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vintage integrated

I got into the audio game to late to listen to what is now labeled as " vintage " In fact I remember the first time I went into a high end store and saw a high end piece I remarked to the salesmen " It has knobs on it ! " But after much listening to various pieces the knobs seem to disappear. But now I'm wondering about yesteryears equipment for a den application. I remember that Marantz was really popular back then, and I have heard good things about Sansui. But I'm wondering about the sound quality. Do they do a better good and say...... An integrated piece ( bought at a Best Buy ) would today? Say a Yamaha, Onkyo Harmon Kardon? And of so would Marantz or a Sansui be a good selection?

Just curious.
kt_88
lolo's avatar
lolo
123 posts
 
First I am a vintage collector. I found an old Eico 12w mono amp in a box of "junk" in my garage making it's way to the curb. Didn't even know I had it. No face plate, no knobs. I hooked it up with an St97 Eico stereo tuner and added an old mono Motorola mono amp for the other ch. Speakers were Paradgim Atoms. WOW! LOL- put on WBGO (NEWARK NJ jazz station). I kick myself every time I plug in my vintage pieces- Sound is so good - I can't explain why I still insist on paying huge money on my main system when these old relics sound (arguably) better. It's a great hobby - yes the stuff does wear after 20+ years but for the money and the fun of listening to those old pieces who cares! I highly reccomend picking up some vintage gear- you just might start selling off the "high end" big bucks modern stuff- Have fun
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
There are a number of reputable people who upgrade/refurb vintage equipment and sell them for fair prices. I bought my HK730 from member "Ezekiel" aka Randy Young. Audio Classics is another place and there are others. There were quite a few terrific integrates from the late 70's era.
kt_88 OP
242 posts
 
Well since I began this post I also began to look on ebay for Marantz. There is something I find a bit confusing though -

I have a HK receiver that has pre-in and amp-out options. When not in use there is a jumper that goes across in order for the unit to function properly. I am noticing on most of these Marantz pieces that there is no jumper going across. Anyone know how these units are operating this way? And if so what happens if I did hook up an amp to it? I'm assuming something this beautiful does not offer a menu to change it :)
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
Keep an eye open for a Sony STR-6800-SD, from the mid-70's.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
The brightness you mentioned could be caused by the binding posts used w/your TA-2650. I'm not sure these are spring loaded or some type of screw down, but you would not believe the difference a good set of binding posts will make. Also change the AC cord. 16/2 lampcord should do just fine. (In response to your question, I'll bet there is a switch to seperate the power/pre-amp section.) I've been tempted to try an older Marantz rec. for some time now. If you can ever find a Sony TA-AX6 for sale by all means consider strongly purchasing. A great Int. amp! Picture/Info can be found on the web. Good listening, Bill.
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