Amplifier design has not really enjoyed radical improvements to make 21st century stereo amps any better than the finest amps of the 70s and 80s. For about 2T to 3T, those japanese surplus stereo integrated amps from Sansui, Kenwood, Teac and Onkyo at the pier that were once high ends during their time will trounce any stereo amp you see in today's AV stores. These amps were made in Japan exclusively for their local markets, not for international markets which are said to be inferior to Japan's consumer electronic standards for local consumption.
Of course, it's a bit risky. But for the price, It's a cheap gamble I won't mind. Sometimes, there's benefit to be had when your country is a dump for what used to be other country's treasures in the past.
But if you are in the market for budget amps, the pier is a good start. Correction, they're not budget amps because these amps were mostly mid to high end in their time. I prefer to call them high value amps. I don't know about you, but Made in Japan still rings a better bell to me than Made in China, with all things equal.
