View Full Version : Best Looking Vintage Hi-Fi. What's Your Favourite?
walpurgis
15-08-2015, 19:29
Some vintage Hi-Fi is just beautiful. It's difficult to single out favourites, but here are a few of mine to start off with.
Luxman CL350 pre-amp with M-1600 power amp.
http://i62.tinypic.com/314p0rs.jpg
Sansui CA-2000 pre-amp and BA-2000 power amp.
http://i62.tinypic.com/27xlzix.jpg
And of course the huge BA-5000 power amp.
http://i60.tinypic.com/2n8qxjo.jpg
Yes. I know they are all amps. There are turntables and speakers etc. I'd include too.
dont you just love big vu meters!!!
http://www.vintageshifi.com/images//5-SANSUIAU999-2.JPG
Sansui AU999 would be one
walpurgis
15-08-2015, 19:47
http://www.vintageshifi.com/images//5-SANSUIAU999-2.JPG
Sansui AU999 would be one
Yes. That's lovely too. A generation or two before those I've included.
Early 70's I'd have thought Geoff
Then there's the classic Leak stereo 20
http://www.44bx.com/leak/Leak/Stereo20a2a.jpg
The Black Adder
15-08-2015, 19:58
Cool thread.
Quad II's
B&O CD7000
Pioneer RT-909
Nagra III
Thorens TD124 MKII
Michell Gyro SE
walpurgis
15-08-2015, 19:59
Early 70's I'd have thought Geoff
It came onto the market 1970 I believe.
Here's another lovely item. The Technics SB-1000 speaker. I've had a good look at a pair of these. The finish is exquisite.
http://i58.tinypic.com/14deyif.jpg
I discussed this aspect of audio equipment some time ago: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?17750-Eye-Fi&p=323788#post323788.
Worth updating though. :)
Quad II's;
Quad 33/303;
Garrard 401 and SME 3009 (classic);
Transcriptors Deck and Fluid unipivot;
Tannoy Corner Chatsworths (elegant looking things);
Many more besides. I value clean, attractive designs without an excess of bling;
Many more besides. I value clean, attractive designs without an excess of bling;
Then you won't like this one ;) - One of my favourites from the world of proper CD players: Pioneer PD91:
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/pioneer.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/pioneer.jpg.html)
Eye-Fi
In the past when I have achieved a millennial posting I have usually marked the occasion with a longer than normal post. Often it is more of an essay, sometimes examining an aspect of audio that is usually a subject of contention. I do this both to put my own thoughts on the table and to open it up for debate.
Well it would appear my 5,000th post was ‘spent’ in allowing me to purchase one of the Amptastic Mini-T amplifiers, but that is no excuse not to mark my half-myriad post record.
This time I will write about a subject that is not directly concerned with acoustic matters, but may well be considered contentious: it certainly is a matter of personal opinion. What I would like to discuss on this occasion is the visual aesthetic or cosmetic appearance of the audio equipment available.
At the risk of opening up the rift between those who (rightly) state that the acoustic performance of a piece of kit is paramount and there should be no concession to looks, and those who cannot get past what they perceive is an ugly piece of kit, which prevents their appreciation of the acoustics – I have to say the following is a discussion and lists those items of (largely) domestic audio equipment whose appearance I find to be particularly attractive, if not beautiful. At no time do I consider the actual audio performance: I’m solely concerned here with the looks.
Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but this is my thread and it does introduce a note of contention.
So where to start? – well at the beginning of course, which for our purpose will be vinyl playback.
