ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
30 March 2016, 01:12 PM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 119
|
Any audiophiles or vintage stereo collectors here?
|
30 March 2016, 01:43 PM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Patrick
Location: HK/Malaysia
Watch: Lover
Posts: 1,222
|
Wow...that's sweet. While I don't collect vintage audio equipment, I do enjoy my music. But living in Hong Kong, space is a luxury. And having two kids doesn't leave me much room to enjoy this love of mine like I used to during my younger days. So I sold off my players, amps and speakers so that I can save that little bit of space. I replaced all of that with a Yamaha YSP 4300 sound bar. I know I know, it is not a component system. But I saved space with this over a stereo amp, an AV amp and nine speakers and a sub. I used separate systems for my music and movies. No more CDs or blu Ray discs too. I listen to all my stuff via my Apple TV and the same goes for my movies. So I did save a ton of space.
My wife says, one day when the kids grow up, you can maybe start enjoying this again. Let's see...but I have already kinda gotten used to this set up. Priorities change and so does ones needs. I can live with this for now. But I am glad to see that there are others still keeping this passion alive. Enjoy and please continue sharing. Thanks for putting up with my lengthy post. |
30 March 2016, 01:46 PM | #3 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Paul
Location: San Diego
Watch: 126619LB
Posts: 21,540
|
Nice system. I am far from an audiophile, but I am pretty well supplied for my music listening with Bose equipment. QC 20 and 25 headphones and an acoustamass system for my living room. Listening to it right now as a matter of fact.
Just curious, how does the vintage receivers compare to today's equipment? Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality? I would think (but could be way wrong) that more modern electronics offer a better sound... But.... ? |
30 March 2016, 01:47 PM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: gus
Location: East Coast
Watch: APK & sometimes Y
Posts: 26,054
|
Love the old Sansui gear.
Just flipping the switches and turning the knobs is enough to put a smile on my face. Then there is the sound
__________________
|
30 March 2016, 03:17 PM | #5 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: SF Bay Area
Watch: 1655/MkI
Posts: 1,100
|
not a collector but recently re-capped/re-tubed my McIntosh C-20 & (2) Dynaco 70 amplifiers (running as mono-blocks). speakers are Tannoy Reds (12 inch co-axials).
prefer vinyl LPs over CDs & currently shopping around for a replacement manual turntable...considering a Linn. to save wear & tear on records, I usually tape them & am still using a three-head Nakamichi cassette deck for that purpose. phased out reel-to-reel decades ago but actually prefer them over cassette. the only problem with running this older gear is that it's expensive to maintain. NOS tubes are getting harder to find & there are fewer technicians skilled in restoring & repairing vintage tube equipment. nevertheless, will always prefer analog tube over digital stereo because of its natural warmth. |
30 March 2016, 03:40 PM | #6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Jim
Location: Connecticut
Watch: this! Hold my beer
Posts: 2,813
|
I hadn't intended to be a vintage audiophile, but now that my gear is old I guess I am!
Lets see... Rega Planar 3 with a Benz Micro silver and a few Michell tweaks Aragon 47k phono preamp that I need to get re-capped and gone through Perreaux SM6 preamp- the alien looking one. Counterpoint SA220 amplifiers running as push-pull monoblocks Thiel CS 2.2 speakers (in white oak) Other sources include a Theta Data CD transport into an Aagon d2A converter. Then there's the other stuff, I use when needed only: Tascam 32 open reel deck; Tascam 122 Mk III cassette deck; Alesis ML-9600 mastering deck (from analogue to digital format); Tascam CD RW402 for making copies of CDs so the originals stay home and copies ride around in the car. One other Tascam cassette deck... 112R maybe (single head but balanced out)? I used it for a while before I got the 122 Mk III which is much nicer. Am I forgetting anything? |
30 March 2016, 04:10 PM | #7 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Calumet Harbor
Watch: ing da Bears
Posts: 13,568
|
I still have my first receiver, a 1979 Onkyo TX 4500 (w/ box and papers), but my Harman Kardin amp and B&O turntable are long gone.
