View Full Version : If You Could Chose One Vintage/Classic Hi-Fi Item. What Would You Have?
walpurgis
02-11-2015, 20:10
Just curious to know what people would fancy. There must be an iconic or rare or just nice vintage piece that you've always wanted. What would it be if you could chose just one?
I'll kick off.
A pair of original Tannoy GRF Autograph corner horn speakers. Yeah. I know, just greedy!
I've heard them only once, but I've not been quite the same since :eyebrows:.
Always wanted a nice B&O system. great style. alas it'll never happen
walpurgis
02-11-2015, 20:36
ditton 66's for me.
:rolleyes:
(they're quite nice actually :))
Either of these will do:D
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/saxonsex/Kenrick%201_zps4om5pe8z.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/saxonsex/Kenrick%202_zps675kkipj.jpg
walpurgis
02-11-2015, 20:41
Sure you've got room for the second pair Rob? :)
Yeah....just a few minor internal mods, a bit of 4x2 stud..... and job's a good un.
I've long been on the hunt for a Kenwood 600T (http://www.thevintageknob.org/kenwood-Model_600T.html) tuner to match my Model 500 integrated.
http://www.hifi-studio.de/hifi-klassiker/kenwood/Kenwood_600T-600/T-600-600.jpg
Anyway, not known for my restraint, I can't limit myself to just one so here are a few more recent objects of desire that have been added to long term wish list:
Yamaha PX-2 (http://www.thevintageknob.org/yamaha-PX-2.html) turntable
http://img-cdn.jg.jugem.jp/e65/18729/20050310_663752.jpg
Yamaha FX-3 (http://www.thevintageknob.org/yamaha-FX-3.html) speakers
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/NormGunston/FX32.jpg
Yamaha T-7 tuner
http://www.vintage-tuner.com/tuner4/yamaha/yamaha_t-7-03.jpg
RobbieGong
02-11-2015, 21:07
Sansui AU 919 Integrated Amplifier - Three quarters paid up on one already, can't wait ! :)
walpurgis
02-11-2015, 21:10
Sansui AU 919 Integrated Amplifier - Three quarters paid up on one already, can't wait ! :)
Nice choice!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qMVYf85sM
dantheman91
02-11-2015, 21:56
Beam Echo DL 7 35 Monoblocks :stalks:
walpurgis
02-11-2015, 22:38
Beam Echo DL 7 35 Monoblocks :stalks:
A long time since I've seen anything by Beam Echo. I had a valve integrated amp about forty years ago. :)
Used to have one of these and wouldn't mind another one (probably nowhere near as good as I remember)
http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac255/GrimReaper1_bucket/Akai1-1.jpg
A long time since I've seen anything by Beam Echo. I had a valve integrated amp about forty years ago. :)
Would prefer a pair of Lowther LL26 monoblocks.
A pair of big Tannoy DC
Actually, Hermit's Berkeley will do nicely.
A long time since I've seen anything by Beam Echo. I had a valve integrated amp about forty years ago. :)
Would prefer a pair of Lowther LL26 Mk. II monoblocks. :)
http://www.lowthervoigtmuseum.org.uk/LowtherLL26.html
https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.Me1f51bc786d8cf924ef87dbe4c04d96fo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300
jandl100
03-11-2015, 07:15
I have them already - yes, TWO :ner: - but they go together so well I think I can call them an item. ;)
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSCF0306_zps64c0feed.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSCF0306_zps64c0feed.jpg.html)
Technics SP10 Mk3
x2:eek:
Would prefer a pair of Lowther LL26 Mk. II monoblocks. :)
http://www.lowthervoigtmuseum.org.uk/LowtherLL26.html
https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.Me1f51bc786d8cf924ef87dbe4c04d96fo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300
Barry, that is an image of the earlier LL26 MKI, essentially the same circuit (slightly modified in MKII guise ) and sporting a Partridge C core OPT, and yes I would concur having owned both amplifiers, I found the Lowther to present a slightly more textured and refined image than the also excellent DL7 35.
walpurgis
03-11-2015, 10:11
Never tried Lowther amplifiers. Prices are a bit too daft now, so I probably never will.
southall-1998
03-11-2015, 10:19
Quad II with 57's.
