5 of my favorite Receivers/Integrated Amps from the 1980's. Nostalgia!

[@roig8578]

Wow! What a great video! I want more of these nostalgia videos. I was more into the late mid to late 70’s gear when I was in H.S. As I went to start college in 1980, I just had a Sony boom box and a Pioneer basic turntable to get me by through my college years until I got an apartment. During the mid to late 70’s, I was able to purchase the Technics SU-8080 integrated amplifier with summer job money. It was stolen in 1987 from my apartment. I always and still lust for the Marantz 2500 or the 2600 receivers. I remember the first time I saw and heard it at a local HiFi store in 1978-1979(?). I was in love. I was still in H.S. Now, I have a Marantz 2250B, but it needs refurbishing which can cost $400 to $600. The only gear from the 1980's that I still have is the Yamaha AX-500U integrated amplifier. Keep up the great work with fun videos.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@newpath.newpath2010]

I cranked up my SR 8100 this weekend, and really appreciate the big warm Marantz sound. Smooth highs, plenty of fine midrange, played through my Polk Monitor 10s.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Very nice!

[@mrcarpentersc]

I'd like to see this for each decade Ed!! You're sound a great job!

[@OldGuyHifi]

I working on it. Thx.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I working on it. Thx.

[@Slkguy230]

I like all the ES stuff, also the Pioneer elite. They had a gorgeous integrated as well. The elite PD- 65 cd player is still highly regarded today.

[@OldGuyHifi]

They were/are great players. Thx.

[@jeffreymoorbeck5039]

I love hearing about and learning about the older equipment! Great video, Ed.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@paulmarr6949]

This was my favorite video yet! Thanks for sharing!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it. More to come.

[@hhitchings]

I have and love my HK550Vxi . Last year I had built my system . When I was a young man , I loved the Sansui systems of the 80s and 90s . But I could not afford such systems. I had a shape all in one system my parents bought and we all used it. I am considering adding a Cambridge CXN100 streamer to my rig next year . Love your channel. All the best.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Great memories. Thanks for sharing them.

[@adsph]

Awesome video Ed. I can remember some of this gear.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Chris.

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Excellent video, love the detailed info on history and changes of the duo companies and products. I remember some of those units seeing them at some parents friends houses or the stores at the times as a kid

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you very much. I glad you enjoyed it.

[@greatpix]

Interesting camera collection. I don't collect really but I have a 1904 Kodak Instamatic folding camera. I never started collecting even though I managed two camera stores in SoCal and was a pro photographer. BTW, I still have my first good turntable - Philips GA-212, plus a monster Braun PS 500, and recently sold my AR The Turntable with a Linn arm.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have sold off most of the cameras. Downsizing. At one time I had about 60 or so. Nice tables you have. Thx for watching and sharing your experience.

[@DarkJeffau]

My first integrated was a Technics 60w amp. Wish I still had it.

[@nascarracer886]

That was a really fun video ‘ loved the Kef reference. I have a reconditioned set of 104.2 powered by Yamaha m65.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Nice. Those are hard to rebuild.

[@nascarracer886]

@ it really wasn’t that hard. There is a good you tube on how to restore them. That gave me the knowledge and confidence to do it. I replaced all the rotted donuts on the woofers, the surround s were fine. All the grommets on the woofers were loose ,so I replaced them. The scary part was changing the old ferrofluid, and taking off and putting back the voice coils. But I had some replacements tweeters. I tried them and really liked them. Ultimately I put back the original ones with new ferrofluid. They should be good for another 20 years! I did not replace the crossovers,((Falcon acoustic sells a kit) I was very on the fence about that. Seems like very mixed opinions on the need to replace the capacitors. They all tested in spec, but I found a broken lead from the board that I re soldered. Who know how long that was broken! Yikes. What’s your opinion on replacing cross over parts? Overall it was not to bad of a project and the results were great!

