July 18, 201015 yr Don't make any mistakes with this amp... Doing so would cause the output transistors to fail, and any modern replacements are going to sound completely different. As i remember there is virtually no short circuit protection on this thing. Should be a great headphone amp, or if you have k-horns... which is what it was designed for.
July 19, 201015 yr This is my first time posting here but long time lurking . I just have to say that I have two M-22 amps driving my stacked pair (4) of Quad ESL 57 . I'm finally satisfied with my system, the imaging and musicality is unbeatable.
July 19, 201015 yr Just got back from camping and was treated to this hot stuff from my main man. Killer amp Gene and beautiful pics to boot. Did you actually buy one already JP? That was indeed fast and Nate barely had to coax you (of course). Have fun Gene! And welcome to lafingas. Nice to see that someone can manage a good first post around here. Hope you hang out and share some Pioneer/Quad pron.
July 19, 201015 yr This is my first time posting here but long time lurking . I just have to say that I have two M-22 amps driving my stacked pair (4) of Quad ESL 57 . I'm finally satisfied with my system, the imaging and musicality is unbeatable. THAT is how you structure a first post, sir. Also, holy crap do I ever want an M-22 now. I'll take 30 Class A watts over 150 AB watts any day. No K Horns here, but plenty of horns nonetheless. I effing love that amp, Gene -- completely beautiful.
July 19, 201015 yr This is my first time posting here but long time lurking . I just have to say that I have two M-22 amps driving my stacked pair (4) of Quad ESL 57 . I'm finally satisfied with my system, the imaging and musicality is unbeatable. That sounds like quite a setup, any pictures to satisfy the thirst?
July 19, 201015 yr Looks like I found an M-22 So you passed on the refurbed Lecktor eh?? Awsome vintage amp Gene, you are my vintage amp hero.
July 19, 201015 yr Congrats Gene!...if there is an amp that improves upon my zanden with the k1k, then I'm glad that you found it! Hope you enjoy many hrs of happy listening
July 19, 201015 yr Author Don't make any mistakes with this amp... Doing so would cause the output transistors to fail, and any modern replacements are going to sound completely different. As i remember there is virtually no short circuit protection on this thing. Should be a great headphone amp, or if you have k-horns... which is what it was designed for. Thanks for the advice, Kevin. The M-22 does, indeed, run quite hot, as you would expect for a pure Class A amp. Good ventilation will be key to longevity. I have the service manual, and a quick read finds that there is some protection circuity within: 1. Inrush Current Suppressor Circuit, 2. Overload Detector Circuit, 3. Center Point Potential Detector Circuit, and 4. Overheating Detector Circuit. The SM goes on to describe each, and how they work, etc - way over my head, but you and Birgir would probably find it a good read along with the schematics. This is my first time posting here but long time lurking . I just have to say that I have two M-22 amps driving my stacked pair (4) of Quad ESL 57 . I'm finally satisfied with my system, the imaging and musicality is unbeatable. Welcome, lafingas. I would kill to hear your system. What do you source it with? Also, as others have said, pictures would be wonderful, when you get a chance. Congrats Gene!...if there is an amp that improves upon my zanden with the k1k, then I'm glad that you found it! Hope you enjoy many hrs of happy listening Thanks, Min. Note, I was careful to say ("as good as any k1000 amp I've heard" Your Zanden is the benchmark, and I would love to hear side by side one day.
July 20, 201015 yr Hey thanks for the welcome and I should have named my other comp, I have a Vincent Audio - CD-S6 - Hybrid CD Player, McIntosh C-35 Pre-Amp/Video Control Center. as for picture I'll have to find my cam first (I'm still moving)
July 20, 201015 yr Picked mine up last night and all I can say is wow, it throws a huge soundstage that is holographic. The Bass and Mids are strong points with the treble well extended but not splashy at all. So initial impressions are rock solid, I'll live with it for a week then flip the MCormack and or Dared 845 amp back in for comparison. Gene did they replace the output transistors in yours, I am really thinking of getting mine done by these guys over the next month or so. PIONEER M22 M25 KENWOOD KA-9100 REPAIR RESTORATION SERV - eBay (item 190410759430 end time Jul-27-10 20:54:52 PDT)
July 20, 201015 yr Author Nice, John. Yes, those are the guys that did mine. Hamad was good to work with, and a very honest guy. I was lucky with the major components (transformers, big output caps, and power transistors) - all tested ok. They did remove, clean, and reseat the power transistors with fresh potting compound, though. Biggest issues with mine were noisy/bad relays in protection circuits, worn/burned diodes and capacitors pretty much everywhere, and noisy/drifting adjustment pots. All were replaced, and bias and offset put to spec (this is not that hard to do yourself), and it now sings like the angels. While they had it, they also had a Krell KSA 150, so they couldn't resist a little head to head. They preferred the M-22. Of course the KSA 150 will power much bigger or less efficient speakers (150 vs 30 wpc). They were using with Lowther horn setup, so very efficient.
July 21, 201015 yr Damn, that is sweet. My amps from the 70s were predominantly Sansui and all were monsterly built and very heavy. Nice to see these old beauties still running. Congrats and enjoy it.
July 22, 201015 yr That's a really nice amp!! Just love the clean, no BS design! How much did these sell for originally?
July 23, 201015 yr Author ^^^ In the late '70s when they were made, the Pioneer M-22 sold for anywhere from $650 - to it's list price of $795.
July 23, 201015 yr Gene is my hero. I hope you take the amp with you up North so you can keep enjoying it. I am having gear anxiety between just SF and Mayberry so it must be weird to go for months without some of your listening options.
July 23, 201015 yr Author I actually get by with mbp, iPad, slim, and headphones. Plenty of diversions - great bars and breweries (Allagash, Shipyard, Geary's), couple of Sox games at Fenway, boating, hiking, and hanging with old friends. Oh, just for curiosity, I checked today's value of $795. in 1976 ... just a bit over $3000. That seems about right for an equivalent amp today.
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