Integrated Amp to Pair with a pair of Fyne Audio Vintage Classic VIII Speakers

[Eggboy83]

Hi everyone! New to the forum here. Have been looking lots of the threads trying to get some tips as there is amazing knowledge here.
I have rather stumbled into owning a pair of Fyne Audio Vintage Classic VIII speakers and I am now looking for an amp to pair with them.
My room is around 30m2 and I listen mainly to 70-80s folk rock, yacht rock, jazz, soul and occasional hip-hop.
My budget unfortunately is about £500 and I am looking for something vintage in aesthetics to match my room so I am willing to buy anything from 70s onwards as long as its serviced.
Does anyone have any recommendations as to what might be a good pair with these speakers?
Thanks
Egg

 

[DVDdoug]

I can't make a specific recommendation and in the used market it depends on what you can find and at what price.

Your speakers are rated for 100W "RMS" so if you want to play them at maximum loudness, look for an amp rated for 100W. (That was a high-power amp in the 1970s).

I don't know what kind of deals you can find, but economically, you MIGHT be able to get more for your money with a new receiver. I paid about $300 for my "cheap" AVR and it's got 80 Watts x 5 channels, analog and digital inputs including decoding for the shiny disc surround formats, remote control, Bluetooth (which I don't use), etc. You WON'T get that vintage look or all of those cool knobs...

I am willing to buy anything from 70s onwards as long as its serviced.

If it's solid state and working, it should be OK. I'd mainly look at the wattage and whatever features you want.

...If you were go back to the tube days it was harder and more expensive to make a good amp, especially at 100W. Solid state made everything cheaper and easier, and with modern electronics it's even cheaper and easier and wattage is cheaper, especially with class-D.

and I listen mainly to 70-80s folk rock, yacht rock, jazz, soul and occasional hip-hop.

The amplifier doesn't care... The amp's job is simply to amplify the signal with low noise, low distortion, and flat frequency response (ignoring tone controls) and most amps are good at their job!

Speaking of tone controls - A lot of older amps had a "loudness" switch to boost the bass when the volume is turned down. That's to compensate for the fact that when the volume is turned down, our ears/brain make it sound like the bass was turned even more. Most newer amps don't have that.

Speakers always make a difference in sound. Speakers "don't care" want kind of music you're playing either but if you are listening to rock or hip-hop bass may be more important to you.

 

[Svend P]

I would get a brand new NAD C3050. It will hopefully work without problems for many years, and you get modern room correction.

C 3050 - NAD Electronics

In the C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier, NAD’s 50-year history of innovation meets the future of hi-fi. With its dual VU meters, push-button input selectors, walnut-finished vinyl-clad cabinet, and 1970s cursive-style branding, the C 3050 recalls the components that helped a generation of...

nadelectronics.com

 

[DanielT]

If it is these:

Vintage Classic VIII Floorstanding Speaker | Hi-Fi - FYNE AUDIO

Tall, slim and elegant, the Vintage Classic VIII builds on the SM version with a larger floorstanding cabinet for a fuller, richer and more engaging sound.

www.fyneaudio.com

...and we assume that it is true that it is 8 Ohm speakers with 91 dB sensitivity (not exaggerated numbers, that is) then you can choose a (vintage if you want) amplifier/receiver that does not need to have so much power, compared to, for example, 85 dB speakers that would need four times more power, to reach the same SPL.

Do you like listening to music at really high volumes? Then it might make sense to have a amp with decent power and with speakers of 91 dB that according to the manufacturer can handle 200 watts you can play really loud. If that is your thing, that is.

What is your budget? Does the amplifier need multiple inputs? What source(s) do you have?
Any special features that you would like?

Edit:
Say you don't normally listen at that high of a volume, let's say 65 dB as a normal listening volume,say that you rarely push the pedal to the metal on your amp plus that you don't listen to extremely dynamic music. Then a 30 watt amplifier will be fine with your speakers.

For example, this one measures up to at least 30 watts(before clipping), would work well. Since you said vintage:

But there are plenty of other good amps/receivers. It all depends on your budget and what you want and need.

 

[Timcognito]

Yamaha made many 70s classic receivers with the beautiful austere silver front panels. Many have very good phono sections, tuners, auxiliary inputs that allow one to add an inexpensive streamer, headphone output and tape monitor to add BT transmitter for walk around the house headphones. Type Yamaha into electronics section of the Review Index above.

