Does Your Vintage Stereo Journey End With Separates?

[@carlveilleux5744]

Three years ago I bought my first vintage speakers, Dynaco's A25XL, from a 72 year-old lady living by herself in a farm house. She mentioned she used to have the "amp that went with them, an ST-35" back in the 70s when she bought them new, and in the summer she would put the speakers outside on the back porch and her now-deceased husband could hear the music all the way to the barn. My eyes got bigger: "Do you still have the amp??" Unfortunately she did not, she said the amp 'crapped out' at some point and she got rid of it, but had kept the speakers until now, but never played them again since. We had this long talk of when she was in her 20's during the 70's, not a lot of girls where into stereo and amps! I fully restored the A25 cabinets and sent her pictures, she was grateful I was giving her beloved speakers a 2nd life and appreciate them. They are a nice match to my Pioneer SX-720 but I hope one day I'll be able to afford an ST-35.

[@kmclendon100]

My first speakers were Dynaco A10’s which was all I could afford but were real audio. I aspired to A25’s 😊

[@burlingtonbill1]

A35's were terrific speakers; the XL version had better tweeters IIRC. I owned a pair & wish I'd kept them !

[@genehammond7239]

Kevin you're lucky to have experience so many vintage products that we all have drooled over in are early years !!! 👍👍👍

[@skylabsaudio]

Yes I am!

[@NateEll]

As a teen separates meant a receiver, with a separate turntable and separate tape deck. It was a step up from the “compact” all in ones that featured the electronics and turntable in the same unit.

[@johncain7949]

As a veteran of the stereo wars of the 70's, I feel qualified to share my stereo journey. My first system was a Kenwood receiver and small Wharfdale speakers. I then moved up to a Harmon-Kardon 930 with EPi 400 speakers. loved that system! After years of enjoyment it was time to move up to separates. I chose a Crown DC-300A/IC-150 with ESS AMT-Rock Monitor 3's. It indeed rocked! Many bands chose DC-300A's including Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Rush and Triumph! You can clearly see banks of DC-300A's on stage with Triumph at the US festival! My friends had Phase Linear and Marantz separates, but I can tell you Crown took a back seat to no one! I may not have won the stereo war, but I took no prisoners! John from 🇨🇦

[@kerryedavis]

The ESS 3 had a cone midrange too, right, not just the Heil? That was an important improvement since otherwise playing thrash metal etc, at high volume, could destroy the Heil.

[@johncain7949]

@kerryedavis The ESS AMT 3 had an 8" midrange and 2 10" woofers. The Crown DC300A was rated at 150 watts per channel. During a rather late and loud party at my place, I was playing Pink Floyd's Time. I guess I woke up half the town. The cop was decent about it. He said if he had to come back he was taking me AND my stereo to jail!

[@kerryedavis]

@@johncain7949 Hmm, maybe there were different versions. The store I worked at in the late 70s, sold ESS. I seem to remember the AMT 3 with more like a 5" cone midrange, a 12" woofer and 12" passive radiator on the front, same as the AMT 1. My favorite though was probably the AMT 2, shaped sorta like a flat-topped pyramid. The active woofer faced forward, and the passive radiator was on the back. Seems like those are still being made, or at least they were fairly recently when I happened to see them online.

[@kerryedavis]

@@johncain7949 Or maybe it was the AMT 1a that was a straight tower, and AMT 1b was the pyramid-like one.

[@johncain7949]

@kerryedavis My AMT 3's were the earlier version from around 1974. The later versions had one 10" woofer and a 10" passive radiator. The first ESS AMT was shaped like a pyramid and had the Heil on top with a 12" woofer below. This was a very popular speaker. I found the highs on the Heil to be unmatched by any other speaker at the time. The criticism was that the midrange and woofers could not catch up with the speed of the Heil. I did not find this to be an issue. Thank you for your interest in ESS speakers. In my opinion a very under appreciated brand.

[@seaglider844]

I retired and decided to get a good 2 channel system. I was lucky and have a buddy who is a great cabinet maker who built me replica cabinets for Klipsch LaScala's. So I built my system around those speakers. I went with all separates to allow for adjustments and upgrades if necessary or desired. The DAC, pre-amp, power amp and sub were all picked to work with the speakers (Schiit Freya pre for tube and solid state, Bryston power, SMSL SU10 DAC and Sunfire Super Junior sub). Separates just give you the ability to morph your system to make maximum use of all the parts. Love the work you do....keep uploading!

[@edwardbagu1252]

The way you narrated the Dynaco portion, just not me... Just bringing that history to a home, reverberates with the nostalgia of vintage audio; it makes me look at my units and think one day they will be going somewhere... Great videos...

