I’ve got a Pioneer PL-600 turntable, Yamaha CR-640 receiver, and Boston Acoustics CR-7 speakers. I like the old hifi gear because it was built to last and because I can buy stuff that was once top of the line for not much money. Plus vinyl albums are inexpensive and just inherently cool. My favorite period is from about ‘78 to ‘81 when all the gear had brushed aluminum faceplates and controls. Brushed aluminum + incandescent illumination (the lights in my Yamaha’s tuner bar are green) = ultimate retro-futuristic coolness.
same here. the radio dial on my “Harman-Kardon Twin Power 630” amp is that old 70s green color... I just love having that on, in the living room. My wife thinks I’m nuts..
I have different equipment than you, but your post nails my attitude with one exception. For me it is the ‘72-80 time period. I built my Dynaco 400 in the early 70’s.
BTW, I started a thread on AudioKarma asking people to post their pre-1980 gear they bought new and still own. I was blown away by the response. The sheer quantity of pre-1980 gear still being used is amazing.
Here’s the thread:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=346996
Yep
The Yammie was $25, the TT and speakers were free.
I have a Nikko NR-800 in the garage with a Sansui TT, a pair of Sansui rack speakers and a pair of JBL L50’s waiting for a woofer refoam.
I have a pair of Infinity 5000 speakers I bought in the mid to late 70’s...that still look and sound great!!