7 Reasons You SHOULD Get Into Vintage HiFi Stereo Equiptment!

In this video, Kevin gives his reasons why you SHOULD consider getting into vintage stereo equipment! Make sure to leave a comment and tell us your experiences with vintage stereos! We'd love to hear form you!
Link to Stereo Niche's cost comparison of vintage and new equiptment. • Vintage vs Modern ster...
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[@harley0519PDX]

#3 resonates with me, not just for the history of the equipment but also the history of the music. I listen to a lot of 70's and 80's and it just feels good to listen to it on a period-specific piece of equipment.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree

[@danielschiavo5371]

@@skylabsaudio perhaps you should include "period-specific piece of equipment" to the list...

[@southwind73]

As a guy into vintage cars, boats, and stereo equipment I have the same love for this stuff as you do!

[@hawgless60]

I bought off ebay a pioneer 980 in mint condition a couple years ago, its the receiver I wanted back in 78 I would go in the store and just look at the high end equipment all the time but couldn't afford it at the time, this 980 just makes me feel good listening to music again for along time only listened to music when driving, now I'm like a kid in a candy store listening to music at home

[@rickyblair8802]

I think the problem might be that the technicians that know how to work on these things are vintage themselves and when they die nobody knows how to revive them.

[@johnabalos1455]

I bought my first an only hi fi system in 1975 ,I was 24 years old,I had a work friend that had a pioneer system that I didn’t even know existed ,after listening to vinyl of Black Sabbath an others I was blown away about what I had been missing,I had mediocre stereos from k-mart an Sears an thought they were the bomb but I was so wrong so my friend educated me on hi-fi an finally purchased a Kenwood 4600 amp/receiver an a Sony ps-3300 direct drive turntable on display at our local hi-fi shop, I was amazed an impressed with the sound quality that my friends were also.After listening to my system my cousin went out an bought himself one he was already into music anyway like me.I am 70yr old now an still have that vintage equipment an it still works great so many memories when I listen to it on occasion ,i still have different speaker system too but at the moment have it hooked up to some small bookshelf speaker because of space ,love entertaining my friends back in the day 70s an 80s .Hang on to your vintage equipment!!!!

[@dennismeyer8605]

I liked vintage gear when it was new (like me!), and now that I'm not so new (62) I enjoy being able to get my hands on equipment that was financially out of reach when I was a teen.

[@altokheim]

There is a definite sense of nostalgia for those of us who bought vintage products when they were new. Just the sight of a Marantz 2240 I purchased new in 1975, the Dual 1228 and Smaller Advent speakers acquired through the years makes me smile every day. There are some incredible memories attached

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree! Glad we agree!

[@SuperWooba]

I feel like me and my vintage gear actually share a soul. I did not realize that until this moment, and it's beautiful. Thank you.

[@skylabsaudio]

I agree 100%

[@rotaxtwin]

You make a good point about the history of a piece of equipment and whatever kharma it has accrued over the years. I like to think of a guy playing the first Boston LP for the first time and maybe realizing what a groundbreaking album it was through one of my old pieces. Or tuning the FM dial one day and discovering a new FM station in your city that previously only had one or two.

[@skylabsaudio]

That first Boston album is a top 3 greatest debuts of all time, for me, for sure- maybe #1.

[@stereoniche]

Well, I go on vacation for a few days and see Kevin gave me a great mention. Thanks VERY much for the nice comments, I've been a big fan of your videos for quite some time. -Scott

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Scott! What is this vacation thing you speak of... It's ok, I'll Google it :)

[@michaeledwards9376]

I am a service tech. I started out as a guitar amp tech. I worked for Beveridge Electrostatic Speakers, Jim Bongiorno and Sumo, John Curl and Vendetta. And, yes, vibe and keeping really well crafted gear out of a landfill and getting good sound out there fills me with joy. It is vibe!

[@stereoniche]

Hi Michael. I am long time collector and have owned Beveridge speakers for quite some time. I am working on a video of Beveridge speakers. I talked with Kavi some years ago, by chance, did you also work with him while he was at Beveridge or did you work at Rick's business (Harold's son)?

[@michaeledwards9376]

@@stereoniche I Worked with Kavi at Beveridge and Waterlily Acoustics. If you know where a pair might be for sale, do let me know.

[@tennesseecherokee]

Thanks for all your videos, Kevin. I’m 65 & have been immersed in what is now considered‘vintage audio’ since 1973, so yeah 50 Years.

[@Metaldoodd]

Im in my mid 20s so I don’t share the same sentiment with others towards 70s gear. I do have fond memories of 90s gear but like you stated , a lot isn’t meant to be fixed. In high school I bought an old dual motor Sanyo TT that wasn’t getting full power , drove me nuts taking it apart but in the end I fixed it. Fully restored my sx750 , added a Triac and redid the veneer. The community is engaging , helpful and genuine. I don’t see vintage audio becoming obsolete.

[@mikecampbell5856]

I bought my first system in 1975 so I'm all about vintage audio, being vintage myself. If a modern amp had better performance than my vintage amps, I will still take my beautiful 70s gear every time. I like to look at my gear while I'm listening.

[@skylabsaudio]

I get it 100%. Thanks for sharing!

[@lobstame]

Kevin, all you say is true. As a teen in the sixties I guess I was very fortunate except for all the social turmoil of the era. I’m stuck in the seventies Audio world and keep everything I own in that era. The sound and the vinyl I spin daily keep me there and wanting more. Thanks for the great work you are doing as it is very interesting to many of us. Best Regards

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you for the kind words and watching!