Turntables
Ironically since LP’s reported demise, there have been a plethora of new turntable designs. Many of these are ‘plinthless’, but my favourites are those integrated models exemplified by the handsome Thorens TD125 and Luxman PD131 designs.
http://www.tonepublications.com/media/1140.jpg
[Image: Tonepublications]
http://i6.tinypic.com/86ewdpt.jpg
[Image: WiredState Audio Community]
I must mention the Thorens TD124/II cast aluminium chassis with those lovely curved edges.
http://www.sowhatgallery.com/uploads/tx_imagecycle/Thorens_PetSounds.jpg
[Image: Sowhat Gallery]
and of course there is the Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference, again lovely to look at, though I doubt the wisdom of supporting the record at only ten points.
http://www.weareprivate.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/hydraulic_reference-546x407.jpg
[Image: weareprivate.net]
I find the Technics SP10 turntable to be particularly attractive.
http://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6_pics/JWslate/JW1195.jpg
I’m afraid I’ve never been terribly impressed by the looks of the Linn LP12, feeling that it is little different to the Thorens 150, the latter being far more elegant with cleaner lines and a lovely matt-grey anodised top plate.
Finally there is the Garrard 401. Essentially a model 301 “in a Savile Road suit”, thanks to the styling by Walter Marshall.
http://soundup.ru/images/stories/archive/Classic/Turntable/garrard-401-turntable-free-connoisseur-sau2-arm/garrard-401-turntable-1.jpg
[Image: Soundup]
That’s enough of turntables, let’s now turn to tonearms.
Tonearms
In general I favour simplicity and graceful lines, perfectly exemplified by the Thomas Schtick arm and the Brinkmann 10.5 arm (itself heavily based on the design of the Breuer arm)
http://www.oswaldsmillaudio.com/Products/images/productshots/schick/schick-6653.jpg
though I would prefer the counterweight to be finished either in black or in matt chrome:
http://www.oswaldsmillaudio.com/Products/images/productshots/schick/schick4.jpg
http://www.brinkmann-audio.com/inhalt/bilder/tn/tonarm105.jpg
The Brinkmann arm
[Image: Brinkmann]
http://pic6.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1319795100.jpg
Breuer Dynamic 5 arm
[Image: Audiogon]
I like the look of all of the Series II SME arms as well as their revision as with the M2-12R
https://homemedialimited.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/images/products/13281-M2-12R.jpg
SME M2-12R arm
[Image: Homemedialimited]
For some reason I don’t really like the appearance of the SME Series IV and V arms, nor that of the 309 and 312 arms. Nor can I go overboard with the looks of the Fidelity Research designs, despite having a ‘hewn from solid stainless steel’ look about them.
I do like the ultra-thin carbon fibre 'Black Widow' tonearm made for Infinity
http://members.shaw.ca/ken.j/_images/InfinityBlackWidow.jpg
However, I do have a sneaking admiration of the (black finished) Dynavector DV 505 biaxial tonearm. Considering this could have looked like something Desperate Dan might have used in his audio system, I think the cosmetics of this arm come as a pleasant surprise.
http://www.dynavector.com/etechnical/egazou/505fig00.gif
Finally as an example of the Bauhaus dictum “Form follows function”, we have the Zeta arm
http://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6_pics/zeta%20tonearm/Zeta_2.JPG
[Image: theanaloguedept]
Cartridges
It’s difficult to get excited about the appearance of pickup cartridges, and if I have any attractions it is to cartridges integrated with the headshell, such as:
the Fidelity FR-7 integrated headshell cartridge
http://www.audioinvest.no/images/fr/fr_7.gif
[Image: Audioinvest]
the EMT cartridges
http://pitchperfectaudio.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/emt-small-sampling.jpg
[Image: Pitch Perfect Audio]
as well as others by Sony and Dynavector. Plus of course Ortofon with their long running SPU and short lived MC200 ‘Concorde’ designs.
https://www.audiodestination.co.uk/image/cache/catalog/data/Ortofon/SPU/SPU_All02-800x700.jpg
[Image: Audio Destination]
http://www.vinylengine.com/images/cartridgedb/ortmc200t4c.jpg
[Image: vinylengine]
The best example of a cartridge integrated with the tonearm must be the Bang & Olufsen (as well as being an example of elegant turntable styling).
http://www.beoworld.org/assets/thumbnails/gram4kaaaaa.jpg
3xOc_OYKTu4&feature=relmfu
Electronics
I use this as a portmanteau term for tuners, amps and preamps, tape players and CD players.
