How old?

A lot of members here buy their kit second hand. Not only for the lower prices, but as it gives access to the huge "back catalogue" of kit out there.

Anyone using anything (regularly) in their set up of significant vintage?

I think MOst of my kit is under 10years old.

Any kit that simply hasn't been (significantly) bettered by it's newer rivals?

 

Well, I pretty regularly use a Leak Stereo 20 power amp and Troughline II tuner, both of which are even older than I am, a Pioneer TX9800 tuner from the late 70s, an Onix BWD1 tuner from the mid 80s, and I have an Onix OA22 amp in the kitchen, also from the mid 80s. It's all spiffing stuff too.

-- Ian

 

In terms of sound quality I don't think things have really changed a great deal in the last 20 years, even with CD players. Well, it may have changed, but it's a matter of opinion as to whether it's an improvement. There are people who wouldn't swap their 80s multibit Philips and Marantz CD players for anything available today.

Michael.

 

My customised Garrard 401 (1970 vintage handed down to me from my Grandfather) p*sses over most modern turntables, and I've heard some pricey ones!...and as for digital formats, well, they're getting better but analogue still rules the roost by far (yes, I know this has been done to death, and then some ). Thinking about it, valves for me still thrash the pants off of any modern amplifying device, and valves are a technology that itself is VERY old in hifi terms.

 

I have an old Marantz Superscope from the 70's which lives outside the bathroom and sounds pretty good through waterproof speakers, not as good as my Rotel, but only cost £11

My Ela's must be close to 15 now and still outperform many newer speakers!

 

I have a cello that is about one hundred years old... but it doesn't run on electricity nor does it play on its own... so I guess that doesn't really count, does it?

Jack

 

My "bedroom system" is a Quad 33/303/FM3 through Wharfdale Denton speakers - a more pleasant way to listen to the wireless (from classic FM to Radio 1) I've yet to find. Oh, I use a Pure Pocket DAB during the day.

The only thing I've done to the Quads (other than a service in 2002) has been the fitment of a Net Audio power supply mod to the 303 which 'tightened' everything up nicely.

Neil

 

I have a 1972 Akai CR81d 8track cartridge recorder in my bedroom rig - still runs well (though I'm tempted to get it serviced for the laugh factor).

I also have a 1985 Technics SL-P2 CDP in the kitchen (a nice freebie player - still works well although can be temperamental changing tracks).

I *think* my Planar 3 is one of the earlier RB300 equipped ones - around 1985-ish (second hand, so not sure) and my next-oldest main-rig item after the turntable is probably my Epos ES14s - probably around 1988 (serial number 549). My preamp is 1992 vintage, and the rest is 1995 or later.

 

I have changed most of my system in the last 12 months but the 1987 vintage Oxford Crystal Reference turntable/SME V have remained (I did replace the needle thingy with a new Koetsu Red Sig though!).

 

using a pair of early 70s Leak Sandwich speakers in the kitchen...not bad sounding

 

My new speakers (when they arrive!) will have Vitavox S2 horns in them, which originate from the 1940's.

 

Hi,

Trio Model 600 integrated amp.... must be about 25 yrs old.... really xcellent.

Sony 337 esd cd player.... probably 9 or 10 yrs old.

I think my Apogee Duetta sigs are about 12 yrs, but not sure...

Regards

 

My tuner is an 'Acoustical' FM1 (i.e pre-dates 'Quad' brand) s/n 5114, made c. 1957. 6 valves, and used daily - sounds terrific

 

My brother is still using the Marantz CD63B I bought in 1985. Still sounds good.

 

Naim 62 and 140 both about 15 years old. Have also Quad 33/303's and various elderly record players. Can't see anything wrong with old gear especially analogue as it seems some companies spend their time reinventing the wheel. Until about two or three years ago Naim still produced the 140

 

My Nac 32.5 and Nap 160 date from 1985 and 1982 respectively, and my Syrinx PU-3 dates, I think, from 1983. I also have a pair of Arcam One speakers which I use in my movie set up which date from about 1984 (they are prototype models, so are as old as the Arcam One can be).

Chris

 

I've spent the last three years upgrading my main system, all bought second hand, with the oldest component being 6 years old: 1998 AudioLab 8000S amplifier. Not sure how old Dax Decade is, as this was bought at factory gate as a p/x but with warranty. The cassette deck is old too but not sure it should count as its used intermittently only - though when its used its appreciated.

However, the dining room system was bought new in 1994 and 1976: Yamaha CD, cassette deck & reciever and Celestion Ditton 15 speakers. And I have cascaded the Pioneer SX450 receiver so this is in use with my daughter.

Attic has Pioneer PLD12 and Systemdek II turntables.

 

The speakers in No.2 system are Rogers LS3/5As, bought in 1981, as was the Quad 303 in the same system.

 

A sansui TU517 Tuner from 1976 looks great, sounds better!!

 

You know, when cellists travel by aeroplane they have to pay for a seat for their cellos, as they can't go with the luggage. Generally, they fill in the name of the traveller as "A Cello" or similar and the age as 120 years old or whatever.

However, if the cello is new, it travels at the child's rate.

This is absolutely true. It must be because I heard it on Radio 4.