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WooferCooker]

I think about that all the time. I feel like I’m comforted knowing I’m just another home these will be passing by, as they’ve already outlived their original owners and then some.

[@julesl6910]

Dynacos are the greatest

[@TheVintageNewbie]

I’ve never been into McIntosh gear. Nothing against it at all, in fact I’ve never heard any, it’s just visually they never really “did it” for me. But seeing those 2 pieces in your video…? WOAH! Those are freakin GORGEOUS!

[@johnwalker4221]

My vintage stereo journey would end with separates - Marantz 2235 used as a pre-amp with a Marantz 250M amplifier. (Just love that vintage Marantz sound and look). Thank you for your great videos, Kevin. They are definitely "fun ones!" Hope your dad is doing great.

[@keithvincenttucker9923]

My first job wasn't paying for a receiver. It was paying for car stereo equipment. First replace the stock deck, then the stock speakers. After that, save up and get an amp and subs. I didn't get a receiver until I was in my mid 20s, and even that was an AV surround receiver. A proper stereo receiver didn't happen until a couple years ago, in my late 40s.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Great video my friend. Great memories. I am swooning over that HK. You know I love me some HK. Great memories. Thanks.

[@skylabsaudio]

I'm gonna get you one! Thanks, Ed!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@skylabsaudio Thank you. I am not sure I need any more gear. I am running out of room. Lol.

[@tennesseecherokee]

Fantastic video, Kevin. Thank you for regularly sharing your vintage audio knowledge.

[@markvalery8632]

When you reported on the silk screened voltages inside, I let out a "woow" without thinking. I am a certified nerd. Born that way, will die that way.

[@skylabsaudio]

Me too! Those details make it!

[@johnwilder4648]

Thanks again Kevin… so many memories as a 1955 vintage myself…

[@Wurlyscope]

In the 70’s the biggest discotheque in town had 6 HK citation 16 ! They strongly shook the entire building. They where clearly visible as they where embedded in the wall just above the DJ booth. It was not common to see led meters at that time, specially in diagonal. It was the first time i saw HK amplifiers and they spelled power.

[@jamesdicker5992]

When you switched the McIntosh on, I immediately clicked that like button 😂

[@daledavies2334]

I remember looking at the Citation 11 and 12 when new. Also the HK16. I am not an audiophile so a HK430 with a Technics turntable. Bose 901 was my speaker interest, but in an apartment the 901's were overkill.

[@kmclendon100]

Lol, when i was 12 I was given by my parents who didn’t use it, a Hi-Fi turntable, cheap ceramic cartridge only, but the speakers separated and could be moved apart, loved it with my Led Zep II and Iron Butterfly albums, then moved up to a all in one from Sears, from parents at Christmas, then to a Sansui 2 series receiver and Dynaco A10’s and BIC 960 turntable at 17 , never good enough compared to the rest of what was in the store, but surely moving up each time and by then I may have had 10 albums. That receiver was my first loan from a credit union. Now I’m nearly 69 and still going, into tubes where I’ll be the rest of my life…thanks for the entertaining and educational videos

[@reneaceves8820]

I've had that Dynaco pairing for 50 years. My friend bypassed the tone controls for me sometime in the seventies. Still going strong in the living room.

[@julesl6910]

Dynacos are some of the finest amplifier circuits ever designed. Extremely simple, extremely gorgeous. David Hafler design.

[@PSB-900]

Back in my stereo evolution of kit building I had a 10 wpc Heathkit stereo amplifier, a Dynaco SCA-80Q amplifier and a Dynaco FM-5 Tuner all built by myself. In fact I still have 2 sets of Dynaco A10 speakers! Great video Kevin!

[@SodapopTheOutsider]

Kevin, you've taken out your big toys for this video..Lovin' it! Absolutely beautiful components..They couldn't have ended up in better hands. Thanks for sharing and enjoy what's left of your Sunday!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks 👍

[@kimshollack9520]

I had a Dynaco 70 and used it with a McIntosh c20 preamplifier. Sounded very good. I still have the c20 wrapped up in my basement. Now I have Magnaplainer LRS playing with a Denon 2 channel receiver.

[@zachdetine8905]

In the last year I upgraded my setup from a Kenwood receiver to a McIntosh C24 preamp and Dynaco ST70 power amp. I am so happy with it I can’t imagine ever “upgrading” again!