[@texasbassranger]

As I may have mentioned earlier in this thread, when I heard that Phase Linear was going to discontinue consumer systems, I put myself on levy to go back to Germany, just to purchase that system at a fraction of the cost in the US. Phase Linear was the crown of vintage stereo component systems, and I only sold it in 1994 when offered a ridiculous amount of money for it. The amp needed a cap refit and I just didn't want to mess with it. There's not a week that goes by that I don't regret selling that system.

[@atw4321]

I am 62 years young i have been collecting vintage audio for 30 years mostly Sansui,Teac/Tascam,Pioneer. I am self taught in refurbished vintage audio trying to keep all i can from a sad death in some landfill 😢 it has become quite the hobby.Have quite the home stereo and do have modern equipment also to go into system.Anyway if you decide this is for you just have fun 👍

[@rotaxtwin]

Yup, anything to keep it out of the landfill. Good job!

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

My HI-FI history story. In 1985 I bought a USED McIntosh C-26 preamplifier for $300 CANADIAN dollars I used it EVERY DAY from then until selling it in rough shape (broken glass but working and sounding great) in 2019 for $300 CANADIAN. I have never experienced a product ever with this level of a build QUALITY.

[@MarvinHartmann452]

Ha what a steal. That's the good thing about living in Canada, despite, you know, the other very bad aspects of it, is the Canadian money. I've bought 2 sets of marantz separate, 3300/240/150/ and 3200/140/112 for 250$ Canadian each, 10 years ago. Not as good as the mcintosh but I'm happy with them.

[@allanellis5827]

I certainly caught the bug. Over the years I have purchased and still have a collection of high end vintage receivers. IMO they are visual works of art and sound great. As weird as it may seem sometimes I will go to my rec room, put on an album (which btw I have a vintage Thorens tt) and turn on all my receivers just to look at them lit up while I listen to an album through my vintage Harbeth Mk III speakers. All this creates personal atmosphere I very much enjoy. And yes they are all worth more now than when I bought them. I love this crazy hobby! Thanks for the video!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Allan

[@shawnwhite5468]

I often make the comment. If this unit could only tell me the stories of what it has seen throughout its existence. Excellent video! I agree.

[@joelane7146]

once you own a reel to reel you will be hooked! I have a vintage Marantz 2220b receiver, Pioneer Rt 701 reel to reel , Teac 3300-10 reel to reel, Kenwood KD 20000 turntable, Pioneer Bookshelf speakers!

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

but for the price of US based four track pre-recorded tapes. $100-200 for many albums. UK only has mono recordings from the 60s.

[@chrislj2890]

I often wonder about old items like these and wonder who bought them new and owned and enjoyed them over the decades, and what became of the people. Of course most have passed on by now, and I'm hoping that some day someone will be able to own and listen to my equipment and get as much joy as I have.

[@skylabsaudio]

Exactly! Agree!

[@stephenm3874]

Thank you for your excellent KZbin channel! I'm 69 now and just love the vintage movement in general. Having had a career in computer technology, it's a blessing to be able to enjoy collecting / persevering classics from their heyday. My particular interests are 50s - 60s scifi and furniture, and now 70s audio. I'm currently building my systems based on 70s audio (everyone had Pioneer back then) as well as 80-90s speaker offerings (huge Meadowlark fan)

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you for watching!

[@LakeNipissing]

Just rescued spotless mint condition Pioneer SX-770 and Nakamichi LX-5 from being tossed in the trash. Let your family, friends and neighbors know you are interested in older electronics, and people will let you know. I have rescued dozens and dozens of pieces of vintage audio equipment for going to landfill exactly in this way.

[@stephenm3874]

In 1973 I heard my first Nakamichi cassette system playback and was floored by the quality!

[@jamjo2357]

I am a vintage dude. In 1981 I bought my first turntable. A Sony PSX 55s and a used Marantz 2230B. Both have been serviced and are minty fresh. For some unknown reason I hauled all my vinyl around that I bought in the late 60's, 70's and 80's. Love the sound.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I purchased a SONY TA-2000f (demo) Pre-amp back in 1975 from a store dealer. Except for the phono stage, it is still my main "active volume control" and control center for my system today. Of course I replaced ALL the electro-caps back in 2006. Replaced even more caps in 2010. And finally I totally re-designed and re-built the 4 line amp stages (using the original plug-in circuit boards) in 2015. The reed relay, volume pot and light bulbs are original and (still) work fine. Hard to find that type lasting quality today. Also love the SONY champagne anodized aluminum panel, knobs and switches from that era.

[@AudioNaut93]

My vintage gear addiction started in my late teens with a pair of Cerwin Vega DX-7’s. They woofers needed new foam so I took them to SpeakerWorks of Tulsa for repair. When I walked into his shop for the first time I was gobsmacked. The shelves were full of vintage receivers, power amps, pre amps, tuners, equalizers, CD players, tape decks, reel to reels, turntables, speakers etc etc. and as soon as I was able to save a couple hundred bucks Mr. Dave Miller sold me my first piece of vintage gear, a pioneer SX-650 and to me it was the most beautiful and most kickass amplifier in existence and my addiction to vintage gear started that day and I’m still infected with the bug at 30. In fact, I would say it’s only “getting worse” with age because now I actually have money to spend on this stuff 😎 In my humble opinion, we haven’t come all that far with amplifier technology in the last 50 or so years. I’ve tested about every major consumer level power amp against my pioneer sa9100 and I haven’t been impressed. Most of it is a bunch of cheap crap meant to throw away…my pioneer is 50 years old and hasn’t skipped a beat.

