An audio component you just can't let go


What is a component you just can't seem to let go or sell even after you've already upgraded and not really using it anymore. What makes this component so special?

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Sony TA-E80ES preamp from 1990. Class A solid state.  More inputs and outputs than I thought possible (3 tape loops!) including balanced.  Stellar MC phono stage, quietest I’ve ever experienced with a LOMC. Maybe it’s the double cascaded power supply regulation.. Nonetheless it now anchors my TV system along with:

Heathkit UA-2 EL84 tube monoblocks from the late 50’s. An easy rebuild, they’re the sweetest (and most dynamic!) 12 watts I’ve ever heard whether they’re driving rebuilt Large Advents, a Fostex backloaded horn single-driver system, or, my favorite, B&W 805 D3’s.

I run an vintage system in my spare room and for me its fun.

my A/D/S L910 speakers are keepers for life.

I also love vintage Sansui integrated amps. AU 20000, AU 777,  are some of my favs.

Sansui Tuners are some of the best ever made love my TU 9900. dream of  TU-X1. I use the TU 9900 in my main system still, have not found anything that sounds better, note mine is fully restored.  

Revoa Agora B active speaker system is another vintage speaker system that amazes me on a regular bassis. I don't think i could sell these speakers. very rare in North America.  Each speakers has 3x100w A/B amps for each section. thats 600w of power in these speakers. Some of the best bass i've ever heard regardless of age. 

 

My Nagaoka Kilavolt #103 De-stat wand from the ’80s’.....One C cell to ’stat’ them all.....

Best sub-$100 item I’ve ever bought With a carbon fibre brush included that lives next to it. Simple as it is, never been reproduced since....a pity, that.

A Niles Audio CPM-31 Universal Component Patching Matrix....also ’80’s. a 6 in X 6 out analog box that the back ends up looking like an octopus with delusions of grandeur....*L* ....and requires physical stability enhancement when fully engaged with 24 RCA’s....

A JVC JX-S777 AV selector allows 6 a/v in/out, 2 additional with optical in and a single opt out, and 3 monitor loops....one with the opt out..  Used for 'component in' mostly.....

Keeping my 4 large ESS amts’....and my Walsh diys’ obviously....

@grislybutter and all....

Shut off the screen for the next 4 years.....if it’s important or vaguely logical, we’ll hear about it elsewhere.....:(