[@repro7780]

My parents always had nice stereo equipment, starting with a huge console, and 2 or 3 different stereo systems over the years. This lit the fire with me, and one Christmas, I got my own stereo, a Hitachi all in one, and that was it! Since then, I've gone through a few stereo setups, but I have finally ended up with separates. Magnum Dynalab MD90 tuner, NAD C352 integrated amp, Marantz CD6000OSE CD, Theta DAC, etc. Its built for the sound I like, and I can't imagine changing anytime soon! I wish I could afford Mcintosh gear!

[@scofab]

Awesome, glad you hit the Dynaco stuff. Definitely fun to play with. Thanks as always and best regards to you and the crew.

[@russbutton9347]

That Dyna preamp is the PAS-3, not the PAS-2. The PAS-3 and PAS-2 are essentially the same preamp. But the PAS-3 was unable to drive solid state power amps due to an impedence mismatch. The PAS-3X included an adaption to enable them to drive solid state amps. Most of the PAS-3 you see on the market will actually be a PAS-3X. The Dyna products were engineered to be easy enough to build for home builders, and being a budget product, were offered with lower cost parts as well as circuit boards. They worked just fine for what they were, but they were never in the same class as their contemporaries from McIntosh, Fisher or Marantz. There have been many mod kits over the years for the PAS-3X, and they werenʻt just mods. They were wholesale circuit replacements to the point where the only thing that remained the same was the faceplate.

[@johnramos8857]

Hi: Back in the day, my first audio piece I bought was Citation 12 for $150! Then I needed something to drive it so I came across a Mcintosh C26. Boy, what a surprise it was. That pair put to shame a lot of much more expensive stereos of the time. The best sounding experience was when I paired them with some JBL 4313 speakers. I tried them in a store and everybody in the store came to see what the hell was sounding in the demo room next store... Just a Mc 26 and a little Citation 12. Then I bought Mc2105 and later ended up using both amps in mono. So, this video brought found memories in a time when life was better!!! Thanks man, great videos... PS. Give it a try Mc26/C12 superb sound... I wish I still had my C26....

[@SuperMcgenius]

All of your descriptions were bang on as I’ve listened to the equipment you highlighted.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Silk screened bias voltages on the chassis, in 45 yrs I've never seen this. Built for serviceablity. I think you're right, I recently thrifted a PAS-2 for $4, posting an image on discord now. I love these Sunday coffee time show and tell videos.Thanks Skylabs.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Craig!

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

The McIntosh Separates you showed are the only Separates I really want. I'd sell a receiver if I could replace it with those McIntosh Separates you showed. They are powerful yet simple. They look good. I'd have to part with my Pioneer SX-950 but it would be a fond farewell. I might consider Pioneer separates if they generated monster power watts per channel. I like the clean look of Pioneer silver faced equipment.

[@xbioman7882]

I worked in the stereo business in the 70's. Having connections helped me buy/trade/swap for what back then was nearly my perfect system. Separates were always my goal, and after 4-5 years of trading up, I ended up with: Quad 33 preamp with a pair of Luxman A3000 mono tube amps, a Thorens TD-16 turntable with a black widow tone arm and a Dynavector ruby cartridge. For the few times I listened to the radio, I got a Luxman T33 tuner. The one thing I never quite got was my dream speakers, Magnapan Tympani 1A's. I settled for M&K Satellite II's and an M&K Goliath II subwoofer. I loved that system and really wish I could get it back without taking out a 2nd mortgage.

[@trickfall8752]

I've been waiting for the right deal on a HK Citation setup. They were designed one town over from where I live.

[@julesl6910]

DYNACO! The SCA-35 and ST-35 (first integrated, second separate) if you prefer the el-84 tone, which is truly sweet. ST-70 if you love a classic bass heavy Hafler circuit, and the Mark III if you want 120 watts of high fidelity gorgeous power. Buy them before they're gone, as of late they are in extreme demand and the prices are rising like crazy. Also, the PAS preamp needs to be serviced if it's sounding "dark" - you're talking 50 year old resistors and caps. In an afternoon you can easily replace the components and have a brand new PAS preamp. It doesn't drive tubes heavily so the rectifier and signal tubes are probably as good as they day they were put in. When he says "this Dynaco amp system is colored" - that's the old carbon comp resistors in the circuits. The circuit design is still state of the art, because David Hafler is one of the people who first created ultralinear transformer designs. Just get the amp serviced like everyone else does - obviously Skylabs doesn't know much about tube amps.

[@chazd13736]

Kevin, you brought a tear to my eye with your description of the McIntosh C 26 and MC 2105. Those are my main units. Not for sale. But, I would like to upgrade to some units that have a shine like yours. The transformers do make the difference. Otherwise, I don't think we would really like the vintage stuff. We would all be listening to Class D amps. I thought of you when I picked up a Marantz SR620CX Receiver at a Ham Radio flea market here in Georgia just yesterday. It's not a flat bolt-on faceplate (and it has built in digital "noise generator"), but it has some charm. It reminds me of my first receiver, a Marantz 2216.

