Old Amplifiers

Yaayuh! · 6 Mar 2018 at 14:37

Any advice or anything to look out for generally on old amplifiers? Even if it's "85db SNR? Pffttt" or "Don't bother, just buy a modern one".
I'm currently looking at a NAD 3130, not sure how it stacks up today but it's a classic amp, looks clean and at good price. 1985 they were released.

Yaayuh! · 6 Mar 2018 at 19:35

Thanks for your reply, much appreciated

I’m happy to replace internal components if needs be.

I can get peak under the hood of the amplifier if needs be. I also found an Arcam Alpha 8 I’m interested in that has pictures of the internals, looks good from what I can see.

I’ve noticed that Onkyo, gets good reviews for the price/performance ratio. I would prefer two sets of speaker terminals though.

As for Yamaha, I’ve not had any experience with them. When you say Pro-Logic, do you mean what sort of models? The DSP A-**** models you mentioned have fancy digital processing.

Yaayuh! · 7 Mar 2018 at 06:39

Thanks @Kei @lucid for your insights, much appreciated.

I’ll keep my eyes open!

Shame the Yamaha’s don’t fit my need otherwise I would have snapped this up: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Amplifier-...477392?hash=item1a44909b90:g:EYUAAOSwDVtaZdQq

Yaayuh! · 7 Mar 2018 at 08:38

lucid said:
Do you plan to run two sets of speakers immediately, or is this for keeping options open or something else?

The solution is for my "Man Cave". I want to be able to have one speaker set for my PC (maybe with existing sub using pre-out or Y connector on processor In/Out on old amps if capable) and the second speaker set for lounging out in my huge beanbag having a listening session.

Yaayuh! · 7 Mar 2018 at 10:09

@lucid

My sub does have line and speaker level inputs. However, i assumed that if the amp has processor in/out (for use with equalizers and the like) or pre out/main in, i can fork off there for the line in to sub, that should allow the Nad the pre-amp the sub shouldn't it?
I'm not too bothered about sub on the second set for proper music listening, i would probably just manually turn off the sub.

No sales talk ousideof the members market-schizo

Yaayuh! · 7 Mar 2018 at 10:24

*begs for mercy* Sorry, won't happen again.

I've had a reply back from the NAD 3130 owner who said that the caps are fine and would have been replaced if required by them (HiFi refurb seller)

And a reply from the seller of a HK pm655r:

Our audio engineer has given this a going over and is in great condition. We know the people who had it from new and never really used it. If it would be useful i can get our engineer to open it up again and take photos of the components inside and send them to you.

I'm tempted more towards these two based on my requirements, look, heritage and general browsing for info on them. Any comments for or against either?