S.
Beobloke
03-11-2015, 10:52
Nakamichi TX-1000
I know, I know, I keep going on about it - sorry... :(
Beobloke
03-11-2015, 10:54
Always wanted a nice B&O system. great style. alas it'll never happen
Why? Go, on Grant - do it! The only downside is that they are quite addictive...
Why? Go, on Grant - do it! The only downside is that they are quite addictive...
To get a nice one that works is expensive Adam. I'm poor now so its unlikely. They are pretty and can sound superb. When i was a young engineer one of the older guys had a b&o system which was awsome in the day.. As you say he became addicted to the brand
Neil McCauley
03-11-2015, 11:33
Beveridge 2-SW speakers http://theaudiostandard.net/thread/72/beveridge-loudspeakers
Infinity IRS IV speakers
Lecson AC2 preamp
Mark Levinson ML2a power amps
Mark Levinson ML6a twin mono preamp
Thank you for the nudge towards healthy nostalgia
walpurgis
03-11-2015, 11:47
Some nice choices there Howard. Especially the Beveridge. Not heard a pair, but the design was fascinating. The lens arrangement almost working as a phase plug and compressing the output from the panel into a narrow slot outlet. Very clever.
Western Electric model 12 & 13, plus GIP fettling/extras, as per Munich Hi-End 2014.
And a mansion.
:D
Rush2112
04-11-2015, 10:51
Well this would be one of the things I never owned but wished I had the nearest I got was a RX505E
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nakamichi+dragon+gold&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#imgrc=61o5-R73m0ZWEM%3A
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nakamichi+dragon+gold&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#hl=en-gb&q=nakamichi+rx+505&imgrc=aPXSSR8Pa-LPUM%3A
Oldpinkman
04-11-2015, 10:55
Quad ESL 57's
2 pairs
A suitable rack to mount them
Huge living room :D
ditton 66's for me.
Mine might be for sale at a good price, if you fancy them! PM me for details :)
Marco.
walpurgis
04-11-2015, 11:01
Mine might be for sale at a good price, if you fancy them! PM me for details :)
Marco.
Never thought I'd hear that from you Marco. :)
walpurgis
04-11-2015, 11:05
I've still got a serious hankering for a Pass Labs Aleph 3.
http://i68.tinypic.com/15dp85k.jpg
Yes. I know a few here have had one, but I have the feeling it would slot into my system beautifully. It's not that much different to what I'm using now.
British high fidelity
04-11-2015, 23:30
Ahhh the micro seiki DDX-1500 with the gold platter, I think the gold bling is what warms my heart and obviously the Quality 15632
I've still got a serious hankering for a Pass Labs Aleph 3.
http://i68.tinypic.com/15dp85k.jpg
Yes. I know a few here have had one, but I have the feeling it would slot into my system beautifully. It's not that much different to what I'm using now.
looks like a hedgehog :) take it its a poweramp
British high fidelity
04-11-2015, 23:36
Apologies the micro seiki is the RX1500
walpurgis
04-11-2015, 23:46
looks like a hedgehog :) take it its a poweramp
Yes. Here's why I want one: http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/674/
I have a feeling it will give just a bit more of what I've already got. Has to be worth it. Mega rare second hand though. I've been looking for a couple of years. None cropping up on eBay UK.
pretty good write up. I like Pass stuff as a rule... single ended is great if designed right but with what you are using at moment Geoff you should be well pleased
Ninanina
04-11-2015, 23:53
ESL 57's or maybe 63's.... but need to move house first as I can't make them work where I am now...:(
southall-1998
04-11-2015, 23:54
I've still got a serious hankering for a Pass Labs Aleph 3.
http://i68.tinypic.com/15dp85k.jpg
Yes. I know a few here have had one, but I have the feeling it would slot into my system beautifully. It's not that much different to what I'm using now.