I had the Onkyo refurbished about 5 years ago. It sounds better than the newer digital receivers. The older (1970's) Yamaha speakers sound way better than the new speakers too. |
30 March 2016, 04:23 PM | #8 | |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Paul
Location: San Diego
Watch: 126619LB
Posts: 21,540
|
Quote:
Right now I am considering replacing my old Bose Companion 3 with the new surround sound Companion 5 in my home office.... Anybody got any suggestions on that? The Internet is full of claims that the sound difference is substantial... |
|
30 March 2016, 05:02 PM | #9 | |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Calumet Harbor
Watch: ing da Bears
Posts: 13,568
|
Quote:
Obviously, it depends on the grade of your system. My original Onkyo was replaced by the HK in the mid 80's. IIRC, the Onkyo was a transition technology that electronically cleaned up distortion. The HK was a more expensive design that was more distortion free without a clean up. The HK had a lovely pure sound. The Onkyo does stereo (listening to music) very well. It doesn't do theater or other distributions that you get from a modern system. Which is OK for me. Other than sports, DIY, and cooking shows, my TV doesn't get much of a work out anyway. |
|
30 March 2016, 05:34 PM | #10 | |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Paul
Location: San Diego
Watch: 126619LB
Posts: 21,540
|
Quote:
|
|
30 March 2016, 09:23 PM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2,852
|
Not an audiophile but do appreciate good music on a good system
Below good enough for me Audiolab c & p pre & power amp Arcam cd192 CD player Denon tu260 tuner Mission 753 speakers Linn basik turntable |
30 March 2016, 09:38 PM | #12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Jim
Location: Connecticut
Watch: this! Hold my beer
Posts: 2,813
|
Nothing wrong with what you have there!
|
30 March 2016, 09:52 PM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Robin
Location: West Wales
Watch: ing the grass grow
Posts: 571
|
All depends on what you want to hear. Modern kit can be very clinical - every little sound jumps out and you can't see (hear) the wood[wind] for the trees. Having said that I love the sound of valve amps, but could never be bothered with the hassle.
We've got a little JVC wall mounted system in the kitchen that's surprisingly good, but the living room TV is connected to a Kenwood AV processor/receiver that pushes nearly 150w per, and weighs over 20kg, through flat panels and a sub, plus a Sony BlueRay that adds CD. In my office I'm more old school with a Creek amp, TEAC CD and Celestion studio monitors. I made the mistake of selling all my vinyl back in the late 80's. BTW, I'm loving the attention given to the Sub and the valve hi-fi on Bosch! |
30 March 2016, 10:19 PM | #14 |
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: greg
Location: Tempe AZ
Watch: GMT
Posts: 5,703
|
I too prefer the sound from older analog stereo units. Im using a Marantz 2330b, Dual turntable, JBL speakers, Nakamichi cassette deck. I have a old Sony trinitron in "my" bedroom.....my wife says im lost in the 70's and yep im looking for a 71 or 72 Mach 1 right now to start a Mustang collection.
|
30 March 2016, 10:28 PM | #15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: tom
Location: northern ireland
Watch: my fins
Posts: 10,063
|
while hi tech digi is great ,, and all the advantages it brings to music reproduction are handy ,,,
i still have analogue ears , so its old stuff for me , |
30 March 2016, 10:54 PM | #16 |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: UK / Spain
Watch: 39mm Explorer
Posts: 1,990
|
Chaps
I have two hifi systems. The main one is NAC52 Pre amp /Supercap / NAP 300 Power amp/ NAT01 tuner / CDS3 CD player / Garrard 401 with Naim Aro arm and Garrard PSU80 / Dynavector 17D3 cartridge and LinnIsobarik speakers mounted on a Mana stand. The second system is a classic 1980s Naim system 32.5 pre amp / Hicap / 250 power amp with NAT05 tuner and CDX CD player with Naim SBL speakers. Regards Mick |
31 March 2016, 12:13 AM | #17 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Watch: Wilsdorf(s)
Posts: 10,190
|
Adcom and Magnapan here. Love the vintage stuff. Reminds me of my Pioneer/Dual/Electro-Voice system I built up with work money while in high school.