[@jeffreyhferguson1387]

People forget about Kyocera, but that stuff was top notch! I have a R-661 receiver that still crushes it!

[@OldGuyHifi]

You have to wait for my top 5 CD players. Hint.

[@jeffreyhferguson1387]

@@OldGuyHifiI have a Kyocera cd player too! That still rocks! Can’t wait to see that video. Keep up the good work And Ed!

[@OGNewb]

I was going to say that I think I heard the mic cable giving the grief on an older video. Glad you got a new mic and it sounded great!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yeah, that was a cheap wireless set and it never worked quiet right. I am glad the new mics sound better. Thx.

[@bengleason508]

Old Stuff is so cool! I can't wait to see what comes up next!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Me too.

[@Feliciano12v]

Appreciate the history of the Audio industry you bring it. I remember learning that the perception of stereo equipment from Japan before the 80s wasn't favorable like it is today. Similar to that of how some people see stereo equipment from China unfavorable.

[@OldGuyHifi]

You make a great observation. Thank you my friend.

[@fredcrook8228]

In the 80s I had a used Concord CR210 receiver. I loved its look and it had plenty of power for the small room I had. It started cutting itself off when it built up heat so I replaced it with a Technics SA-290. It was okay, could go louder when I thought that was the most important thing, but that Concord was all right.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yeah, loud was kind of the goal in those days. Thx for sharing that.

[@RanTausi]

Have a nice weekend ED. Love your videos !

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much.

[@greatpix]

I bought a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp in the '80s. It replaced a Sony AVR-7065 receiver. I used the PS Audio up until a few years ago. BTW, my first piece of good audio gear was the PS Audio phono preamp (PS Audio's first item) and I bought it at this high end audio shop in Santa Ana, CA (PS Audio's first dealer). The salesman was none other than Mike Moffatt of Schiit fame.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Great story. I appreciate your sharing it. Thx.

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

Was that store, "Music by the Sea"? I to owned a PS Integrated and I loved it. It was Fonged! An audio modifier named Fong and he had this penchant for silver. The entire signal path in the amp was rewired in this very fine silver wire. I remember the amp also had a very nice MM/MC phono stage. In the end it just had too many problems.

[@LarryReeve-u9y]

After my two Bogan db20 tube amps through klh17 speakers, I tried the Sony ta2000 pre with the 3200f amplifier and Bose 901’s. The Bose left but the pre and amp stayed. I still have them and they still work well, clean and as you said not as punchy as later high current amps like my Adcom 5500. Thanks for the memories.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thxx

[@Norman-bone13]

Fun trip down Nostalgia Avenue 🎶😎

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am glad you thought so.

[@jim010109]

The only thing i have from the late 80's is my Carver TFM-15. It still works, but it has been sidelined for one of my Parasounds. Great video.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Jim.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Most of my vintage gear is from the 70s, but I imported a Luxman L540 integrated from Japan recently. Beautiful amp. Lovely wooden panels.110 watts into 8 ohms, the first 15 in Class A. Lovely sound. I think it dates from 1989.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Nice. That it was of the best pieces to come out during the time Alpine Car Audio owned Luxman.

[@MM-qs7xh]

My first real receiver is my favorite, a Sansui 3300 from l973. A friend got it for me through the PX. I like it for it's wooden case , front panel with mechanical tuner and metal knobs. I still have it and play it although the left channel drops to a whisper sporadically.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks for sharing that story. Those memories are so nice.

[@MarkHiFi_Guy]

My favorite piece from the 80s was my dad's Luxman M02/C02 amplifier and pre amp,,,I still have it today ,,sounds amazing

[@OldGuyHifi]

Great memory and gear. Thank you for sharing that.

[@danielbrown2715]

Fabulous video Ed! CD players from 1983 - 1990 next please or from 83 until the dreaded bitstream took over.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Daniel, We are still stuck with bit stream. Delta-Sigma is an offshoot of that tech. Thanks for watching.