As might have been suspected, I’m attracted to designs where the external styling is clean, unfussy and simple. Long, low and slim are the by-words here, or to quote the Bauhaus inspired architect Mies van der Rohe: “The less is more”.
An immediate example would be the Cambridge P-series electronics, exploiting the then recently available toroidal transformer to achieve a low profile.
http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/013-3.jpg
http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/006-1.jpg?t=1282783633
as well as the older Bang & Olufsen designs: the Beomaster 5000 electronics and the 1700 tuner.
aBYackO0VHs&feature=fvwp
http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/BOtuner-1.jpg?t=1282861719
I also greatly admire the early Braun designs by Dieter Rams
https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=OIP.M90c5ddfafa94aece1d792e9562792a36o0&pid=15.1 http://design.designmuseum.org/media/item/4826/-1/103_6Lg.jpg
as well as virtually all of the electronics by Yamaha. For the latter I’ll just choose one item - the CT7000 tuner. I like the way the little-used controls are hidden away under a flap, preserving the clean lines. This is a perfect example of the dictum “the less is more”.
http://www.borrett.id.au/images/interests/yamaha_ct-7000.jpg http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/CT-7000.jpg
Most electronics have to involve knobs and switches. Lecson made a refreshing departure from this with their use of coloured sliders. I also like the cylindrical enclosure of the power amps.
http://lecsonaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/AC1-AP1-AP1X-AP3-Together.jpg
Finally I do like the Series 3 electronics by Quad (even with the ‘snot green’ colouring! Sorry, that should be ‘Quad bronze’).
pKLKha5EoJA
I can’t really get excited over power amplifiers, but as an example of a good looking ‘black box’, the ‘Chrome bumper’ Naim NAP 250 has to be commended.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Trh2oKAkurQ/TGbzEz-pzBI/AAAAAAAAAv8/WuNUwkDjKt0/w718-h485-k/misc-naim6.jpg
as does the Quad 405 (I prefer the earlier grey anodised finish to the heatsink over the later black finish)
http://www.retrotechaudio.co.uk/gallery/02_oi5k2ne3.jpg
[Image: retrotechaudio]
When it comes to the likes of cassette decks, well as far as looks are concerned they are all much of a likeness to me – save for the beautiful Yamaha (again) TC800 ‘Wedge’, designed by Mario Bellini
http://specialistdivision.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/yamaha-tc-800gl.jpg?w=710
[Image: Zstereo]
Likewise there are few, if any, CD players that turn my head with their looks. Ergonomically I dislike top-loaders, so if I have to choose a player with good looks it would be the Mark Levinson 380
http://www.jomagic.com/wp-content/uploads/player/jo-c4-010.jpg
Reel to reel tape players are usually too big (especially when fitted with 10.5” spools) to rest easily on the eye, but if I have to choose it would either be a professional Studer A62, the Revox PR99 or the Sony TC880
http://www.studerundrevox.de/images/stories/studer/tonbandgeraete/studer_b62_02.jpg
[Image: Studer]
http://www.reeltoreel.de/worldwide/Images/PR99-101.jpg
[Image: reeltoreel]
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7119626027_c468b986d4_m.jpg
But if only 7” spools of tape are to be used, I would single out the jewel-like Nagra and Stellavox machines.
http://likecool.com/Gear/MediaPlayer/Nagra%20IV-S%20Professional%20Tape%20Recorder/Nagra-IV-S-Professional-Tape-Recorder.jpg
Nagra IV-S
http://www.allegrosound.com/Stellavox_headstack.jpg
Stellavox SP9, showing the provision for interchangeable head blocks
[Image: allegrosound]
Speakers
These are the most difficult items to choose on looks alone. Most speakers are large rectangular boxes. True, the likes of Sonus Faber have softened the impact with their superb cabinet making, but in general loudspeakers are just plain ugly! If I have to choose speakers I could happily live with based solely on the grounds of appearance, it would be planar speakers such as the Magnapan ‘Magnaplanars’, the venerable KLH model 9, and virtually all of the Martin Logan designs.
