Still happily using vintage gear?


I was sitting listening to my main system consisting of an Audio Research SP8 preamp, NYAL Moscode 600 Maxi, Vandersteen 5 speakers, Thorens TD126MkIII with Sumiko Blue Point, VPI HW16, and was completely satisfied, again, with the experience. (Kimber 12TC, Morrow, Straightwire, AQ and Furman accessories)
All the equipment has been well cared for and kept in good repair: caps replaced, TT overhauled etc.
But it has an average age of about 30 years!
I love reading about all the latest gear, and lust after some of it dearly, but... I'm satisfied with what I have.
I'm playing with digital and having my fun with that, but I was wondering:
Is anyone else still happy with equipment that is now considered "vintage"?
(I don't think of it as "vintage", I just think of it as long-lasting!)
So... what's the oldest piece in your rig?
Mine is the Moscode. 40 years young.

fredapplegate

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

This made me find info about my many Vintage Components, Thanks

I love Vintage Audio Components, looks/quality/features. I am proud of keeping them going. Refurbish them myself if mechanical, electronic fixes by pros. Spares of the very old stuff.

Listed by Age (Photos of active componentsHere):

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9511

………………………….

1958:

Components from Fisher President II Console

http://www.fisherconsoles.com/President%20II.html

Pair of Fisher Mono Tube Amps, 80Z, 30wpc (refurbished by pro, 1 spare)

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/fisher/80-az.shtml

Electro-Voice Speaker Drivers, 16 ohms: horn tweeters, horn mids, 15” woofers; crossovers; L-Pads (all active in custom Rosewood Enclosures)

https://reverb.com/item/2307415-electro-voice-model-15w-alnico-magnet-15-woofer-new-in-original-box-nos

kept all other console components: Viking 2 channel stereo tape deck; master control panel; fm tuner; am tuner; programmable clock, phono preamps, fm multiplex

………………………….

1964:

PREAMP: McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp (just overhauled by Audio Classics)

http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/en/MX110.htm

Fisher 500C Tube Receivers (2)

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/fisher/500-c.shtml

…………………………….

1974:

SME 3009 II Tonearm

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/sme/3009.shtml

………………………….

1984:

Turntable: Two Arm Plinth and TT81 Spinner (I squeezed a 3rd arm on, just fit under the dust cover)

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649402362-victor-jvc-clp2d-rosewood-plinth-for-tt71-tt81-tt101-direct-drive-turntablerare/images/1737857/

http://www.thevintageknob.org/jvc-TT-81.html

Right 12.5” Arm is New (NewArt Vinyl, Russia)

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/tonarm_black_bird12_5_carbon/7-1-0-41

Rear: Vintage Acos Lustre GST 801 (unique magnetic tracking and anti-skate)

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649402886-legendary-lustre-gst801/images/1739961/

Left side: Vintage Mission 774lc

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/mission_gb_tonearm_774lc.html

Step-Up Transformer:

Fidelity Research FRT-4 (3 inputs, PASS, 4 optional loads, all front switched)

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/fidelity-research/frt-4.shtml

Vertical Turntable, Mitsubishi LT-5V, Linear Tracking

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-systeme-de-son/longueuil-rive-sud/mitsubishi-lt-5v-turntable/1585999235

8 Track Player: Columbia House Stereo 8

https://www.hiddentreasuresvintage.shop/listing/691900509/columbia-solid-state-stereo-8-track

…………………………………..

1985:

Bookshelf Speakers, Bowers and Wilkins DM100i (garage)

https://www.hifidatabase.com/Bowers_Wilkins_DM100i_3950.php

……………………

1988

Dual Cassette: Onkyo TA-RW490

https://www.cassettedeck.org/onkyo/ta-rw490

Speakers: Video System Front: DBX Soundfield 100

engineered to create a near-perfect stereo illusion anywhere in the room

http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/dbx-soundfield-100-135.html

…………………………………….

1990

REEL TO REEL: Teac X2000R, last Pro-sumer Model (1 main; 1 office; 1 spare)

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/teac/x-2000r.shtml

………………………………………….

1994

Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller (1 main, 1 office, 1 spare)

Precise Volume and Balance from listening position is awesome for errant tracks. Has Fletcher-Munson ‘loudness’ for low level listening

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/chase-technologies/rlc-1.shtml

…………………………….

Too New to be Considered Vintage

2000, Velodyne Sub (video system)

2008, Integrated Tube Amp, 45wpc Cayin A88T (version 1 with 16 ohm taps)

2020, Tonearm, Blackbird 12.5”, NewArt Vinyl, Russia

2021, Integrated Amp: 10wpc Luxman SQ-N150

2021, Wharfedale Bookshelf speakers (office

2021, Klipsch Center and Rear Surround speakers