the same power levels.

[@theclearsounds3911]

That sounds backwards, but, believe me, it's VERY true. The only situation that makes this not true is if you're the kind of person who always turns it up full blast no matter what. I knew a lot of kids like that when I was a kid. But, I don't think that kind of person will watch this channel anyway.

[@jimr3179]

Understood. I had an SX-1980 and to be totally honest, it looked great but I was never that impressed with the sound.I owned all of the SX-80 series with the exception of the SX-580. I also had a SX-1250. Of all of them my favorite is the SX-1080. I still have it and a 780.

[@theclearsounds3911]

@@jimr3179 I have a friend with an SX-1050, and it's also really beautiful, and he's had it restored and it works great. He's had people offer to buy it, and I told him DON'T! I'm curious why your SX-1980 didn't sound as good as your SX-1080. 🤔

[@jimr3179]

@theclearsounds3911 It's not that the 1980 didn't sound good, I thought it would sound better with over twice the power of the 1080.I'm kind of a bass guy so I have(had)a Klipsch Powered sub to help the Pioneers on the low end.

[@Mr39036ce]

I'm surprised about no Crown? Nothing? No DC300 or 300A or PSA 400 or anything?? or my personal fave,Heathkit AA-1640? A very nice 200w.p.ch job that typically does about 300 per ch.And the kit was only $479.00!!And analog meters for 20 bucks more!

[@drsbranch-wn2vx]

2.75 Tony is my new hero! Another excellent video, Kevin and Eric. You guys keep surpassing yourselves with each one.

[@Derdedering]

I felt horrible about the 16 I lent Kevin not powering up for the video. I had it sorted by the time I buttoned it back up there after the clip 👍

[@drsbranch-wn2vx]

@@Derdedering, don’t feel that way. We have all experienced similar situations and it is often not in our control. I have a love, like you, for HK. I bought my first HK 330b after listening to Kevin’s video and later secured an HK 870 locally from CL.

[@chiphill4856]

I saw and heard the full pioneer Spec rack in the 70's in a stereo store in the local mall. Impressive system, I still remember it to this day.

[@dentman67]

I agree 1000% with you. I hear the biggest differences in preamps. I feel very lucky I got to grow up looking at all this stuff in the mid/late 70's. My father was a audiophile and always had a dedicated music room. He would take me around to all the HiFi shops. There were so many of them in the Philly area. Also, when possible, please mention the damping factor when reading the specs. Thanks.

[@theclearsounds3911]

Right, and another spec that's worth while is the 4ohm power output, which is closely related to the damping factor. Very important if your speakers are lower than 8ohms. But, you can find this info online. I also agree that power amps have no business coloring the sound at all; they should all be ruler flat from 20-20k. The preamp is the only proper place to color the sound, unless you have an EQ also.

[@johnjorgensen104]

Thanks for talking about Phase Linear. I have a Phase Linear 200 that I bought new in the box. Been pumping out tunes for over 40 years now and I love the old boy. Never heard about the speaker protection relay is this something you think I should look into?

[@glenncurry3041]

LED output meters tend to add noise. Many of the amps with them had switches to turn them off and the difference was audible. Basically transient noise as each LED fires. The HK 16 was a perfect example of it. And an incredible amp!

[@scotthamilton5138]

Never heard that about LED's, but will give it a test on my ST 416 - interesting maybe why they have a switch to turn the LED's off, thought it was to keep room dark. Thanks

[@glenncurry3041]

@@scotthamilton5138 Some of the more advanced designs fed a separate tap to a stand along buffer/driver section so the LEDs were not just off the amp's output directly. But then you are not actually measuring the amp's output directly.

[@JukeboxAlley]

I dig the Harman kardon alot, also worth mentioning one of my favorite powerhouses I've had is the soundcraftsmen ma5002, looks great and has as much power as you could ever want, and tonally good. Most underrated power amp I've had? The nad 2200 power envelope, those things got alot to give as well, mean machines.

[@jamesdicker5992]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Another good video. Separate amps can produce more and cleaner power than many receivers. I have a McIntosh C-26 pre and 2100 amp. I agree about the tube like warm sound. It doesn't have the cool blue meters on it but played through my ADS 710's it sounds great. I had a 8010 Kenwood 125wpc receiver and still have a Yamaha R-100 100wpc receiver and they both sound great, just a bit cooler and more clinical sounding. I do have a M-400a Carver Cube I use for my ADS SW-4 sub and at 200 WPC it puts out great bass.