Well, go and open a cafe then :)
S.
walpurgis
05-11-2015, 00:02
Well, go and open a cafe then :)
S.
:scratch:
Not for me really Shane. I despise 'the public' at large and in general and the thought of doing sausage egg & chips for the grubby ignorant buggers all day long :rolleyes:.
montesquieu
05-11-2015, 19:07
I'd have my Radford STA 100 power amp .... To my ears the best KT88-type amp I've heard, and I've heard quite a few.
Oh and my TD124 & FR64S ... For a properly vintage cartridge I guess a Sugano era Koetsu Red (I had the later one) ...
speaks ...tannoy canterburys of course :) though mine are a bit improved ... Or if. Had th space, maybe Yorks. Having had both Autographs and GRFs I'm unconvinced that the horn ultimately earns its keep. Swings and roundabouts ...
spendorman
05-11-2015, 19:11
After seeing the above post, possibly Radford STA25 III, it's been great.
I'm not sure I would include my Thorens TD124 II though.
montesquieu
05-11-2015, 20:39
Oh I feel the Thorens easily earns its place ... it followed a long - time LP12, in the end maxed out with upgrades (each increasing the resolution while decreasing the fun); a Townshend Rock Reference (great deck but not immune to speed wobble like any other belt drive deck, heavy platter or no - I'm cursed with perfect pitch); Bastin psu'd 401 / Schlick (actually rather nice - close second to the Thorens); assorted Lencos 75, 78, 88). And assorted other belt drive and DD drives, mainly Japanese. For me the Thorens TD124 mkii walks it for musicality though there are probably quieter decks around. The trick in my view is a good idler wheel, a motor rebuild (courtesy again of the good Dr Bastin) and a seriously massy plinth (mine is drilled all over underneath and the holes filled with leaf shot!).
spendorman
05-11-2015, 20:51
Many years ago I rebuilt my TD124 II motor, I then went to the Papst motor conversion. It's good, but I seemed to get very good results from other decks. Technics SL-110, Garrard 401, Thorens TD166, (late Mk, can't remember which!), Pioneer PL512, even a Pioneer PL12D, Dual 1019, and a Connoisseur BD1. Amazing when the BD1 cost £10 new when I bought it. I hated the Connoisseur Craftsman though.
Still have all the decks except the 401 and Craftsman.
montesquieu
05-11-2015, 21:07
Totally agree on the BD1 I regretted selling mine, belt drive of course but very musical. I like the AT-1005 I had on that deck too - nice match.
spendorman
05-11-2015, 21:20
I had two BD1's, one was built on to a larger Aluminium base plate that would also accommodate an Acos Lustre GST1 arm. It looked great, sounded really good, foolishly sold it to a friend for about £50. He still has it, delighted he is.
walpurgis
05-11-2015, 21:21
Totally agree on the BD1 I regretted selling mine, belt drive of course but very musical. I like the AT-1005 I had on that deck too - nice match.
I had the same BD1 and AT-1005 II pairing around 1974. I liked it a lot and have had a BD1 knocking about more or less since then. I have one waiting for a plinth (and arm of course). I also have many spares including new parts.
spendorman
05-11-2015, 21:24
Good as the TD124 is, I think I would rather say my Rogers BBC LS3/6s (with Rogers Export Monitor bass units) are more like the one vintage item I would keep.
spendorman
05-11-2015, 21:29
My remaining BD1 is on a plinth and has an Ariston arm on it, seems to be quite nice. Remember buying the Ariston arm very cheap from Henry's Radio, must be more than 30 years ago.
Audio Advent
06-11-2015, 00:38
I think I'd go for a Dynaudio Arbiter Pre-amp.
If it's going to be a fanatasy product, it had better be proper unobtainable - cost $160,000 when released (mid 90s?) and only 30 or so sets (with amps, one seen in the background below) made. I think over $300,000 the full pre/power set.
OK, a little further searching reveals that maybe it's only 10 years old so doesn't count for this thread?
