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The Allure of Vintage Audio Gear

Vintage audio gear holds a unique charm, offering rich sound and timeless design that many modern components can't quite replicate. Brands like Marantz, McIntosh, and JBL are still revered for their warm, detailed sound, especially in tube amps and classic speakers. While modern technology offers improved reliability and lower distortion, vintage gear brings a sense of nostalgia and character that many audiophiles crave.

Do you prefer the warmth of vintage, or do you lean toward modern hi-fi innovations? How would you mix vintage with modern in your setup?

128x128iammessiach
motown-l
196 posts
 

I've been in the audio sphere for over 50 years. I have equipment that is vintage, used and modern. The only vintage equipment that engages me are turntables.  What I like about many, slightly elevated quality, vintage TT's is that they are frequently semi or fully automatic and still have decent tonearms 

wolf_garcia
6,727 posts
 

The only vintage thing around my gear is me. I dragged a pair of A7s around for 15 years in the olden days, and they sounded astonishingly good as stereo speakers when used for that, but generally too big for any living room I had then. Also used a KLH compact system for home audio back in the day. That thing sounded better than most anything around in the 70s...that was when all my audio bucks went for pro gear so the stereo was somewhat underfunded. No more. I love newer stuff as it's quiet (even my tube amps), very well built and sounds beautiful. Keep yer Sansuis and old Macs...have fun...I certainly am.

mbennes's avatar
mbennes
90 posts
 

I listen to my main system, Pass Labs, VPI, Monitor Audio Platinum Two speakers and yet I have just this past week received my completely restored Fisher 450T receiver and previously restored AR 2AX speakers. Receiver is so recent I haven’t listened to this system yet.  These gems were purchased in 1969 and my memories of their sound remain dear to me. I may end up passing this system to my grandchildren, but at this point their mother, my daughter doesn’t want these mint items placed in their home.  They are young but are greatly interested in music, Listening mainly to 60’s 70’s music in a CD format.  

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,889 posts
 

I still happily have an ARC SP9mk2 with a pair of Acoustat Model X’s. I have updated some parts on the amps and they sound better than new.

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
422 posts
 

I went through that phase about 10 years ago. Since then I have given most of it to my kids. What I haven’t given away is stacked in a closet. On top of the stack is a barely used Oppo 105, so go figure. The one category that I do cherish is NOS tubes. I do enjoy walking into my sons house and seeing the blue glow of his Marantz receiver and his JBL’s. But I must say it’s no match for modern gear. Cheers , Mike 

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