How many use Vintage Hi-Fi systems?

Not as old as some but still "rather vintage"...  Jeff Korneff SE 6550 power amp, Melos MA222 preamp, Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 Signature phono & Cinemag SUT, driving Lowther Fidelio speakers. I've owned them for years so can't say how they compare to newer products. In full disclosure, the front end is fairly new. I'm using a custom turntable (built it a couple years ago), Pole Star tonearm & a Denon DL-S1 cartridge. Also the Lowther drivers were just replaced (DX3's) due to age. Together they provide a nice balanced sound with a huge detailed stage. When the source allows it, musicians are in the room. There are some vintage pieces I wish I still owned. Most notably a Yamaha B1 amplifier & a Luxman C2 preamplifier. Sold both of them 20 plus years ago.  

Samzx12,

I really enjoyed the Pioneers, had the 1150 and 1250. The 1150 seemed to me to have more power and I really like its sonics. I have never owned any marantz but had heard many for long periods. They are beautiful to look at and very well made. I think they sound a little darker then the Pioneers. 

I perfer the sound of Sansui to that of Pioneer. Sansui's especially the 9090db sound dynamic and very sweet. But that doesn't mean it's more accurate. It's just what I like. Truthfully the Pioneer is probably more accurate. 

I stopped listening to receivers when I started reading Audio and stereophile. I first bought a Mac MA 6100 which was beautiful and sounded nice, but it started me on a road of 40 years of upgrades and swaps. Much of what I had was very high end, but it wasn't until I got into using harman kardon citation gear that I found something that did everything well. 

When I rediscovered my Sansui 9090db I felt silly for ever having listened or believed that it wasn't good enough. It actually sounds way better overall than anything I've ever owned, including citation, McIntosh, Krell, Levinson etc. 

The Sansui just does everything well, and it's beautiful. I'm looking forward to getting it back from a check up and using it in my primary system. My snobby audio buddies couldn't believe how good it sounded. I can't either. 

You're Sansui 8 is legendary for its sound quality. Give it a serious listen. It will throw a huge soundstage and it has that sweetness that is hipnotic. 
If I had an 8 I would never sell it. 

Norman

Boxer12,

I almost bought a Yamaha B1.  I ended up a few years later getting a Yamaha M-40 for its class A circuit instead. 

Sounds like you have a really nice system. Don't discount it because it's old. Some of the best sounding gear ever made is old, which is why from time to time they are reissued. 

Norman

Oblny,

I laughed at your magazine comment, because that's exactly what happened to me. The power of peers and the printed page!

Now I don't care. It's impossible to keep up and when you try it becomes more about the gear then the music. Now I'm enjoying something that is difficult to buy and sounds terrific. It's also great to look at. 

I'm really happy I never sold my 9090db. It's like having it all new again. 

Norman

Norman I don't plan on selling the 8. They are hard to come by and built to the hilt.  I doubt it will sound near as well as the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium integrated I have but I am going to have fun with it I can tell you that for sure. I have never seen in person a 9090db but would love to one day. Maybe I will also try a lower wattage Pioneer SX series as they are affordable.