[@fishbowl7098]

Wont be too many more years till the fantastic Adcom GFA 555 amp and GFP 565 preamp become highly collectable classics

[@Steve-w6k4b]

Kevin, I love your videos on vintage audio. I started my audio journey in 1991 and have owned at least 100 different components since my journey began. In 2007 I declared my search and upgrading and reach a point of good enough and have bought anything since. I am still very happy with my system. McIntosh MC40’s, Conrad Johnson PV10A preamp, Altec 604-8G Model 17 speakers with custom crossovers, Technics SP25 TT with a Denon 103R and a step up transformer designed for my cartridge. Now it’s all about the music. Thank you for all you do.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@deanfisher1656]

Love your channel and catch every review. Have the Kenwood 700m and 700c. I am the original owner (sold them and got them back 30 plus years later) …..Incredible sound and awesome to look at. 😊

[@webman1956]

I never had any of that gear in the 70`s or 80`s, just a Pioneer SX450 with some tower speakers that I don`t recall the brand but they sounded good. I am however a new fan of Harman Kardon with a $50 Facebook marketplace receiver that I bought, the AVR-130 from 2003 and although it`s not old old school, the rich refined sound that it pumped out blew me away especially at only 40 watts a channel. I am amazed at all the decent audio out there that flies under the radar once you get past the early 80`s. Love the channel and thanks for all you do.

[@johnlangdon4338]

Back in the early days of my audio journey, I owned that very Harman/Kardon pair and was pleased by the sound. I also had a Dynaco ST70 and PAT-4A preamp. The combo were driving a pair of Quad ESL57s, and doing it well. Great video.

[@timu-san]

Oooh Quad ESL57 ❤️

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Wow! The Citation power amp innards are so clean. I built kits back in the 70s as a teen growing up in the Philly area (Dynaco was based there) and SWTP but they were never that clean, even as kits made for users to build. Love those HK components.

[@nelsono4315]

I have been into separates ever since I got the Carver M500t power amp back in the 80s. At one time I did own what would be considered vintage equipment now. But you know how it is, equipment comes and goes. Nowadays my system includes the Schiit Freya+ tube preamp, the Jeff Rowland 125 power amp, and a Schiit phono preamp. I'm happy with my system and at the age of 69 I don't see myself purchasing any more equipment. Time to kick back and chill. Thanks for the video.

[@Nat_Sarim]

Ahh heck we had a huge handful of dedicated Audiophiles on our street that hooked us soon. (Because of them) I had my starter receiver, a Pioneer SX-650 by the 6th grade. Ended up collecting many receivers and other components. On the hunt right now for a sentimental favorite ..a Yamaha CR-3020 ..not even close to the best, just filling in some old memories. Trying to re-create a system I had in "1980?" that had some McIntosh XR5's mixed in with some ESS Pyramid Speakers.. Thanks for the great video brother.😎👍

[@tomday7309]

I had the Dynaco PAT 4 solid state preamp in the early 1970's. I built it myself and bought my first soldering pencil to do it. I had built a lot of model cars as a kid and figured I could do this kit. Dynaco made it easy to do with great instructions and although it took longer than a model car, it worked great. I'm sure it sounded different than a tube version, but who knew?

[@Pksparty2112]

Those are really clean Macintosh pieces. I would love to have them in my collection

[@davidnguyen5028]

Hey Kevin, I just went from an iconic receiver Pioneer SX 5580 black faced to separates, Audio Research LS25 paired with an Adcom GFA 5802 amp. My vintage speakers are Legacy 2 Plus. They sound pretty amazing.

[@tomsettles6873]

The answer is YES. You get such higher performance with separates from the same watts per channel range than a receiver. I've bought 3 Pioneer receivers only to sell them after realizing the performance is so much worse than my separates. I have Pioneer amps and Kenwood tuners. The kenwood tuners, even the mid level KT-7500 and bottom level KT-5500, just blow the doors off all the Pioneer receivers. From the tuner sound, sensitivity and the feel of the tuning knob is just so much better. I might consider trying a Marantz receiver, but I'm done looking at Pioneer receivers. Plus the separates are so much easier to recap and repair. its not even close.

[@randyp6370]

This was a great watch. My brother-in-law just gave me his McIntosh C26, MC 2505, a MR71, and a Rek-o-kut L37 turntable, he said enjoy it before I die. His father bought them brand new in 1970. Currently I have them connected to a pair of Dahlquist 905’s, but always on the look out for other speakers (suggestions welcome). My new favorite past time is to sip an adult beverage and stare at the meters.

