Vintage Technics vs New

@slaw The turntable was built around 1980 so I’m guessing 46 years old qualifies as vintage. Not old enough to be an antique 

I have fond memories of my Technics SL1500 TT.   It was a 1975 model that I received as an early 16th Birthday present from my parents. (RIP Mom and Dad 💔🙏🙏🙏🙏).   

I remember going to work with my Dad in June of 1975 while on Summer vacation to get my first Hi-Fi system. It was a Technic's SL1500 DD turntable with a Stanton MM phono cartridge (which I later replaced with a Pickering XSV 3000).

My new receiver was a Marantz 2230 (which I still have 51 years later!)  paired with Infinity 1001A loudspeakers.   This system was my pride and joy throughout the 1970's  and introduced me to an enormous amount of new music.  I can still remember listening to Alison Steele (The Nightbird) on WNEW FM, into the early morning hours, while staring through the darkness; almost mesmerized  by the Marantz 2230's  pretty blue lights. 

I was in my teens back then thinking that life would go on forever. I'm well into my sixties now and realize just how fast life passes by. I've learned to take my days in stride and to savor every minute of this life, while never taking people or anything for granted. 

Thanks for the memories!! 😊

@jimmyblues1959

We are so on the same page man!  I find myself holding on tighter to each day, trying to max them out in a positive way.  And so many of those audio memories are so crystal clear.

Let’s see.  It started with a radio shack crystal radio in the 1960’s.  I was amazed how something so simple could actually work!

In short order, the quest for better sound ensued and it was back to the Rat Shack  for a FM radio kit.  

My first job funded my Pioneer SX-636 driving EV Interface B’s. Could have done much worse (and would love to hear that system again).  

Yes, jimmyblues, those blue dials that were in vogue in the 70’s were so cool!  So many good memories.

I still use the slq2 with an ortofon bronze and i too modified it with decent rca on the back and put on a longer ground wire. One day i want to upgrade my phono pre amp from just my receiver to the rogue ares 11 magnum.

The most desirable vintage Technics to my mind are the SL1800mk2 manual and the SL1700mk2 semiautomatic and SL1600mk2 automatic, given their aluminum plinths with “double isolated” suspensions. Not unstable to footfall as Linn, Thorens, AR, etc. but still better than just cushy feet. The models with auto features have excellent motor driven cueing as well…far better than the current models.