Audio's Most Enduring Products.

The Original Vandersteen 2 Speaker System. They have been one of audio's most enduring speaker systems since they were introduced back in 1977. They started out life as just the Vandersteen 2, then I believe they became the Vandersteen 2B a couple of years later, and then Vandersteen 2C after that, then the Vandersteen 2Ci after that, and now, for the last twelve years, they were the Vandersteen 2Ce's. There is also a "Signature" version of this speaker available as well, and they are called the Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures. They are a "phased timed array" design that was designed to get electrostatic performance from dynamic drivers. They are a full range speaker system that features among other things, a genuinely deep bass response. The Vandersteen 2 Speaker System makes it possible to own a full range speaker system at an affordable price. If memory serves me correctly, I believe they are about $1,600.00 for the Signature versions.

--Charles--

Rega Planar 3.
Spica Angelus ... wish they were still in business.
Just sneaking in, built in 1995 my Densen B100 would cost a lot of money to upgrade. It's a shame Densen have such a low profile in the US.

Pioneer open reel tape deck 1020L. Had unit for about 25 years, bought second hand. Most open reel decks, Akai Teac Pioneer, Sony etc built like tanks. Just had it serviced last year. Solenoid switch went. Lights on the Db meters still work after all this time. When using factory recorded material at fastest speed machine can play, sound will surpass any other front end component reguardless of price.

Oops forgot to cast a vote on this. The Threshold SA3 power amplifier. 50 Watts per side pure Class A. Clearly one of Nelson Pass most brilliant designs. Has all one could possibly ask from a power amp. To do better would have to go Pass Labs X350 at several thousand dollars. At present the SA3 is back up to the Forte 4a which is another glorious 50 per side Class A amp from the Threshold/Forte stable of fine products. To replace either would indeed be costly for what I consider a small increase in performance.

Thorens TD125 turntable with SME 3009 arm, been working from around 1974. Although I have to admit I've changed the cartridge and belt since then, so does this still count?