"Best" 80's HiFi System


Greetings folks..

I am looking to purchase (for a client) a Hifi system(pre amp/power amp- speakers) that is indicatively 80's.
I am looking for some suggestions or a nudge in the right direction...What would an 80's audiophile dream system consist of ??

Just for reference his current system consists of the following which he LOVES !
McIntosh MC30 (2)
McIntosh C22 Preamp
klipsch Cornwall (2)

All suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch !!
anthonyz79

Two of the best speakers I’ve ever heard were from the 80’s: Duntech Sovereigns& Apogee Duettas. Very different & both excellent. Conrad Johnson Premier One sounded way better than the Levinson amps to me but couldn’t drive the Apogees 2 ohm impedance, needed Krell amps for that. Also the Proac EBS speakers were very nice as well as the better Thiel models.

What I Had back then Ariston RD11s Turntable Syrinx Pickup and and Dynavector Ruby Karat Cartridge. Quad 44 / 405 Amp and pre amp and Stacked Quad 57s. Also had a Revox reel to reel and really loved that thing.

i had

conrad johnson tube preamp

adcom 200 wpc

magnavox cd player

magnapan three panel # IV

I still have mirage M3s

LS3/5As are still sold (with knockoffs by like 4 or 5 companies)

Dq10s are still very fondly thought of (one of the first open baffles)

Motif MS50 or MS100 w/MC7 or MC8 preamp

cj MV50, MV75A1 w/ Premier 2/3 preamp or PV5

Perreaux PMF 2150/ SM2 pre

Superphon DM220 / Revelation Basic DM preamp

PS Audio 2C+ / IVH preamp

B&K ST140 / Pro 10 preamp

Moscode 300 / Minuet/Minuet in A preamp

Counterpoint SA8/12/20 w/ SA7, SA3, SA5 preamp

Berning EA230 or EA2100 w/TF10 preamp

VSP Labs TransMos 150 amp / Straightwire II preamp

Acoustat TNT 120/TNT 200 w/TNP preamp

 

For Speakers:  Vandersteen 2C, Thiel CS2 and many others will land you in the 80’s.