 

[DanielT]

Yamaha made many 70s classic receivers with the beautiful austere silver front panels. Many have very good phono sections, tuners, auxiliary inputs that allow one to add an inexpensive streamer, headphone output and tape monitor to add BT transmitter for walk around the house headphones. Type Yamaha into electronics section of the Review Index above.

And they also perform well:

Yamaha CR-1020 Vintage Receiver Measurements and Features

A good friend of mine got a Yamaha CR-1020 receiver at a local sale. It is in great cosmetic shape. I'm going to test it. It was bought along with a more powerful CR-2040 which unfortunately was recapped, and the two 22mF filter capacitors were replaced with larger parts that couldn't be...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Then there are a few things you (TS) should consider if you are going to buy amplifiers/receivers that are over half a century old; service, maintenance, condition and so on.

 

[Eggboy83]

I would get a brand new NAD C3050. It will hopefully work without problems for many years, and you get modern room correction.

C 3050 - NAD Electronics

In the C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier, NAD’s 50-year history of innovation meets the future of hi-fi. With its dual VU meters, push-button input selectors, walnut-finished vinyl-clad cabinet, and 1970s cursive-style branding, the C 3050 recalls the components that helped a generation of...

nadelectronics.com

I do like this but it’s out of budget. Would be perfect!

 

[Eggboy83]

If it is these:
View attachment 481723

Vintage Classic VIII Floorstanding Speaker | Hi-Fi - FYNE AUDIO

Tall, slim and elegant, the Vintage Classic VIII builds on the SM version with a larger floorstanding cabinet for a fuller, richer and more engaging sound.

www.fyneaudio.com

...and we assume that it is true that it is 8 Ohm speakers with 91 dB sensitivity (not exaggerated numbers, that is) then you can choose a (vintage if you want) amplifier/receiver that does not need to have so much power, compared to, for example, 85 dB speakers that would need four times more power, to reach the same SPL.

Do you like listening to music at really high volumes? Then it might make sense to have a amp with decent power and with speakers of 91 dB that according to the manufacturer can handle 200 watts you can play really loud. If that is your thing, that is.

What is your budget? Does the amplifier need multiple inputs? What source(s) do you have?
Any special features that you would like?

Edit:
Say you don't normally listen at that high of a volume, let's say 65 dB as a normal listening volume, that you rarely push the pedal to the metal on your amp plus that you don't listen to extremely dynamic music. Then a 30 watt amplifier will be fine with your speakers.

For example, this one measures up to at least 30 watts(before clipping), would work well. Since you said vintage:
View attachment 481731
But there are plenty of other good amps/receivers. It all depends on your budget and what you want and need.

Thanks for your response, appreciate it.
No I don’t listen at loud volumes as it’s not a huge room.
My budget is £500. And it really is only turntable I am looking to set up. Maybe a CD player.

 

[Krusty09]

Would a Wiim Ultra Amp work? It does a lot and has very good ratings for the price. It's been reviewed here on this site.

Good luck.

 

[DanielT]

Thanks for your response, appreciate it.
No I don’t listen at loud volumes as it’s not a huge room.
My budget is £500. And it really is only turntable I am looking to set up. Maybe a CD player.

Then it becomes easy. The question is more what is available in the country you live in. Since you said £500, I'm guessing England?

If you are looking for vintage in England, I think some Englishman, for example, (I'm pinging a few now), @DSJR @Mart68 @sergeauckland and/or @Soniclife could give you some tips.

They can recommend good new amplifiers too, of course, but we were on the vintage track. That said, there are undeniable advantages to a brand new amp, warranty just to name one thing.

 

[DanielT]

Would a Wiim Ultra Amp work? It does a lot and has very good ratings for the price. It's been reviewed here on this site.

Good luck.

Not really considering its input, TS:And it really is only turntable I am looking to set up. Maybe a CD player.

Edit:
New amplifier, with two inputs phono and CD, then a Yamaha A-S501 should suit TS better:

Within budget, by the hair. The little brother Yamaha A-S301 is also available as a cheaper choice. It is possible that they are sold as MK II models now but they are basically the same amps at about the same price and features. I actually don't know what makes them different? Someone else will have to answer that.

