Speakers choice, Akai amp

[Bohdan]

@JSmith, Sir, I could not explain it any better. I have exactly the same tuner on top of mine same colour combo. It is indeed, imho, a candy to look at.
I got it serviced last year. cleaned and caps replaced with mundorf 10kuF. (i dont know if sonically makes a difference, slight appearance that bass got deeper) Original were 6400 japan.

 

[Bohdan]

I noticed I spelled "Revel" incorrectly. Like I did not read enough reviews...

 

[Bohdan]

What kind of budget for a amplifier?

Hard to say. probably under 1.5k depending on build quality and etc.
My main thing when i got into this:
- amp to fit corner of my desk (this one relatively small compare to full size ones)
- have meters
- silver
- industrial look

and my budget at that time was much smaller.

I must say it is somewhat hard to find alternative if one based it on above parameters

 

[Doodski]

- amp to fit corner of my desk (this one relatively small compare to full size ones)

Small might be possible, dependent on wattage requirements, features and cost. Probably be less $ than your stated budget.

- have meters

I don't think we are going to find much like this, maybe another peep here knows something.

- silver

Maybe possible.

- industrial look

Most stuff these days looks pretty un-industrial.

 

[Trouble Maker]

two tape loops

Split the signal before amplifiers. Run active subwoofers, ...that is. HP -LP filter.

I always forget if tape loops are traditionally fixed line level or variable.
If variable why not run the sub on the tape loop? Running it as you suggested would eliminate the switching (and other) capability of this integrated... making it only and amp.

 

[Doodski]

@Bohdan
Yamaha A-S801 in silver here and here.
Yamaha A-S501 in black here.

... and of course the Denons suggested by @JSmith

What do you think of those?

 

[DanielT]

PMA-600NE - 2 Ch. 70W Integrated Amplifier | Denon - US

The PMA-600NE 2 Ch. 70W Integrated Amplifier from Denon provides high quality audio for your hi-fi needs. Explore more Amplifiers at Denon - US.

www.denon.com

PMA-800NE - 2 Ch. 85W integrated Amplifier | Denon - US

The PMA-800NE 2 Ch. 85W integrated Amplifier from Denon provides high quality audio for your hi-fi needs. Explore more Amplifiers at Denon - US.

www.denon.com

… or start on the road to separates.



JSmith

Hm ..70 W..Something similar.Of course pros and cons when buying used. You can get a HK 670 where I live for about $ 100-130. Fully functional, with remote control. Of course around 20 years. May be in need of a service, possible recap. As usual with used. Pros and Cons.

Harman Kardon HK670/2 Stereo Integrated Amplifier Manual | HiFi Engine

www.hifiengine.com

High instantanious current capability : +/- 75 amps
Yummy for $ 100-130

Once upon a time top tested (measurements) on LTS (Sound Technical
Association)

Ljudtekniska Sällskapet

Ljudtekniska Sällskapet är en oberoende förening som verkar för högsta möjliga kvalitet såväl i fråga om hifi-anläggningar som musikproduktioner av alla slag...

www.lts.a.se

 

[Doodski]

I always forget if tape loops are traditionally fixed line level or variable.
If variable why not run the sub on the tape loop?

Tape loops are fixed line level outputs not variable.

 

[DanielT]

Tape loops are fixed line level outputs not variable.

I always forget if tape loops are traditionally fixed line level or variable.
If variable why not run the sub on the tape loop? Running it as you suggested would eliminate the switching (and other) capability of this integrated... making it only and amp.

Budget solution if you want to use a subwoofer but do not have a dedicated sub out on the amplifier, see attached picture. You connect it to your existing speaker outputs together with the other speaker cables you use with the full register speakers.

For it to be really good, HP and LP filters are needed. Integration sub full register speaker. Search for it om ASR.. A favorite subject. There are many threads around how to get good ntegration that is.

In which case such a converter works. Usually costs 10-15 $

Or you want to go "all the way" with your Akai, but then you have to warm up the soldering iron.
Take that thread with a pinch of salt, I waffle mostly in it). .... but you know Hifi should be fun, otherwise there is no point in doing it.

