Every time I listen to the sound through a power amp, I enjoy getting to know the manufacturer's policy through the sound having the respective characteristic. Although the amp is an equipment to just amplify signals, it is strange to see the difference of the sound depending on the manufacturer. So this time I categorized amps into three segmentation of (1) audio-based, (2) music-based and (3) half-and-half of (1) and (2) (I know you want both!) through my arbitrary and biased view. (This is absolutely based on my opinion.) The comments on equipment are quoted just the way the salesclerks have made at each Hi-Fi Do shop. I would be pleased if you feel our clerks' special fondness. Akihabara shop, Kawai |
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1. For persons who want to feel the power of audio equipment... |
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EXCIUSIVE M5 250,000 yen 300W, A-class Non-feedback system, Monaural power amp, Mint-condition This is not as big as the one made in USA. The size is just reasonable but this unusually large-sized amp for a Japanese-made product will still impress you. The sound through this amp is elegant symbolizing the Japanese-style beauty without having the crassness endemic to high-power amps. If you just listen a bit, you may think the sound is soft. As may be expected of the high power amp, M5 has the dynamism compared to one of the same line, "EXCIUSIVE M4". And the sound is absolutely the A-class sound. The sound is hot and deep. The amp doesn't make sound skip ahead. The more you listen, the more you fall in love with it. For persons who haven't been lost in music recently. This is a must-listen. I bet you would want to listen to the music on and on. (Akihabara shop, Ito) |
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LUX M-08 230,000 yen Manufacturer's maintenance completed in March 2005! (Balance terminal replaced, Each part inspected) With a low impedance, 400W+400W(4 Ω), Signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB, with RCA / BAL input, 42kg, with original box and instruction manual This is a power amp having the delicate, clear and beautiful tone with the deep sound through A-class operation. The structure is very solid as is common with Japanese products. (Akihabara shop, Kawai) |
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2. For persons who prefer a music-based amp for the comfortable sound... |
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QUAD 405 59,800 yen Features: Maintenance completed in June 2005! 100W+100W, 8 Ω, Current dumping system, W34.1 x H11.5 x D19.5, with a DIN Cable Usually this "405" is supposed to be used in a combination with preamp "44", so it is difficult to bring out its full potential ability without "44". "44" is a very good quality amp. The discreetness of the British music comes from this preamp. Therefore you may feel something is missing depending on music, since high frequency cannot be extended enough. In such a case, please try with the other preamp. You will be surprised to feel its unbelievable driving force despite its appearance, the hi-fi sound extended from high frequency to low frequency and the deep sound with the essence of the music at the same time. This is a must-have item as your second audio system. (Akihabara shop, Ito) |
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LUX MQ68C 99,800 yen Manufacturer's maintenance completed in April 2005! 30W+30W, 50CA10 Push-pull, 1978 50CA10 Push-pull power amp This amp is designed as simple as possible coming in a compact case! This all-round amp can handle all the music genres but you may feel a bit that the power is not good enough for a large-diameter unit. However this amp brings out the glamorous sound of the classical string music. I got the better opinion on this amp when I listened to it again this time. (Akihabara shop, Kawai) |
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LUX SQ38FD 128,000 yen Features: Overhaul completed in August 2004!! 30W+30W, 8 Ω, 50CA10pp, 6AQ8 x 2 6267 x 2 12AX7 x 4 This is the true spherical pre-main amp having rich mid/low frequency and the glamorous contour. You can't ask for anything more from this amp. Due to the 50CA10 push-pull, it has an output power of 30W x 30W. The pure sound through this pre-main amp coming from an elegant wood case makes the relaxed and matured atmosphere around you. You won't be able to see the vacuum tube, but you can feel the deep sound expression when you close your eyes. Also this amp can be used separately. So this should be suitable if you start using tube amp or for use with your current amp if you are already a separate-amp user. You will get impressed by the work of the manufacturer, LUXMAN, of those days. (Osu head shop, Sone) Note: We included this pre-main amp in our sale items because this is a regular item. |
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3. For persons who want more and more... |
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SAE MARK2600 169,000 yen Features: Price down! Maintenance completed in November 2004! 400W+400W(8 Ω), with an input level adjuster You may not think that it has ch400w on each side if you only listen just a bit. But this amp seems to show its real ability after an hour or so and you would notice the superb balance between brilliant mid/high frequency and rich and mellow low frequency. All kinds of music will sound lively through this amp. I believe that this amp deserves more attention. (Akihabara shop, Kawai) |
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MCINTOSH MC240 350,000 yen 40W+40W, First Macintosh-made stereo power amp that came to market in 1960 6L6GCpp is used for the output tube. Rated power: 40w+40w. This is available for use as a complete monaural amp supplying the power of 80w, because NFB is a separate winding. Basically, this is MC40 on one chassis. Compared to the MC275's powerful sound, this amp creates the balanced sound with extended high to low frequency. The output tube is manufactured by GE. Presently we put on some music at our shop through 4343 with the two MC240 monaural amps. Please visit our shop and enjoy the sound. (Nihonbashi shop, Yoshioka) |
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PASS Aleph 0s 260,000 yen Features: A-class single end stereo power amp, 2 inputs (Balanced, Unbalanced), Minimum warm-up time: 1 hr, with instruction manual and original box This amp has also the A-class operation. The tone is smooth and a little bit loose in low frequency. So you won't get tired of listening to this tone for a long time of period through this amp. I think this amp is the latter model since the first model seems less loose in low frequency according to an amp-savvy person. This amp would go well together with speakers whose structure is slim and volume in low frequency is somewhat missing. (Akihabara shop, Kawai) |
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LINN KLIMAX TWIN 798,000 yen Features: LINN sound, Output/125W+125W(8 Ω), 230W+230W(4 Ω) Dimensions/W35xH6xD35.5cm, 9kg, with instruction manual, Mint-condition, Released in 2001 So-called LINN sound reproducing the beautiful and pleasant tone. There will be no stimulating sounds at all. It's a slim amp but manufactured by ALTEC. It drives a JBL large-size monitor with perfect ease. Needless to say, it sounds very well with the newest speakers. Probably this amp is compatible with all kinds of speakers because its sound is not that powerless and not that powerful. This amp makes a good balance between them. This item is expensive despite its small size but we can guarantee a good quality. (Akihabara shop, Kawai) |
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MCINTOSH MC2105 180,000 yen Output trance W41.1 x H18.1 x D36.9, Good-conditions, Solid-state power amp released right after the Macintosh vacuum tube Very glossy black panel without air bubbles on the glass panel. You won't be able to find a model of those days having this much high-quality panel so easily. This amp has the stable output because the output trance is installed. The first solid amp (right after the vacuum tube) creates the deep, thick and hot sound. MC2105 has the 16 Ω impedance speaker output, so it also goes well with any vintage speakers. (Osu head shop, Yamaguchi) |
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Please ask our staff for details since the sound changes a lot depending on the combination of speakers and other equipments. |