New old or old new?

It should all be in my profile I hope.

Any 35-45 yr old audio component is very likely need some work, e.g. capacitors, foam surrounds, etc. etc. etc.  This is a false dichotomy in my opinion.

Great food for thought!  For me, definitely older electronics mated to newer speakers. Not even a close call. In fact, I would venture to say that newer speakers would would be a much more complimentary pairing than the reverse. Today’s speakers would, IMO, bring out the wonderful qualities that many still long for when reminiscing about the GOLDEN age of Audio, particularly when paired with time tested designs from the great audio electronics companies of the distant pass. Too many to mention here. Also, realize some are still in business today, American, Japanese and European.

A pair of brand new Harbeth 40.2s driven by a pair of refurbished Marantz Model Nine's would do it for me. 

Frank

No 35-45 year old components or speakers unless totally redone by someone who knows what they are doing please in which case they are essentially like  new.