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A challenge: Reference system from 15yrs ago

I've always interested in learning about what was around during HiFi's heyday. I propose a challenge, hopefully I can learn a thing or two about older hifi in the process.

The challenge:

Build a system using components that are 15 years or older that could compete with today's absolute state of the art if possible. The components can be upgraded (new cap's for amp's) modded (for digital or analog setup's) and re-coned speakers and drivers. There is no price limit in gear. Simply put the price of yester year and today's blue book value. Most importantly have fun, cuz I hope to read about some classics.
lush
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
It may not have been SOTA, but this was a honey of a system that retailed for $2K in 1989/1990. I paid about $1500 for it new. My wife and I had just split up and this was my gift to myself.

ADCOM 545 power amplifier
ADCOM 500II preamp/tuner
Magnavox CD 630 CD player (made by Philips in Belgium)
KEF Q55 speakers (original Uni-Q standmounters)

Kept the ADCOM's for 13 years before changing over to Musical Fidelity, the Magnavox for 10 years before changing to a SONY SACD ES player, and the KEF's for 7 years before changing to EPOS ES 11.

Regards, Rich
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superhonestben
199 posts
 
I once had....Snell Type A,Perreaux SM3 pre amp, Audio Research D-60 amp, fronted by a mid 80s Linn Lp12,Ittok,Black Koetsu....sounded great...Really miss the Snells, would like to get another pair someday.
mcfarland
356 posts
 
Garrard Zero 100 with Shure Type 3 improved cartridge, an AR Tuner, a Dynakit PAT 4 (now wished it were the PAS 3) which I still own, and a Dynakit Stereo 70 (both of which I built). Rectilinear III's, which I still own, were the speakers. I really liked that system. The Stereo 70 is long gone (wished I'd kept it, too), the Garrard, the AR tuner, and the PAT 4 gather dust in the upstairs closet.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Why, this thread sounds like my system.

Krell Ksa-250 (1992)
Kinergetics KCD-55T transport (1992)
Counterpoint DAC-10A DAC (1992)
Audioprism Mantissa preamp (1994...a little short of 15 years)
Apogee Duetta Signature speakers (1992)

I've switched the Krell out of the system for around a year now, and inserted tubed monos. I still have the old Krell waiting it's turn...maybe this summer.

Dave
lush OP
262 posts
 
Great responses so far...keep em coming...I've often thought if I ever had the room I'd purchase a Krell KSA 250 or Mark Levinson 23 series amplifier just for kicks...
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