[@raygarafano3633]

Thanks Kev. I have a power supply for an RCA Radiola 60 that weighs in over 12 lbs. Capacitors and filter chokes as well as a beefy Xformer with 300 volts for the tubes plates known as B+. 14 amps just to lite the tubes at 2.5 volts.

[@larryjex6485]

I still have my Phase Linear 700 from the '70s, and it's a great amp. 350 WPC min RMS into 8 ohms, and you know it when you crank it. One '70s amp I would have like to see on this list was the Phase Linear Dual 505 which puts out 500 WPC and looks similar to the 400 on your bench.

[@multicyclist]

Fantastic selection. I would like to add honorable mention for Soundcraftsmen PM840 (or any of their other amps for that matter.) With a Soundcraftsmen preamp they can be bridged, and a pair will give you 600 watts RMS of per channel into 8 ohms. I have done this and WOW!

[@PossibleAudio]

20:25... I agree. Running the 2270 pre into a McIntosh 2105 is kind of pointless as the internal amp of the 2230/2245/2270 is phenomenal. However, for example, if you want to run a Dynaco/Dynakit ST-70 or ST-35 as an amp using the pre-amp section of a 2230/2245/2270 etc etc. I can see that. Totally different sound and really brings Jazz, Singer Songwriter and Stringed Instruments to an ear candy level. A person can experiment with so many different combinations using input/output jacks. Thanks Kevin for another great video!

[@normwetherbee3403]

I used to run the pre-outs into an ancient Sony TA-30something (can’t remember as the amp is long gone) sounded better with my L100s than the internal Marantz amp section. That Sony was strange…kind of shaped like a long shoebox but worked nicely. Still have the Marantz 😊

[@normwetherbee3403]

Sorry forgot to mention it is a 2230 that I did that with

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Great info. Enjoy the video's

[@danstein2467]

Great review. Much appreciated.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you so much, Dan. Greatly appreciated! Kevin

[@CDJF1]

I had a battle with a buddy and his spec 4 against my BGW 750 C. He sold the spec 4 and bought a 750 C. BGW flies under the radar but are very musical with tons of head room.

[@chrissmith7669]

I have the DBX BX-3 mkII. It’s been a beast for me the last 40 years

[@genehaire4854]

Great presentation! Consider also - Phase Linear Dual 500 late '70s.

[@tmdillon1969]

Back in the 80s, my sister's roommate, Sue, had a complete Phase Linear rack system. I found it fascinating and it weighed more than I did. It's how I ended up with my sister's Marantz 2016 receiver as my first stereo. I wonder what Sue did with that system?

[@mrz80]

Mr. Mc ran a pair of 2105s into ML4Ms in his home system in New York. After he sold the company and moved to Arizona he went with a pair of 2205s into a paralleled combo of the ML4m and XR7 speakers. He loved showing it off to company, usually resulting in a hollereed "FRANK! TURN THAT THING DOWN!" from the other end of the house. 😀

[@sampsonpaul73]

Thanks Kevin for doing this video. Was a little sad that Sansui didn't make the cut. I'm running a BA2000, CA2000, & TU9900 going to a set of SPX11000. Bought this about 20 years ago and other than cleaning the pots it was running great until just before the COVID shutdown. I'm on Vancouver Island and would need to ship the unit to be serviced, going to be expensive. Wish me luck, thanks again for the video.

[@skylabsaudio]

If I had one, it would have been in the video for sure.

[@kentrichardson9070]

Kent in Courtenay. I had my ca/ba serviced,recapped in Cumberland 10 years ago. If you reach out I can maybe pass along a number,if he’s still there.😊

[@steveearnshaw5426]

Had a Phase Linear 400 driving Maggie Tympani 1 U’s back in 1975. Just couldn’t justify Audio Research. Sounded great in my dorm room! Y

[@elixtido1448]

Used BGW 500Ds, 750As, 1000?s and crowns of all sizes late 70s and 80s for PA and floor monitors - always kicked ass

[@kevin6385]

I have the Spec 1 and 2. Go big people. The Spec 4 I'm sure is great but I will take the Spec 2 any day

[@edogle8163]

Thxs Kevin some good stuff.....Thxs again...