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/1374232_451719631604996_1065291706_n.jpg?oh=460a07 e6e0014271d299d7f9fb11f3c4&oe=56F8EF62
Arkless Electronics
06-11-2015, 01:19
ESL57's for sure but don't have the space. The AT1005 MkII arm is indeed very nice. I use one myself.
Never thought I'd hear that from you Marco. :)
They're not getting used enough, Geoff. It's as simple as that.
Upstairs, I listen on the big Tannoys, and downstairs I prefer the contrast of the more 'intimate' presentation you get with a pair of quality standmounts, such as the 15XRs, which really do sound stunning on the end of my system, and in a way that most folk who've judged 15XRs in the past, probably haven't heard.
Therefore, the 66s deserve to go to someone who can enjoy them on a daily basis. I'll put them up for sale at some point (when I can be arsed), but at the moment am simply mentioning that they're available :cool:
Marco.
walpurgis
07-11-2015, 15:22
Cracking pair of speakers for somebody who wants their music with real scale!
I think I'd go for a Dynaudio Arbiter Pre-amp.
If it's going to be a fanatasy product, it had better be proper unobtainable - cost $160,000 when released (mid 90s?) and only 30 or so sets (with amps, one seen in the background below) made. I think over $300,000 the full pre/power set.
OK, a little further searching reveals that maybe it's only 10 years old so doesn't count for this thread?
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/1374232_451719631604996_1065291706_n.jpg?oh=460a07 e6e0014271d299d7f9fb11f3c4&oe=56F8EF62
Yup, WAY too modern for this thread, muchacho. Think pre 1980s, minimum! :)
Marco.
Cracking pair of speakers for somebody who wants their music with real scale!
Indeed. I'd probably let them go for around £700...
Marco.
Most of my system, if not all of it, is vintage - so much as I love my:
Thorens TD124/IIs turntables
EMT 930st TT
SME arms
Decca cartridges
Ortofon cartridges
EMT cartridges
Denon cartridges
ADC cartridges
B&O cartridges
Nagra reel-to reel tape machine
Quad amplifiers
Radford STA15/III amplifier
and
Mark Levinson ML-2 amplifiers,
if I had to chose one product, it would have to be the Quad 57 ESLs. :)
Mine might be for sale at a good price, if you fancy them! PM me for details :)
Marco.
OOOH ive only just seen this,pm sent!
Most of my system, if not all of it, is vintage - so much as I love my:
Thorens TD124/IIs turntables
EMT 930st TT
SME arms
Decca cartridges
Ortofon cartridges
EMT cartridges
Denon cartridges
ADC cartridges
B&O cartridges
Nagra reel-to reel tape machine
Quad amplifiers
Radford STA15/III amplifier
and
Mark Levinson ML-2 amplifiers,
if I had to chose one product, it would have to be the Quad 57 ESLs. :)
Oi, daftee, you have a PM! ;)
Marco.
OOOH ive only just seen this,pm sent!
PM replied to :)
Marco.
Hmm, I've actually owned several piece of kit have dreamed of during the years and still do own some of those but .. hmm..
I guess EMT 930 or 927 in nice suspension frame and tonearm would be one of those dream machines if we're talking of the classic stuff :eyebrows:
walpurgis
07-11-2015, 19:32
OOOH ive only just seen this,pm sent!
Ah. A cure for your Ditton 44 affliction at last Jamie! ;) :D
im gonna stack them geoff!
my one concern is they might be too big for my room.
walpurgis
07-11-2015, 19:42
my one concern is they might be too big for my room.
I reckon they'll be just fine. I've heard 66s in smaller rooms and they've been perfectly OK. What you will notice is the very extended bass!
cool,in talks with marco at the mo so we'll see how things pan out :)
BTH K10A
07-11-2015, 21:42
EMT R80S with Neumann Z25 with choice of DST, DST62 & DMT carts into WV2
Westrex 2040A racks running mesh anode EL35's
cool,in talks with marco at the mo so we'll see how things pan out :)
Doubt they'll be too big for your room, Jamie. I've used them very successfully in my 'broom cupboard' (small listening room upstairs), and they sound fab. Being sealed boxes, the bass never gets boomy - just extended (so that music is underpinned with appropriate scale and authority).