[@stevebourne6826]

I owned that HK preamp and a Quad 303 when I was stationed in Germany in the late Seventies. When I returned home I traded both for a Kenwood Model Eleven because of FM. I wish I still had the HK and Quad.

[@danielgundry1184]

Owned the HK 16 (sold it), built a VTA ST 70 (still have that), been through multiple pre-amps and have gone back to integrated amps and receivers for the most part with a few exceptions.

[@Kane26510]

I think there's a lot of truth with what you say, but when one gets to a certain age, thoughts of simplicity start to crowd out the idea of hiqh-quality separates costing thousands with something that still sounds pretty good and that the grandkids can mess with (without you worrying about it). I guess it's different strokes for different folks. Great video, as usual.

[@prterhorst6204]

Could not have said it better. I moved away from vintage separates for the same reasons. Fixing them up was more fun than living with them. Got a Yamaha network receiver now and am very pleased.

[@giancarlorotter6331]

I've got to say the Mac 2105 is the best amp I've ever owned and I've owned a lot of valve and solid state vintage amps ... it looks fantastic ... it sounds fantastic .... and it's beautifully built .... personally I think old Mac amps are better than the new ones

[@real_Papa_Roach]

My best friend had the Citations and when he died I asked his sons about them as my friend had switched to an AVR receiver years before to go with his big TV. I learned that one channel of the Citations went in and out so it was all junked, I could have cried.

[@chrisnash3782]

If you’re a McIntosh fan, their best combo ever was the C33 solid state pre-amp and MC2255 solid state two channel power amp. The level of clarity, bass detail and sheer musicality, is nearly unsurpassed, with any genre of music. It even sounds fantastic with modern speakers and streamers. If you can find a good deal on these units on the used market, don’t hesitate to pick them up, you’ll be an extremely happy audiophile.

[@mas2022-b8x]

Thanks!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate that :)

[@davidjernigan8161]

You hit the nail on the head with paying extra for McIntosh. Build quality, serviceability, resale value, and factory support.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

My first all in one was a hand me down. I was 9 in 1971. A 1968 GE. Pull down turntable with swinging door speakers. It was ok, but I bought my 1st separate system The Realistic SA1001. I built the speakers from one of their kits. I first bought their LAB49 turntable. I loved it. Loved it better with the Dual 1216 I bought used in 1980. Kept it the speakers and amp tell 1987. With some used speaker cabinets from the swap meet. I installed pyle guts and bought the new STA2700 receiver. The Dual, STA2700, and speakers still going strong. They never have let me down. I had never stopped playing them

[@gasm1100]

Awesome educational value. Thank you😊

[@yacawntmiss]

Great episode! Especially enjoyed the Dynaco narration.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

I started with an all-in-one reel-to-reel machine, a Sony TC-630. Cool machine, had some friends who had a band and I helped them tape some songs. Went to college and discovered that the speakers that came with it were nothing compared to what was available on the market, and that buying music on reel-to-reel tapes was expensive and not the best option as far as availability goes. Sold the machine and bought a HK 930, Advents, and a Thorens TD-160 turntable with a Shure V15 Type III cartridge. Tried a Phase Linear 700 on the system for a while but sold it. Eventually bought a pair of speakers that were on my short list of ideal speakers, Polk SDA 1A's. Upgraded to a better receiver from HK that had a digital tuner (the 930 had a slight tendency to drift higher over time) and it could handle the lower impedance of the speakers a bit better at high volume due to the higher current capacity. I lusted after separates for a while through all of that, but hit the barrier of, "when's enough?" Having grown up with tubes in consoles, I liked the fact that solid state electronics didn't degrade over time like tubes did. I started college studying electrical engineering and realized that heat was the enemy of solid state electronics, so I steered away from wood cabinets since a metal cabinet could radiate heat a bit better (wood is more of an insulator) and most of the wood cabinets I saw had less ventilation. I will readily admit that wood cabinets look better, but there's something cool about the black cabinet on a HK930 that wood just can't reproduce. Out of all the things I bought, the Polks were the best value, half price on a model closeout. Sometimes you just stumble into a bargain by sheer luck. I imagine that the modern version of that is hitting an estate sale.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

The Dyna ST-70 & Pas 2 were my gateway drug into this hobby. When I build a high efficiency single driver TL speaker I will build a modern kit interpretation of the ST-70. The Pas 2 I used had the tone control delete. I've owned at least 2 St-70s. Yes, they don't have the best control over drivers but they sound warm, lush and musical. I also owned a Conrad-Johnson version that was lovely and a bit tighter.

