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Bargain audio shopping in a time machine...

Hi, all,

I'm currently in an active search for superb vintage tube gears and drivers. They sure don't make 'em like that anymore.

All of you like me know that back when some of these superb vintage gears were first introduced, they were MUCH cheaper than what they go for right now. It's shocking how much premium some popular vintage gears command. These days, I can't help but wish I had a time machine, so that I can go back in time to pick up a fine vintage gear BRAND NEW at a great bargain.

My question to you guys (and gals) is this. If you could go back in time in a time machine for bargain audio shopping and pick up ONLY ONE great deal, what would it be?

My choice would be a pair of brand new Western Electric 91A tube monoblocks. I'm sure they were expensive back then, too, but still no where near the green they command now.

Thank you,

David
wonjun
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
Assuming I had the funds I have now, I'd pick up every Telefunken 802F and 803F and Cca (and their 12AU7, 12AX7 and 6DJ8 equivalents), every Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8, and every Gold Lion KT88 I could find back in the 50s and 60s.
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
I would buy the same as Rcprince, and add Genelex type KT-77 and Mullard EL-34 brown base tubes. Any remaining cash would go for Mil spec. Tung Sol 6550's.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I would go back to July 1991 and Hi Fi Classics in Far Rockaway, Ny. They had two pairs of original owner KLH Nines for sale. $500 a pair. Alas, I only bought one pair! A decision I still regret! However, I have held onto that single pair of Nines and still have them in use!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Late Seventies. Audiocom in Old Greenwich, CT. I could have bought a pair of Marantz Model 9 tube amps for $900! Look what they sell for these days - $4000+ !!! Great amps!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
1980 (or thereabouts). Old Greenwich,CT.  My friend Doug K. offers to sell me his pair of Futterman H3AA's (no's 54 and 55). $650. I went to his house where we listened to them on Quad 57's and KLH Nines. Absolutely superb sound! But I passed on his offer and later bought instead a Bedini 25/25 (and Quad 57's).
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