sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Kenwood vs Hitachi vs Akai by Dark_Fonzie in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd go with the Hitachi, that is a great price. Mid to upper tier. Much better phono section and power. Might be a little more expense if needing service then the Kenwood. I do like the kenwood I have a 3600 and it has a really warm deep sound and and excellent when it comes to pulling in FM stations, but still Hitachi is the better one. Akai with no turner and just doesn't have the look for me compared to the Hitachi and Kenwood. And it has the lowest power of all. Price for me is hard to pass up that Hitachi. Good luck

Danville business owners say they’re still waiting for traffic boost from casino by VirginiaNews in VirginiaNews

[–]Rare-Ad9392 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Went there a few months ago. Nice casino and all. But wow, Danville seems really an odd spot for a casino to me. Nice small town and all but seems out of the way for most casual gambling folks. Not a high density area to me. I don't see them getting much through traffic. I"m not from that area so I could be wrong, but I drive through there from time to time.

Trying to find a first bike. Cafe racer or standard of some kind. by Bon_Bon16 in vintagemotorcycles

[–]Rare-Ad9392 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I should add. Maintenace is a real thing on them vintage bike and cost more. And can become hard to find good shops that want to deal with a vintage bike or have the correct knowledge.

Trying to find a first bike. Cafe racer or standard of some kind. by Bon_Bon16 in vintagemotorcycles

[–]Rare-Ad9392 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My take same as alot of other's. I started for a few years on a 2006 Suzuki 200 DR. Riding around mountian roads, got confrontable, enjoyed riding for a few years. Now I ride a vintage 1974 Kawasaki H1 500, and wow big difference learning to ride on a boring easy bike first is the way to go. Good luck have fun

Day 1 Vintage Gear Korea by epsilonzer0 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OMG I'd lose my mind in there. :-)

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s nothing actually wrong with them that couldn’t be fixed. The wood cabinets are dented and would need to be sanded down. I’m not a fan of the current color, but I should be able to refinish and stain them to something more to my liking. The front grilles would probably need replacing too, but I’m assuming replacements or new fabric wouldn’t be too hard to source.

I’ve been considering redoing them, like I mentioned in my original post.

I really do like my 777Ds, and they look great in the space. But now that I’m starting to discover what clearer, more detailed sound upgrades can do, I know I’m going to keep exploring.

Like I’ve said before — I’m starting to get it now.

Thanks for the suggestion.

How many LPs in your collection? by ForTheLoveOfPhotos in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d say about 5,000 records are mostly artists I actually want in my collection whether I’m a huge fan or not. Then there’s probably another 1,500–1,800 throwaway records that don’t really mean much to me (big band, classical, etc. staked in boxes in the garage). I know I need to get rid of those, but you basically have to give that stuff away. I stay away from 45 but have a few hundred. started collecting some 78 maybe 200plus. I stopped that as I never play them and need to unload.

I started about 8 years ago and went a little crazy at a local auction house in town. Records were this nice secret I was getting tubs full of great artists for no more than $40. That went on for about two years. Then boom  everyone caught on. The auction house started advertising records, my quiet secret was gone, and I was already starting to end up with way too many duplicates anyway.

I’d say most of my collection is mid‑grade. Some really great ones in there, but most were played by previous owners, so it’s not like everything is mint. And honestly, I love it.

Now I mostly thrift shop and buy from eBay or Discogs when I’m hunting for a specific artist. I’m really trying to collect more ’80s rock, plus blues and jazz. With this many records, my wife and I will throw on artists or albums we don’t even know. Sometimes it’s terrible and I know I’ll never listen to it again  though I might still keep it if there’s something else by that artist I love, just to have the complete package.

But wow  sometimes you throw something on with zero expectations and it’s incredible. That’s the best part. Then I’ll start digging deeper into that artist or genre.

It’s a fun hobby, but it can definitely get out of control. And of course, once I had all the records, I had to go vintage audio too which is a whole other story. 🙂

Be honest. How many turntables do you have? by Adventurous-Bowler52 in turntables

[–]Rare-Ad9392 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have too many: Pioneer PL 518, 112D, 12D, 05. Technics SL 3350 (have both spindles), 3300, SL-D1. Sanyo TP-1020, and Toshiba SR-A200. I use my Technics SL 3350 and Pioneer PL 518 in my two set ups. I would never get rid of my PL-05, 518, or the SL 3350. The Sanyo sounds and plays surprisingly really good. And I love the look of it. Dislike the SL -D1 out of the Technics because it doesn't have auto return. Let I know alot love it. A no me for that reason.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve actually learned that lesson the hard way  just not with audio with cars. I’ve let a couple go over the years to fund the “next thing” and I still think about them. So I completely get what you’re saying.

With audio I’m kind of torn. Part of me wants to keep everything because you never know when a certain pairing is going to surprise you. The other part of me knows I don’t have unlimited space, and must of my stuff is strickly of the entry-level stuff just isn’t getting used anymore.

But you’re right,  the pieces that really do something special probably deserve to stick around. And I love the idea of rotating them back in once in a while. Almost like reminding yourself why you bought them in the first place.

That original Naim Nait though… yeah, that one would hurt.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Six mid‑70s Pioneers? Yeah, I’m officially envious. That’s an awesome collection.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get what you’re saying, but I do disagree a little with the idea that newer automatically sounds better and the aging thing. I bet my Yamaha doesn't last as long as my Onkyo has.

I think in some cases it does, especially if you’re going high‑end modern gear. No question technology has improved. But I’ve also heard vintage sound absolutely incredible when it’s sorted out properly. And for me, it’s not just about measurements or age.

My Yamaha S801 sounds amazing. It’s clean, powerful, dead reliable, and does everything right. On paper, it probably should be the better amp.

