Vintage worth the time to explore?


I’m relatively new to this world (very fast learner) and would love to know your thoughts:

I have a pair of Elac Debut 6.2 and Klipsch KG3s….I drive them both with a Marantz PM6005 and have been relatively happy but sound really loses its warmth and color unless played LOUD. With 3 kids under 5 I’m looking for an amp to help provide warm, full sound at lower dBs.

I’ve been super curious about exploring other amp options and wanted to explore the vintage route (Marantz 2230, Sansui AU 717, Pioneer SA-8500)… but after seeing prices between 800-2k for 50 year old gear, I’m apprehensive.

Am I just lured by the idea of vintage?

butche34

If I’m reading your post correctly, you are driving 4 speakers with one integrated amp, correct? That’s a big ask for most integrated amps. If lower volume/increased  lower frequency response is desired, perhaps try a set of Marantz MA-500 amps. They are available used on the regular. They are vintage at a lower cost. If memory serves, they can be daisy chained. Though I’m not sure your integrated has pre outs. This would be a lower cost way to see if the lower volume/increased lower freq response is doable. Without breaking the bank.

Add a pair of subs. Makes all the difference in the world at all volume levels. 

If you get something from the 70's what might be helpful for you is most stuff had a "loudness" switch that will give you that warmth at low volumes. The marantz you mentioned probably has one.

Why not open back headphones like Grado's for when you want to play it loud? If you don't want to try that, And I also second:

1) Not buying anything older then 10 years. 

2) Looking for a system with a loudness button/control, or at the least tone controls.