Is there a place for old tech in the 21st Century?

[Virtual-Symmetry]

Watching something on Digital format compared to an older tape format, i can enjoy the older more comfortably & it's exactly the same with music.

[TheMooN]

I think, personally mind, that the technology we have today does sometimes beat the 'old'. But there is gear out there was built as a Statement, cost no object, showpiece. What I totally disagree with is this ethos that all modern gear is crud. I have some new gear both new and old that has been stunning, but the 2 best sounds I have ever heard were both new, at 2 different dealers. Both were out of my price league, this didn't mean that I didn't want to listen though. I have been to a few friends homes who stick with this train of thought that new is crud and I thought there systems were quite dire. I didn't tell them as I don't want to upset people as I know its their pride and joy. There are many bits of vintage gear I would love to try but If I was affluent enough I think the new option would be the way I would go.

I rather suspect this post will go unengaged

[Marco]

And what's your point, Roger?

Vince is entitled to his opinion, which incidentally I sympathise with to a degree, but no-one necessarily needs to agree or disagree with it (engage with it). It's simply his view, based on his experience, and that's fine

I think what most of us are talking about when we say that we prefer vintage gear to most (but not ALL modern kit), is the BEST of that stuff: the stuff that was truly superb, not just then, but still is now. Not some of the old tat out there, which undeniably there's plenty of!

I've been busy recently, but will shortly be tackling some posts here I've missed.

Marco.

[walpurgis]

I think, personally mind, that the technology we have today does sometimes beat the 'old'. But there is gear out there was built as a Statement, cost no object, showpiece. What I totally disagree with is this ethos that all modern gear is crud. I have some new gear both new and old that has been stunning, but the 2 best sounds I have ever heard were both new, at 2 different dealers. Both were out of my price league, this didn't mean that I didn't want to listen though. I have been to a few friends homes who stick with this train of thought that new is crud and I thought there systems were quite dire. I didn't tell them as I don't want to upset people as I know its their pride and joy. There are many bits of vintage gear I would love to try but If I was affluent enough I think the new option would be the way I would go.

I use new, older and vintage gear Vince. I have no problem with doing so and get great results.

[Marco]

Same here!

Marco.

[Macca]

I also use a combination of vintage and modern. Perhaps there is a perception that this is primarily a vintage hi-fi site? It really isn't. I think most here use a combination of what they can afford and what works best regardless if it was designed in 2016 or 1966.

[StanleyB]

Vince has a point. If there weren't buyers like him to buy new gear, many of us wouldn't be able to find 2nd hand gear on eBay. We would then all be forced to buy new gear at an increased cost.

[Macca]

I assumed what Vince was saying was that on balance he thinks the best new gear is better than the best old gear, so given the money he would buy new, because in his opinion it is better.

[Arkless Electronics]

The best new gear will beat the best old gear no problem... if money is not allowed to get in the way!
The designers of today's gear have the advantage of being able to "stand on the shoulders of giants" in learning from the best aspects of the old. There is also C.A.D available which can be a huge benefit and which designers in the past had to do without. Then there is improving components in many areas (and yes "obsolescence" of some older components which are never replaced and so sometimes a compromise must be made there).

IMHO the biggest problem today is peoples expectations regarding ever increasing VFM.... people think electronics should get cheaper and cheaper in real terms year on year and this often forces the modern designer to make huge compromises in order to deliver the product at a price the market "expects". This leads to a race to the bottom... "They don't build 'em like that any more"... well they could, and better, but you would go "it costs how much You can shove it!"
Remember that in today's money a mid '70's integrated amp, which would be whooped by a NAD 3020, was probably around £800!!! (Leak Delta 30 or what have you).