An audio component you just can't let go


What is a component you just can't seem to let go or sell even after you've already upgraded and not really using it anymore. What makes this component so special?

128x128scar972

ADS 200s: Historically, these little "studio monitors" represent the first legitimate mobile audio (car stereo) system ever assembled.  They broke the "sound barrier" and took us from Clarion coaxials (yuk!) to true high fidelity in a car/truck/van.  We built competitive car audio systems for years (including winning a national championship trophy) and these have a special place in my heart.  And, in my current office system. Low end is handled by custom-built (teeny tiny) passive sub to integrate seamlessly.

Nakamichi TA4: These were introduced around the Golden Age of "big boy" receivers and featured Nelson Pass designed Status technology.  In my view, they were head and shoulders above what was offered in the day, and sound quality was more akin to a competant integrated. When we upgraded a system of a previous TA4 customer to high(er) end gear, we boxed up this receiver for him and placed it in storage in his basement.  For years, I begged him to let it go and, finally, he was willing to part with it.  It is currently boxed up and sitting in my loft (with plenty of other stuff), not being used.  This topic reminded me that I need to get it out and "exercise" it a bit, and do a little checkup and maintenance.

Klipschorn 1958: Got this in a trade from a customer who wanted a pair of current high quality bookshelf speakers.  The drivers are correct and the speaker sounds pretty amazing for its age.  Not sure how/if I'll ever use it.  But, have no plans to let it go.

Sony TA-E80ES preamp from 1990. Class A solid state.  More inputs and outputs than I thought possible (3 tape loops!) including balanced.  Stellar MC phono stage, quietest I’ve ever experienced with a LOMC. Maybe it’s the double cascaded power supply regulation.. Nonetheless it now anchors my TV system along with:

Heathkit UA-2 EL84 tube monoblocks from the late 50’s. An easy rebuild, they’re the sweetest (and most dynamic!) 12 watts I’ve ever heard whether they’re driving rebuilt Large Advents, a Fostex backloaded horn single-driver system, or, my favorite, B&W 805 D3’s.

I run an vintage system in my spare room and for me its fun.

my A/D/S L910 speakers are keepers for life.

I also love vintage Sansui integrated amps. AU 20000, AU 777,  are some of my favs.

Sansui Tuners are some of the best ever made love my TU 9900. dream of  TU-X1. I use the TU 9900 in my main system still, have not found anything that sounds better, note mine is fully restored.  

Revoa Agora B active speaker system is another vintage speaker system that amazes me on a regular bassis. I don't think i could sell these speakers. very rare in North America.  Each speakers has 3x100w A/B amps for each section. thats 600w of power in these speakers. Some of the best bass i've ever heard regardless of age.