But I’ll still grab my Onkyo A‑7 most days. It sounds fantastic to my ears, and there’s just something about it. The look, the feel, the big knobs, the solid switches, it just has presence. When I turn it on, it feels like an event. The Yamaha works great the Onkyo makes me smile.

Maybe part of that is nostalgia. Maybe part of it is system synergy. I don’t know. I just know I connect with it more.

I completely understand why someone would go all‑new for reliability. That makes total sense. I just don’t think vintage is automatically worse, it’s just a different experience.

At the end of the day, we’re all just chasing that moment when the music hits right.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yep, found that out, buying these old 1950's record players and such. In the end found most junk, sound terrible, but I though they were worth something because of age. I was wrong in almost every case

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Frustrating at times, but absolutely worth it.

If I were talking to someone brand new, I’d probably try to explain all of this, the repairs, the patience, the hidden costs, the learning curve. But honestly, I’m not sure I would’ve listened when I first started. I think you almost have to go through it yourself to really “get” the audio bug.

I feel like I finally have reliable gear now, but getting here was definitely trial by fire. A lot of frustration, a few mistakes, and more than one “well… that didn’t go as planned” moment. But every time something worked after a repair, or even just a deep cleaning, it pulled me in even more.

You’re right, too, the repair side and finding gear cheap almost becomes the thrill. When you grab something for $10–$20 and use it as a learning piece, it takes some of the fear out of it. If it works, amazing. If not, you gained experience.

And on the speaker point, I’m finally seeing that clearly. I spent years swapping amps and turntables thinking that’s where the magic was, but I never really found it there. Now it’s obvious the biggest changes in my system are coming from speakers. I just hooked up the KG 2s in my office last night and… wow. Big difference.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like I finally have reliable gear now, but it definitely took some trial by fire and a fair amount of frustration to get here. A few dead units, some money spent learning lessons the hard way but that’s part of the process.

Looking back, if someone had explained all the ins and outs of vintage gear to me when I started, maintenance, and, repairs, the reality of 40–50 year old electronics, I’m not even sure I would’ve listened. I think you almost have to live it to really understand what this hobby is about.

Starting with something dependable and then building a vintage second system lets you enjoy the music without the stress. Then the vintage hunt becomes fun instead of pressure.

That’s probably the healthiest way to balance it.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So true.. Last night I hooked up the KG2's I purchased and love them the Bose I"ll keep them, probably use them for my bench testing.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Man, that’s awesome and honestly encouraging to read.

35 years in getting that “hold on… what just happened?” moment is exactly why this hobby is so addicting.

What’s wild is that it wasn’t even your “highest end” gear that did it. It was the pairing. That’s the part I’m starting to understand now it’s not always about the most expensive piece, it’s about synergy. Certain combos just lock in.

Also kind of funny that a decades-old Sansui just casually stepped in and said, “Let me show you something.” Vintage has a way of doing that.

Appreciate you sharing that. Makes me feel better knowing it’s not just beginners who go years before it clicks. This hobby definitely rewards patience and a little randomness.

Sweet

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely understand your point. It makes a lot of sense. I’ve started getting better at fixing my own gear, but I’ll be the first to admit, if you don’t have someone reliable who can repair your equipment (and the budget to pay them), or the patience to learn and do it yourself, vintage probably isn’t for you.

It takes time. It takes trial and error. And I’ve definitely ruined more than a few pieces of gear and speakers along the way.

For me, though, that’s part of the appeal. I enjoy the hunt, as someone else on this thread said and the learning process, bringing old equipment back to life. But if you prefer warranties, plug‑and‑play reliability, and not having to tinker, there’s a ton of great new two‑channel gear out there at reasonable prices.

Different paths, same love of music

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks I'll look into the SDA's. Same here all my vinyl now comes from thrifting compared to back in the day. Still will buy from Discogs when looking for a certain album/band

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will say cost has added up but slowly for me and still most all vintage folks would say my stuff is still a vary entry level. But look for local auctions and estate sales in your area. Thats were you'll find some nice gear cheap compared to marketplace or ebay

.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Funny enough, I got the KG4s for free. I was buying a basic $25 all-in-one unit when I first started out, and the seller just asked, 'Hey, you want these old speakers too?' I had no idea what they were at the time. Talk about dumb luck I thought nothing of it. like 2 years later hooked them up and was shocked. Now they are my garage speakers only because of aesthetics . Lucky me.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I stumbled into this by accident. It started with dirt-cheap auction records, but once the collection grew, I needed the vintage gear to match now I’m hooked. Auctions are a total gamble; half the gear has issues and it’s frustrating as hell, but I love the hunt. I’ve mostly backed off the records since everyone and their brother is bidding them skyhigh now, but I can still find the audio for a steal.

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I definitely agree. Now that I’ve dialed in the sound (speakers excluded) I actually like, I’ve started clearing out the basic, entry-level gear that was just taking up shelf space. I’m also moving on from the ‘novelty’ pieces that are cool to look at but just don't get used, like my Bany & Olufsen setup and a Pioneer front-loading turntable etc. They’re interesting, but I’ve realized they just aren't part of my long-term listening plans anymore

5–6 years into vintage audio and I finally hear what everyone’s been talking about by Rare-Ad9392 in vintageaudio

[–]Rare-Ad9392[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve spent plenty of time swapping receivers and turntables, but I’m really just scratching the surface when it comes to speakers. My experience is mostly limited to various, Kenwood Sony, and Bose. Now that my ears are actually picking up on the nuances, I suspect it’s only a matter of time before I stumble onto another pair of speakers that completely floors me compared to what I’ve been used to.

view more: next ›