Edit:
A warning regarding this type of recommendation for your speakers, as in the video below. The only sensible thing he says about suitable amplifiers for your speakers is that they are easy to power up, that they are an "easy load". The rest is mostly nonsense about how different amplifiers add different sounds together with Fyne Audio Vintage Classic VIII. A good amplifier doesn't color the sound. A bad one can do that and bad ones are definitely not the ones I suggested: Yamaha A-S501/A-S301. Quite the opposite. Plus they have more than enough power for your needs. By the way, a vintage Yamaha CR-1020 receiver (mentioned in #6), provided in good condition, does not color the sound because it is a good receiver.

Your speakers have a cool, stylish vintage look.
I say that as I have a pair of vintage Tannoy T225 Mayfair

 

[Soniclife]

If you are looking for vintage in England, I think some Englishman, for example, (I'm pinging a few now), @DSJR @Mart68 @sergeauckland and/or @Soniclife could give you some tips.

I've nothing useful to say about amps, but the few fyne speakers I've heard were screaming out for some EQ, very mid forward sound. That would be my top requirement from the electronics.

 

[Mart68]

Congratulations on your new speakers.

There's a serviced vintage Trio amp here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/306518019345?

In budget, 40wpc and has a phono stage.

Is that the sort of thing you're after?

 

[RexrothPigeon]

Congratulations on your new speakers.

There's a serviced vintage Trio amp here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/306518019345?

In budget, 40wpc and has a phono stage.

Is that the sort of thing you're after?

That's hot

 

[DanielT]

I've nothing useful to say about amps, but the few fyne speakers I've heard were screaming out for some EQ, very mid forward sound. That would be my top requirement from the electronics.

I'm guessing that TS isn't that keen on adjusting EQ in the digital world, given the sources he uses. Of course, I could be completely wrong about that.

But some EQ can include that if TS gets an amplifier with a treble control, he can try turning it to see if he finds a setting that appeals.

Congratulations on your new speakers.

There's a serviced vintage Trio amp here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/306518019345?

In budget, 40wpc and has a phono stage.

Is that the sort of thing you're after?

Stylish with a cool look that aesthetically matches well with the TS Fyne Audio Vintage Classic VIII speakers.

I mentioned the obvious in #10 about a warranty when buying new. Something else that also comes with buying new is depreciation. On the other hand, a Trio KA5700, for example, can retain its value for many years to come. If it doesn't break, that is.

In any case, about the Trio KA5700 you mentioned in #13 the seller writes: “Excellent - all working serviced and recapped .
We fully strip back and refurbish classic Hi-Fi to a high standard to make it as close to new as it can be in the modern age.

The seller is this business, store:

https://www.atherstone-audio.co.ukhttps//www.atherstone-audio.co.uk

They look professional.

So considering what has been done with it, £374.46 is, at least in my eyes, a good price.

Edit:
The same store also sells a 40 watt Rotel RA712 amplifier for £385.00:

Rotel RA712 amplifier | My Site

Rotel RA 712 Amplifier - serviced and recapped. Everything through our showroom is fully restored. Enquire about shipping to your door. We use UPS 48 Hr SpecificationsPower output: 40 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.08%Damping...

www.atherstone-audio.co.uk

 

[Mart68]

I'm guessing that TS isn't that keen on adjusting EQ in the digital world, given the sources he uses. Of course, I could be completely wrong about that.

But some EQ can include that if TS gets an amplifier with a treble control, he can try turning it to see if he finds a setting that appeals.

Stylish with a cool look that aesthetically matches well with the TS Fyne Audio Vintage Classic VIII speakers.

I mentioned the obvious in #10 about a warranty when buying new. Something else that also comes with buying new is depreciation. On the other hand, a Trio KA5700, for example, can retain its value for many years to come. If it doesn't break, that is.

In any case, about the Trio KA5700 you mentioned in #13 the seller writes: “Excellent - all working serviced and recapped .
We fully strip back and refurbish classic Hi-Fi to a high standard to make it as close to new as it can be in the modern age.

The seller is this business, store:
View attachment 481863View attachment 481864

https://www.atherstone-audio.co.ukhttps//www.atherstone-audio.co.uk

They look professional.

So considering what has been done with it, £374.46 is, at least in my eyes, a good price.