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@edwinhurwitz6792]

Nice overview! I got my first MC2105 in 1979 to use as a bass power amp in high school. It was a revelation after trying to get clean sound out of a Fender Showman. It's quite heavy, but nothing compared to its big brothers, up to the MC2300, which was basically the same design (used the same driver cards, etc.) but instead of 65lbs, it was 125lbs. They were used in PA systems, in submarine communication systems and all kinds of places. I seem to be a Mac magnet, so now my living room stereo is powered by the MC2255. Similar design, but at close to 90lbs, I can't lift it. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when it needs servicing. The MC502 you showed is a fine amp, too, but it doesn't have autoformers, so it's not quite the same sound. I borrowed one for my bass rig in the early 80s and it worked well, but didn't have the oomph as that the MC2105 does. McIntosh was used to power the sound system at Woodstock, with a slew of MC3500s. Kind of my holy grail for a bass rig but the 145lbs and absurd price tag says no. facebook.com/estudio1003/photos/sistema-de-som-no-woodstock-em-1969bill-hanley-e-a-sua-empresa-hanley-sound-fora/469251193125803/

[@aadam-kz5my]

Hey, great video! Do one on SANSUI BA amps and CA pre amps when you get it!:)

[@deanfisher1656]

Thanks Kevin….sure enjoys these. Compared Phase Linear, Luxman, and Kenwood 700m back in the day. Bought the 700m. Any thoughts on those amps? Thanks for the great channel.

[@robertwright5487]

I at one time owned a Pioneer Spec 1 and Spec 2 with a set of Pioneer HPM 150s. Unfortunately, when I was transferred back to the states they never made it 😢.

[@jackhastings9800]

Great video. Usually you don't want to biamp with different amps.

[@stevefoster2700]

Great list as always Kevin. Does Rob have a preferred cap type/series for the McIntosh power supply. Considering doing my 2255. Like you displayed, it's a heck of a struggle just getting that thing on the bench! Thanks

[@carlhayes-ze5nd]

Don’t forget the Kenwood L series mono blocks! The L-05m are nice to work on and sound oh so lovely. I wouldn’t mind a pre-power from sansui for a second system either.

[@brucemibus9523]

I still have HK Signature 2- 5 channel amp, been using it for 8 years, great design accommodating most speakers. 5 x 110W, with independent psu for each channel. Just about to change it for Theta Digital.

[@mysterybryan358]

In 78 I had a mr77 Macintosh receiver and a m a 2300 amp and it still works fine

[@alm5693]

My second (and sentimental favorite) stereo was a Harman Kardon 930 that had JBL L-100s attached to it. I'd also picked up a HK Citation 12 amp and a pair of JBL L-77s (Lancers?) used. What I was doing for a while was running the L100s with the 60w/ch Citation and the L77s with the Y-cable thing back into the 930. I thought it sounded killer, but I was kind of a headbanger back then. I sold the Citation and the L77s to help come up with a down payment on my first brand new car -a 1978 Toyota Corolla wagon that cost about $3,700. When the guy came over to listen to the L77s, I used the Citation for power and cranked up Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith. I sold them instantly.

[@dtracy03ss]

You are correct on the Amps , that is their only Job is to amplify the Sound Signal from whatever is input, there Could be a SLIGHT difference between Tube and Solid but thats the Main reason we bought Recievers in the 70s and 80s because Living through that when you went to the Electronic Toy Stores you got to try pretty much Everything and MY Opinion was the Recievers were not only a Bit Less than Separates money wise, so you could buy the better Speakers or another piece, ie the Equalizer, Tape Deck, TT or 2 Tape Decks!! But the Recievers all had their own Signature Sounds, abd you had the Same thing with the Pre-Amp Selection si that limited what you could add to your system also! Also the Pre-owned and Teading going on Was Awesome! Anyway you are Correct IMO.

[@mtacoustic1]

Picked up several Carver magnetic amplifiers, rated at 400 watts/channel off ebay. One amp went out, but Carver still overhauled it and it's back in operation. It's fun to watch the house lights flicker when running these amps at higher volumes; due to the magnetic (rather than caps) maintaining the output power. You have to be careful with the speakers, however. I burned out a set of Pioneer R-300's with too much volume!

[@larrymorgan222]

A neighbor of mine had a Phase Linear (400 or 700?). It was blowing fuses, and he asked me to take a look. It turned out there was a burr on one of the heat sinks. It had poked through the mica insulator and shorted the transistor case to the heat sink. I removed the burr, replaced the insulator, and it worked great. My system never sounded so good as when I was testing the amp.

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

First off, definitely gonna be a fun one...Second off, Spec Two is more powerful then the Spec Four, but is not dual mono.