[@ktpinnacle]

Separates for college. Kenwood KA-7100 and Sansui TU-717 (as I recall). I just enjoyed looking at them.

[@thomasetesta5641]

Great Video Kevin, early last year I purchased from the Original owner a near mint McIntosh MC-2125; love it and will never sell it and paired with a newer Parasound preamp. Also have a Pioneer SX-850 and Marantz 2252 receivers; both are near mint and have super sound. I feel Mid -1970s gear is the peak for audio equipment

[@kerryedavis]

The stereo shop I worked at in Oregon installing car stereos after High School, had a setup with the Citation 11 with the Citation 16 power amp, in a rack.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

My first "separates" were Dynaco PAT-4 and 120 Power amp. I used those two components all through college...along with a pair of KLH-fives'. Our house (in Mad-Town WI) always had "company". Gee what a shocker. A lot of that was due to our "varied" record collection. And the fact that a working jazz bass player lived with us. One visitor (from Austrailia) once said: "If I listen to more jazz...I'll go mad.."

[@1musicsearcher]

Love the look of that Mcintosh set. I think I found a new phrase to use- wine snob. Great video.

[@anatolearnold1633]

I look at vintage like lottery tickets. Some days my searching will be small; but I'm really waiting for that jackpot to jump out for the taking. I've been lucky enough to grab a nice Luxman r117 and Snell Type EII years ago to be fixed up more recently. Now I'm finding bigger ticket items like an Onkyo 6500MKII's, Polk RTA's and Infinity Crescendo's. Trade deals are also wonderful ways to not spend money while experiencing more diverse range of equipment.

[@travisw6378]

I own the same mcintosh setup as you, in 2020 i bought them from the original owner, condition wise they look pristine like yours, they of course needed to be serviced. They sound amazing, and I had owned many vintage hi-fi setups, and modern rogue audio tube amp, the mac are it for me now. The guy i bought them from had the original boxes, manuals and receipts.

[@KenV62]

Funny. In late 70's, as young teen, I got hand me down hifi components from my older brothers. Then in 1977 bought an SX-450 receiver new. Over the years, and buying various hifi in the military, I ended up with various separates, ...... preamps, amps, equalizers, reverbs, phono preamps, tape decks, etc. Now, getting much older, I am back to alternating between a classic but simple Kenwood KR-4070, and a Vector Research VR-5000 receiver. And also a Pioneer PL41 & Thorens TD160 turntable. Oh, and some1958-era KLH 6's. Still love the older components, just fewer of them in the chain now.

[@philshifley4731]

Wow! I have all three of these systems in my collection. I must have been paying attention for the last five years. Nice video!

[@skylabsaudio]

Very cool!

[@mancavedecorations8158]

Wow, a Dlucy callout. The C12 Deluxe powers out the back/front to get the clean faceplate. The standard has the "back in the front as many old tube units did. I've got a pair of Deluxes, three standards, a C17, three 19s, and a 16. Fairly well versed in old Citation stuff. Just fixed a C17/19 combo for a friend. It's very underappreciated.

[@kerryedavis]

My separates are Mitsubishi - DA-C20 tuner/preamps, and DA-A10DC power amps with DA-M10 meters add-on; and Luxman 5T10 analog tuner, 5C50 preamp, and 5M21 power amp with meters from the Laboratory Reference Series (LRS). Also HH Scott Alpha One preamps and Alpha Six power amps.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

Many budding audiophiles in their youth, when they couldn't afford separates, aspire to someday buying them. I started out in 1971 with a JVC 5550 receiver. Finally, in 1978, with more income, I purchased a Nakamichi 410 preamp and Quad 405 power amp. I still have this pair driving ADS 1230 speakers (1983). They work so well (both have been serviced; the Quad was upgraded) that I don't have much desire for something else. If I could afford McIntosh (either vintage or modern), I might purchase an amp or two, just for the bling alone. We all know that McIntosh owners don't own them for the sound alone.

[@mikecampbell5856]

I'm a huge Harman Kardon fan boy, but if you need a kidney, I will trade you for that McIntosh system. LOL I can see why you would never sell them, some things just become family. My 1936 Silvertone radio belonged to my grandparents. I used to play with it in the early 60s when I was a kid. It's definitely family.

[@AllboroLCD]

I was just given a sweet sweet Hafler 9505 that got its faceplate smacked in under the care of UPS. I made a mostly successful attempt at bending er back to shape, my god do not underestimate the rigidity of 1/8 inch solid aluminum! I had to romp on that thing so hard it needed smoothing and new paint, and of course now silk screening after. I'm investigating having some reverse peel off custom decals made instead.