[@grantwilson9161]

You hit pretty much every reason I collect vintage gear & yep, I really like wondering about the history of each piece; who bought it & where, how did they enjoy it, how did the bumps & scuffs happen, what type of music was played on it, etc. Hunting down new pieces (internet, thrift stores, estates sales) is addictive. I'm 63 & retired 2 years ago & vintage equipment collecting has given me a lot of enjoyment. As you said, this is a hobby that hurts no one, brings back a ton of memories & it may even have some investment value (not that I really care). I'd add only one more reason to your list, #8 - You get to meet a lot of really interesting & genuinely nice people. So cool!

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad we agree. Its a great hobbie with a lot of incredible people and stories!

[@user-zz1lr3qd5e]

Yes I agree nothing beats vintage stereo receivers

[@nedhill1242]

I was a child of the 70s and went to high school & college early to mid 80s. For me and most of my friends our lives revolved around girls, sports, hunting & fishing, and, of course, music! This was before cable TV, the Internet, computers, smart phones, etc. It was such a better time to live and be a kid. In college music was a huge! Everyone had a nice stereo in their dorm room. Of course, everyone knew who had the nicest stereo. The loudest stereo. The biggest speakers. Etc.

[@map4000]

I have been tuning in to your channel a few times, good stuff. Very subtle and full of learning with good tips and introductions to cool pieces with honest opinions. Thanks Mate. I recently took to a deep dive in vintage audio, mainly because of the classic design and aesthetics. Damn its the good stuff :D I am huge fan of timeless classic design, evergreens and mechanical stuff. So it's just right up my alley 😋 For me personally, it was just a bit overwhelming with the audio prices of high end hifi today. I just kept going on with my workstation desk environment with active monitors and for daily drivers was pretty hooked on using bigger Marshall bluetooth speakers because of the looks ;) The only problem for vintage stuff is the goddamn weight, i live top floor 😄 Cheers

[@glenngogoll6166]

Kevin, I hear you with amps.vs receivers. Receivers are the weapon of choice in the US, but here in Australia, we didn't get FM until 1975, so receivers weren't necessary to us, a we sold a few prior to 75, but amps were the norm here until 75. I worked in the business at the time & I got a Marantz 2325 direct from the importer. What a beast.

[@scottbennett3119]

Thanks for this inspiring video. I totally agree with you. I just spent money getting my 1985 Yamaha A-1020 Auto-Class A 125 w/Ch integrated amplifier fixed. It needed over a half dozen output transistors and some capacitors replaced. The reason I had it fixed is because out 4 new modern Receivers I tried (Emotiva, Cambridge, Yamaha and a Rotel) none of these sounded nearly as good as my Yamaha A-1020. If I lived near you, I would have had you guys fix it. But I had it fixed at Just-Audio in the greater Baltimore area. So happy to have it fixed and enjoying it again! What a pain to go through the hassle of buying and returning all those amplifiers. Get it fixed, or by a good vintage receiver or amplifier!

[@wvufreak56]

I just retired on July 4th this year and turned 67 on July 15th. My first componet stereo system I purchased in the mid 70's was a Pioneer SX-424 Receiver..a Garrard Turntable and two Pioneer HPM-40's. Several years later, I bought a Marrantz 2238 B ...Dual turntable but kept the HPM 40's. I sold the Marrantz at a yard sale after my divorce! What was I thinking? No idea, I would later deeply regret this, as now retired, I want another Marrantz and to piece together a nostalgic system again! Your channel has turned up the flame in my fire to do just that! My vinyl collection has been boxed up for well over 25 years. NOW, Im ready and watching your channel and researching the cost of a good Marrantz receiver. The nostalgic memories have come racing back, and I feel like a kid in a candy store, but the prices are definitely not like buying that candy! Lol...for good reasons though! You just can't replicate that era of stereo electronics with todays systems in my book! I'm excited and just last night drove 68 miles to buy two vintage Boston Acoustic VR 30's in pristine condition! Now, I'm very partial to finding the right Marrantz receiver and a turntable! I'm not ruling out other receivers though! I'm thoroughly enjoying the search and appreciate your channel, knowledge and value your opinions! Keep it going, we love it! I may be asking for your advice and opinion on my two remaining choices with probably a Marrantz receiver & another turntable. This will be my retirement gift to myself, so its a BIG deal to me!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

I never planned on it, I just dropped off a KR6030 to the tech as it lost a channel, I bopped into a thrift shop I work at and was asked to check an SX650 so it would be tested before being put out for sale, It worked, I was so impressed by how good it sounded and looked, I bought it, took it home and hooked to my giant Magnavox 3-ways, So I was very impressed and began to collect stereo receivers from the 70's, the sx 750 850 and 950 are great receivers as is a Kenwood KR6600, I have an RS tapedeck that weighs 5 lb but the Pioneer F21 weighs 14.9 lbs, which is quality, the SG9500 Eq is built like a tank, great quality, that is what I really like and they are able to be fixed. No ur not just drinking the Kool-Aid you know quality. Thanks for sharing all your experiences!

[@pauleichenberger4966]

Hi Kevin! Love your videos, low key, down to earth and relatable to the average consumer. There is just something about plugging in and firing up a new vintage Pioneer receiver or pair of old JBLs that excites me. I have so many vintage turntables and receivers and cassette decks which I haven't even tested....