[@danielbrown2715]

I know., imagine how good the TDA1541A would have been by now if that hadn't happened..............

[@OldGuyHifi]

Better yet, what could Burr-Brown have congee up with if TI hadn't bought them.

[@Brian_Romska]

I don’t remember for sure but I think I had #3 in the early 90s, one of the many pieces I was lucky enough to find at the local goodwill or pawn shop, probably paid $20, took it home, hooked it up to some giant car subs in giant boxes in my bedroom and probably blew it up in a couple weeks and then went out and did it all over again, so maybe it’s partly my fault that they’re so expensive and hard to find now? Sorry but I had so much fun with my lawn mowing $$$… thanks again Ed!!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Anytime my friend.

[@mikecampbell5856]

Ed, I love the classic videos! My all time favorite amp is my Harman Kardon PM-650 from 1983. I still have it and the left channel is a little low but it might be an easy fix. That thing seems like a lot more than a 50 wpc amp.

[@OldGuyHifi]

They did punch above their weight class.

[@kirkaparty4143]

Great video. Hope you can review Marantz model 40n. Modern vs older and vs Cambridge

[@OldGuyHifi]

I would love to do that. Marantz (Sound United) are tough to deal with when you have a small channel. THx.

[@kev7383]

My favorite 80s speakers where Ohm, Spendor, and ESS , those AMTs are magic

[@OldGuyHifi]

The Top 5 speakers will be out next week.

[@RedSinter]

Well Ed My Man... I'll be by for a sampling... 🤣 Now, I know where when to cast a possible eye for a gander you having solved that issue. Of Miss Spent Youth. I love the "look" of two in particular ... The Rotel...Gorgeous...the HK... Stately... I don't know if you know of Crazy Lenny lol... another Lover and sort of Reviewer... a Person of or interested in the Historical...of the Industry... Anyway Ed... Always a Pleasure... TY

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. Lenny and I are friends and do share a love for vintage. Thx for tuning in.

[@isaachess9085]

Man you can roll the verbage in hifi topics. It's so easy to listen to you ramble....

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you Mr. Hess.

[@billymartin8752]

GREETINGS FROM THE BEAUTIFUL EMERALD COAST OF NORTHWEST FL! I saved & purchased Sansui Z5000X Compu Receiver, Cassette Deck & two speakers! I worked hard during HS to pay the $400 (on sale at Macy's or Dillard's in Athens, GA) in '83. This immediately led to an Alpine system in my '77 Cutlass Supreme Brougham Edition! I still think (even though I now know better) that Sansui sounded GREAT! 🎶 🎵 CRANK IT UP! Peace, Blessings, ❤️ 🙏...all glory to YHWH! eodbillymartin eodaudiophile

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@katjaboelieable]

ES => funnily enough it stood officially for Extremely Standard . Loved the Vid so hope you don’t mind my small correction

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have seen it in several different forms in Ads and sales lit. Back in the day non Sony dealers used to refer to it as "Extra Sucky."

[@petenamlook18]

I believe that ES stood for 'Elevated Standard'.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. Thank you.

[@hifitommy]

rotel had an early CD player that was a marvel of great digital sound that bordered on LP sound quality. i believe it was an 855 which I bought used and its sound was better than and player I had heard before. then Kimber just came out with the PBJ interconnect which I immediately bought. when I inserted that into the system from the 855 to the preamp, I was floored by the synergism. it was magic. if you see one, you just may NEED to pick it up. sadly, it failed towhat seemed to be a cracked circuit board which took out one channel.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That is shame. Rotel did make some good stuff. Thx.

[@Moremusicnowplz]

Cobra radar detectors, now that takes me back. You mentioned that you’re only using a watt or two if listening in or under the 70db range which is 90% of my listening. This makes me wonder if a 12 watt tube amp like the Black Ice Audio FX10H would drive 4 ohm 85db speakers or would that be a poor pairing. Thanks Ed

[@OldGuyHifi]

I did a video on a low watt amp here:kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6nQXmSHmteLn7c Let me know what you think. Thx.