Like big Tannoys, they seem to work just as well in small rooms as they do in big ones! :)
Marco.
Haselsh1
07-11-2015, 22:52
Well, as the thread said one, it would have to be an Alphason Sonata.
Ah. A cure for your Ditton 44 affliction at last Jamie! ;) :D
yep the poor things aint gonna get a look in now,oh well onwards and upwards!
Doubt they'll be too big for your room, Jamie. I've used them very successfully in my 'broom cupboard' (small listening room upstairs), and they sound fab. Being sealed boxes, the bass never gets boomy - just extended (so that music is underpinned with appropriate scale and authority).
Like big Tannoys, they seem to work just as well in small rooms as they do in big ones! :)
Marco.
brilliant,just what i wanted to here :)
EMT R80S with Neumann Z25 with choice of DST, DST62 & DMT carts into WV2
Westrex 2040A racks running mesh anode EL35's
http://www.gokudo.co.jp/News/n2014Qtr4-1/_DSC1814.jpg
(Neumann Z25 arm with DST cartridge)
According to vinyl asylum, the Neumann Z25 arm has an effective mass of 70g!
yep the poor things aint gonna get a look in now,oh well onwards and upwards!
brilliant,just what i wanted to here :)
Honestly, you're gonna love 'em! :gig:
Marco.
Can I have my Sansui AU919 back please? Saw one on ebay for £880 that had been dicked around with.
narabdela
10-11-2015, 17:04
Acoustic Research AR-3 Speakers. (not AR-3a)
It's a very long time since I've heard a pair, but the memory lingers on.
RobbieGong
10-11-2015, 17:41
Can I have my Sansui AU919 back please? Saw one on ebay for £880 that had been dicked around with.
Can't wait to get my hands on the one I have coming. It is currently having all the important stuf done before I pay final installment and receive - Black flags, glue etc etc and etc :)
Can't wait to get my hands on the one I have coming. It is currently having all the important stuf done before I pay final installment and receive - Black flags, glue etc etc and etc :)
Lucky you.. superb bits of kit those:)
BTH K10A
11-11-2015, 19:28
http://www.gokudo.co.jp/News/n2014Qtr4-1/_DSC1814.jpg
(Neumann Z25 arm with DST cartridge)
According to vinyl asylum, the Neumann Z25 arm has an effective mass of 70g!
If you are going to do high mass then don't pussy around :eyebrows:
The arm was designed for the DST series of cartridges and their particular type of cantilever arrangement which may well explain the high figure
If you are going to do high mass then don't pussy around :eyebrows:
The arm was designed for the DST series of cartridges and their particular type of cantilever arrangement which may well explain the high figure
Yes - the Neumann cartridges were a little like the Decca designs, so had a very low compliance; hence high mass arm.
Martyn Miles
12-11-2015, 16:26
I would love to have owned a pair of original Spendor BC3s.
Audio Advent
15-11-2015, 19:21
Well, as the thread said one, it would have to be an Alphason Sonata.
Upgrade that to a Symphony (last incarnation of the Sonata) before your wish is granted.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_2FVHUO7YSzc/TdyItru5vOI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/a7fnjU7BbZQ/s640/symphony.jpg
(this one appears to be playing a gold record?)
resin subchassis and more substantial bearing (plus the beafiest of the sonata PSUs as standard).
Audio Advent
15-11-2015, 19:30
Yup, WAY too modern for this thread, muchacho. Think pre 1980s, minimum! :)
Marco.
PRE 80s? Pah. The designs are normally not to my taste pre 80s.
I think then I'd go for these from 1968 and hope the "one item" extends to a pair of monoblocks? :
http://img.v3.news.zdn.vn/w660/Uploaded/erlu/2013_10_03/dy3.jpg
http://img.v3.news.zdn.vn/w660/Uploaded/erlu/2013_10_03/dy4.jpg
McIntosh MC3500 studio amps. Worth a pretty penny today!
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