View Full Version : What is your oldest regularly used component and why ?
Light Dependant Resistor
01-10-2018, 08:02
Interested to know what oldest equipment is being used on a regular basis, and why.
For me its a few items, a Pioneer TX900 AM/FM tuner dating from 1970. I use this every day because it is has good features and really nice audio quality.
and Quad ESL57's dating back to 1960, lots written about these already.
I’m using my 40 years old system - records, tapes, FM. Like it and I’m a little bit biased to vintage Pioneers:)
Tannoy Cheviot's from 1976.
Acquired in Tannoy's 50th anniversary sale and made in South London at the original factory before the move to Coatbridge.
As to why, well they sounded good when I bought them and they still sound good.
Light Dependant Resistor
01-10-2018, 10:14
I’m using my 40 years old system - records, tapes, FM. Like it and I’m a little bit biased to vintage Pioneers:)
Yes the vintage pioneers were just built to last and with some really excellent circuitry as well. I had a Pioneer SX650 receiver in the mid 70's lovely radio sound from it
using AR16's.
Firebottle
01-10-2018, 10:41
Quad ESL 57s, well ........ because :D
Mine are vintage early '70s I believe but I have only had them about 27 years.
Lenco GL75
My Uncle bought it new in 1973 and was given to me when he passed away about 20 years ago - still sounds good today in its original plinth using the same arm also!
Ali Tait
01-10-2018, 12:27
401 which is about 1970 I think. Also have a NOS one but haven’t checked the date on that.
My EPC-U205 or EPC-310 cartridges, or my ears.
dantheman91
01-10-2018, 14:39
KEF's in home made enclosures date from units date from 1967
Few Old-ens on the go Pioneer SX 440 - 1971 , Thorens TD 125 - SME 3009 , 2000 plinth - 1971 -
Quad ESL 57's also early ones date from 1968 once the work is done they will be used daily...
My Mordaunt Short Signifers from the early 1980's, I love the way they fill the room with music so easily, I listen for hours without any signs of fatigue. They are keepers that's for sure.
http://i64.tinypic.com/r77ne0.jpg
probably my B&O cart which is very early 60's and my Telefunken FullRange Drivers which are probably a couple of years younger.
Forgot my sme 3009 2 arm which is 60's I think too.
Are we talking about the oldest item made in production or the oldest item you have owned?
For me it's the Quad 57 ESLs (1955, but bought in 1974), the Thorens TD124/II (1965, and bought in 1970) and an SME3009/S2 (1962, and bought in 1970) Then there is my EMT 930 deck (the production run starts relatively recently in late 1961, but mine dates from mid-1974 and was bought in 2006) along with several EMT cartridges (originally introduced in 1962, but mine are more recent dating from 1970, and were bought in 1980)
All these items are in regular use today.
I have many items as old, if not older (Ortofon SPUGE, ST15TE, SL15E etc., Shure M55E etc., Quad AM1, AM3 and FM2 tuners and complete Series 3 electronics for example), but they are not in regular use. And then there are those venerable items that I once had and have passed on: Collaro 2010 TT and Shure M3D cartridge for example.
My Garrard 301 was manufactured in 1954, before I was born, it still does exactly what it was designed for, playing mono records and likely does it better now than it ever has before, I'm pretty sure it will still be doing it's thing when it's 100 years old and hopefully I'll still be around to enjoy it.
The oldest component is/are my NS-1000M speakers but the thing I've owned the longest is my Nac72 pre-amp.
Light Dependant Resistor
01-10-2018, 20:44
Are we talking about the oldest item made in production or the oldest item you have owned?
For me it's the Quad 57 ESLs (1955, but bought in 1974), the Thorens TD124/II (1965, and bought in 1970) and an SME3009/S2 (1962, and bought in 1970) Then there is my EMT 930 deck (the production run starts relatively recently in late 1961, but mine dates from mid-1974 and was bought in 2006) along with several EMT cartridges (originally introduced in 1962, but mine are more recent dating from 1970, and were bought in 1980)
All these items are in regular use today.
I have many items as old, if not older (Ortofon SPUGE, ST15TE, SL15E etc., Shure M55E etc., Quad AM1, AM3 and FM2 tuners and complete Series 3 electronics for example), but they are not in regular use. And then there are those venerable items that I once had and have passed on: Collaro 2010 TT and Shure M3D cartridge for example.