http://mikeaustin.org/Essay%20pix/maggies.jpg
Magnaplanar speakers
[Image: mikeaustin]
http://www.justrealmusic.com/images/speakers_other/klh9.jpg
KLH 9 speakers
[Image: justrealmusic]
http://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/clspic1.jpg
Martin Logan CLS speakers
[Image; Stereophile magazine]
I must also commend the original and venerable Quad electrostatic
http://www.wists.com/thumbnails/0/e1/0e14302d754bc619929ef116281199d9-orig
and if stacked
https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.6o7p1glmlyL4nyOQ2Ujf%2bQ&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300
Conclusions?
Well if there is anything to be gleaned from my selection, it would seem to be that I like designs with simple clean and elegant styling. If those products are also of superb acoustic performance then one can ask for no more.
I suppose by rights I ought to mention those audio products that, no matter how good their acoustic performance, are just plain ugly to my eyes. I won’t spoil the above “presentation of products with perfect pulchritude”, by actually showing images. Rather I will simply list a few:
Virtually all valve power amps, especially those made by Cary and Icon Audio,
Anything made by DarTZeel,
Virtually all ‘open’ horn speakers, especially those made by Avantgarde.
Sorry!
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2015, 10:03
The Yamaha look from the 70's, like that tuner you showed, is my all time favourite. I keep seeing CR800s come up for sale and my finger hovers over the bid or bin buttons. Ronnie might withdraw her usual happy consent though. We have a mutual €100 spend without consultation and all the bloody things are well over that now.
After that, Quad, especially the 33/303 and its predecessors.
walpurgis
16-08-2015, 10:10
B&O made stunningly well styled equipment.
The Beogram 4004 is lovely.
http://i60.tinypic.com/2h8bd5z.jpg
As is the Beomaster 3000.
http://i59.tinypic.com/2wfn85i.jpg
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2015, 10:18
B&O made stunningly well styled equipment.
The Beogram 4004 is lovely.
http://i60.tinypic.com/2h8bd5z.jpg
As is the Beomaster 3000.
http://i59.tinypic.com/2wfn85i.jpg
It will be interesting one of these days, to revisit B&O. Over the years, they seem to have got the label of great looking but not good to listen to. I'm sure that generalisation can't really be true although the incredibly expensive setup I heard in the late 80s or 90s certainly earned that reputation. The owner thought I would be impressed and then I played him some music through the Quads. He promptly sold the lot:)
However, I suspect there are some good bits out there and the designs are generally beautifull on the outside.
walpurgis
16-08-2015, 10:25
Yes. Some B&O items sounded very good. But the sound per pound ratio was always disappointing.
(I won't even mention other makes like say Bose. Oops. Just did :lol:)
Bang & Olufsen have been blessed with fine aesthetics from the beginning, this being applied to all of their products: TTs, CD players, tape decks, cassette decks, amps, tuners and speakers.
Their sonics was often up there with the very best, but for some reason many audio enthusiasts have dismissed B&O products as "Habitat hi-fi". :rolleyes:
The Black Adder
16-08-2015, 10:44
Then you won't like this one ;) - One of my favourites from the world of proper CD players: Pioneer PD91:
Ahh... how did I miss that one... I've had two of those... amazing cdp.
One aspect of equipment aesthetics that seems to overlooked by many is the lettering and font of the legends.
In the Pioneer item shown above, there are four styles used. This is confusing and looks a mess. Apart from the company logo, there should IMO be only one other font used.
And the use of 'copper plate' script should IMO never be used on any item of audio equipment! I don't even like font that uses serifs.
Firebottle
16-08-2015, 11:17
Will this not wean you onto the look of valve power amps a little Barry?
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/Valve%20amp/OuTLawfinished.jpg
OK it's a cheat as it is a home brew :eyebrows:
The Black Adder
16-08-2015, 11:22
One aspect of equipment aesthetics that seems to overlooked by many is the lettering and font of the legends.
