As it is often said, they don't make it like they used to. All moderately priced audio gears have been significantly "cheapened" over the past twenty years ...
A classic Pioneer which I scored today at a garage sale along with this Technics TT. $20. It's a SX-880.
I currently have a McIntosh C41 pre that is used with either a MC2125 amp or a custom modified Dyna-Mull ST70. The Tube amp puts out 45 Watts/channel.
I used to own the C-2301 (and matching B-2301), they are both high quality units. They were tested/reviewed in a 1985 issue of 'Audio' magazine. The earlier preamps from the 1970's are great too: CA-3000 (matches with the BA-5000, both of which I own), and CA-2000, & CA-F1. The CA-2000 might be a bit overlooked compared to the CA-3000, but the 2000 has an output selector knob with A+B function, allowing you to drive two power amps simultaneously (such as to bi-amp) without needing to use y-splitter cables instead. Always thought that was a nice feature! Surprised its not on the CA-3000, I imagine there was no extra space for it, since it has meters on the front display. The CA-2000 also has a more solid volume control (similar to the AU-11000 & 9900 integrated amps).
ps: Another overlooked model: Sansui AU-317. Its a smaller version of the popular AU-717, however, unlike the AU-417 (a "higher" model), or the lower 217 & 117, the AU-317 has separable pre-power amp section, thus very convenient to use as a preamp. The Japanese version, AU-307, has a nice block diagram on the top cover. Perhaps it was a sign of cost-cutting, but the followup II version, the AU-317 Mk II removed the pre-power option.
Vintage SANSUI AU-417 Stereo Integrated Amp and was probably a mid-price model back in the day but looks quite high-end by today standard IMO ...
Checked out both units earlier. TT seems to function all around as it should though I did not hook it up yet. Only minor issue is the arm lifter doesn't seem to go as high as I think it should. It cleared a slightly warped LP but barely. The Pioneer is just fantastic. It was very clean inside and powered up no problem. All the lights work and I only hear minor scratchiness at extreme left/right on the balance and on the treble. I listened to FM through headphones for about an hour and wow, this is just amazing! Gonna get some contact cleaner mid-week and switch this with my Lafayette LR-9090.