Hi Barry
Oldest items you still use today sort of covers it. Of interest what serial numbers nearest 1000 are on your ESL57's ? mine are early 6000's
which I worked out as being made about 1960.
Great to see older equipment being appreciated and used each day.
Hi Barry
Oldest items you still use today sort of covers it. Of interest what serial numbers nearest 1000 are on your ESL57's ? mine are early 6000's
which I worked out as being made about 1960.
Great to see older equipment being appreciated and used each day.
Now those are venerable Quads - mine are quite a bit younger, and have serial numbers around 28,000. An important and useful aspect of the Quad 57 design is that there is virtually no unit-to-unit variation; one sample sounds identical to another. I believe the owner of the very first Quad 57 (no, it wasn't Peter Walker) later paired it with another with a serial number in the 1,000s for stereo.
Also got a f307 ferrograph amp from late 60's still connected up and working great. Very nice old amps
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181002/6a92d44191c92e1945627979e91fe550.jpg
401
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181002/952568c2d61efeae4ff7eecec0b7edd5.jpg
Tannoys
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181002/43b41c0d3538986f868771ce10d3a6be.jpg
And my mint Pioneer receiver used in the bedroom in the morning / last thing from the early 90s
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181002/bd6bf54280d7158f2e94d19453362a58.jpg
I have a pair of 1970 speakers hooked up to my PC via a Denon 250 II and a muse DAC.
Plus my go to TT is the Rock I bought new in 1986.
Martyn Miles
06-10-2018, 17:46
Spendor BC1s.
That still see off some modern speakers.
Idlewithnodrive
06-10-2018, 19:18
[QUOTE=Ali Tait;1017482]401 which is about 1970 I think./QUOTE]
Same as this. Just because it sounds great
Primalsea
06-10-2018, 19:55
401 for me.
I bought it sometime in the mid 2000's at a time when I really had to save for it. Eventually I could afford a slate plinth and gradually added to it bit by bit. Over the years I have performed periodic maintenance including a recent idler wheel bearing replacement.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4472/38195011441_0b46577bbc_z.jpg
Me. I'm the oldest component in my system.
Why? Because all the rejuvenation spells and potions had failed so far. Even dancing naked round stones circles late at night failed to deliver the required upgrade to my audiophile system. So I'm stuck with these ears - built in the sixties and ugly to boot.
Lionheart
06-11-2018, 21:16
I use a Garrard 301 (1959) with a Sugden A21 (1967) with a pair of Klipsch Fortes, it is the least fatiguing and enjoyable set up I have ever owned.
My system used to be period correct for 1970s every bit of the way, even including the phono cartridge - not by design, just by accident. But now it's 2000s cartridge in a 1970s arm in a 1960s turntable going into 1980s phono stage to 1950s amplifier :D So I've got every decade from 1950s to 2000s covered... (or actually I think the cartridge might be from 2010, not sure)
Anyway, oldest components are a pair of Pye Mozart HF10 amplifiers, made in 1958 judging by the date codes on the valves and capacitors. Using them as my main amps.
Bigman80
23-01-2019, 13:46
1970 Pioneer CS-77A speakers or equally vintage Technics SP10 MK2.
They just do what I want them to an I enjoy them immensely. Why change them, nothing I have heard makes me want to.
25130Currently a pair of 1970's KEF 103 reference speakers , they sound excellent , you can push them close to the wall and if you turn up the volume they can boogie with the best.
Monarchy Audio sm70
Pioneer cs88a speakers
Teac reel to reel
Steve...
25130Currently a pair of 1970's KEF 103 reference speakers , they sound excellent , you can push them close to the wall and if you turn up the volume they can boogie with the best.Great speakers
Zoidburg
23-01-2019, 16:28
I think My JBL L50s are late 70s / early 80s and they are still in almost daily use.
I think My JBL L50s are late 70s / early 80s and they are still in almost daily use.Great speakers
Wakefield Turntables
23-01-2019, 20:16
a couple of 75 year old valves in my croft preamp
hornucopia
01-05-2019, 15:57
259462594725948
Hidden gems; Wharfedale Isodynamic Headphones. Still sounding better than most (sez Jerry too) after near 50 years.