In the Pioneer item shown above, there are four styles used. This is confusing and looks a mess. Apart from the company logo, there should IMO be only one other font used.
And the use of 'copper plate' script should IMO never be used on any item of audio equipment! I don't even like font that uses serifs.
Well, by rights two or three typefaces incuding the logo font (if there is one) - But I have to agree with the mad typefacing that some equipment went through in the 80's and 90's. It falls over on the asthetics due to 'trying' to combine both classic and modern styles. Script typefaces are never a good idea on hifi IMO.
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2015, 11:30
Well, by rights two or three typefaces incuding the logo font (if there is one) - But I have to agree with the mad typefacing that some equipment went through in the 80's and 90's. It falls over on the asthetics due to 'trying' to combine both classic and modern styles. Script typefaces are never a good idea on hifi IMO.
That bit is all that's needed:eyebrows:
Desk top publishing didn't help as the world and his (or her) wife would put the damned stuff all over the 'wrong' place. Apparently, it suggests elegance!! Like wedding invitations etc. And as for Headlines and display.....my tutors would have had hysterics.
The Black Adder
16-08-2015, 11:30
Sony DAS-R1
dantheman91
16-08-2015, 13:37
Cool Thread:
Here's my CLASSIC items
Nad 3155 amplifier 1985 built like a tank classic work horse good aesthetics
Quad 33 & 303 - FM3 My all time classics will own for the rest of my life including the 405 power amp
Leak Stereo 30+ No power but a sweet sounding amplifier from the golden age
Dual 1019 Turntable + Original Dual Tonearm reliable things German craftsman ship to the highest level not forgetting others in the range too
Yamaha CA & CR series classic amplifiers will own my CR 820 for years to come in daily use
Ariston RD 80 classic design lovely looks great quality deck not the best in terms or performance but a pleasure to own
The list is long long long....
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2015, 13:41
Cool Thread:
Here's my CLASSIC items
Nad 3155 amplifier 1985 built like a tank classic work horse good aesthetics
Quad 33 & 303 - FM3 My all time classics will own for the rest of my life including the 405 power amp
Leak Stereo 30+ No power but a sweet sounding amplifier from the golden age
Dual 1019 Turntable + Original Dual Tonearm reliable things German craftsman ship to the highest level not forgetting others in the range too
Yamaha CA & CR series classic amplifiers will own my CR 820 for years to come in daily use
Ariston RD 80 classic design lovely looks great quality deck not the best in terms or performance but a pleasure to own
The list is long long long....
Hey, is this a parallel universe? I've had all of those except the NAD and Stereo 30. Still have the Quads and the Dual and am watching a Stereo 30 on the bay!! You obviously have excellent taste:eyebrows:
The Black Adder
16-08-2015, 13:57
That bit is all that's needed:eyebrows:
Desk top publishing didn't help as the world and his (or her) wife would put the damned stuff all over the 'wrong' place. Apparently, it suggests elegance!! Like wedding invitations etc. And as for Headlines and display.....my tutors would have had hysterics.
lol... +1
I'd get laughed out of the class... It's a big no-no... I do wonder where the idea came from?
I can almost forgive it on the PD-91 though, it's layout very good.
Arkless Electronics
16-08-2015, 13:57
It seems we share similar tastes in aesthetics Barry....
That Studer A62. I've got a B62 and it looks identical to that one..... What was the difference between the A and B models?
dantheman91
16-08-2015, 14:03
Hey, is this a parallel universe? I've had all of those except the NAD and Stereo 30. Still have the Quads and the Dual and am watching a Stereo 30 on the bay!! You obviously have excellent taste:eyebrows:
Hi Gordon
It might well be...the stereo 30+ is the one you want to look out for good luck in the hunt i bought mine from Macca for pittance lovely thing sitting in my rack the speaker plugs are rare as hens teeth so watch out for that one. :)
Gordon Steadman
16-08-2015, 14:34
Hi Gordon
It might well be...the stereo 30+ is the one you want to look out for good luck in the hunt i bought mine from Macca for pittance lovely thing sitting in my rack the speaker plugs are rare as hens teeth so watch out for that one. :)
Yeah, it is the Plus. Sadly, a few people have spotted it and this being France, second hand values are seriously inflated and it will go for silly money now that more than two people are interested. Three days to go and it's already going up fast so I will probably give it a miss. Shame but the shelves are already creaking somewhat. What was that about only being able to play one at a time?
