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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
mswale
382 posts
 

Would suggest you look locally. Seen far too many vintage items damaged in shipping. On that note, since it's vintage you are stuck with what is available locally. 

Start your search, let us know what you find, we will help you get the best pieces. But it may take a while to get all the perfect parts.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,787 posts
 

@clw2000 

look at the manual, that amp, like many but not all McIntosh, is designed with a rear switch: Stereo or Mono. When Mono, check the specs, they usually allow only 8 ohm speakers, whereas 8 or 4 ohm is ok for Stereo use. So, avoid speakers with low dips if you think you might need more power some day, perhaps in a future larger space.

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/DocumentMaster/us/Legacy/MC502-CE-OWNERS.pdf?rev=e0e1a5dc18914c59b35637ad7f250ecf&revision=e0e1a5dc-1891-4c59-b356-37ad7f250ecf

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,466 posts
 

I guess it depends on your real intent. But if I were doing it I would use contemporary speakers and vintage electronics. I would be looking for the vintage tube sound... but not necessarily all the shortcomings of speakers back then. Obviously, you may want old speaker as well. 

clw2000 OP
8 posts
 

I ended up choosing some nice JBL L110’s. When they arrive I’ll be recovering the grilles with some nice new fabric (either JBL blue or a nice black/white/silver weave).  New speakers were a solid option and I went back and forth but hoping I’ll be happy with the 110’s. I’m basically down to potentially selecting a Mac tuner at this point. 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,787 posts
 

Did you get your JBL’s yet?

I imagine they will sound a lot like my AR-2ax, and I see they have controls for the volume of the mids and tweeters relative to the woofer.

In my case, 1 pair, I was able to clean the existing controls, the other pair, I bought new. They are a big part of their success.

I learned here that L -Pads are different than and better than Simple Pots.

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