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Want to start a great looking quality vintage setup

Hello, I’m looking to set up a secondary system for my office which would be purely vintage equipment. As this is not my main listening source I’m really just looking for something that would be attractive, but of course have good quality components but at a budget. I love the look of the silver face and the blue lights of the bygone eras. Macintosh, options of that sort of beyond my budget, but I’ve been reviewing some of the Pioneer spec options, but was wondering what else was out there that folks here would recommend. Essentially looking for a coordinated preamp, amp and phonograph. I can probably find a good set of vintage speakers locally to go with whatever my components are. I’m open to receiver combos as again, this is as much about the look of the components as it is about the audiophile quality, perhaps even more about the aesthetic. 

clw2000
nogaps
167 posts
 

I've always liked the appearance of the Marantz "B" series receivers.. silver-face and blue lights, very clean look. 

Another option is the higher-end-higher-power Sansui integrated amps AU-919 along with the TU-919 tuner.  

Check out the classicaudio.com for sale area for pics. 

Some of the less-mass produced equipment is really nice, but finding it, in good condition, for a price you're willing to pay..it'll take some time.  Even the mass produced stuff can take some time..

Refurbed classic tube power would be a first look for me.  

 

mark200mph
849 posts
 

I have alot of carver stuff. The 760a amp is fantastic as is the carver amazing speakers.all the carver stuff can be refreshed by nelion audio. Pm me for more info.enjoy the music

ticat's avatar
ticat
448 posts
 

Early Luxman (pre Alpine ownership)

elliottbnewcombjr
7,776 posts
 

Tubes or SS?

I encourage selecting efficient speakers to keep the power need low, which makes it easier to try/afford tubes, and lower power tubes don’t make too much heat in a small space.

My small office system, I chose AR-2ax Speakers, avg 90 db sensitivity. 3 way, 10" woofers, individual volume controls of mid and tweeter. They sound terrific! Designed to fit ON or IN a bookcase.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/10092

I am using 10 wpc, in a bit larger space, 25-45 wpc would be plenty, and not too much heat.

If a mid-sized space, they can be stand mounted, or KLH or JBL Compact 3 way stand mounted.

 

dynacohum
836 posts
 

Vintage means different things to different people. As one who entered the hobby in the late 60s, my vintage ideal is my brother’s first system…Dynakit stack of PAS3X, ST70 and FM3, KLH Seventeens, and an AR XA/M91E.  My personal preference would be an H-K 730, a pair of ADS L-730s, and an H-K ST-7 or 8 with a Denon DL103S with an AU320 SUT. Those with bigger budgets might fancy a McIntosh MAC receiver, JBL L100s, Thorens tables. Anglophiles might want a Quad system, or IMF speakers with Radford electronics and an LP12…. 

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