Will this not wean you onto the look of valve power amps a little Barry?
http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/Valve%20amp/OuTLawfinished.jpg
OK it's a cheat as it is a home brew :eyebrows:
Haha - that fascia would not be out of place on the dash-panel of a 1950's Studebaker!
dantheman91
16-08-2015, 14:38
Thats just showing off :eek:
dantheman91
16-08-2015, 14:38
Last one for the day, pair of Audiomaster 11A' s circa 1956.
http://s18.postimg.org/f2j2228e1/Audiomaster11_As.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
photo uploading websites (http://postimage.org/)
:eek:
dantheman91
16-08-2015, 14:39
Ahhheemmm! thankfully I am in remission of my Sansui AU-111 collecting mania.
http://s7.postimg.org/r0pjkesy3/IMG_02231_zpsd6d2cae6.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
You must send one too me you dont need 4 and i thought i had problems :eek:
My soon to be for sale Sansui TU-9900
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w220/Tsushima1/sansuitu9900ak2ffff.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/Tsushima1/media/sansuitu9900ak2ffff.jpg.html)
Now that is properly gorgeous. Shame it's a tuner.
Now that is properly gorgeous. Shame it's a tuner.
In part I agree Martin, were this a Reciever amplifier It would be staying put.
Iconic pieces of design IMHO - mostly vintage but some future classics:
Lecson pre and power
http://lecsonaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/lecson-AC1-AP1-photo.jpg
Quads - 22/11 and 33/303
http://www.quad-hifi.info/public/q22preredstripe%5b2502%5d.jpg
http://www.meridian-audio.info/public/33_303_fm3%5b2623%5d.jpg
Hovland Saphire
http://www.hificlub.co.kr/upload/board/brd_10022/sapphire.jpg
Vitavox CN191
http://www.vitavoxhifi.co.uk/images/cabinet_loudspeaker.jpg
JVC Victor P-L10 and M-L10 (well I would have to wouldnt I?)
http://www.hifido.co.jp/photo/11/084/08448/a.jpg
http://www.hifido.co.jp/photo/11/084/08448/b.jpg
http://www.hifido.co.jp/photo/09/331/33129/b.jpg
http://www.hifido.co.jp/photo/09/331/33129/f.jpg
Tannoy Lockwood Majors
http://img243.imagevenue.com/loc581/th_67702_S1050868_122_581lo.JPG (http://img243.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=67702_S1050868_122_581lo.JPG)
Gale GS 401A
http://hifiexchange.com.au/image/cache/401.2-400x400.jpg
Transcriptors/Michell Hydraulic Reference turntable
http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/michell_electronic5.jpg
Oracle Delphi turntable
http://www.valljud.se/uploads/images/catalog_src/oracle-delphi_src_1.jpg
Oracle CD player
http://www.hifiengine.com/files/images/Oracle%20CD%202000.jpg
The entire Deiter Raums Braun range
http://todaymade.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/rams.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQsgIWMrwfQ/T7pDhS3wbaI/AAAAAAAALOs/qyug7EJ84mc/s1600/dieter_rams_braun21.jpg
http://www.iainclaridge.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/braun_ce11.jpg
http://assets.wallpaper.com/wallpaper/live/images/214_dieter_jp141108_a.jpg
AND
Much of Bang and Olufsen's output
http://images.askmen.com/entertainment/gadget/bang-olufsen-a8-earphones_1.jpg
http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/0000261ca/21e4_orh348w620/A9-12CO-L.jpg
http://media-1.web.britannica.com/eb-media/30/99030-004-ADEDE7EE.jpg
http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/beogram4002a400.jpg
http://product-images.highwire.com/5645903/7619-4.jpg
http://vintage-turntable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bang-olufsen-beogram-8000.jpg
http://audioklassiks.de/db/img/bang_olufsen/beogram_beocord_beomaster_5000/bang_olufsen_5000_5500_001.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjQzWDE2MDA=/z/hHEAAOxydyxSOh10/$T2eC16hHJIEFHS8i54ivBSOh1zq+Ww~~60_1.JPG?set_id=8 80000500F
http://www.tektron-italia.com/vintagehifi/images/B_O_sinto2.jpg
B & O....where do you stop....?