Can't claim the Klipschorns now, as I've sold them, but I DID have them for over 20 years.
The Leak 3090s reside besides my Kuro TV, sounding pretty fine -see Adam's recent link on these.
I still have my (bought early 1980s, 2nd hand) Hafler DH101/200 Pre/Power amp set-up too.
Must try them into the Leaks one day, once I have the energy to shift stuff about!
paulf-2007
01-05-2019, 21:29
Sony STR6055 receiver, why do I use it regularly, because it's bloody excellent. Don't know if my Denon DP80 is older but again that's excellent.
Until a year ago original Heils with Rogers LS 5/8 woofers, refurbished in AMT box, Heil driver dated '74, Rogers about '79, and buying a pair of active '09 speakers at £25k, (I paid £9k), has not moved the sound on that much.
Worth it, I don't know, it's not really major, but purer, its what they don't do that's significant.
My ears, why? Because I'm attached to them [emoji23]
My JBL 4350's: best speakers in the world, ever.......(just my opinion)...LOL But all my JBL's....4311B's, 4401's, 4406's, I love them all.
https://i.imgur.com/w9x6nrx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/smo1cWD.jpg
Lawrence001
06-05-2019, 18:11
Until a year ago original Heils with Rogers LS 5/8 woofers, refurbished in AMT box, Heil driver dated '74, Rogers about '79, and buying a pair of active '09 speakers at £25k, (I paid £9k), has not moved the sound on that much.
Worth it, I don't know, it's not really major, but purer, its what they don't do that's significant.Were they the ESS (Electrostatic Sound Systems) heil tweeters? I had a great power amp by them but couldn't find any of their speakers.
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
dantheman91
06-05-2019, 18:13
KEF KIT 2 - 1969
Yamaha CR 820 - 76
Yamaha CR 1000 - 78
Thorens TD 125 , SME 3009 , SME 2000 - 1972
Celestion Ditton 15 - 1974
Kef Reference 103 - 1980
Luxman SQ 507X - 1977
Quad 33 / 303
:eek::lol::lol:
and more
Over these past 10 or 12 years, I’ve replaced nearly all of my stereo, except for one piece. And that’s my Magnum Dynalab FT101 tuner. Since I’m not quite there on internet music, I still regularly listen to FM radio while cleaning up, or working at my desk. And I have never heard an FM tuner that can dethrone this one. It’s old, I bought it used, and now the dials no longer work. But it still works well and sounds great. And with FM slowly being replaced by internet music, I suspect I’ll never have reason to replace it. Once I get a Raspberry Pi set up for music, I’ll never use the FM again? Or, maybe I will, it’s hard to predict.
Russell
Thinking about this oldest is my cartridge, followed by speaker drivers then tonearm then turntable. Everything else is new now.
Cart is from 61. So not much younger than me but in much better nick
Yes Lawrence, they are, and are still around, second hand, as are on occasions, various ESS models of speaker.
They didn't do any further work on the Heil after '74, except to use the 'wedding veil' gauze across the diaphragm peaks to aid control. A shame really. The speakers are still made.
When I had my first pair I acquired the brochure for the power amp, in about '95, and it was so far ahead in spec I was stunned.
Lawrence001
24-06-2019, 17:04
Yes Lawrence, they are, and are still around, second hand, as are on occasions, various ESS models of speaker.
They didn't do any further work on the Heil after '74, except to use the 'wedding veil' gauze across the diaphragm peaks to aid control. A shame really. The speakers are still made.
When I had my first pair I acquired the brochure for the power amp, in about '95, and it was so far ahead in spec I was stunned.The power amp was beautiful I still regret selling it. And far ahead of its time.
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thingfish
24-06-2019, 17:20
My Rothwell Indus Passive preamp, on version 3 now, but always had one since it's inception way back in 1989..........
Great passive pre that just dissapeares, and is very versatile.
https://i.imgflip.com/347448.jpg (https://imgflip.com/i/347448)via Imgflip Meme Generator (https://imgflip.com/memegenerator)
Oh and the humble giant killer......me trusty Goldie MM-1242.
