AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Audio & Video > Vintage Audio

Vintage Audio Classic never goes out of Style

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-16-2019, 10:43 PM
Parabellum Parabellum is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Québec, Canada
Posts: 823
Default My Yamaha CA-1000

Hey there,

I got into vintage recently and for my first piece I found an almost (9.8/10) pristine vintage Yamaha CA-1000. I fell in love with the Yamaha gear 2 years ago when I went to the Montreal Audio Show where I saw the NS-5000 speakers with the A-SXXXX line of amplifiers. I was both hooked to their sound and their look. Before that, I always believed that Yamaha was just doing home cinema stuff. Then I discovered an all "new" world for me with the vintage Yamaha.

I found the Yamaha CA-1000 I own now locally. Cosmetically speaking, almost perfect. Technically however, it was bad. One channel was out, all pots scratching badly, etc. I knew it was probably going to need a good restoration. So I found a excellent tech who took care of the cleaning, full recap, fix the right channel and some other transistors along the way.

But I wanted more than that. After careful research, I had the lamp cord removed by an excellent tech (Planabox) and a AC/IEC socket installed so that I could use whatever power cable I want. Another step was to remove the old binding clip posts and install some real banana posts. I was thrilled at the quality of the work. He even drilled the center of the binding posts to solder each wires instead of using the tabs that come with them. I also had the stock fuses changes for audiophile grade fuses.










.

It was a fun project for me as I curious how far these old amplifers could go when properly restored and also when fed with the same tweaks the newer gear enjoys. I have matched my amplifer with a Bryston BDA-3 and a BDP-2. Nothing sounds vintage at all! In fact, the news fuses brought more clarity than I am comfortable with as I find it removes that natural sound of the Yamaha.

For all the repair works, I believe I drove about 1500 KM for back and forth trips to the techs. With all the efforts put into this, and knowing I will never get my money back, I will probably never sell this amplifier. I know I have one unique CA-1000. When the upgrade bug will hit again, I will move it to an upcoming system in the living room. And when I will get tired at some point, I will put it in storage waiting for my son to be a teenager and give to him for his first system (he is only 3 now but enjoys listening to music with me).

Enjoy!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_4319.jpg (83.6 KB, 173 views)
File Type: jpg 100_6620.jpg (91.7 KB, 93 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4419.jpg (93.7 KB, 102 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4423.jpg (94.5 KB, 100 views)
File Type: jpg 100_6682 crop.jpg (82.1 KB, 103 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4430.jpg (83.3 KB, 94 views)
__________________
Serge

Last edited by jdandy; 03-29-2019 at 12:03 AM. Reason: enlarge photo
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-17-2019, 04:22 AM
Deano1974 Deano1974 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 14
Default

Very nice!

I love the vintage Yamaha amplifiers and congrats for bringing a classic back to life for many many years of listening
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-17-2019, 07:46 AM
W9TR's Avatar
W9TR W9TR is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: The Neutral Zone
Posts: 4,665
Default

Nicely done. I really like the IEC and bonding post mods. Excellent execution.
These vintage pieces have a lot of class. Enjoy!
__________________
Main System:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80
Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic
Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation

SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC

MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.

Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3

OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-17-2019, 04:34 PM
Yamaki's Avatar
Yamaki Yamaki is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Apache Junction, AZ
Posts: 5,479
Default

Serge,

That's a great looking Yamaha!

I've done similar mods and repairs to my CR-1020. I have plugged in a Moon Mind 180 streamer, a Yulong DAC, a Denon DVD-2910 CD/SACD player and a pair of Vienna Acoustic Bach speakers. System protection is provided by a Panamax power center.





The mix of "Old" and "New" works very nicely.
__________________
Michael
4K QLED|Aerial Acoustics|McIntosh D100 - MC501 - MX151|Bluesound|Schiit|Wyrd4Sound
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-18-2019, 09:56 PM
Puma Cat's Avatar
Puma Cat Puma Cat is offline
Cool, calm scientist

 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 10,915
Default

Very nice, Serge!

I have always admired Yamaha receivers when they were on the market back in the day.

Your repair tech did an amazing job with the power socket and binding post upgrades.

Very cool.

best, Stephen aka Puma Cat aka PC
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-19-2019, 12:19 AM
Antonmb's Avatar
Antonmb Antonmb is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northwest Washington (Mt Baker foothills)
Posts: 9,121
Default

Excellent, that’s a great looking amp with cool mods. I have a CA-1010 which I love, but haven’t made the cable mods, what a great idea.

__________________
Tony
D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-19-2019, 07:03 PM
Still-One Still-One is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Milford, MI
Posts: 32,466
Default

That is a nice looking vintage unit. Great job.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-24-2019, 06:59 PM
Parabellum Parabellum is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Québec, Canada
Posts: 823
Default

Thank you guys for the great comments. Much credits to my tech, Jean from Planabox in Laval, Qc. I at first just wanted to upgrade the power cord but he suggested me the AC socket modification instead. I wasn't sure at first but I am glad I let his expert hands do the work. For me, these modifications represent a "no compromise" type of solution to bring this amplifier back in the 21st century. It could have been done many other ways but I wanted the best and I think I got it. There is about 350$US in these 2 modifications but I really think it's worthing it. It's no high end per today's standard but sounds really, really good regardless.
__________________
Serge
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-26-2019, 08:03 AM
Formerly YB-2's Avatar
Formerly YB-2 Formerly YB-2 is online now
Retired

 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NJ Shore
Posts: 8,404
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Parabellum View Post
It's no high end per today's standard but sounds really, really good regardless.
Au contraire, mon ami........... if built to the same standards today with the wood case it would definitely be a "high end" integrated amp. Would have to add in the cost of a remote. What is the MSRP of Yamaha's top integrated today? It's only fault is being made off-shore (not Japan).
__________________
Glenn...
Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-28-2019, 11:34 PM
Parabellum Parabellum is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Québec, Canada
Posts: 823
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2 View Post
Au contraire, mon ami........... if built to the same standards today with the wood case it would definitely be a "high end" integrated amp. Would have to add in the cost of a remote. What is the MSRP of Yamaha's top integrated today? It's only fault is being made off-shore (not Japan).
I checked the price of a CA-1000 when introduced in 1973 and the cost was 600$. A quick look with an inflation calculator and that would translate in a 3500$ amplifier today. And considering the complexity of the wooden case as you said, and made in Japan, would bring the cost significantly higher. The quality of the woodworking is really impressive by the way. "High end" can be subjective but my CA-1000 modified as it is sure matches more contemporary siblings. The CA-2010 for example when put against A-S2100 matches it and even bests it (and this not even restored).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jjAZz7NOK0
__________________
Serge
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:12 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video