2. amps-preamps
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Vintage worth the time to explore?

I’m relatively new to this world (very fast learner) and would love to know your thoughts:

I have a pair of Elac Debut 6.2 and Klipsch KG3s….I drive them both with a Marantz PM6005 and have been relatively happy but sound really loses its warmth and color unless played LOUD. With 3 kids under 5 I’m looking for an amp to help provide warm, full sound at lower dBs.

I’ve been super curious about exploring other amp options and wanted to explore the vintage route (Marantz 2230, Sansui AU 717, Pioneer SA-8500)… but after seeing prices between 800-2k for 50 year old gear, I’m apprehensive.

Am I just lured by the idea of vintage?

butche34
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jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Forget amps. You want full and detailed sound at low volume? Get a used pair of the later generation Quad ESL's like the 988's or 989's. Nothing better for low-level listening! 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,563 posts
 

Do you use the loudness or tone controls (bass/treble) on the Marantz?

 

DeKay

erik_squires
16,057 posts
 

Conrad Johnson integrated tube??

tkhill's avatar
tkhill
86 posts
 

If you can find an older Sophia EL34 A/B for six hundred dollars or so and invest in a checkup by a qualified tech you'll be in great shape. The good news is that the JJ EL34s or 6CA7s are fine replacements and are not ridiculously expensive.

 

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