The entire Deiter Raums Braun range
I had this tape deck in the early 80s and always regret selling it on - possibly my all time favourite piece of Hifi design:
http://assets.fontsinuse.com/static/use-media-items/21/20684/upto-700xauto/53ebfcf3/121217RA_braun_hi_fi_tape_deck_069_with%20cover.jp eg?resolution= 0
Was a downside - the brakes didn't work very well and tape spaghetti was a regular event :lol:
I had this tape deck in the early 80s and always regret selling it on - possibly my all time favourite piece of Hifi design:
http://assets.fontsinuse.com/static/use-media-items/21/20684/upto-700xauto/53ebfcf3/121217RA_braun_hi_fi_tape_deck_069_with%20cover.jp eg?resolution= 0
Was a downside - the brakes didn't work very well and tape spaghetti was a regular event :lol:
Looks lovely - and would look even better with anodised black metal spools. ;)
Looks lovely - and would look even better with anodised black metal spools. ;)
yep - had some black spools (Akai from memory) but mostly stuck to silver which looked just so right; still got some in the shed ...
Us-&-Them
18-08-2015, 23:16
This could be a long list so I'll really condense it:-
All of the Pioneer 9800 series (I got one). The Pioneer Elite Range (Urushi Black with rosewood panelling). The Pioneer SPEC Series.
15245
Pioneer RT-909 Reel To Reel (beautiful) Pioneer CTF-1250 Cassette Tape Deck (beautiful)
15246
15249
Pioneer PL-570 and Pioneer PL-560 T/Tables
Pioneer SX-980, Pioneer SX-1280 Pioneer SX-1980 Receivers
Most of the Sansui Black series (e.g. AU9900, TU9900, TU-X1 (what a tuner!!) Sansui AU20000 (awesome) !!!! Sansui BA-3000
MARANTZ 2330B, 2265B, 2285B Receivers
I'd better stop now or I will just get carried away !!!! :lol:
walpurgis
18-08-2015, 23:33
I think the point is being missed a bit. Quoting models is all very well, but many here may not know these. Bung some photos on!!
Google will offer images of just about any Hi-Fi item (apart from a few I have). :)
awkwardbydesign
19-08-2015, 08:47
Ever since I first saw one, I wanted one! Oracle Delphi Mk1. 30 years later I have one.
http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/gallery/image.php?mode=large&image_id=19515
And although it wouldn't be my choice, my wife says she has always liked the look of this Velleman K4000 clone I built in 1992. So I can't sell it! If it has that much WAF, it's a keeper.
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/awkwardbydesign/Velleman/138_zpsd02d1bab.jpg (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/awkwardbydesign/media/Velleman/138_zpsd02d1bab.jpg.html)
I think the point is being missed a bit. Quoting models is all very well, but many here may not know these. Bung some photos on!!
Google will offer images of just about any Hi-Fi item (apart from a few I have). :)
OK...updated my post with pics...
walpurgis
19-08-2015, 09:54
OK...updated my post with pics...