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate the feedback! Thanks for watching!

[@jasonblakeley3499]

You hit the nail on the head for me digital reproduction simply has no soul. My personal collection stops at 1979 and begins in the late 1950s. Great content. Good to see younger folks taking the stewardship seriously.! It truly would be a shame it generations to come were to lose gear and soulful sound of the golden years.

[@williamculbreath5443]

I absolutely agree with you. You give me a thumbs up a couple days ago on my stereo I’m the one with the Marantz 510 M the Marantz, 3600 marantz120. The Marantz 5020 and I got a pioneer 707. I absolutely agree with you. That stereo sounds awesome with my cerwin Vega, VS150 Put on some dark side of the Moon and your neighbors. I love you. Thank you for the thumbs up brother.

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate the comments!

[@optimistray1]

Great topic and very well presented. I’m just around the 8 month mark with my vintage Toshiba set up, and the appeal for me is a combination of nostalgia, aesthetics and the overall sound signature. Something about switches, buttons, dials and knobs is just so satisfying to the touch; it invites and demands engagement. Salut!

[@gregbates2844]

Very well said. The tactile element is impossible to quantify.

[@CicciTheReptilebrain-or9zp]

Hi Thanks for a very interesting youtube channel I must say, insight into hifi history and the gear you talk about. I notice that the equipment that is older works very well if you service it and give it a little love and besides, it is much more fun with all the buttons, knobs, relays, potentiometers and so on than going into a lot of menus when you want to change something. Keep going! 👍

[@tomday7309]

Great video, Kevin. I've been catching up on all your stuff and got to this one. Boy, does it resonate with me (sorry for the audio reference). I bought my first amplifier and turntable in 1969 and built my own speakers as an industrial design student. I upgraded my stuff as I could afford it and I was buying lots of vinyl to play. I still have my Pioneer SX 424 receiver ,but the Technics SL Q303 turntable and Dynaco speakers went to my son who teaches music and conducts bands on a college level. He loves the stuff and now uses it with my grandson to play his favorite music on vinyl. I have to say that he is a died in the wool Iphone and wireless nut as well. Both platforms can co-exist with the proper equipment. One last thing, I had a decent Harmon Kardon 7.1 home theater receiver (Again with the cool blue light tuner knob) that used all RCA connections except this model had, I assume, their first HDMI outlet obviously hacked into the back where they had a bit of space as a running change. This was in 2006....how things can change quickly as you said.

[@robmurray3914]

I’m fine with people loosing interest in this stuff ! Means there’s more for us !

[@k.givens788]

I’m an over the road driver. As such I had access to East Coast, Midwestern and Southern markets. For example. I got a Marantz 2215b In Pennsylvania. I got Bozak B402’s in Birmingham and Bozak B201’s in Kansas City. The thrill of the hunt indeed!

[@lukeb5657]

One other aspect that I love about vintage gear is the opportunity to restore and breathe new life into something that has a history to it, but has also been neglected or just seen some lean years. My wife and I bought a 1959 Zenith stereo turntable console radio set in 2021. It came from the son of the original owner, about 5 minutes away in our neighborhood, and it sort of worked. Having a connection like that to the original owner was great. I spent that summer acquiring schematics, alignment procedures, parts lists, and systematically going through and rebuilding the amplifier chassis and tuner chassis. It involved replacing nearly all of the resistors and capacitors, turntable cartridge. It sounded so much better after that, with the added bonus that I didn't have to worry about old caps burning out the tubes. In late 2022, I had a preamp tube go bad in the amplifier, and decided to replace the tubes across the entire audio signal path. (Some of those tubes were probably original.) It took on a whole new life with fresh tubes (Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7, 12AU7, EL84/6BQ5) and replaced the missing 12AT7 from the FM oscillator. The cabinet was in pristine condition, too. We've since added a modern Audio Technica turntable which is a huge improvement over the Zenith Cobramatic turntables (which have a 5-10g tracking force!) The early 60's Microtouch turntables were ~2g. If you want to get into vintage gear but don't think you can work on this stuff - you might be surprised how easy it is! Also highly recommend checking out Mr. Carlson's Lab. I've learned a ton about how to work on vintage radios/hifi gear and saved myself a lot of headaches/rookie mistakes from his videos. www.youtube.com/@MrCarlsonsLab

[@skylabsaudio]

Very cool! Some of those old consoles sound shockingly good! Yes, Mr Carlson's knowledge on electronics is unreal.

[@stephen579]

I have an old JVC R-s7 receiver that I keep in an upstairs room, just for playing when I want some " me" time, I run a Rega custom-built turntable through it and out into a pair of Wharfdale Diamonds, as the JVC warms up the smell takes me back to my teenage years, I wish I had someone like you living near me.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@riflegurlsmom]

Almost 60 years old and I agree, Kevin, the vintage equipment (clothing too which I am always on the lookout for) have their own soul and experience which I love!

[@tommywingate2220]

Beginning at very early ages music is as big a part of an individuals life as anything else. The transmission of this music and the devices involved are incredibly important and in the case of vintage very visual as well. IF my gear fails that would be tragedy BUT I can still admire the art of a beautifully designed amplifier and or turntable. Try that will the current mass produced equipment. It starts with the passion for music and continues with the beautiful gear that brings the music to us. Younger generations have been screwed flat out. They’ve been robbed of everything from the album art to the loudness switch and that is a shame. I try to help anyone who shows a sign of interest and that is a joy for me. My daughter is 45 needless to say she is an audiophile of sorts maybe she too will pass that love along.

