The Allure of Vintage Audio Gear

In the guitar world, a 30-year-old guitar is now considered vintage.  If 30 years is considered vintage for audio gear, then most of my analog system is vintage, and I suspect it is comparable in sound quality to most modern gear, and probably more durable--SOTA Star Sapphire TT with ET-2 arm, Classé Audio electronics, Nakamichi cassette decks, Luxman tuner (that I rarely use anymore), and upgraded Apogee Duetta II speakers. 

I guess I'm the rare audiophile that is satisfied with his system long-term.  I have made many digital upgrades, however, as I realize that digital technology is improving more rapidly, with better sound quality available at decreasing prices, compared to 30 years ago.

@pooch2 

+1 Harmon Kardan 730, my receiver for 40 years.

Never had the bug to upgrade until it died.

Same here except mine didn't last as long, probably because I played it every day for hours. Mine still works but a channel cuts out and there is static. but the sound is still huge & full. I really want to get it restored but other needs are required now. maybe later.

FWIW it blew a power supply in the late 80's so I bought a Luxman R-115. great reviews. I hated it and sold it within  a year and got the HK fixed.

I've been in this hobby a long time. I have mostly what I called mid-range gear. Most of my systems were under $15000, the majority were around $6000. Over the years quality gear has become more affordable. Still trying to improve my system/s, never finished. I'm fulling in the modern era and not looking back.

My Virtual System is called Vintage (Mostly)

You can see the stuff here.

I think that being very busy raising a family with different priorities, I haven't had the opportunity to use my stereo gear as much in the past, and this has provided my gear with some longevity or as you noted vintage. These days, like it was in the early days of University, I am using my gear multiple hours each day.

I think my listening these days has gotten more critical, but the memory of those days enjoying some new vinyl on the Harman Kardon 730, still linger.

Enjoy the music!