Project sub output

An old amplifier Luxor 7082 A. I connected a high to low level converter on the speaker outputs, to be able to connect an active subwoofer. Connected in parallel, together with the cables to the speakers. The converter: My friend said: why not take the signal directly from the pre amp section...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[Count Arthur]

Hard to say. probably under 1.5k depending on build quality and etc.
My main thing when i got into this:
- amp to fit corner of my desk (this one relatively small compare to full size ones)
- have meters
- silver
- industrial look

and my budget at that time was much smaller.

I must say it is somewhat hard to find alternative if one based it on above parameters

How about this?:

AX-505 | OVERVIEW | TEAC | International Website

TEAC from home audio to high-end audio, we are developing a variety of products that you can enjoy the music rich.

teac.jp

I haven't heard one, but it's within budget, looks great and has meters.

It uses Hypex NCore amp modules, so unless TEAC have made a complete hash of the preamp section, it ought to be pretty good.

 

[Doodski]

How about this?:

View attachment 166629

AX-505 | OVERVIEW | TEAC | International Website

TEAC from home audio to high-end audio, we are developing a variety of products that you can enjoy the music rich.

teac.jp

I haven't heard one, but it's within budget, looks great and has meters.

It uses Hypex NCore amp modules, so unless TEAC have made a complete hash of the preamp section, it ought to be pretty good.

Excellent suggestion. Canadian prices are here and here.

 

[DanielT]

It's almost more fun to think of different amplifiers than to buy one. Oops, maybe you should not say that. He he.

Here a sensible amp to bass modules.

Behringer A800 Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Behringer A800 Class D Stereo Amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member. The A800 costs US $299 including free shipping from multiple sites. The member who loaned it me has done a youtube video of it which you can see by clicking on this...

audiosciencereview.com

As for example this DIY speakers, that sound good. A800 for the bass drivers.Some kind of Copland amp for mid / tweeter.
Plus he uses miniDSP, UMIK -1 microphone, ROON for PEQ I think it was. If I remember correctly.

There are a lot of different ways to get it together. That's what's fun with Hifi.

 

[mhardy6647]

I always forget if tape loops are traditionally fixed line level or variable.

fixed and they bypass any "signal processing" (tone, loudness, balance) as well.
Indeed, in some of the vintage products*, they even work with the component turned off.

________
* e.g., the rather cheesy Kenwood KC-206 preamp:

Kenwood 'control amplifier' troubles

OK, here's a problem. Our town Teen Center received the donation of a more or less complete 1980's vintage Kenwood stereo component/rack (NOT all in one) system. This is comprised of a power amp (billed as 125 wpc and pretty respectably hefty), a 'control amp', a dual cassette deck and...

www.audiokarma.org

 

[Bohdan]

Speakers that fit a tube amp would fit that Akai? High sensitivity, even in impedance?

For example, a couple like this:

Speakers designed by Ingvar Öhman (ino audio) for Hesselvall Audio (Erik Andersson Ola Hesselvall) to fit in with their tube amplifierThe Dream.

Very easy-to-drive speakers with even impedance.99dB / w in 4 ohms.

The speakers are designed to be driven by a tube anplifier.

HiFiForum.nu - SÅLD - Hesselvall No 1

www.hififorum.nu

I must say those are interesting looking speakers although not my cup of tea. 99 db sensitivity, it, probably, can play my thought just by standing beside it. =)

 

[Bohdan]

Budget solution if you want to use a subwoofer but do not have a dedicated sub out on the amplifier, see attached picture. You connect it to your existing speaker outputs together with the other speaker cables you use with the full register speakers.

For it to be really good, HP and LP filters are needed. Integration sub full register speaker. Search for it om ASR.. A favorite subject. There are many threads around how to get good ntegration that is.

In which case such a converter works. Usually costs 10-15 $

Or you want to go "all the way" with your Akai, but then you have to warm up the soldering iron.
Take that thread with a pinch of salt, I waffle mostly in it). .... but you know Hifi should be fun, otherwise there is no point in doing it.

Project sub output

An old amplifier Luxor 7082 A. I connected a high to low level converter on the speaker outputs, to be able to connect an active subwoofer. Connected in parallel, together with the cables to the speakers. The converter: My friend said: why not take the signal directly from the pre amp section...

audiosciencereview.com

Thanks for suggestion, definitely something to look into

 

[Bohdan]

@Count Arthur , Yeap that is one beautiful amp and size is great. If it was made in Japan, ohhh, it is a must then.

I think amir reviewed an older version ax-501. and some inside photos by other members.
Thanks for input!