[@Moremusicnowplz]

As soon as I hit play, I remembered watching this one, thanks for jogging my memory. This was the video that got me thinking about tubes in the first place. If you had to choose one, would you put your tubes in place at the preamp, power amp or go integrated? Just curious on your opinion. Thanks again

[@quebecforce111]

I have 2 Harman Kardon receivers. 1 amp : Harman Kardon HK503 (1978-1980) AND THE Harman Kardon HK385i (1987- 1989). They are just wow for the musicality.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Nice. Those are great units. You know what I am talking about when I describe how dynamic they are. Wonderful stuff. Thx.

[@quebecforce111]

@@OldGuyHifi i have a question for you . with my 2 HK i don't know if using my older one the HK503 have the same technology than my HK385i. My HK503 are a DC coupled ultrawideband integrated amplifier and the HK385i are like you HK you present on your video a ultrawideband linear phase stereo receiver. who of the 2 i have to used or have the best reputation?

[@stefanegger]

22:42 - correction. The first CD player was HD 500 (not CD 100). Later came the HD 100 and HD 300. Last "Classic" style range was HD 200, HD 400 (plus remote) and HD 800 (remote and different board). HD 100 and HD 200 are almost identical I would say, but they use a different CD mechanism and a slightly changed board. HD 300 is really weird, I never saw a CD player with belt drive. It is a bit slow and the display does even less than HD 500 and 100 - no idea why HD 300 was presumeable the high end version of that model range, but the board looks more complex.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. I was going off memory.

[@BoRerunn]

Great video😎👍🏽. What Elac Tower speakers do you show in your intro and do you recommend them over B&W 700 S3

[@OldGuyHifi]

Those are the Debut 2.0 F62s. They are far less expensive speaker than the B&Ws. About $1200 for the pair vs $3k for the 700 S3.

[@BoRerunn]

@ are you going to do a review

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@BoRerunn Probably not since they have been replaced by a new version. I am trying to get the new ones and will do a comparison review.

[@R.Floman63]

What kind of vintage amp would you be using to drive a pair of Ohm-F’s. I have loved them since I heard them in the early 80’s. Thinking of getting a pair if I can find a good set. Right now I am using a Yamaha RX-A1000 driving all matching 7 Energy Veritas speakers and 2 subwoofers in my TV room, it is awesome for digital music and blue-rays and HDTV. I also still have an old pair of Yamaha NS- 670 speakers in storage, one with a blown tweeter. But I would love to put a vintage amp and Ohm -F speakers in the living room with my Sl-J1 turntable to play and display my record collection. My equipment starts in 1982 with the Yamaha speakers and Technics turntable and ends in 2011 with the Yamaha amp and Veritas speakers. It all still works and I get them serviced periodically.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Honestly, I would skip the vintage and go with something modern, like a Cambridge, Emotive, Music Fidelity, Advance Paris. Something with good current. I think that would serve you better.

[@BobbyTwoTimes]

Off todays topic.. Breaking in a Gustard U18 DDC on the Cambridge MXN10/J2S 4493 (2590 Sparkos)/Emotiva TA1/A2 amplifier/Martin Logan XT F100's. The U18 definitely reduced the background noise, but the sound is a bit thin. I'm hoping it will loosen up and bloom in a few more days. Thoughts on break in period for a DDC? My wife and I are enjoying todays video! Hope you have a great weekend.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I think most stuff settles in after about 48 or hours. It can be device dependent though. Keep me posted. Thx.

[@BoRerunn]

@@OldGuyHifiwhat's the breaking in period for some R3 Meta speakers

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@BoRerunn Honestly I don't know. I do have a friend who is a KEF dealer and we were discussing this based another comment and he thought that about 72 hours was his experience. I hope that helps.

