For a good sounding inexpensive system a good starting point would be the NAD 3020 integrated. Not a lot of power by it's specs but could drive most speakers of the era quite well. The Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble system (2 woofers and 2 satellites), if attention is paid to set up, is also quite good. They have the advantage of not having foam surrounds so may not need much in the way of refurbishment. For a turntable, the AR is a good choice, as are many of the Duals of the era (e.g., the 505-2). Shure cartridges (like the M91ED or V15 Type III) and the Stanton 681 series are decent and good quality aftermarket styli are available. There were many good FM tuners in the '70's and '80's. A Sansui TU717 would fill the bill nicely but, given the decline of broadcast radio, for that particular function you might want to break down and get an inexpensive streaming system (something like a Bluesound Node 2i).
If your were to assemble a vintage system ?
Let’s say you were going to put together a vintage system and your source was primarily vinyl. Your price limit is $1500. What would it be?
Make it as musical as possible. Super detail or thunderous bass isn’t going to be very high on the list. My first thought would be a 70’s Marantz receiver (50ish wpc is more than adequate) an 80’s AR table, and any iteration of a Vandersteen 2C that didn’t bust the budget.
Could easily also swap in a Pioneer SX750 instead of a Marantz.
Cartridge? Not sure- might actually go with something modern/current. AT or Nagaoka
what would you put together?
Make it as musical as possible. Super detail or thunderous bass isn’t going to be very high on the list. My first thought would be a 70’s Marantz receiver (50ish wpc is more than adequate) an 80’s AR table, and any iteration of a Vandersteen 2C that didn’t bust the budget.
Could easily also swap in a Pioneer SX750 instead of a Marantz.
Cartridge? Not sure- might actually go with something modern/current. AT or Nagaoka
what would you put together?
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- 77 posts total
- 77 posts total