[@semperfi-1918]

Found out that there are alot of underrated vintage magnavox amd other equiptment. Well built and due to age needs to be recapped but they do out perform alot of the newer stuff and looks awesome.

[@kyleholtmeyer9073]

Number 3 is one of my top reasons. I recently picked up a Pioneer RT-707. Talking to the owner I learned it was his father’s, who happen to be a journalist. His dad worked in Hollywood for sometime than moved onto the government world working for 5 presidents as a press officer. Starting with LBJ and ending with Reagan. It was cool wondering who he interviewed using the recorder. Imagining it being in the room during some interesting/important conversations. Anyway, I do this with all my gear. Wonder who was the first person to play this and what song was it?

[@skylabsaudio]

So fun to think about! Agree

[@dennissachs2846]

I do enjoy watching your KZbin show. I would like very much to get into vintage hi-fi. The only thing stopping me is if I need repairs there’s no one I can take it to your business is no longer taking and repairs and does not ship brand new equipment out, which is a shame, but if I were to buy something that breaks down, I need to know I have someone who can repair it for me. This is pretty much the only reason why I do not go with vintage anyway thanks.

[@kyleroussel]

I've had the same thought about old gear having it's own "soul". I think it's silly, but I'm totally here for it. Thinking about the great tunes that have passed through the gear over decades of use definitely adds to the allure of vintage audio. Since I can't pry my dad's old Pioneer amp from him, I have no choice but to look for my own! The thrill of the hunt is real - I'm a collector of many things from comics to Star Wars stuff, and more, so I know all about patience, and looking for the right deal...or even finding your holy grail.

[@jeffreydanieljensen7290]

Thanks for your passion and honesty

[@frankierodriguez8661]

I'm completely biased LOL but I absolutely agree my friend. Next Christmas I'll upgrade my humble JVC A-X1 straight to a Pioneer SA 8800. 8800II or Sansui AU 9900. Long Live Vintage HiFi!!!!. Thanks a million for the great videos and grettings from Ciudad Rodrigo, a little town in the west of Spain. When a was a boy, I only could listen to music with a tiny monoaural cassette, now I'm 58 and hell, it's payback time!

[@skylabsaudio]

Make up for that lost time! Thank you!

[@frankierodriguez8661]

@@skylabsaudio Thanking you for the good job. If this is Kevin, well, you sit with me in my living room in front of my Missions bud. 😎

[@jamessouthworth1699]

For me the late 1970s are the high water mark for audio electronics. We had finally gotten to the point where the sound was amazing but it was before we started making things look and feel cheap. It was the whole package. The look, the feel, the sound... It truly was the golden age. It's the same joy and feeling I get from cars from the 1950s and 1960s.

[@troyvan6952]

I think the first thing we do when getting into the hobby, is to find a good tech. I've recently found a guy 10 minute drive from my home.. Now I can start looking for a vintage piece of gear. Knowledge is power.

[@scottbaylor6215]

I do enjoy thinking about the history of vintage stereo equipment. I still have my dads amp and turn table from the mid 80’s. Both work great and sound good being on light duty.

[@kevincooney502]

Great stuff as usual! Thanks for all you efforts. Really enjoy all the videos!

[@jb678901]

Just bought a pair of bookshelf speakers (SONY SS-E34) off of a local site; advertised as NEW-OLD stock. I was skeptical but for $19...why the hell not? I put in the bid and voila...won them for $19 bucks. Paid the $20 to have them shipped. When they arrived they were, in fact, pristine and unused. Work perfectly...sound excellent considering they were $19 bookshelf spkrs! Cannot go wrong with a decent set of SONY bookshelves.

[@quiksr20]

Almost every one of these 7 reasons were spot on for me and I often sit back ( usually after a few beers and some records ) and think, Who originally bought this stereo ( provided you dont buy from the original owner ), How many parties did it participate in? How many times did it play tunes for special occasions etc. This hobby has been so much fun, It brings me back to picking up stereos out of the garbage in the 80s as a young kid or listening to vinyl records with my uncle . Another thing ( not on the list but could go with the hunt part ), I love getting a dirty but maybe working piece and just spending a few hours bringing it back to life, Over time you nail the process of taking off faceplates, what chemicals to use, going out and finding a broken antenna bracket / missing knob or adding warm led's to bring it back to life. Ive just started down the repair journey and after fixing a broken stereo and playing some tunes I find it akin to working on a project car and then going out for a cruise with something you just slaved over... I find every step along the way to be very rewarding.

[@skylabsaudio]

Love it

[@cargo74f]

Cheers Kevin, the information you give is helping me very much. I lived through the age of vintage stereo's, a good friend had a Sansui amp, recordplayer and speakers early '70's , never heard such a brilliant sound until I acquired the same set a month ago, instead of Sansui speakers I have a set of 3-way Sony's, f****ing glorious!! And yes I'm old, nearly 71 and it does take me back but in a good way.

[@pathfinderdiscovery9395]

Ive gotten into it an love it , 70s 80s I love um all ❤ an this channels advice is awesome

[@russellewandowski843]

I have Crown seperates (pre and power amps) from the 1980's and ESS speakers from the mid 70's and they are still performing fantasticly.

[@outdoorsluvr]

When I play tunes off of my Marantz receiver, I often wonder who owned it first, what kind of music they liked, what events it was played during. Weird connection with a past I’ll never know about. But I like that feeling.