[@BobbyTwoTimes]

Hey, Ed! Update.. The Gustard U18, without question, gave me a very quiet background. I thought the soundstage was pushed to the back of the speakers, which I didn't like. Clear sound, but not what I am looking for. It is a heavy little device, and quality seems to be fantastic. Not sure if it would be more suited for headphones. Gonna give it a little more time, but may not be a keeper for me. Waiting on my SMSL unit, you and Randy talked about. Have a great weekend!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@BobbyTwoTimes Keep me posted. Thx.

[@DavidDanielson2]

I had a nice HK503 Integrated Amp but unfortunately i donated it because a shop told me it was unrepairable.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's a shame. Thanks for tuning in.

[@Linux_Lucy]

WHOA Ed ! ! ... The Last word of this Video 'Title' ! ... THAT Word ... Again ... We have got a 'Theme' going here ! LOL ... ( Private Joke ) ... for any-one else reading this ...

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am an old guy after all. Thank you so much for your music recommendations. Please keep them coming. Thx.

[@AntonioLugo-s3w]

Hi Ed. Hope you are doing well. I have a question about something I hope you can help me with. What should I upgrade first my dac or my speakers? I currently have a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic200m and a pair of Polk es 20 bookshelf speakers. I was thinking of buying an upgrade kit from GR research because I learned that the crossover parts are not of the greatest quality. I was thinking of the foil k9. Do you think I should upgrade the speakers first and see if the dac sounds better or upgrade the dac.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Speakers. Definitely. The DAC Magic 200 is a very good sounding unit. The K9 is really a headphone amp first and unless you need that, I would save the money and upgrade the speakers first. Let me know what you decide.

[@AntonioLugo-s3w]

@ Thank you so much for your quick reply. I really appreciate your advice and your expertise. I will definitely look into upgrading my Polks.

[@AntonioLugo-s3w]

@ Buy the way I am running the Emotiva pa2 preamp and an Emotiva basx 2 channel amp. I also have the Cambridge mxn 10 streamer. Thanks again

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@AntonioLugo-s3w The DACin the MXN10 is also pretty good.

[@GlennBerrySQL]

I'm pretty sure that the ES from Sony ES stood for "Elevated Standard" rather than "Extended Standard".

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have seen it both ways in literature and advertising materials. Thank you.

[@winstonmcgill6667]

Is the Black Ice review coming out anytime soon?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Soon. Around Christmas.

[@vendelius]

Fabulous Demo.... Put me in your will....Pretty Please

[@webman1956]

I know that todays` receivers and amps do more than the ones from the 70`s and 80`s but in your opinion do you think todays audio products are superior to the ones back in the day in sound quality?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. Without a doubt the new stuff is better. Think of it this way: Classic cars are wonderful to look at. They bring back fond memories of past experiences. They fascinating and cool, BUT you wouldn't want to drive one everyday. With all the advancements in manufacturing, materials science and computer aided design the new stuff has a definite leg up. Parts tolerances are much higher and more precise giving designers more options. I have some beautiful vintage gear that I love but, I don't listen to it critically. Anyway that's my take. It is up to each of us to figure out what we like. The good news is there is no wrong choice. Thanks for the great question.

[@delstone3801]

Hay old guy… funny about the same age lol but would recommend how to find a repair man for old gear . The few Iv came across are shady at best !

[@OldGuyHifi]

I would start by checking to see if they have any reviews on Google or Yelp. Beyond that I think unfortunately it is a roll of the dice.

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

Quads driven by a Sony integrated amp? Where did you work?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Here in Chicago. We took a lot of stuff in trade so we could cook up up some weird combos. That combo actually worked ok.

[@Mr70hemi]

To me does not sound like a mic issue, as too much compression or low bit rate

[@OldGuyHifi]

It's KZbin. You can't expect any fidelity. I don't even try. Thx.