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By: Nigel
10th Apr 2017
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"7600"
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I recently bought this tuner amp in very good working condition. Like most who have heard this thing sing, it makes a truly wonderful sound. It is not shy at any frequency very open and rich in detail. The separation is so well defined that it does stand out as being one of the great product's of' it's era. I have another few good oldies like the Rotel 1603/ and a NAD 7080 which both are excellent in delivery but both well exceed the power output of this unit, but that does not show any superiority over this Awai. At reasonable listening levels you could be listening to any one of them. I have Monitor Audio silver 9s used on all of the 70s equipment and they just love this amp. As far as the tuner is concerned the sensitivity is very high and the quality is superb on any FM frequency, again as good as the Rotel. The power on is regulated by a relay this no pops or discharge noise. Altogether an amazing piece of kit well worth seeking out.
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29 people liked this review.
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By: John Franklin
9th Jul 2015
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"An outstanding and overlooked receiver"
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This receiver was produced at the peak of quality Japanese production before the upward revaluation of the Yen placed cost cutting above quality.
In a comparative review of of mid priced receivers (over 200 pounds) a the end of 1978 this receiver convincingly out performed all other big named produces in the market. When I locate the review I will update this with the details.
I am listening to the unit now as I write this. After 37 years of continuous fault free service it still produces the most amazing sound. The rest of my equipment is top of the line valve (single ended triodes) and yet this unit continues to amaze me. I have considered upgrading it on many occasions but have not yet found any other product that produces such great sound. I have owned many amps over the years but the only two transistor amps I would never part with are this and a Sansui AU 117 bought in 1978. The AIWA is more revealing while the Sansui trades a little detail for emotional warmth, very much like the valve systems they had previously made.
If you get a chance to buy either of these and they have been well kept, just jump in if you can get them for a reasonable sum. This was the peak of quality production before the age of integrated circuits. The decline in quality, except for the top of the market, was dramatic once the Yen - US dollar exchange rate forced Japanese manufactures to engage in radical cost cutting. Most were destroyed by it. If you want quality and clarity seriously consider either of these amps. The Sansui 217 and 317 were also excellent but in my experience the more powerful amps (417 and above) were not as emotionally gratifying.
I have just bought a new set of Klipsch bookshelf speakers to accompany this receiver and the combination if fabulously satisfying. All the best.
John F
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58 people liked this review.
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