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How many use Vintage Hi-Fi systems?

I was wondering, how many here use a Vintage Hi-Fi as their main stereo? Please give details as to your equipment. I use Citation 17 preamp, Citation 16A amplifier, Sony TC-755 reel to reel, Dual 1229 (with Grace 747 tonearm), Nakamichi OMS4 CD player Advent 201A cassette and Definitive Technologies BP10 speakers. I have many audiophile friends who trade up constantly. I bought a system that I enjoy and have kept it. Oh, and I still love it! Friends are floored by how musical it is. Your thoughts please.
Norman
normansizemore

Showing 7 responses by samzx12

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samzx12
1,219 posts
 

Oblny,

I still own 2 "vintage" Pioneer SX series receivers,  an SX1050 and an SX950,  along with a Marantz 2252b receiver.

Out of these receivers which one do you prefer? I have a 2252B, Luxman R-1050 and a Sansui Model 8. Just curious if you prefer the Marantz over the Pioneer?  I have not done a critical or side by side test but if I would have to pick one right now it would be the Luxman followed by the Sansui.  Like I said I haven't performed a critical listening test and only listened to each playing through Tyler Acoustics speakers playing FM only but the Luxman is so smooth and has great bass punch for a receiver. The Marantz is the best looking no doubt and I actually play it the most because its so damn awesome in appearance especially with LED lights. One of these days I will hook up my turntable and do a comparison plus see which one has the best phonostage.

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samzx12
1,219 posts
 
Norman I have it hooked up in a bedroom system at the moment and I will rotate it back into my main system soon and hook up the TT.  I was attracted to the Marantz line of receivers because I always heard they were the cats meow plus that awesome industrial look. Well one receiver led to 3 once the bug hit but have stopped at this point because there is no reason to buy more. Would I like to have a Pioneer SX-series. Yes, but am having trouble justifying 3 in a sense.  I don't see the value going down so will keep all 3 and have fun. Plus they can't compete with my main amp or at least I hope not lol.  

Oblgny thanks for the response and your opinion and I know what you mean about people digging the Marantz and or vintage receivers. They are cool as hell and in my opinion will never be duplicated again especially in build quality alone. My Sansui Model 8 and the Models in that era are probably the best built receivers ever. Honestly I think we are lucky to have them now as that was the receiver war era.  
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samzx12
1,219 posts
 
Norman I don't plan on selling the 8. They are hard to come by and built to the hilt.  I doubt it will sound near as well as the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium integrated I have but I am going to have fun with it I can tell you that for sure. I have never seen in person a 9090db but would love to one day. Maybe I will also try a lower wattage Pioneer SX series as they are affordable. 
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samzx12
1,219 posts
 
I just don't see how a receiver can compete with a separate amp and preamp of high quality. Receivers were meant to do everything well and pack so much into one box. They aren't going to have the drive and punch of a separate amp and preamp when driving difficult loads. I know we are talking about cream of the crop receivers but still in comparison to higher end separates that are able to really drive power hungry speakers I don't see how they can? However, I didn't buy my receivers to compete with higher end separates but I know they still sound awesome and will enjoy them for years (hopefully)  :)
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samzx12
1,219 posts
 
Norman I agree 100%.
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samzx12
1,219 posts
 
Does that mean we are OLD lol?
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samzx12
1,219 posts
 
Awesome Norman. Now you know it's healthy and ready for some enjoyable listening sessions. 
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