Question about older stuff

One problem with older equipment is that the electrolytic capacitors start to dry out and lose their capacitance. They are also likely to begin leaking current. I'm talking about stuff that is 20 plus years old. But if you are looking for a way to get in on the cheap, older stuff is definitely a good place to start.

In my opinion, there's much value to be had in certain, vintage equipment, provided the technology is mature. I've got Threshold S-series amps (around fifteen years old) and love them to death. However, when I upgraded my CD player last year, the improvement wasn't hard to detect. I started with a Yamaha CDX-910 (eleven years old) and went to a Micromega Stage 2 (five years old).

I agree...older stuff can sound better for the money, but like usual, there are exceptions. Old receivers are a good buy for a cheap 2nd system. I think preamps have improved over the years, but I say that based on my experience with an old Luxman C-1010...it's very smooth and fun to listen to, but not necessarily neautral or extremely transparent.

On the other hand, I was once in a used audio shop that was running an early 80s (late 70s) Pioneer preamp (huge, and probably their top at the time), with two Marantz THX monoblocks (the very small, long ones), and a pair of homemade monitors (Rogers copies). They played "Take Five", and it sounded great. Huge soundstage, and very transparent. I was surprised.

I think if you stick to amps and preamps, older equipment can represent a great bargain. CD technology has changed so much, I'd recommend a current or at least recent model. Speakers are problematic. Besides the possibility of foam surround rot (if they had foam surrounds), you never know how they have been treated. So it's more of a gamble.

I am a big fan of older gear. Regulars on this forum have heard me wax poetic about my recent discovery of the tube sound in an older CJ Premier 2 preamp. I also have found my older Adcom 555 to be a tremendous performer ... Digital and speakers seem to be a bit of a sticky wicket. On one hand late model very high end processors can be had for peanuts ... but there are also new processors in the same or near price range that may have performance advantages. I have yet to decide a path on this subject. I have and will always buy my speakers new from a local dealer. Used speakers freak me way out ... Hope I helped.