7 Reasons to Avoid Vintage Hi-Fi

Want to get into vintage hi-fi? It takes a certain type of person to embrace all that comes with this rewarding hobby. Do you have what it takes? Let us know why you think some people should avoid taking the plunge.

#vintageaudio #vinylrecords #vintagehifi

[chelle]

Number 8. It's a highly addictive hobby! You find yourself constantly looking for deals, always seeking that magical sound with synergy between amps and speakers, learning new skills as you learn to maintain your own equipment and having a camaraderie amongst fellow vintage audio enthusiasts. Then when you get to the point where you find a particular brand you fall in love with, you then end up buying multiple pieces to try to find that one that will be "the one". For me, it has been Sansui and my newest addiction is ADS speakers. I believe there is a magical synergy between the two brands. The whole hobby is a rabbit hole because there is always something better out there and it seems like we are always looking for something better. It's a craving that cannot be quenched. As much as this hobby makes me crazy, I absolutely love and enjoy it immensely!

[neidermyer]

I happen to love that vintage smell with old equipment and furniture etc. Reminds me of a happier time in my life. I have an old Sansui 7070 that I had gone over, I have a bluetooth adapter hooked to it as well as a cd player. I love listening to it. I grew up in the 70s so I know the value of those old units, and don't mind the limitations of them.

[houseontherock]

Our house was built in 1900 and we love the creaks (gives it character) and vintage audio is no different. This home is still standing strong after 123 years as well as our vintage audio is after 40.

[theurgy]

This is an absolutely solid list. Going through the list and I have answers to all of them, which is why I am 100% all in for vintage audio. This is a hobby that requires a little more understanding and hands-on maintenance of your gear. If you're the type that wants stress free, plug and play type of experience, go with new. Otherwise, vintage, while it has its caveats and finnicky issues, offers both a greater experience and there is some amazing sound to come from it.

[terrydanks]

A recovered audiophile here. Peaked with McIntosh 'tronics and B&W speakers a couple of decades ago.
Came to realize that it was all a fraud. Most gear sounded the same, other than speakers. I came to prefer headphones anyway, even over my B&W 801 pair.
I still look up my first "real" piece of gear from time to time, a Fisher 600T. Just nostalgia. While some of the older gear is gorgeous, I have no interest in going back. The return to vinyl movement just perplexes me. Getting away from hiss, crackle, pop was perhaps THE greatest improvement of all!

[Psychedelicxylophone]

High gauge speaker wire is only important if
1. you like your music loud at all times, and
2. if you place your speakers a good long distance away from the system.

Otherwise, it really doesn't matter too much.

The problem with modern audio is that none of it is made to last
and most of it is very un serviceable friendly.

Vintage say between 1960's to early 1990's is always better than anything modern
hands down all day long!

[alphonsocarioti]

I'. 63 years old and vintage myself! You brought up all very good points for someone who didn't grow up with this equipment. I, on the other hand, know what to expect. And you are correct on all points. I still like the look and sound (for the most part) of vintage home audio, I still have my highshool Techniques linear tracking turntable and receiver from the mid 1970s. They work and sound like new. Thanks for this. It will definitely help younger people.

[kowaltoboggan]

Appreciate your videos, Kevin. This is precisely what folks need to hear. I ride a 1954 BMW, love it, and really appreciate its idiosyncrasies. Same with the vintage hifi gear, especially the tubes. But both are not for everyone. Good run down of issues to consider.

[WiDucatiRider]

I started my vintage journey about 5 years ago trying to buy a Marantz 2270. I called a local hifi shop and asked if they had any or if I found one if they could recap it for me. They said it would be $1k plus to recap and $1800+ to buy one recapped. After that I spent many, many hours on YouTube learning vintage electronics repair, bought some test equipment and then I found a Pioneer SX-780 and completely rebuilt it including redesigned amplifier module boards. It turned out great and I just went on my journey from there. I rebuilt a Marantz 2245 for a friend and while it turned out well it was harrowing. The board traces are very delicate. Suffice to say I no longer want a 2270. My advice for the non-technically inclined is to take time to find a repair facility or person you trust and be prepared to spend more than you paid for a thorough rebuild/recap job. I love vintage 70s, early 80s equipment and although I have some more modern pieces the drawbacks of vintage are easy to overcome.

