Impulse bought a Sony TA F700es amplifier as a way of dipping my toe into full-featured Japanese integrateds. What a beautiful beast, beautifully built with machined metal knobs, tone controls, mm/mc phono, built like a tank. It even has an ‘Adaptor out/in’ so you can insert eq/dsp/DRC between input selection and volume control. No VU meters but I actually like the black 80s aesthetic (reminds me of some Sansui units). Quick initial listening is impressive and makes my Naim Nait 5i sound like a toy. Unfortunately it’s probably not going to suit use in our living room with its lack of remote control or auto standby/off (it runs warm even when idle). The F730es model had Pre outs as well (allowing for use of subs). Honestly shocked at how much amp it is for what they are going for right now, feels underrated in many ways considering what vintage accuphase, Yamaha, Luxmqn etc go for.
About to demo a Lyngdorf 1120. The opposite of the Sony in many ways but may suit a discreet modern digital setup better. Equally appeals to me with its Room Correction and Dsp functions (eq/crossovers etc)
tbh both are close to ideal in different ways. Hoping to keep the Sony for an ‘old school’ setup down the line!
