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How many use Vintage Hi-Fi systems?

I was wondering, how many here use a Vintage Hi-Fi as their main stereo? Please give details as to your equipment. I use Citation 17 preamp, Citation 16A amplifier, Sony TC-755 reel to reel, Dual 1229 (with Grace 747 tonearm), Nakamichi OMS4 CD player Advent 201A cassette and Definitive Technologies BP10 speakers. I have many audiophile friends who trade up constantly. I bought a system that I enjoy and have kept it. Oh, and I still love it! Friends are floored by how musical it is. Your thoughts please.
Norman
normansizemore
samzx12
1,232 posts
 

Oblny,

I still own 2 "vintage" Pioneer SX series receivers,  an SX1050 and an SX950,  along with a Marantz 2252b receiver.

Out of these receivers which one do you prefer? I have a 2252B, Luxman R-1050 and a Sansui Model 8. Just curious if you prefer the Marantz over the Pioneer?  I have not done a critical or side by side test but if I would have to pick one right now it would be the Luxman followed by the Sansui.  Like I said I haven't performed a critical listening test and only listened to each playing through Tyler Acoustics speakers playing FM only but the Luxman is so smooth and has great bass punch for a receiver. The Marantz is the best looking no doubt and I actually play it the most because its so damn awesome in appearance especially with LED lights. One of these days I will hook up my turntable and do a comparison plus see which one has the best phonostage.

normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
Sansui 8 is pretty amazing sounding with a sweet phono stage and I always loved the green dial lamp.


oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
Samzx12...
I prefer the Pioneers over the Marantz for a number of reasons, first and foremost that to my ears the separation seems better. Also, they're easier to maintain - labor on Marantz adds up quickly according to two separate techs I've had check things out. 

Secondly the Pioneers strike me as more "realistic" in their sonics; my experience with McIntosh solid state and tube amps is similar. I recently purchased the new MAC6700 solid state receiver and grew to dislike its tubelike voicing; I traded it back for the new Mc275 MKVI. If I want tube sound I might as well use a tube amp, right?

These receivers still sound great, no matter who may have thought of them as "mid-fi" then or now. They still LOOK great, too.  Admittedly people dig the Marantz tuner dial more than they do the Pioneers', but that's what I dig about both - they still make people gawk and ask questions. 

A couple of years ago my girlfriend's daughter was getting her pre-ceremony wedding pictures taken in her living room. 
When the photographer and his two assistants saw the Marantz they begged to hear it. After obliging them they even offered to buy it for a pretty handsome sum. Of course we refused the offer. 


oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
I had a Sansui 9090db once. I think it was my 3rd.  I didn't move into separates until much later -after I started reading the damned magazines!
samzx12
1,232 posts
 
Norman I have it hooked up in a bedroom system at the moment and I will rotate it back into my main system soon and hook up the TT.  I was attracted to the Marantz line of receivers because I always heard they were the cats meow plus that awesome industrial look. Well one receiver led to 3 once the bug hit but have stopped at this point because there is no reason to buy more. Would I like to have a Pioneer SX-series. Yes, but am having trouble justifying 3 in a sense.  I don't see the value going down so will keep all 3 and have fun. Plus they can't compete with my main amp or at least I hope not lol.  

Oblgny thanks for the response and your opinion and I know what you mean about people digging the Marantz and or vintage receivers. They are cool as hell and in my opinion will never be duplicated again especially in build quality alone. My Sansui Model 8 and the Models in that era are probably the best built receivers ever. Honestly I think we are lucky to have them now as that was the receiver war era.  
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