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If your were to assemble a vintage system ?

Let’s say you were going to put together a vintage system and your source was primarily vinyl. Your price limit is $1500. What would it be? 
Make it as musical as possible. Super detail or thunderous bass isn’t going to be very high on the list. My first thought would be a 70’s Marantz receiver (50ish wpc is more than adequate) an 80’s AR table, and any iteration of a Vandersteen 2C that didn’t bust the budget. 

Could easily also swap in a Pioneer SX750 instead of a Marantz. 
Cartridge? Not sure- might actually go with something modern/current. AT or Nagaoka 

what would you put together? 
128x128zavato
meiatflask
156 posts
 
What I owned in about 1976 I would clearly buy again:

advent 300 receiver $270
rogers LS3/5a- $595
B&O turntable (not the linear tracking) $375

then since you can split the advent as a preamp, add a used EL34 tube amp.  I had a marantz 8 that I paid $225 for, or you could find a dynaco ST70 for a similar price, or a Conrad Johnson MV45 for a bit more money.

total cost ~$1500
iopscrl
202 posts
 
Maggie MMG....plenty of used pairs around after the introduction of the .7 and LRS.   

Musical Fidelity A3.2 Integrated amp.  110wpc of high current, but smooth power, and an excellent phono stage.

AR-ES1 TT with an Ortofon or AT cartridge.

Used cables.
mikethehunterguy
52 posts
 
I suggest a Pioneer receiver that has been refurbished.  Modern caps a d transistors do a wonderful job of elevating these units, as well as prolonging their life. Then some bigger Klipsch or AR speakers.  Preferably with "modded" crossovers and some internal bracing/damping. A Denon DP35f with a modern AT cart. Add a Raspberry Pi streamer/dac setup a d you'll be happy! Ask me how I know......
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
445 posts
 
A buddy of mine used to run a Marantz 8B amp into a late 70's pair of KEF Calindas.  It was magic.  Sheer magic.  For a vintage system, I'd take either a pair of Calindas, or its big brother, the Cantata, and pair it with a Bob Latino updated Dyna ST-70.  That would be sweet and you wouldn't have to rob a bank to pay for it.
lowtubes
135 posts
 
Zavato,  If you ask me about a vintage system and if music is #1 on the criteria, I would recommend you pick up a Fisher tube integrated amp or a Fisher tube receiver. There are many models to choose from and all are great sounding. IMO, you will really get a lot of enjoyment and performance out vintage Fisher tube equipment. 
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