In one of my two systems I currently rotate in and out two vintage pairs of speakers: 1. B&W DM2s are from 1972 and were John Bowers' attempt (largely successful) of redesigning the universally applauded Spendor BC1s so that they would produce lower and better controlled bass, and an overall more rugged and dynamic design. They use what are essentially the same drivers as the BC1s but in a quarter wavelength transmission line cabinet that weighs nearly twice as much as the Spendors (56 lbs. vs. 30 lbs.) 2. Musical Fidelity MC-4s from 1986 were a Martin Colloms design (hence the "MC"), a two-way bass reflex utilizing a "see through" TPX 8" driver and a metal dome tweeter, flared port, highly tweaked crossover. Colloms used Quad ESLs as his reference and got pretty close to their clarity and "snap," with the added advantages of higher efficiency and more robust construction.
I listen to these guys pretty much daily, using either of two 30 watt tube integrateds, and I'm getting as much satisfaction listening to them as I do listening to my Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Monitors, insofar as "musciality" is concerned. And, yes, I do hear all the warts! I think what's critical is that you start with well thought out design and then make sure it is in top condition, even if it is more than 30 years old.
As a sidebar, next month I will be adding a pair of Tannoys which have their Dual Concentric drivers, vintage early '70s. Yep, I like (some) vintage speakers.