[@kerryedavis]

Receivers etc have their place, but separates do seem to have the top tier most of the time. I've had Soundcraftsmen separates in the past, and finally wound up with Laboratory Reference Series (LRS) from Luxman, vintage 1978 or so. I started with the 5T10 analog tuner, 5C50 preamp, and 5M21 power amp with meters. I then added the 5G12 graphic EQ. The "official matching" 5T50 cassette deck is rarer than hen's teeth, and even in seriously non-working condition they can bring a high price. I find my like-new-in-box K12 deck to be suitable-looking, and I have the wired remote for it too. 1978 was before CD of course, but the DZ-03 CD player with vacuum tubes in the final output, is also reasonably-similar looking. I also have Mitsubishi separates, DA-C20 preamp/tuner, DA-A10DC power amp with DA-M10 meters add-on. In fact I have more than one set of those. After moving from Phoenix about 4 years ago, most of my collection remained boxed up. But I did just tonight decide to go through some of those, and unboxed two Scott R376 receiver, top-of-the-line from that time; also 3 JVC KD-75 cassette decks, and I know there's at least one more back there, in the original box. Plus a KD-95, which I also have a couple more of somewhere, again one in the original box. And lots more that I haven't gotten to yet. I need to buy a lot more shelving units.

[@crmixman]

Great video Kevin! I remember seeing all the McIntosh ads in Stereo Review, High Fidelity & Audio magazines. Definitely a premium product. As a starving college student, I just didn't have that kind of cash. I didn't fully understand the long-term value then, but now I see now why they were so much more expensive than the NAD gear of that era.

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcparsons1726]

I put together an Onkyo Integra 506rs full rack. I have more fun listening to a rotation of different amps and receivers. They all sound unique. Set up some RCA/Minimus7 I upgraded and cheap perfection! It's all good always!!

[@michellevey9608]

I love your videos Kevin! This is my take on it. I love vintage receivers for their looks. Most have very good tuners. What l like to do because l listen to a lot of FM is place a digital tuner on top under the cd player or cassette deck. I have a few favorites! You get the best of everything that way! IMHO.

[@michellevey9608]

The best kept secret in the universe? My latest combination. A Vector Research vr-7000 and a Hiitachi FT-8000 tuner. Totally absolutely unbeatable (so far) with my NHT 1.5's. I could name the other stuff, but that would give it all away! The 8000 anyway if you can find one is the best tuner ever. Silver and wicked sensitive. You run my favorite channel on Utube!

[@michellevey9608]

The background on the 8000 is as dark as the darkest night and the bass deeper than any well. The 7000 is just ergonomically perfect. The NHT's rock just where they should! I'm listening now! Loving it in the dark with the time change! Ok...the cassette deck is a Denon DRM-800A. The coolest display ever and three heads! I switch out turntables.

[@michellevey9608]

A Magnavox CBD-582. Nothing special to look at or even operate but...bullet proof and absolutely crystal clear.

[@paulv22]

Those HK wood cases are beautiful. They remind me of ADS speakers.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree, with the rolled edges

[@semperfi-1918]

Again nice equiptment. And great video. Love my magnavox setup. Just need to tweek it a bit and find the background noise. Once that's done it'll be excellent sounding movie watcher ontop of music player.

[@Reflectiveness]

Harman International moved out of Elkhart, Indiana, for Mexico about 7 years ago. They also took with them their previous acquisition of Crown Audio. I was lucky enough to locate one of their techs who restored an HH Scott 299c amplifier and Bell Carillon 6060. Both of which I later sold in favor of a much smoother sounding Pioneer SX-950.

[@JohnScheppler]

I love the 1971 Cuda, sorry but I would so buy one before any McIntosh new or vintage. Great information Kevin.

[@stevezeidman7224]

I’m so with you on McIntosh! I have the C26 with a MC2155. They work wonderfully together and look fabulous. I also have a MX115 with a MC2002.

[@joesugarman1355]

Great video, Kevin! Thanks.

[@screwthecabal6453]

I love those soft blue lights on the Mcintosh

[@ikejennings1154]

Nice video, Kevin Are skylabs table covers on the horizon! 😊😊😊

[@francescotenti193]

McIntosh to me is like a Ferrari, nothing like it. One more college tuition and then I will be tuition free and time to treat myself to a Mc, separates or integrated, new or vintage? Not sure yet but a Mc for sure! As usual, great video!

[@rat13scar]

I have a Nikko Alpha 130 and Beta II separates system, restored and honestly sounds much better than my fully restored 2270.