[Mraustintexas]

This video is a public service, and I really think you may have saved somebody a lot of trouble by pointing out the drawbacks. Every point you made is totally spot-on.

Personally, I LOVE my vintage gear, with the "Crown Jewels" being a Pioneer SX1250 receiver, a Pioneer PL-530 turntable and a pair of Phase-Tech 8.5 speakers. I'm also lucky enough to live in a town with excellent technicians, and I've never been bashful about giving this equipment the TLC (and $$$) that it deserves, because I get so much joy out of this hobby.

[primeanalogrecords]

All are great points Kevin! My Nakamichi 482z is 40 years old and both my Yamaha PX3 and Technics SL 1610 are as well! Amazing bang for the buck in comparison to new turntables but certainly need tlc to keep them tip top! I think the number one reason people want vintage systems is the look! I put a vintage system together for my daughter, and she adores it every day! She grew up with all of this around her, so I think it’s a part of her nostalgia as well! another great video!

[kyomori]

Fun video, as usual. Got me thinking a bit about why 80% of my audio is pre-2000 (and 60% of that pre 1980..). With the unevenness, quirkiness, and all the other things you mentioned being acceptable (the smell ... to a certain extent), outside of the obvious "Sound", I tend to prefer older equipment because (1) the 'how they work' is normally more mechanical and easier to understand than the IC chip heavy modern equipment .. thus easier to diagnose/fiddle/fix, (2) older stuff tends to be built better to last, and (3) I have a romantic attachment to the "golden age" of audio.. the sound that was coming from my father's kit. I have no idea if my father's kit sounded any good ... but that was the tonality that I grew up with, and it just feels comfortable. As you say, it is not a cheap hobby though..

[davealanogata]

Yes #8 it's highly addictive.. The magical sound, the quality and the look. Been into for over 50 years. I have over 80 pieces.
# 9 finding PARTS specially for tape decks. A few times I have to find a 2nd one( same model) to make a whole one.

[jakep]

Vintage audio looks, feels and sounds better alot of times vs new stereos once restored and dollar to dollar is a solid deal. The only people who seem to complain about vintage stereos is someone who doesnt have a restored one or its been restored by a hack tech so it may technically "work" but its not working 100 percent.

[tapeomatic]

You’ve made good points on why vintage may not be the way to go. I purchased a vintage reel to reel several years ago and partially restored it. However, I realized what it would take to fully restore it, and it’s not worth the time and expense involved. Cosmetically, it’s in good shape, so it’s a great conversation piece.

[tjmltv]

I have peace of mind now. I have an akai 1050. The lights don't work, the red light flicks, a couple of buttons don't work, and the knob is bend. I just got a pioneer sx 626 and is missing the plugs for the speakers. The same thing goes for old cars. You have to be ok with what you have or spend money to make it better.

[Reflectiveness]

Your videos are refreshing from the standpoint that many are here to promote the sale of one thing over another. While you, on the other hand, suggest it's more about having a fun, relaxing hobby.
I, for one, enjoy the way you bring my interest down to earth.

[gary]

"Cheeto dust" (on turntables) 🤣🤣🤣 I've had my Marantz 2325 w/ four JBL L-65 speakers since new in '77, & I wouldn't trade 'em in for any new piece of electronic/s! And I can't imagine why owners let their CATS lay on top of their equipment!!! 🤢🤢🤢 I'm driving my 2325 up from Florida to a very reputable shop in Michigan for a routine 'oil & lube' job, plus a lamp housing replacement in a few months.... can't wait!

[anthonypuopolo]

The biggest frustration i experience with vintage audio gear today is finding a qualified technician that can service them without shipping it out of state and risk damaging it in freight. Audio technicians are sadly a dying trade, and the few who are left are swamped with repairs and backlogged for several months or years before they can even look at your gear. Worse yet, many vintage gear have faulty or failed components that are impossible to find due to the age of the unit. I have a ton of vintage gear that are now boat anchors because of that.

[mikecampbell]

I bought my first integrated amp in 1975 so I'm all about vintage audio. I use a Sabaj A10h headphone amp as a remote volume control in a tape monitor loop, . I also use subwoofers that have speaker level ins/outs and I use a remote control power switch. All the conveniences along with beautiful vintage gear. I never have to get out of my grandpa recliner. LOL