[@skylabsaudio]

My bad! Thanks

[@fredflyingv3863]

I live in France, and I like your vids ! 👍

[@2visiondigital]

Despite any short comings the most punchy dynamic amp I had was a Phase Linear 400. Fortunately I pulled it before it flamed out, it started to backfire. Also enjoyed a Kenwood M2 basic, whiched punched above it's weight. Amp power corrupts in a good way.

[@BlankBrain]

I have two Biamp TC-120s: one for low-base, the other for mid-base, and a Sony TAN-5550 V-FET for treble. I'm in the process of re-capping.

[@thomascrill2842]

You can also use both amplifiers by using the tape in and out to accomplish the same thing. Tape out of your AV or Receiver to the tape in of the next unit and so on it was called a daisy chain system that you could use multiple amplifiers to drive lets say 4 amps 1 to your subs, the next amp to your woofers, the next amp to your midrange and the last one to your highs. You could also use it for adding individual rooms to the system.

[@qb101]

I just picked up a new amp. I was considering a Spec 4, a 700B, and finally landed on a pretty rare Soundcraftsmen MA-5002. I'm reconditioning it now, but it's a pretty fantastic unit. Highly recommend checking it out if you have an opportunity.

[@stevocarton]

Great video Kevin.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks 👍

[@frederikjacob1985]

Frankly, one that's frequently forgotten from this time era is the accuphase p400... It's an absolute beast of a power amplifier. 50 watts in class a per channel and 200 watts in class ab.

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

Sir first thank you for answering my question during your live stream. I was BLOWN AWAY! Another question. I love that McIntosh 2105 Amplifier. I have 9 quality receivers what do you love about that McIntosh 2015 that makes experiencing it "better, worth it or unique?" Is there something about the "separate amp, pre-amp, tuner and EQ" vintage audio experience that is transcending, special or a must hear unique experience. To simplify what am I missing by not having a McIntosh 2105 and its accessories in my collection. You've been so kind I will be going to the bank so I can make a one time donation to your channel. I like that you are a honest straight shooter, a swell egg & this werewolf's idea of a cool human! CHEERS!

[@billnorman2821]

The Pioneer Spec 4 is actually the lower powered unit. The Spec 4 is rated at 150 wpc. The Spec 2 is rated at 250 wpc.

[@nicamatt1970]

Kevin, nice review and thanks for sharing your insights! I always enjoy hearing your balanced and frank perspective. I’m looking forward to receiving my speaker risers and headphones this week and putting my Wharfdale Dovedale 3s on them and then trying out the Grado SR80x headphones on my Pioneer SX-780 and my Marantz 2218.

[@skylabsaudio]

Should get them soon. Dropping off at the post office tomorrow!

[@alm5693]

Phase Linear 400 & 700 amps were kind of the go-to amps for bands who couldn't afford Crowns in their PA. Our experience with a 400 was that you didn't want to push it too hard or it would overheat and shut down mid-song, which was embarrassing.

[@beercanshooter7680]

another great vid

[@thevinylgrotto4767]

Please do a video on that Kenwood receiver. I have two.. the 4140 and the 5150. I very much like the tonal qualities, and the tuner I find VERY sensitive. I'd also like to see a video on the Rotel RB-5000 amp, which I also have.

[@Notawhitchhunt]

When did Bryston amps come out, I heard a system in the Eighties based on a Bryston amp at 300 watts per channel that sounded quite excellent

[@robkorczak]

Love the channel and always look forward to new videos. Not gonna tell you you're wrong but absolutely amplifiers do change the sound but the transients are where the differences become very noticeable. Finally, not sure what happened but it sounds like your mic was somehow hooked out of phase cause your voice was disembodied and wide. I agree that everyone should enjoy this hobby the way they want to enjoy it.

[@msshmv24]

If your receiver doesn't have pre-amp outs you can also use aftermarket speaker level to line level adapters.

[@jeffadams5510]

Nice video! Little surprised the sansui ba series, ampzilla, and bose 1800 amps weren't mentioned though. All of these mentions were from the 70's.....right?

[@stevekupris4133]

Who can forget the Adcom Gfa-555. Mine is bone stock and still rocks in 2024!