Walked into a restaurant this weekend that was using Macintosh amp, vintage Marantz pre-amp, Dual turntable and Sonus as the sound system. I think I spent more time looking at their system than the menu. |
31 March 2016, 12:53 AM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 119
|
Cool gear guys, great to hear that there are more of us out there. Love this older equipment
I feel it was made better! |
31 March 2016, 01:49 AM | #19 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Paul
Location: San Diego
Watch: 126619LB
Posts: 21,540
|
Great set ups! I hope I get to hear them someday
|
31 March 2016, 02:12 AM | #20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Jim
Location: Connecticut
Watch: this! Hold my beer
Posts: 2,813
|
|
31 March 2016, 05:25 AM | #21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Real Name: Paul
Location: CA
Posts: 136
|
I would love a good vintage setup coupled with Macintosh. For now I have Marantz receiver with b&w speakers. My sub is SVS.
|
31 March 2016, 05:34 AM | #22 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Dave
Location: England.
Watch: Various
Posts: 7,305
|
Quote:
I had a Meridian CD Player Audio Research Pre Musical Fidelity Nu Vista 300 Power Monitor Audio 20 SE Speakers. All sadly long gone now, replaced with a sonos system that is nice but not in the same league sound wise.
__________________
KINDEST REGARDS DAVE |
|
31 March 2016, 09:53 AM | #23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Way Up North USA
Watch: Rolexes & Tudors
Posts: 6,361
|
Not a collector, but I have a vintage system and a modern system, both primarily focusing on vinyl. Vintage system plays through Polk SDA-2A speakers.
My vintage McIntosh system Technics turntable. Still a beauty. Use it in both systems on and off. My modern system plays through Spendor S9e speakers. |
31 March 2016, 10:05 AM | #24 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Watch: Wilsdorf(s)
Posts: 10,190
|
VERY nice, Joey!!!!!
|
31 March 2016, 10:37 AM | #25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Jim
Location: Connecticut
Watch: this! Hold my beer
Posts: 2,813
|
I see that mastelink Joey! Two great systems! I've heard many great things about the Splendors. Never auditioned them myself however.
|
31 March 2016, 11:15 AM | #26 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2010
Real Name: Dan
Location: USA
Watch: This N That
Posts: 34,251
|
All this brings back memories of Mainz Kastel Germany and when I was in the service. I always thought this was audiophile heaven. Before I went I thought Bose 901s where the epitome of what speakers where supposed to be. Well they weren't bad, but they had speakers there that cost in the $10,000 and buildings and buildings of audiophile equipment. Then the downsizing occurred and Mainz Kastel was no longer. It was almost enough to make you cry. No more Mainz Kastel audiophile heaven. I did however get my 901s as that's what I could afford at the time and that's what I had wanted ever since I can remember hearing about Bose 901s.
__________________
When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons |
31 March 2016, 11:18 AM | #27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Dennis
Location: Bay Area - 925
Posts: 40,018
|
Now, I use exclusively Yamaha audio components. I used NAD in the past and still have my old set-up.
__________________
TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007) |
31 March 2016, 11:03 PM | #28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Way Up North USA
Watch: Rolexes & Tudors
Posts: 6,361
|
I use the Masterlink to record my favorite vinyl LPs to digital. Produces high quality copies. I also have Spendor speakers in my media room. S5e, center channel and bookshelf speakers for the surround system. I love the smooth "BBC sound."
|
31 March 2016, 11:13 PM | #29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Jim
Location: Connecticut
Watch: this! Hold my beer
Posts: 2,813
|
That's exactly what I use mine for. Mainly cassettes as I have a few bootlegs that are not available anywhere else. The big Tascam in the main rig works fine for vinyl and is tied in so I can use it as a second(and third) player as well as record to it, but the Alesis is far superior and has far more flexibility with format and adding "breaks" in between songs etc. the Tascam you have to pay attention and break the recording up as it happens because that burns direct to disc and the Alesis has the hard drive buffer before burning.
|
1 April 2016, 12:15 AM | #30 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Real Name: Dan
Location: Orlando/NSB, FL
Watch: 16710 (3186)
Posts: 1,629
|
__________________
Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Instagram @pivot_and_spine |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.