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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
kt_88 OP
242 posts
 
I would have to agree that the " spring loaded " speaker stips are pretty much worthless. But at least when we get into higher end stuff. I think that a " speaker strip " is still better than binding posts. Becuase of the directness of the connection. The binding post is just more metal that the sound must pass through. The more a signal must negotiate, the more it will lose it's quality and strength.

For instance Quicksilver Mini Mite amps employ speakers strips. But they sound wonderful!
kt_88 OP
242 posts
 
Kotta,

For an update I found a TA-AX285 at a garage sale last weekend. I did a A/B test against my TA-2650. I was very surprised to find out that the 2650 was much better sounding, it made the 285 sound rather blah ( for lack of a better description ) I also changed the IC's from my source to my amp and have got rid of some of the brightness. I am truly astounded by this TA-2650. I still say it sounds better than $1000 new integrated amps that I was listening to!

I have a Sansui and a Marantz ( both vintage ) on the way. We will see how they fair.
shersta
140 posts
 
I used to buy and sell vintage equipment. I agree with Sit that the Yamaha CR series, while kind of ugly, are very nice sounding--a little crisper and cleaner that Pioneer and Marantz, which can sound a little overly warm and rounded (albeit pleasently so). Another model to watch for is the Kenwood KR series. Kenwood doesn't have the cache of Marantz or even Pioneer, but the KR series is quite nice and it's a really well built piece of gear. Obviously, I haven't listened to all Pioneer or Marantz models, nor do I have any experience with fully refurbished units, so my comments should be taken with liberal doses of salt.
kt_88 OP
242 posts
 
Ok, I got the Sansui and am quite impressed! It is just a bit warmer than the Sony, but sounds quite nice. It is excellent with voices, and the highs are silky smoooooth. The edge is gone that the Sony had but so is a bit of detail :(. The only draw back is i wish it had a bit more in the bass. If the marantz is warmer I can't wait to hear it!

Only one thing wrong with the Sansui. I noticed it is a bit scratchy when the volume is changed. Anyone know what is will cost to repair it?

If anyone is looking for a integrated and doesn't need a remote. I think they should tak a serious look at vintage. The price is much better for the quality of sound.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
The scratchy volume means the pot is probably dirty. If you're a little technically savvy, you can open it up,( always remember to unplug the unit first) spray all the pots, including tone controls with a good electronic contact cleaner. If not, take it to a good tech and pay him the $50.00-+ fee to give it a thorough cleaning and test on his bench.
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