Jolly good! :)
daytona600
20-08-2015, 22:16
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7mpDsw-lIficbCZu3--CvDrJBq0N6nFl5NgUwmcn0xFapj1t9
Rotel RHT-10 tuner:
http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/RHT10.jpg
Yamaha T-2 tuner:
http://www.audioscope.net/images/yamahat2-1.jpg
Sony CDP-XA7ES CD player:
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/wp/wp-content/uploads/1997/05/sony_xa7es.jpg
Sony TA-FA7ES integrated amplifier (matches the CD player above):
http://www.hifiguru.se/public/img/user/sony_ta-fa7es__2_.jpg
JVC AX-Z1010TN integrated amplifier:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w258/Andrew_Popely/Hi%20Fi/JVC%20AX-Z1010TN/JVC%20AX-Z1010TN%20-%20cleaning/005_zps962f7737.jpg
And I want one of these, a Micro Seiki CD-M200X CD player:
https://56.img.avito.st/1280x960/1413198456.jpg
Regards,
Nick
Now that is properly gorgeous. Shame it's a tuner.
That tuner is lovely...I want it....I then looked up the price...gee whizz
Agreed, but it I think it would look better in black, and would match the Tandberg 3000 series amplifier below it. The Tandberg 3000 pre-amp was equally lovely IMO. :)
Pete The Cat
30-08-2015, 20:41
The lettering used by Marantz always seemed uniquely beautiful to me...
http://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/marantz-1050-14028.jpg
Pete
nekoni koban
12-09-2015, 17:21
Late to the thread, since don't check very often, sorry.
I have seen and heard all these (not just from photos).
Delphon GS 5D
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/icefox_2001/Garrard/Delphon_Gs___5tt.jpg
Teragaki Labo SP-3000
http://www.teragaki-labo.co.jp/_src/sc514/SP3000_front1.JPG
The Fisher SA 1000 power amp
http://soundup.ru/images/stories/archive/Classic/power-amplifiers/fisher-sa-1000/fisher-sa-1000_1.jpg
Some good selections there. So many wonderful Japanese loudspeakers that we never get to see or hear.
Indeed! And some think that the media didn't brainwash UK audiophiles into thinking that 'Jap crap', was indeed all crap, which of course it wasn't - far from it..... :doh:
Great thread, btw. They certainly don't make 'em like they used to.
Marco.
The best looking pc of vintage audio is the kind that you are pulled so deep into the music that you dont even see or look at what pc you have.
57
The best looking pc of vintage audio is the kind that you are pulled so deep into the music that you dont even see or look at what pc you have.
57
We're talking about cosmetics, not how the particular item sounds.
I must add The Marantz CD 73 to the list too:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k163/Graciefloydie/AK%20Gear/MarantzCD-73a.jpg
Definitely a lot more attractive than a lot of 80s black boxes!
My Scott 350B isn't a bad looker. Pic from a few years ago though I still have it.
http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=9786&stc=1&d=1234395830
That's proper gorgeous! :stalks:
Marco.
My Scott 350B isn't a bad looker. Pic from a few years ago though I still have it.
http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=9786&stc=1&d=1234395830
That's in beautiful condition Justin. The fascia of Scott tuners were made from a relatively soft aluminium, so were easily prone to dents. Fortunately yours is free from dents and dings. Well done :)
Vintage Scott tuners are now very collectable, along with those from Marantz, McIntosh and Fisher.
http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/antique-collector-installment-2-scott-tuners/
Interesting link that Barry. I can, however, assure you you do NOT become part of the FM antenna when tuning my 350B. Either his unit was faulty or it applies to the earlier 350.
They are euphonic units - after a Sansui TU-9900 which I used to own "listenability" goes up in spades. Sure technical performance can't match the Sansui, but if you get good FM reception that is close to irrelevant, The extra stations the Sansui can pull are almost always compromised to the extent you don't really want to listen to them.
The further back you go, and I mean right back like this to the first FM multiplexing units, the better the sonics seem to get.
Makes you wonder and think hard - negative subjective sonic progress since 1963? WTF?
I like some of the old pioneer stuff, just spotted these on ebay from 1 seller, apologies if they disappear from the link. Particularly like the SA9800, TX1050 and CT F1250 and the 2 turntables both look the business Pl 560 & 570
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=replay-vintagehifi&hash=item1a06ffe8bd&item=111786584253&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xpione er.TRS0&_nkw=pioneer&_sacat=0
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