Vintage vs. New, Risk vs. Reward

Longevity can be an issue.  Elements deteriorate and fail with age.

Some obvious items include tubes and capacitors in electronics and rubber or other soft compounds in electromechanical devices like speaker surrounds, cartridge suspensions, rubber belts in turntables and cd players, etc.

But if you hanker for a certain sound, like the remembered allure of a peaky speaker, the modern stuff may not provide that for you.

I think the important point you brought up was that it was vintage is attractive to you. That is important. Particularly if you liked some vintage sound in particular. I am sure it could be great fun assembling some particularly romantic sound… and likely you could do this at a smaller budget than pursuing the best possible sound. Some folks love antiques, not necessarily that an old chair is more comfortable than new.

While there are a few exceptions, by in large if you are mostly attracted to the best possible sound, then new equipment is a must. In each of the last five decades I have been pursuing the high end very significant progress has been made across the board towards better sound… at all levels. Tube gear got more accurate and quiet, solid state less edgy… turntables and phono-stages just blossomed. No, comparison.

So, it comes down to which is more important. Or, maybe you have room for two systems… so, depending on your mood.

<Appreciate your highs on this topic> Ooops, s/b insights obviously. Digging and appreciate the discussion thus far and pretty much aligns to my instincts. Been investigating those LS3/5As! Wondering what class the Benchmark is given the specs/claims. Sounds interesting as well. 

I love my assemblage of old/new, it gives me the sound I can live with until I won't be around anymore to enjoy it.

Regards,

Dan