I inherited my brothers Nico system from 1985 and this amplifier was part of it. Had it tuned up and I love it. I love to find another one and try bridged mono at 400 W channel lol
Hello I don't know if your still around but I hope that can ask you a question I inherited a Nikko alpha 220 And I'm trying to set the DC offset but I don't exactly know where to hook up my meter too is it across the fuse is in there? And when you say 8 on dummy load do you mean speakers in the terminals or a resistor? Sorry to bother I love the video
I am still around and kicking. A dummy load is an 8 (or 4) ohm load that can handle enough power so you don't need to hook up and possibly damage your speakers. The service manual will tell you how to do the adjustment (hopefully)- you really should have that if you are doing this.
I just came across one of these at our local hifi shop. I’m curious about the sound signature if any? Bright or warm? My my current set up is: Anthem mrx 540 Vintage Hitachi HMA 7500 (love it) Paradigm Founder 80f’s REL 1205 mk2 x2 Currently using the Anthems preouts to my Hitachi hma 7500 and wondering if the Nikko would out perform the Hitachi?
Thanks for the question. My honest answer is that your sonic signature is mainly set by your speakers and room. As long as the amp is able to power your speakers to the level you want to drive them, most amps are going to sound pretty much the same- at least with all the testing and listening I have done. As they are older amps, the frequency response could be off a little bit (maybe several dB), but that is why we have tone controls. I think I said in the video that it sounded pretty good overall. Maybe the shop will give you a few days to try it out and return it if you don't like it.
@@vintageaudioreview just curious when you bench tested the 450 did you have the rear input switch on Normal or Direct? I did end up purchasing the 450 and will have everything hooked up tomorrow.
@@MrJasonfromcanada I looked at the video and I am pretty sure it was in the Normal Mode. I would have to look at the manual to understand the difference, but am guessing the Direct mode bypasses the gain controls.... good luck!
Thanks for your comment! A lot of vintage amps have scales for both 4/8ohm loads, and there are some that let you select the load and adjust the meters according.
I have the Alpha 450 is this a problem that happens a lot with the leaking? So far mine still performs great no issues at all. But was kind of wondering if I should look at getting it recapped because of the age of it.
Thanks for your comment, Brad! I only had 1/4 caps leak but, did all 4 just because it made sense as I mentioned. I really don't see many old filter caps go bad to be honest. If you want to keep the amp for a long time, then it might not be a bad investment to have them replaced, and some others in that unit. It is something that happens gradually, so you may not notice anything. I am guessing most shops would charge a few $100 to replace them all.
@@vintageaudioreview Thanks so much for the reply. My wife keeps trying to get me to get rid of the Alpha 450, Nikko Beta 30 pre amp and my VIVID speakers MODEL TX-995 but they all still sound good to be honest, and are still in fantastic shape. I bought it all new back in mid 80's at the Brick. Best purchase ever to be honest. I may have to get the amp checked out somewhere here in town and see how it's holding up. It's great to see all this info in your video about this amp, always felt it was very overlooked in the day.
You have had the equipment longer than you have had your wife 😆I am lucky because my wife was insistent that I kept my LaScalas. I am not familiar with "The Brick" audio store. Too bad you were not in my area as i would be happy to check out the Alpha 450. I believe the guy who has that one may have another that needs servicing- will have to ask him...
@@vintageaudioreview Sadly I've had the wife longer LOL. I hope to see more videos on old audio stuff, it was very interesting. You must have been doing this kind of stuff for years, you are very knowledgeable. I wish I was in your area but Ontario is kind of far from Arizona, if that's where you are. Oh and Brick is a furniture store chain here in Canada. TV's, Stereo's Furniture etc.
@@bradcicchini364 My wife cracked up when I told her about our "interchange". Right now doing this channel causes some problems when I need her to go to another room if she talking on her phone, or when I play music loud. She is gone for several months so I don't have to worry, but now that she is home things are more difficult. Ontario is quite a ways from Tucson- it is much nicer here in the winter- if you don't like snow. As for knowledgeable, I am learning all the time! Thanks for your support!
Sorry that my "review" did not meet your expectations. I mainly focused on how the product tested on the bench and there was some listening comments. I would welcome any comments as to what specifically you would like to see in my reviews and maybe I can add that. Thanks for your comment
![Six Hundred Strike [EPIC: The Musical] Full Animatic](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zov6NXIAuow/mqdefault.jpg)
I inherited my brothers Nico system from 1985 and this amplifier was part of it. Had it tuned up and I love it. I love to find another one and try bridged mono at 400 W channel lol
Thanks for the comment and I hope you are able to find another Nico amp so you can bridge them!