Pepperamip
25-06-2019, 07:40
My speakers which date back to somewhere between 1994 - 1997 although you would never know it to look at them.
I bought them a few years ago off a guy who said he had them from new but never got on with them. He stuck them back in their original boxes to lay dormant in the loft for decades.
Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk
I love the old stuff, back in the 70s I lusted after a Rotel RX802 but ended up with an RA412, had it ever since but was on long term loan to my father for many years and is away for service right now. I got the 802,about 10 years back, for a fiver too. Needed some bulbs and one new cap but is in regular use.
Getting more use is my meridian 101/103d and technics sb-f1. The 103 is a brilliant amp but too bright with the technics speakers, I really must move them to the Rotel 802.
All late 70s and still going strong.
My latest arrival is a late 70s black tulip 380 pre amp which was destined for my main system but it arrived dead and is still not back from the repair shop. I have high hopes and might even chase down the matching power amp.
Great thing about vintage gear is it sounds great, holds its value and can on occasions be bought chea
ply
Littlestwoo
04-09-2019, 21:52
1960 Radford Sta12https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190904/5f1a918b11d1fddb8b791e754a8e3030.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190904/d284d3ddc44cf760de2b532b9717f6df.jpg
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Littlestwoo
05-09-2019, 11:03
Why?
This amp found me, had never heard of Radford and thought valves where out of my reach. My other valve amp is a 2x12 guitar amp so I've always had an appreciation / desire for vslves. I don't think there is any going back from this amp.
Sent from my POCOPHONE F1 using Tapatalk
Bought a philips pre amp from 1979, bit uncouth, brash and bass heavy but dynamic and fun at the same time. Really great to listen to now I have padded the input down by 20db. Swapping out some electroytic caps for PP is the next move. Have high hopes
Crimson 610 pre amp, and it does a great job with the Quad 405's.. I just enjoy the vintage and build visual.
My leather Ikea 2 seater sofa that I bought for £25 about 25 years ago from a swanky house where the owner was emigrating. The best part was jamming it into a Nissan Cherry to get it home. There was more sticking out of the back than in the car:eek:
Kef Reference 104ab (from a charity shop)
B&W DM 1 (bought in 1973 2nd hand)
B&W DM 2 (from a museum closing down)
Spendor BC 1 (bought last week)
Linn Kans (from the tip, needing repair)
Celestion Ditton 15 (also from the tip, candle burns on the boxes)
AR4xa (from a charity shop)
So far the Spendors are winning.
These are fed from CD via a Marantz CD63 Mk 2 (not SE or KI) (from ebay about 5 years ago) via Audiolab 4000s (from Audiojumble, Tunbridge).
Johnny nocash
24-11-2019, 00:40
Helios Stargate CD player. I've not heard ANY digital reproduction sound better.
paulf-2007
21-12-2019, 10:15
Denon DP80, Sony STR 6055 receiver and Shure Ultra 500, don't know which is the oldest
Oh forgot Stax UA-70 tone arm.
Paul,
Your Stax UA-70 dates from 1970, whereas the Denon DP-80 dates from 1978. So it looks like the Stax arm is the older item.
Not sure about the Shure Ultra 500, but it is from around the mid to late '80s.
paulf-2007
30-12-2019, 16:22
Paul,
Your Stax UA-70 dates from 1970, whereas the Denon DP-80 dates from 1978. So it looks like the Stax arm is the older item.
Not sure about the Shure Ultra 500, but it is from around the mid to late '80s.thanks Barry, so only youngsters compared with say a 301
Made in 1968
02-01-2020, 22:35
Sony Amplifier 1973
Made in 1968
06-01-2020, 17:23
The reason i use old Vintage gear is basically Nostalgia. I cannot live without it. I also dispise a vast amout of what the hobby is so kind of section my self away from that.
But its my Nostalgia, My hearing & what i feel comfortable with, not only Hi-Fi its other stuff. It people cannot cope with that, they clearly have the same problemas i do with them, works both ways you just have to accept it..
