Vintage Nikko Alpha VI amp vs Krell w/ pics!

[pearsall001]

I never thought much about vintage gear but I stumbled on the "Mint" Nikko Alpha VI amp that I just couldn't pass up. It was manufactured in 1980 & is a 300w dual mono design. At the time I picked it up I had a Krell KAV250a amp powering my mains. To be quite honest I wasn't expecting the results that transpired.

The Krell is one fine amp, but very analytical & sterile in it's reproduction. It sounded wonderfull to me. When I put the Nikko in it's place for an A/B comparison I couldn't believe my ears. The Nikko brought a whole new dimension to the music. Very warm & laid back yet with plenty of balls when needed. The soundatage was equal to that of the Krell but with a more listenable aura about it. It's hard to describe but the Nikko just sounded more like "Music" to me. If that makes any sense? Still being a skeptic I kept the two amps for about two months & swapped them in & out for a true listening test. I kept going back to the sound of the Nikko. Long story short, I sold the Krell & am enjoying the hell out the Nikko.