[@dmimcg]

I'm keeping my all in one McIntosh system. having the turntable built into the receiver is awesome. I'm not hi fi snob.

[@ismaelcruz3315]

I remember my first Harmon Carden it was great!

[@ryansmith7974]

I jusy picked up an ST-70 thats all original. Just use a Wiim Pro plus as the input/preamp volume control it instantly sounds amazing. Obviously my goal to hook it up to a tube preamp but for now its mind bending in how good it sounds. My speakers are mostly Energy 6 ohm from 1996 and they go deep for bookshelf speakers so I get nice bass.

[@anthonymalovrh2912]

Put together a Dynaco integrated amp back in the 70s. Nice little piece of equipment.

[@markfischer3626]

The Citation 11 is my experimental system master preamplifier of choice. In the old days of vintage high fidelity components a preamplifier was also a control center. Not anymore. Modern preamplifiers on the theory that less is more have stripped away all control functions. In the Stereophile review the insert bypass test the preamp performed with flying colors, no difference. There was some slight criticism of a little graininess in the phono preamp. In mine the 1000 mfd 100 volt power supply capacitor failed after many years. I used what I had to make repairs, two 4800 mfd 75 volt capacitors in series. They fit nicely inside the wooden cabinet. The five band graphic equalizer was the strongest selling point. In the experimental system it is critical that the tonal balance back to the recording microphones be flat audibly. I know what live instruments sound like. This is so critical in this system that even a half a db error is multiplied by the rest of the system. All recordings are different. Each one needs to be adjusted for individually. I only paid $50 for it at a store that sold used equipment. The similar Citation 17 is also acceptable. Where they are not available a disco mixer manufactured by Pyramid and sold under many brand names like Radio Shack and Newmark are a good substitute. They have dual 7 band graphic equalizers, several inputs including a one or more phono inputs, and are inexpensive usually well under 100 dollars. They also have LED meters to show you that signal is present. Like the Citation preamplifier they introduce no noise or distortion and perform their function satisfactorily. It is ironic that this unique sound system uses a Citation 11 preamplifier and two of these disco mixers. It's quite complex using three DSPs with at least 14 time delay circuits, 16 equalization circuits, 18 speaker systems, and much more. BTW, I'm an electrical engineer, not an audiophile so that BS has no influence on me. The speaker wires are 16 gauge generic and the interconnects are the inexpensive vanilla that audiophiles turn their noses up at. The system has a US patent now expired.

[@joelanderson7973]

great video, the st70 and the st35 are absolutely stunning amps, no question about it! if they had a different name o them they would be 3 times the price! no disrespect against an other brand.my two cents.

[@kimallen5068]

We all started out small. I still love stereo especially vintage. My dream now is to own JBL L 100 or the 4311. But new is out of question. Like to hear a pair of the Wharfdale Lintons and purchase a pair. I still have after 44 years my Cerwin-Vega U-351. One thing I'll say back in the day there was plenty of choices. They were made to last.

[@chrisblock6697]

Super great video! Such cool stuff. I got a used C26 and a used MC2505 back in high school and I just hit retirement age. I always kind of thought back in the day most people paired the C26/MC2505 and C28/MC2105? But, my journey didn't end back then if you could see all the other stuff I got since high school and have around the house, ha, ha.

[@skylabsaudio]

Very cool!

[@PossibleAudio]

That Dynaco ST-70 and its little brother ST-35 are tops for Jazz, Folk, Early Rock & Classic Country. On my must have list. The ST-35 using EL84 tubes is yummy to my ears, but really efficient speakers are a must. The Skylabs RCA cables came and are in use. I like them enough I'll be ordering more in the future. Thanks!

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate it!

[@mancavedecorations8158]

There is a certain magic with the Citation 12. The C11 is also a very strong player. Combined, there is certainly magic to be experienced

[@darcyellis1314]

I really enjoy these videos. I hope you are soon able to ship your merchandise to Canada.

[@arthurmercer5167]

I think Dynaco? Was what my father had. He had the tube amps , one for each channel. Sound right? The pre amp looks so familiar. Every now and then the amp would take off and blast bass sound at full blast, had to run to shut it down. I wish I had those amps today, if they could be serviced. I think he built the amps himself, do the condition of his soldered joints. lol enjoyed your videos. Thanks

[@MrRepeters]

Hi Kevin, great videos; I watch for new videos every week. I've been looking all over the internet for info on speakers' ohms setting and amp power. What are your thoughts, can a Marantz 2015 drive EPICURE M202 speakers set to 4 ohms without damage to the amp?