A pair of Quad ESL57 Speakers according to Quad they were made in 1959 . These are still the best speakers I have ever heard and they change what recordings and in paticular what voices sound like. I have been used and I suppose conditioned to voices through mechanical coil speakers and thought ahh that is what this should sound like. When I heard voices through the ESL57 I started out thinking it was something wrong with the speakers (this after a complete and costly refurbish) . I was wrong all the ESL57 was doing was letting me hear what these voices really should sound like and once you adjusted to this you only then realise what other speakers are doing .
A pair of Quad ESL57 Speakers according to Quad they were made in 1959 . These are still the best speakers I have ever heard and they change what recordings and in paticular what voices sound like. I have been used and I suppose conditioned to voices through mechanical coil speakers and thought ahh that is what this should sound like. When I heard voices through the ESL57 I started out thinking it was something wrong with the speakers (this after a complete and costly refurbish) . I was wrong all the ESL57 was doing was letting me hear what these voices really should sound like and once you adjusted to this you only then realise what other speakers are doing .
Your Quads were made 5 years after the first (the so-called designation 57 is a misnomer - the Quad electrostatic was first advertised for sale in 1955; but the designation, whilst incorrect, has stuck to the point that even Quad use it).
I would be interested to learn the serial numbers of your speakers; Quad changed the cross-over frequencies around SN 500, making the speaker which waas originally designed for mono-reproduction, suitable for stereo.
I have been using Quad 57s for the last 50 years, and am unlikely to change now.
Most of the time my Radford STA 15 is in use.After that I have 4x Verdik Q10 (EL84) mono amps,that get a regular airing.These date from the late 50's.The speakers are Apogee Duetta's,just young'uns from the early 90's.Vinyl is via a Pioneer pl-630 ('79 I believe)with a Technics EPC 207c cartridge (1980 ish).My other decks are Thorens TD150 & TD160.Behind the settee are a pair of ESL 57'S which need a run out,not used since the Apogees arrived and under a chair is my '401 ,10 years and not started on fettling yet,maybe one day.
My Garrard 301 was made in ‘64. Mine has been well taken care of so still going strong.
losepete
12-01-2020, 13:37
Linn LP12 with Ittok LVII arm which, going by serial number, dates from 1984.
This currently has a Kiseki Blue Gold Spot mc cartridge from 1988 mounted - retipped by Dominic at NorthWest Analog a couple of years ago.
The "why" is simply answered: The above combination does a good job and delivers excellent sound.
I have no doubt there are better turntable/tonearm/cartridge combinations available but I doubt the Mrs will let me hock her and the house to pay for that upgrade ;-)
walpurgis
12-01-2020, 14:21
The fluff on my stylus is older than some of the gear mentioned here. :D
Made in 1968
12-01-2020, 14:28
Hi there pop pickers
My Pioneer SA-8100 and TX-9100. 1974 I believe.
Just love the sound of this amp and tuner, Reminds me of when my Dad was into hifi back in 70's
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49458676428_51ef54fc08_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2imuDou)IMG_1882 (https://flic.kr/p/2imuDou) by Nathan Rose (https://www.flickr.com/photos/186252557@N07/), on Flickr
Shovel_Knight
29-01-2020, 17:44
After I sold my Dual 1019, my oldest component is now my Technics SP10 mk2 (made in 1985 according to the QA stamp on the motor).
Made in 1968
29-01-2020, 17:45
Nice & neat that nathan..
Hi there pop pickers. See what you did there. NOT ARRF !
dantheman91
31-01-2020, 21:20
Luxman SQ 507X
My Pioneer SA-8100 and TX-9100. 1974 I believe.
Just love the sound of this amp and tuner, Reminds me of when my Dad was into hifi back in 70's
Nice Pioneer combo:thumbsup:
ponytrekker
10-02-2020, 18:43
I think the oldest thing I use regularly is a Columbia rim drive 78 player in its bakelite case - fitted with a slightly later Decca tonearm, which I plug in to play favourite 78s. The rest of it is mostly 60s Radford - so not very new!
I think the oldest thing I use regularly is a Columbia rim drive 78 player in its bakelite case - fitted with a slightly later Decca tonearm, which I plug in to play favourite 78s. The rest of it is mostly 60s Radford - so not very new!
What is the Radford amp (and speakers?)?
Made in 1968
10-02-2020, 18:56
I thought the M90's looked cool
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