E39: Building a Vintage Audio System

Today I get to share with you the exhilarating results of a superb vintage audio system, and the contributions of its latest addition, a refurbished set of twenty-year-old Von Schweikert Audio DB-100 loudspeakers.

Building a system from vintage audio gear likely represents the most affordable way to maximize the return on whatever investment your budget will allow you to make. Now, while it is clear that the remarkable system presented here represents a substantial investment, I hope that is JUST AS CLEAR that, in order to establish a similar sonic result as has been achieved with this beautiful and seductive system by buying NEW GEAR, would easily require an expenditure of something on order of two-and-a-half to three times as much.

Buying and listening to some of the most exceptional gear from yesteryear can represent another highly rewarding facet of our hobby. While it can require patience and persistence, the joy of putting together a vintage system, and reveling in its resultant glorious sound is virtually impossible to experience any other way.

Here is more information on Karen’s delicious vintage system…which is in Edwardsburg, not Millersburg, Michigan... I have NO IDEA how I mixed that up! ;-)

1. Thorens TD 124 Turntable

a. Rebuilt/refurbished by Greg Metz at STS Turntables.

2. AudioCraft AC-3000 (12 inch) Tonearm
a. Allnic Verito Z MC cartridge
b. SME 3009 Talisman cartridge

3. K&K Audio Maxxed Out phono preamp
a. About 10 years old; upgraded 2 years ago - Current price ~$4500

4. PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player – Current price $5,999

5. A Capella III from Musica Pristina - Network Player/Streamer with all options – Current price $5200


7. DAC – Raleigh Audio Extreme Rakk DAC – Raleigh no longer in existance

8. Allnic T-1500 - 300B integrated amp - was $6900
Purchased ~10 years ago. Stereophile-recommended components 2013, 2014

9. Von Schweikert Audio DB-100 speakers. Read the review that sealed the deal for Karn
Relief from Horniness: Albert Von Schweikert Gets Really Sensitive With The DB-100!

Ways to support the audio analyst©:

[damonvonschweikert]

I absolutely loved hearing Karen's audio journey, thanks for choosing the include that Greg. And I love her home, simply stunning!

[philipteater]

Sound of the system came through enough to know it is fantastic. Seems there is much synergy to the system. Bravo.

[_audiophile]

Sellers remorse-I could name many pieces but my VS dB99’s w/supertweeters beautifully finished in Ebony were superb! Nice episode!

[jlutell]

wonderful episode. Her journey mimics my own, though a bit less esoteric in equipment tastes on my end.

[marcus]

Vintage or even used isn't something I've ever got into... But certainly the greatest of bargains are found there.... Sellers remorse! ... My Roksan Xerxes and also my Proac Super tablets... Neither of which I lost on, due to used demand and ever increasing new prices for either those or competing designs...
Karen's custom plinth on her TD124 looks beautiful Nice to learn of someones highlights in their hifi journey plus some of their musical appreciation... Great video Greg.

[khunopie]

My idea of vintage was going to Radio Shack with my dad and loading up on Realistic® gear, although at the time it was contemporary. Funny that.
Her system looks impressive, but oddly, her speakers sound a LOT like my 30 dollar pc speakers. May need to troubleshoot this quirk
Anyway, from one audiophile to another, cheers Greg. Another FINE episode my man! (raises martini glass in a toast, like The Wolf of Wall Street)

[eitaneldadi]

To my surprise even reproducing the sound from YouTube to my system the sound was so lively that I got goosebumps great system!!!

[thegroove]

It's a shame that she is listening to the effects of her room more than the gear according to what I can see.