Going back to my First HiFi system

[CageyH]

I am considering setting up my first "HiFi" just to see how far I have "progressed" (if at all) in this hobby over the last 20 years.
My first system comprised of:

Pioneer PD-S703 CD
Kenwood KA-3020SE Amp
KEF Coda 9 speakers

I still have all of the components, and after a spell with an Arcam Alpha 7SE CD player, I am back to the Pioneer.
The only issue is with the amp, as it needs one of the speaker binding posts on output "A" fixing, and a couple of RCA sockets replacing.
From what I can make out, these are actually boards containing all the speaker binding posts, and another with the RCA plugs.

I guess I could try it on speaker output "B" and use a different input just to see what it sounds like, and then worry about fixing the amp if I like it.
I could do with a few tunes around the pool next summer and in the garage this winter, so there is a purpose to this experiment.

If I do like it, I will need to work out how to fix it as spares are no longer available.

[Kit1cat]

Interesting idea, I still have my first amp and turutable from the 1970's, a Rotel RA-312 amp and I think RP-1500 turntable, the speakers are long gone, plus I am still using my one and only CD player a Phillips CD850 from the 80's.

[Firebottle]

Well worth it I'd say Kevin.
Post a couple of pics of the dodgy connectors and I'll see what's in my spares box (well boxes, tubs, draws, loft :eek: actually).

[CageyH]

Alan,

Thanks for the kind offer.
I will try and get some pictures sorted tonight.

[DSJR]

I remember the Kenwood amp as being a little hidden gem - just use decent cabling with it.. The Coda 9's sound way above the plastic and hardboard they're made with ;) and Alex_UK here has a set in his man-cave (garden summer house) and they still sound really good despite the tacky build. I don't know the Pioneer CD players that well. if they have 'Legato Link,' I'd probably switch it off if possible.

Well worth getting the amp sorted...

[Spectral Morn]

Nice idea and I can re components (mostly) but the part of the system I can't go back to is the room. It was a problem child room, mostly boast walls, irregular ceiling and poor floors (upstairs) anyway over the course of a few years I came to understand the room and slowly find items that worked with it, so room and system had synergy - the room became part of the system.

This incredible marriage provided me with years of listening pleasure till I moved and found a similiar sized room with higher more regular ceiling, but it would not work with these items - I never did get that room to work well.


Regards Neil

[walpurgis]

I dare say I could obtain the components to reassembly my first system, but the thought of using an Amstrad 8000 Mk.II again fills me with horror! :eek:

[Kit1cat]

I dare say I could obtain the components to reassembly my first system, but the thought of using an Amstrad 8000 Mk.II again fills me with horror! :eek:

Ah, brings back memories of the old Amstrad TP12D turntable, never owned but was always intrigued by the design.

[CageyH]

Pictures:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5836/21972098476_48c1219620_z_d.jpg

Top left connector shows signs of solder on the end of the binding post. Never spotted this before, but I assume this is where a friend tried to "fix it."
The binding post has been cross threaded, and the thread is now damaged. It will tighten up, so banana plugs will probably be ok.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/580/22008086671_7d3ca19b42_z_d.jpg

External view of the binding posts.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5648/21811319819_5066c30856_z_d.jpg

One of the RCA sockets (CD input) has the outer sleeve missing, and the aux is starting to come away.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/749/21375446464_88c6a92ac4_z_d.jpg

Internal view.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5751/21377038623_62051e7224_z_d.jpg

General view of amp, complete with 20 years worth of dust!

From what I can see, the speaker binding posts are an assembly, so I guess an upgrade to proper binding posts and using hook up wire would fix that.
As for the RCA sockets, I guess individual RCA sockets and hook up wire would be the best bet?

I don't want to spend a fortune on this amp. It's probably not worth it.