2. vintage
  3. 184920-93005

What's up with the price of Vintage equipment?

The reason I am asking is, I sold stereo equipment in the 1970's and 1980's and some of the stuff I see selling for big bucks today were not well thought of during the 70's and 80's and lots of it sounded pretty mediocre (think Class D amps with amazingly low specs like .00007% distortion or other such nonsense). I won't get into brand names, but just by the era you should be able to tell. 

As a quick aside, it annoys the hell out of me that I'm at an age that 1970's and 1980's equipment is considered Vintage. Was it really that long ago? Rats.

Anyway, again there were some really good sounding stuff back then, and the price today may be high, but it's still good sounding stuff and worth it. But I see prices today for 40-60 year old equipment that I sold back then because it was heavily advertised, popular/known name and design (and sometimes gave me a good commission), but not because it sounded good. 

So I am assuming some of this high price vintage stuff is due only to nostalgia (both in looks and sound) and collecting fun, not for listening compared to today's stuff.

I'm open to hearing other opinions, especially from someone who does like vintage (mostly 1970-80's) stuff, listens to it, and what brands they have. 

 

128x128deadhead1000
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,094 posts
 

You are completely right... I even buy some and sold them back...

@mahgister I can still hear the grainy transistor sound of those "stereos!"
My comment had nothing to do with price, and everything to do with construction. Often, the sound passed through so many potentiometers and tone shaping cheap capacitors that later manufacturers removed or defeated tine controls and extraneous functions in an effort to improve sound.

Here thats my point ...

Obviously, not all failed and not all succeeded. My own gear is notably on the inexpensive side but high on the construction and attention to detail side. Apologies if feelings were hurt, or my remarks were interpreted as generalized. I’m sure there are many exceptions, your Sansui included. ;-)

No need to any apology i only want to precise that generalization are always only that : generalization...

we understand better now each other and thats was my point ...

I apologize to seems rude in a way ...

but between friend we can understand each other ...

I thank you for your understanding ...

my best from the heart ...

 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 

Please do cite one example where a respected member of this audio community has stated there is a linear relationship between $ and sound quality…..

deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000 OP
714 posts
 

@noromance

1994 not vintage? Tell that to my 12 year old neice! She has a hard time comprehending why people would type directly onto paper and telephones with cords? How about CRT TV's with 19 inch screens, oh and with cords too! I remember showing her a dial telephone in an antique store, she could not figure out how to use it and when I showed her she looked at me like I had three eyes.

30 years is a long time. See you in 2054.... 

 

 

tbick
26 posts
 

Remember, for many people sound equipment is all about the flashy lights, and lots of buttons & knobs, not the quality of the music

audition__audio
1,494 posts
 

It is often very difficult to judge vintage equipment because they often need work due to the age of the parts. I bought a pair of Altec Valencia 846As just to listen to and then sell. Any judgment regarding the sound of this speaker is unfair until the crossover gets rebuilt. Overall, vintage stuff isnt even close in my experience. You may prefer the sound of vintage, often enjoying what you dont hear on that poorly recorded Boston album.

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