2. amps-preamps
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I feel it is time to upgrade my 1977 system.......

I have been enjoying my Pioneer Spec 1 and Pioneer Spec 2 system for a very long time and I have been having issues that have exhausted my patience and nearest shop is 3 hours (each way) from home.  I only listen to my Music Hall TT that pleases me.  My speakers are from 1976 Altec Lansing Model 19 that have been freshend up and I love the sound, I guess because I have been so accustomed to them and I'm sure there are many diff speaker options but for now I wish to continue with the Altec's.  My quest is to replace my amp and preamp.........I have some logistical problems to deal with.  I have ONE!!!! location for new gear, a shelf that is 51 inchs long and 18 inches from a wall to the front edge of the shelf, shelf will handle 200lbs.  My Pioneer amp has ample power and I would like to remain close to the same amout of power.  If you have some ideas for me I would love to hear them.  Not sure how I feel about tube gear since I have no background at all so I (think) I'd rather not go that route, but feel free to change my mind.  Budget not to exceed 18k including cables.  I know there is a wealth of knowledge here unfortunately I have very little to offer so I thank you greatly in advance......

glm911
juanmanuelfangioii
958 posts
 

Head to the local Hi-Fi store and audition as much gear as you can. Ask about hoe demo's also. Folks here are just going to confuse you. 

gandmjl
19 posts
 

I bought my system back around the same time, 1976-77 and the Altec 19s have remained quite solid for many years. I did have the driver freshened up at GPA and I did have the XOs recapped by a friend who knows electronics. Basically just new upgraded caps after over 40 years. I drive the 19s with a vintage Sansui G-9000 receiver that produces more WPC than I have ever needed but remains crisp and faithful after all these years. My TT is a Luxman PD121 set up with and external Denon AU 320 step up and denon 103 MC cartridge. I did hear my 19s through a MacIntosh tube setup once some years back and this did cause my heart to flutter but it also caused my wallet to run. Yes, if you have the $$ then do look into a good tube setup and get the XOs updated with fresh caps and that is a rather inexpensive and simple fix. One of my horn drivers dropped the tangerine phase plug when the glue dried out but this was repaired at GPA on both of the 802-8Gs. Altec 19s do like some punch if you enjoy loud music so don't skimp on power even if you buy a tube amp. All my pals who listen to my system just can't believe such great sound comes from gear that is 45+ years old.

mikeydee's avatar
mikeydee
47 posts
 

My girlfriend has an old Onkyo receiver and JBL floor-standing speakers from the 80s.  I got a WIIM mini network receiver with optical out into a small DAC that goes into the receiver with RCA cables.  I use a streaming app from my phone into the WIIM.  

It sounds really good.

 

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
274 posts
 

Go ahead and splurge on a Luxman SQ-N150 Tube Integrated Amplifier.  $3300 and plenty of power for your Model 19s.  Looks cool and takes up very little space!
Spend some time auditioning speaker cables, power cables, and perhaps a dedicated circuit and power conditioner (if needed).  I would look at Shunyata.  And don't forget room conditioning!
I don't know what your table/arm/cart is, but you will have plenty of $ left over to upgrade if desired.

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
274 posts
 

Note:  I ran my gray box Altec VOTT A-7s with a Dynamo ST-70 (modified and upgraded with a modified PAS 3x) for years and loved it!  Nice juicy tube sound!  The Luxman is much more accurate and less "tubey", but if I had your speakers I would certainly audition it.

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