Hello I don't know if your still around but I hope that can ask you a question I inherited a Nikko alpha 220
And I'm trying to set the DC offset but I don't exactly know where to hook up my meter too is it across the fuse is in there? And when you say 8 on dummy load do you mean speakers in the terminals or a resistor? Sorry to bother I love the video
I am still around and kicking. A dummy load is an 8 (or 4) ohm load that can handle enough power so you don't need to hook up and possibly damage your speakers. The service manual will tell you how to do the adjustment (hopefully)- you really should have that if you are doing this.
I just came across one of these at our local hifi shop. I’m curious about the sound signature if any? Bright or warm?
My my current set up is:
Anthem mrx 540
Vintage Hitachi HMA 7500 (love it)
Paradigm Founder 80f’s
REL 1205 mk2 x2
Currently using the Anthems preouts to my Hitachi hma 7500 and wondering if the Nikko would out perform the Hitachi?
Thanks for the question. My honest answer is that your sonic signature is mainly set by your speakers and room. As long as the amp is able to power your speakers to the level you want to drive them, most amps are going to sound pretty much the same- at least with all the testing and listening I have done. As they are older amps, the frequency response could be off a little bit (maybe several dB), but that is why we have tone controls. I think I said in the video that it sounded pretty good overall. Maybe the shop will give you a few days to try it out and return it if you don't like it.
@@vintageaudioreview just curious when you bench tested the 450 did you have the rear input switch on Normal or Direct?
I did end up purchasing the 450 and will have everything hooked up tomorrow.
@@MrJasonfromcanada I looked at the video and I am pretty sure it was in the Normal Mode. I would have to look at the manual to understand the difference, but am guessing the Direct mode bypasses the gain controls.... good luck!
@@vintageaudioreview I got the 450 hooked up with my gear and I’m really liking it. Very clear detailed sound even at reference levels.
@@MrJasonfromcanada I am glad it is working out for you- enjoy!!!
I have not ever seen a amplifier that displayed the ohms, I thought that was kinda cool .
Thanks for your comment! A lot of vintage amps have scales for both 4/8ohm loads, and there are some that let you select the load and adjust the meters according.
I have the Alpha 450 is this a problem that happens a lot with the leaking? So far mine still performs great no issues at all. But was kind of wondering if I should look at getting it recapped because of the age of it.
Thanks for your comment, Brad! I only had 1/4 caps leak but, did all 4 just because it made sense as I mentioned. I really don't see many old filter caps go bad to be honest. If you want to keep the amp for a long time, then it might not be a bad investment to have them replaced, and some others in that unit. It is something that happens gradually, so you may not notice anything. I am guessing most shops would charge a few $100 to replace them all.
@@vintageaudioreview Thanks so much for the reply. My wife keeps trying to get me to get rid of the Alpha 450, Nikko Beta 30 pre amp and my VIVID speakers MODEL TX-995 but they all still sound good to be honest, and are still in fantastic shape. I bought it all new back in mid 80's at the Brick. Best purchase ever to be honest. I may have to get the amp checked out somewhere here in town and see how it's holding up. It's great to see all this info in your video about this amp, always felt it was very overlooked in the day.
You have had the equipment longer than you have had your wife 😆I am lucky because my wife was insistent that I kept my LaScalas. I am not familiar with "The Brick" audio store. Too bad you were not in my area as i would be happy to check out the Alpha 450. I believe the guy who has that one may have another that needs servicing- will have to ask him...
@@vintageaudioreview Sadly I've had the wife longer LOL. I hope to see more videos on old audio stuff, it was very interesting. You must have been doing this kind of stuff for years, you are very knowledgeable. I wish I was in your area but Ontario is kind of far from Arizona, if that's where you are. Oh and Brick is a furniture store chain here in Canada. TV's, Stereo's Furniture etc.
@@bradcicchini364 My wife cracked up when I told her about our "interchange". Right now doing this channel causes some problems when I need her to go to another room if she talking on her phone, or when I play music loud. She is gone for several months so I don't have to worry, but now that she is home things are more difficult. Ontario is quite a ways from Tucson- it is much nicer here in the winter- if you don't like snow. As for knowledgeable, I am learning all the time! Thanks for your support!
Where is the Damn Review?🤨
Sorry that my "review" did not meet your expectations. I mainly focused on how the product tested on the bench and there was some listening comments. I would welcome any comments as to what specifically you would like to see in my reviews and maybe I can add that. Thanks for your comment