Office system

Bryan:

What type of sound do you want to achieve with the vintage components? Or is it really more of the vintage look that you are after?

Most vintage electronics that you will pick up will require some type of professional refurbishing ... we are talking about a thorough cleaning; parts replacement; etc. Vintage speakers will probably require replacing the surrounds, as well.

To read up on vintage components, check out the Vintage Forum at Audio Asylum .

I purchased two vintage Marantz receivers (2240 & 2216B) and with professional refurbishing each one cost me about $400 total. They are great as tuners, but only adequate as amplifiers. I partnered them with current speakers and CD players.

Something to consider would be Outlaw Audio's RR2150 stereo receiver . It features an exceptional tuner, but also a real retro look. Good thing about it though, it that it would be new and would not be a repair pit.

Regards, Rich

Bryan:

If you want to get your feet wet ... check out this ad for a Marantz 2240 . For $175 it's a good buy, as the seller is including the wooden case which alone normally sells for a $100 or so.

It will probably cost another $225 or so to clean it up; recalibrate the tuner, and replace any minor parts. I would also recommend upgrading the power cord. On the east coast, contact Bill at Music Technology . He does a great job restoring these vintage Marantz receivers.

As I stated previously, I had been using one of these receivers for 3 years happily until some of the capacitors started to go and I opted to purchase a new Outlaw receiver. The 2240 has all the vintage things that you want ... cool blue lights; vintage silver look; the real wood case; an excellent tuner section for both FM & AM, and the rich, warm sound.

Regards, Rich