Zoomer needs help navigating 50's-80's Hi-Fi equipment

Hello all, I am a 20-something that recently came into possession of my late grandfather’s audio equipment and I want to use as much as I can to set up my own system at home. The main problem is with some of this stuff I have no clue how to connect them together at all, let alone have it in the correct order. I am looking for help in chaining everything together without blowing everything up.

So, I have done some research on what I have recieved and have just been pulling my hair out trying to figure it out. I just don’t know enough to even Google what I need to know. A small selection of the stuff I was given is as follows:

Kenwood KR-5600 Stereo Receiver
Akai GX-F60R Cassette Deck
AudioControl Ten Plus Series Two Equalizer
SAE 5000A Impulse Noise Reduction System
Viking of Minneapolis RP62 Pre-Amp
Fisher SA-300 Amplifier

I am looking to set up a whole home audio system, but my primary goal is to play my records that have been collecting dust. From what I have figured out in my research, evidently my grandfather was a massive audiophile over his life, so all this equipment is VERY overkill for what I need. But I have all this equipment, may as well use it, you know? I cleaned them all up and plugged them in and they all powered on. It may be naive to think everything works correctly, but when things get lined up that should be easier for me to figure it out.

If anyone has literally ANY suggestions/comments on how dumb I am/guidance on making this work, I am all ears. Regardless, thank you for reading!

feeney04-06-2023 10:50am

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russ69 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,360 posts 04-06-2023 at 08:37pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @feeney The gear you got is great for someone that is into vintage gear and can repair and test the gear to make sure it is working optimally. For a fellow like you, it might be more reasonable to sell the gear, as is, to people that are into vintage gear. You will net enough money to buy good modern stuff that wont need the services of an electronics guru.
raysmtb1 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 792 posts 04-07-2023 at 01:07am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I think you should hook it up and I mean hook it all up the equalizer and everything and run it in the 80s style like your grandfather would’ve. Then you and him can listen to music whenever you want.
ronboco Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 738 posts 04-07-2023 at 11:11am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @feeney I would try to find a member in your area that would be willing to come over and help you set it up or see how much a nearby dealer would charge. You can watch and learn and ask questions. Good luck!
ross6860 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 103 posts 04-07-2023 at 11:51am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete There is a site called HiFiEngine.com They have manuals and info on lots of older/vintage gear. Pretty sure several pieces you have will be listed there. It's a free site, so no cost other than time to search. They also have a nice index and search feature by brand. Read through the old manuals. They should all have recommended set-up instructions. You may want to post where you live. Someone here may volunteer to help you sort it all out. Just because it's old doesn't mean it doesn't work or sound decent. I've had plenty of vintage gear, unrestored, that worked just fine. Good luck and enjoy the hobby. It's better than bar-hopping. PS- You can always sell gear after you get it all figured out.
imhififan Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,117 posts 04-07-2023 at 01:26pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You can use the Kenwood KR-5600 as a platform to test almost everything you have. First thing to do is make sure the Kenwood receiver still in working condition. Then you can connect the cassette deck to its TAPE A or B IN/OUT to test if the cassette deck still functioning. You can do the same for testing the AudioControl equalizer and the SAE 5000A. Testing the Fisher SA-300 amplifier and Viking of Minneapolis RP62 preamp, you can utilize the Kenwood receiver ADAPTER IN/OUT.