Edit:
The same store also sells a 40 watt Rotel RA712 amplifier for £385.00:
View attachment 481865View attachment 481866View attachment 481867

Rotel RA712 amplifier | My Site

Rotel RA 712 Amplifier - serviced and recapped. Everything through our showroom is fully restored. Enquire about shipping to your door. We use UPS 48 Hr SpecificationsPower output: 40 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.08%Damping...

www.atherstone-audio.co.uk

I agree with you new is better from a warranty standpoint, but I can't think of any new amps with retro styling that come in under the budget except Yamaha and they don't have the cool meters.

The speakers are adjustable for HF and 'Presence' and there's tone controls on the amp too. Might be enough to get a good balance.

 

[Eggboy83]

Not really considering its input, TS:And it really is only turntable I am looking to set up. Maybe a CD player.

Edit:
New amplifier, with two inputs phono and CD, then a Yamaha A-S501 should suit TS better:
View attachment 481745

Within budget, by the hair. The little brother Yamaha A-S301 is also available as a cheaper choice. It is possible that they are sold as MK II models now but they are basically the same amps at about the same price and features. I actually don't know what makes them different? Someone else will have to answer that.

Edit:
A warning regarding this type of recommendation for your speakers, as in the video below. The only sensible thing he says about suitable amplifiers for your speakers is that they are easy to power up, that they are an "easy load". The rest is mostly nonsense about how different amplifiers add different sounds together with Fyne Audio Vintage Classic VIII. A good amplifier doesn't color the sound. A bad one can do that and bad ones are definitely not the ones I suggested: Yamaha A-S501/A-S301. Quite the opposite. Plus they have more than enough power for your needs. By the way, a vintage Yamaha CR-1020 receiver (mentioned in #6), provided in good condition, does not color the sound because it is a good receiver.

Your speakers have a cool, stylish vintage look.
I say that as I have a pair of vintage Tannoy T225 Mayfair

Would something like this be a reasonable buy?

Yamaha CA-1000 Integrated Amplifier 100v | eBay UK

Yamaha CA-1000 Integrated Amplifier 100v Japanese market version. Plenty of power from both class B or pure class A to drive just about any set of speakers you may have.

www.ebay.co.uk

I have contacted the buyer and it has had service with a very detailed breakdown of work done so from that perspective looks ok.
I am tempted just to buy new but it's so hard finding something aesthetically pleasing! I know its superficial

 

[Eggboy83]

I'm guessing that TS isn't that keen on adjusting EQ in the digital world, given the sources he uses. Of course, I could be completely wrong about that.

But some EQ can include that if TS gets an amplifier with a treble control, he can try turning it to see if he finds a setting that appeals.

Stylish with a cool look that aesthetically matches well with the TS Fyne Audio Vintage Classic VIII speakers.

I mentioned the obvious in #10 about a warranty when buying new. Something else that also comes with buying new is depreciation. On the other hand, a Trio KA5700, for example, can retain its value for many years to come. If it doesn't break, that is.

In any case, about the Trio KA5700 you mentioned in #13 the seller writes: “Excellent - all working serviced and recapped .
We fully strip back and refurbish classic Hi-Fi to a high standard to make it as close to new as it can be in the modern age.

The seller is this business, store:
View attachment 481863View attachment 481864

https://www.atherstone-audio.co.ukhttps//www.atherstone-audio.co.uk

They look professional.

So considering what has been done with it, £374.46 is, at least in my eyes, a good price.

Edit:
The same store also sells a 40 watt Rotel RA712 amplifier for £385.00:
View attachment 481865View attachment 481866View attachment 481867

Rotel RA712 amplifier | My Site

Rotel RA 712 Amplifier - serviced and recapped. Everything through our showroom is fully restored. Enquire about shipping to your door. We use UPS 48 Hr SpecificationsPower output: 40 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.08%Damping...

www.atherstone-audio.co.uk

both of these look great. Very much on my potential buy list. Thanks @DanielT much appreciated

 

[Eggboy83]

Congratulations on your new speakers.

There's a serviced vintage Trio amp here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/306518019345?

In budget, 40wpc and has a phono stage.

Is that the sort of thing you're after?

Yes mate, this fits the bill. If it had some wood action in there I'd be putty

 

[Timcognito]

A classic ,it should keep its value if you keep it up. You will need a transformer for UK voltage to use it. The CA-1000