[@martindooley4439]

Yup I'm on the bus. Just purchased a Dual 505 turntable with upgraded cartridge from a guy who was moving overseas. Didn't work so swapped out three capacitors and it now sounds awesome. I love the interaction with music getting the vinyl out of sleeve getting up to play the music. I feel more involved. Streaming and modern tech has its place I have a couple of modern Class D Bluetooth speakers which are rugged with great battery life. There is a place for modern and vintage just my thoughts though

[@jimryon1002]

I really like these videos. I was a collector in the 60's and 70's. I am so happy to see this come back.

[@janishall8062]

I totally agree with you on all of your points. I really like knowing my gears history. Wouldn’t it be cool if we knew it’s whole story.

[@paulthomas8989]

Ok so speaking of equipment having its own soul … I’ve been scavenging and obsessing over stereo equipment since I was a kid in the eighties . One day when I was 14 I was riding my bike passed a church yard sale ; I stopped . I found a 15” powered speaker ( first time ever seeing one ) I bought it . This thing was big and weighed a lot. Getting it home astride my bike wedged between my upper body face and handle bars must have been a comical sight . I got it home got it hooked up and it worked ! I was Thrilled! A short time after integrating the speaker into my Frankenstein stereo system it began to play old church sermons , old church songs and some kind of monk chanting . I checked to see if these sounds were tunable on my radio receiver but no … also I discovered the sounds would play sometimes even when the speaker was completely disconnected. I would show this to my friends and it was a little spooky. Some of them would get freaked out ! I had the speaker for several years and eventually traded it to a buddy for a large chunk of pure potassium in a jar of some kind of liquid he had stolen from the science lab at the highschool . The speaker would even play the sounds at his house too . Eventually I moved away and i don’t know what became of that speaker but it has always been a fond memory , mystery and fascination in regards to my life long love of vintage stereo equipment. If anyone has an explanation or similar experiences please do share … Peace !

[@skylabsaudio]

Spooky! I probably would have taken it outside poured gasoline on it and lit on fire. Aight no way that thing would have been in my house, lol.

[@scottprice8994]

I agree with you, Kevin. I do not see people handing down their 21st century electronics to family. For me, it is the build quality, the looks, and the sound that make the vintage stereo equipment so great. I do not know of any manufacturers making stereo receivers like this today. If they did, it would cost $10,000. McIntosh 7200 comes close, but it does not have the same look. It costs $8,000.

[@karaDee2363]

Even as a vintage person myself, I always look forward to & value your opinions... And as usual, I agree 💯..

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Karen. I always appreciate your comments!

[@petecoffaro5915]

Another fun to watch, video. Thanks

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

I love vintage. I about 1976 I bought a SA 1001 Realistic amp. I loved it, but had an issue in the selector. I then bought a STA 2700 Realistic. I have never stopped playing it. I love the sound. I have 5 Dual tables hooked to it. Later I bought a second one and have 3 Dual tables on it.. Later my dad gave me his retired Pioneer SX-626 and two Dual tables. I did have all serviced. I love all of them. I have a more modern Sony stereo, but I use it for the tv and dvd. It does not hold a candle to my vintage systems.

[@LA-db9xj]

Sitting here listening to music on my Teac X-2000R r2r. Playing through a Kenwood KR-5600 receiver, Kenwood GE-1100 EQ, and Bose 501 Series III speakers. Scanning KZbin when I came across your video. Been on this most enjoyable journey since 1973 when I was a young Airman living in the barracks. Been through a lot of gear over the years. For me it's about the sound and character of the gear. Enjoy your videos sir. Keep up the excellent work! 🎶🎵

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you for watching!

[@robertdavis5714]

You want a new addiction, that pretty much explains it, I like finding stuff brought here from over-seas, ie: Kenwood 9000G. In the beginning was only suppose to be 2 Pioneer Stereo receivers, which I bought a SX 980 and SX 780, now 6 systems set-up in the house plus 3 closets full, mainly Integrated Amps and FM Tuners is my thing, just bought a Kenwood KT 8300 (with wood panels, never seen for sale) and waiting for LEDs. What I have noticed over the years, it is getting hard to find decent stuff, 1976-1979 for me.

[@ThresholdZhor]

Excellent video, I concur in all, your JBL Jubal and Sansui looks cool on the background

[@renebollengier1111]

I love my vintage stuff. I bought it new in the late 70s so it’s my stuff, still. I just recapped the amp and it runs like new. Took a few hours but it was way worth it. As a side note I just got my dads 1946 johnson delux 2.5 running. Vintage still draws the looks and comments even on the lake! Next is his Scott Atwater.

[@jim010109]

Awesome video, keep up the good work.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, will do!

[@andrewcastro2530]

I hope people don't start picking up gear just for investment. This gear needs to be used to make music, not sit around like a silver coin. I totally agree on the vintage speakers. Just picked up a pair of Bostons T930 for 100$. Find they sound similar to Infinity SL40 speakers that I have, paid 60$ for those. Have to give the T930 proper listening time before I decide which one goes. don't want to end up with a house of speakers. Still have my HD9s. I get the best deals when people list on Craigslist that they are moving or downsizing. But like new gear you never know what you got till you hear it at home..... love your channel. Enjoy your day!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Andrew. Agree

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Vintage hi-fi is a kin to vintage cars. If parked and unused they rot and develop faults that don't happen as often if in daily use. It is a shame if a quality product that works (not just an object to look at) isn't used regularly. I understand collecting and at one time had too many hi-fi systems sold on so they got used and appreciated. It was becoming expensive enough to maintain the system I was using without annual repairs to parts not in use.

