I have rebuilt 1960s monobloc amplification with modern tubes. They sound excellent with fine detail, good bass and superb midband.
The Allure of Vintage Audio Gear
Vintage audio gear holds a unique charm, offering rich sound and timeless design that many modern components can't quite replicate. Brands like Marantz, McIntosh, and JBL are still revered for their warm, detailed sound, especially in tube amps and classic speakers. While modern technology offers improved reliability and lower distortion, vintage gear brings a sense of nostalgia and character that many audiophiles crave.
Do you prefer the warmth of vintage, or do you lean toward modern hi-fi innovations? How would you mix vintage with modern in your setup?
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I got into high end audio to the extent I could in the early 70’s as well. With the exception of a few tube amps (generally from the 60’s) which brought unusual warmth with some real lack of details and a very high noise floor, but a unique warm sound… that old gear was just not good sounding in comparison to the gear available today. I keep an old early seventies integrated amp that I bought in 1972 around to look at. But honestly, it’s only good to look at. If I collected anything to listen to it would be some really old tube gear. | ||
@artemus_5 +1
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I had or heard the vintage before it was vintage. Some sounded good. Some was ehh, well. Some wasnt that good. I never heard Pioneer setup I could stand for more than 5-10 minutes. Denon was clean but all midrange. I had/still have a Harmon Kardon 730 receiver and the only thing I ever heard that IMO sounded as good was Nakamichi separates that a friend had. I went to stereo stores but many of the salesmen seemed to turn everything up too loud. Went to audition Carvers Amazing Loudspeakers which was hooked to a Carver preamp (& maybe amp). the salesman bragged about the haulographic (setting ?) on the preamp. It was horrible. I couldn't believe he was so proud of what my son and I thought horrid. One point I'd make is that even back in the 70's & 80's you had to spend more to get more. BTW I'm planning to get my HK730 restored to see how it stacks up against my existing amp |