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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
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.
sit
315 posts
 
Vintage Yamaha is up there amoungst the best. Too bad the company cut back on the quality after the early 80s. The CR series of integrated units is incredible for the money ... even by today's standards. Yamaha incorporated premium quality parts and top notch engineering during the 70's through the early 80's but found that this is not what the majority of people were willing to pay for at the time so they changed course to better serve the masses. The MX/CX/TX series of separates is also quite terrific. Many others from McIntosh and Marantz were also wonderful to listen to and will still give the most modern equipment a run for the money.
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