[@Dadmasterjames]

I am on a computer all day for work so I love the analog "primitive" gear and playing records.

[@PB-mr4ze]

Thanks for the video, Kevin. Well done, thoughtful and engaging as usual. Never thought of the soul of a receiver before but you’ve got me thinking now. I appreciate most how well designed and aesthetically pleasing they are. My faves in a dim lit room are the Marantz and the Pioneer SX - - 50 series.

[@chrisedwards2959]

More great content! I love the hunt. Gotta be willing to put some time in but there’s very little like finding a killer piece of stereo equipment or that “grail” LP you’ve been looking for. Appreciate you guys and your channel

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Chris!

[@RedSinter]

lol... a new addiction...just what I need! What I like is not to have passed on that HK-630 Twin Power for $350 int / No Scratches / Serviced...and the really Key thing I was looking for and missed was Preamp out thus easily allowing Eq, Dac, and Streaming. Now, I'm back to scrambling... need to take my Sansui 8080 with work done in for a checkup and maybe a switch replaced or cleaned and hope I don't need recapping. But of it needs it...I'm getting it done. By the way as always...Thanks for Being here...Much Appreciated.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, James!

[@heavyearly2232]

A lot of my equipment started out as expensive , prestigious purchases - AR-3 and 3a speakers, Crown SX-724 and Pioneer RT-2044 decks, Harman/Kardon Citation 1 pre-amp. They were neglected, poorly performing(or not performing) , near scrap-heap condition units (my 3a speakers were quite moldy). I restored, or had restored, these units(Luckily, some were cheap, or free. Ain't cheap to fix this stuff). It's satisfying to give them back their prestige, and usefulness . Next, a Dual 1219.......

[@garygraham2513]

Well, if it's drinking the cool-aid, it's some damn good cool-aid! I have been rebuilding my vintage analog setup for a number of years now. I fondly remember the warm, clear sound of the day. I also am enjoying the hobby of doing the rehab of each piece. One thing that I never let go of was the vinyl collection from years ago. Just couldn't find in me to give them up. And now, I get to love them again!

[@skylabsaudio]

Love it! Thanks, Gary

[@allanellis5827]

It's great you didn't unload your albums. Good for you. Neither did I. I'm sure a lot of ppl now regret giving up their vinyl when cds were taking over.

[@skylabsaudio]

I hear it almost daily

[@charlespalla1978]

The main thing is with this hobby (addiction) it is Visceral!!! You become part of it. I sat down my nephew in my seat and played Stairway to Heaven on vinyl through an Onkyo TX-4500 55 watt amp and a refoamed set off large Advent speakers. Need I say more. Yes it is a fun rabbit hole to go down, just stay calm, educate yourself and try and stay on budget. Thanks, against for your videos as your welcoming vibe is so different from the snooty stereo stores from the seventies where the rude salesman ruled the day.

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate that!

[@johnroberts5602]

As one who lived through the vintage years I personally believe the generally warmer sound is one draw, but the vintage receivers are beautiful. The new equipment may be technically superior but they are just boring black boxes and you can' read the silk screened graphics. When I came home from Vietnam in 1968 I bought a system that featured a Kenwood KR100, KLH 5 speakers, a Gerrard 95 automatic turntable and a Roberts GH500 reel to reel deck. Sadly, i have disposed of the components over the years. I would love a vintage pair of KLH 5 speakers again! Carry on.

[@ericweimer2101]

The build quality and attention to design are huge for me! It all started with a small Pioneer SX-580. It was MILES better than any Bluetooth or AV receiver I could afford at the time. And yes, they definitely have a soul.

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad we agree!

[@joedeegan3870]

EMI 62 Speakers sound really good to me. They were advertized in the 1960's as having great transient response. I think that is the secret. A 6 by 10 oval woofer with concentric cone tweeter.

[@harlest71]

Love the video. One of the best things we can do with our love for vintage audio is to pass it down to our children. My son and his friends love the Marantz I restored for him. Don't be afraid to get your kids into this amazing hobby. They will thank you for it later, or profit from it later LOL!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Absolutely!

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Our children and our friends have their own choices. It may not make sense to us. My hearing is not great, my wife and daughter are better. My daughter plays the piano and I can't paly any musical instrument but both choose the speaker on iphone and ipad over the hi-fi in the same room. They use Bluetooth when lossless wi-fi is available or even airplay because it is easier. Friends ask Alexa instead of dialing in the radio station of a very nice hi-fi system not linked to their TV which is sad as the B&W speakers are amazing and the TV speakers are not. At one point I did get my daughter into photography but then she got an iphone and it is "good enough" that the digital SLR is never used. I can understand not having hi-fi or a camera but if it is available in front of you why pick the lower quality ...

[@alm5693]

I can't say I ever got into vintage audio because I was buying it all at Schaak Electronics when it was new. I'm incredibly nostalgic for the first two receivers that I bought back then, but I'm fighting the urge to spend $500 - $700 on them until I that much free cash at hand. My 4 year old Vincent will have to suffice for a while. My vintage addiction lately has been satisfied by bringing the Rockhopper that I purchased in 1989 back to original. It was already 95% there.