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

Just thought I'd mention: in the demo section you don't have any close-ups, so you say "pre out to the amplifier," but you can't see what you're plugging into on it. I think beginners might still be confused after that. And they might not understand channels. Anyway, another fun video. I learned about some amps i didn't know about. Question: i know dirty pots cause pops, but i just hooked up an old pioneer and it had an intermittent loud pop that echoed. It did not sound good. Is that some other issue?

[@ForeverAnalog]

That Harman Kardon amp is WILD!

[@LakeNipissing]

Yes. Remarkable to have 10 output transistors / channel for 150 Watts, when Pioneer and Hitachi had 4 output transistors / channel with more than 200 Watts output. HK is either extremely over engineered, or extremely underrated.

[@Derdedering]

I'd say they are very conservative with the 150 W rating.

[@RogierYou]

Using a lazy Susan as a work stand is a brilliant idea!

[@vicjackson7164]

Nice video, but Kevin, I have to say you contradict or I'll say correct yourself. It is not always obvious, but different (solid-state) power amps can have noticeable tonal differences or character. An example I'll use is 1st & 2nd generation B&K power amps compared to Adcom power amps of that period. Like the Mcintosh, the B&K's also had or have a tube-like quality. The Adcom's were know to be a bit brittle or clinical. I also own a P. L. 700b, which seems to sit in the middle. So as you said, it was your opinion and we can have different opinions (that's 1 thing that makes the whole audio thing fun 🙂), my opinion would be a power amp can effect the total quality of your system (especially if your doing the mix or match thing). Thanks for another cool video, keep it up.

[@racerx3669]

Citation 16 just looks and sounds fire.

[@kentrichardson9070]

Holding my breath waiting for you to show us the Sansui CA/BA 2000 or 3000. As a Sansui lover I figured you have a set. When I bought mine,(2000) in the 70s MSRP was $2000.00 in Canada. I figures I got a bargain for $1500.00. We all know now that msrp is a scam. I’ll settle for a future video on this unit alone down the road. Cheers.

[@skylabsaudio]

Yeah, if it had one it would have been included for sure. Maybe someday :(

[@toulcaz31]

I was expecting to see the Accuphase P300 given your love for the E202 🙂

[@williamonderlinde5068]

I bought the Spec-1 and either the Spec-2 or Spec-4 when I was in the Philippines in 1977 or 1978. Both units were dual voltage, very handy when I went to Belgium. Amps kicked ass! I agree that an AMP just passes & pumps up the signal; to Pioneer HPM-1500 speakers for example. My system was all Pioneer till I hit Belgium. Money flowed, my system "Growed".

[@ronheetman564]

I have got a Proton D1200 power amp, also from the 80’ It got DPD, that means dynamic power on demand. It can go up to 1000W for a very brief time. Proton was a precursor from NAD. Do you guys know this one. I run it with the Proton P1100 pre-amp.

[@MarvinHartmann452]

My choices would be these: 1 : Mc 275 2 : citation 12 3 : marantz 140 4 : marantz 500 5 : marantz 240 For the simplicity of the circuits, sometimes, less is more, and I like the semi push pull amplifier. They have a distinct sound. Besides the output transformer, the citation 12 and the Mc250 are very similar, I think they were inspired by the RCA 70 watt semi pp design that came out around 1968 or 1969.

[@denveradams4909]

I used to own the Pioneer Spec-1 and Spec-2, Amp/preamp combination. Unfortunately,, a repair shop was in possession of my amp when it went out of business and stole my Spec-2 amp. I purchased this amp while stationed on Okinawa in 1978/79, serving in the US Marine Corps. I ended up selling the Spec-1 preamp to a collector on eBay. I also owned the Pioneer RT-707 and RT-909 open reel decks; CT-F900 cassette deck; SG-9800 graphic eq; a Pioneer turntable; MA-62A disco mixer, SR-303 reverb; RG-1 processor; DT-400 timer and of course, the Pioneer equipment rack. At the time, Pioneer didn't make speakers which would handle the power of the Spec-2, so I went with 2 pair of Sansui SP-X11000 speakers, with 2-17" woofers in each side. Most of this equipment was used in an Apostolic church as their main PA system for at least 10 years.

[@lisaharvey4373]

I worked at La Salle Electronics in 1976 the glory days for me we sold Yamaha high end SAE. Sansui Scott Kenwood Amps Receivers EQ's speakers Yamaha RTR Kenwood. Turntables Technics Yamaha Dual at least what I can remember I was 21 years old it was my dream job at the time demonstrating and then let them decide what to buy all this after getting high with them first and sitting in the listening room WOW GREAT TIMES!!