[@Vbeletronico]

Great video! This, together with the companion video of reasons for /not/ buying vintage, is a great resource for anyone with some inclination towards this hobby. Growing up in the 70s/80s in a foreign land (Brazil) where access to such equipment was incredibly difficult, I was very lucky to have a dad that was an avid technology and music fan. He was able to get a complete quadraphonic system with pickup (Technics SL-D2), receiver (Pioneer QX-747) and tape (Akai GX-270D-SS) that still live today. Someday I will be able to bring them to the US where I live now. In the meantime, I keep repairing some equipment for me and my friends and document on my own channel - mostly in Portguese, but one of the Yamahas of my American friend rendered a sizeable series of recapping and repair in English. Thank you for these videos and I love your channel.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnvincent4048]

Nice video! A mix of new and vintage is a great way to go. When it comes to new there's some great tube amplifiers like Decware and Quicksilver. I use both. And they both pair well with vintage like Marantz. I used a Marantz 1060 preamp section on both tube amps with great results. And it looks great! My new vintage is a Mcintosh c26 preamplifier and use it with the Decware. Not only is the Mcintosh sound quality outstanding the looks are fantastic. I can spend hours listening and staring at it is mesmerizing!!

[@skylabsaudio]

100%

[@raygarafano3633]

Salvation army store in Sarasota, big-ass magnavox 3- ways 12 inch woof, 5inch mid 3 inch tweeter 50$ needed a little x- over work. Got these 20 yrs ago an still sound great that happened twice .

[@triples4good]

Great video. To date myself a bit, my first really good was Pioneer SX9000, Garrard turntable, Akai reel to reel, and pioneer speakers, not sure of the model, precursor of the HPM100 I think. I remember they had a horn midrange though. Just the quality and pleasure of setting these up and all the great music from the 60s and 70s I played on my stereo. Great memories. I really don’t think you get that with the newer stuff, plus the mindset was completely different.

[@kraig7777]

Mine was in the 80s. Yamaha R1000 receiver with a separate B6 power amp, I don't remember exactly which TT but it was mid priced belt drive Japanese with a Shure V15 type something cartridge, and Boston Acoustics A100 speakers. I didn't get a CD deck til the 90s.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@user-nv2rc2fd8q]

I’ve spent the last few weeks searching the internet for information to build my vintage Pioneer stereo system. I am mechanically inclined but electronics are out of my comfort zone when it comes to working on audio equipment. I have the components to build this stereo system but there are issues with the receiver that need to be fixed before operating. I will be contacting you later this week regarding this problem . Thank you

[@Foxrock321]

Hey Kevin…I think it’s an illness…I just picked up a Sansui G-8000, I had to rearrange my shelves to make room for this big boy.. what a beauty! My home theatre receiver is new, but all the rest of my gear is vintage 70’s late 80’s…my newest turntable is a 2000 Linn Sondek LP 12 with custom plinth and Sumiko cartridge….oh an I have the double stacked Large Advent bullnose Speakers.(all reformed) stacked on top of powered subs…definitely audiophile..

[@skylabsaudio]

Right on!

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Nice thing with Linn, if you should ever need to bother is you can retro fit every update, upgrade made since the first Sondek LP12. I had several upgrades and replacements done on a 1990s Sondek in 2022. Cost me with a replacement cartridge as much as the original deck/arm/cartridge did 32 years ago. Among the changes I got a two speed motor. So no more lifting the platter to change the belt onto a 45 adapter. The last 45 single I purchased was in 1992. A return to the features of the Pioneer LP12D of 1974 LOL.

[@naturalverities]

Great points. I still have a soft spot for my long gone original hifi, all Dynaco except for a gorgeous Garrard Zero 100 turntable. I'm grateful in a sense for the quick obsolescence of the older multichannel receivers, they have quality class AB amps and discrete multichannel inputs, making them perfect as really inexpensive power amps for active multiamping. Add a bunch of orphaned vintage pro quality PA drivers and you are on your way to creating something very special indeed.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rayhollingshad3580]

Great video! I own 2 receivers from the 70’s.A Sansui and a Sanyo.And a set of Yamaha monitor speakers.Bought the receivers from a retired friend of mine who refurbishes vintage gear.Definitely the way to go! I did recently buy a Project turntable that I’m very happy with.First (new) turntable I’ve bought in years.Big fan of your channel!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for watching, Ray!

[@EdwinEdwards-cb7ol]

Thank you Kevin

[@claudel5670]

Thanks for your videos, I love them!!!! Last week I found a Pioneer sx-580 for free on marketplace. Bring it home plug it in and works perfectly!!! If you don’t look you won’t find 😁 man, I love vintage audio !!!

[@skylabsaudio]

That is awesome! It happens!

[@primeanalogrecords]

Another solid video! Also many of us collect vintage audio for the looks and price! Bang for the buck is out there! My whole system is all vintage audio! The only thing that I have that is modern is my turntable preamp! Otherwise, both of my turntables are over 37 years old and in my opinion are beyond anything under probably $2000! Today these prices are ridiculous and they keep pushing the prices because of inflation and FOMO! People need to slow down and go back down the vintage rabbit hole, and then will be much happier! I put my system up against any modern stuff!

[@skylabsaudio]

I'm with ya!

[@dtracy03ss]

Nice Vid, I'm into my next Vintage / modern Set up now and all the New Stuff. STREAMERS Especially have me Baffled! Also one of those can be as expensive for the Quality things I'm putting together, Sothat will be Next. , but I prefer Vinyl more than Anything! I agree with all the things you just said, I've been hunting this System for over a Year! It's replacing a Marantz 2245 and Bose 701s , once it's all together I will Share but the Heart of this one is a Pioneer SX1280 and a mix of New and Vintage this time! Keep up the Good Work!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Dave!