WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FAVORITE VINTAGE HIFI BRANDS (akai, sansui, jbl, technics, bose)

The truth about what happened to (AKAI, SANSUI, JBL, TECHNICS, BOSE)
I want to help build your next HiFi System! Check out my store...
alleliteaudio.com
For more of my content subscribe to ‪@ThatGuyWithTheBeard‬

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I didn’t have much money when in high school in the late 1970’s. My buddy and I would make professional sound speakers using JBL and Electrovoice. I made my own home stereo speakers using JBL components. They were bullet proof and a fraction of the cost of brand name high end speakers.

[@pandemonium274]

Wow Lenny!!! This is great. The research on this video must have been enormous. You are a terrific presenter. Business Owner, Manager, presenter, you are quite talented. GRESAT JOB!!!

[@user-xx2hj7xb6b]

Thanks for that informative and fascinating education. You fill a small niche of people who love this stuff - small but passionate, even obsessed.

[@johnmiller3689]

Wow, what a history lesson, that was incredible, couldn't stop watching until the very end! Toasting a whiskey to you for this one Lenny and my Marantz 2270

[@LennyFlorentine]

I’ll have some whiskey today for you as well!

[@fangyuan6664]

You are the most arrogant and pedantic person I have ever tried to approach... but the day you die the worms will eat you just like everyone else, so there is nothing special about you! 😊

[@kenandbarbie-b6c]

Fascinating history of brands I grew up with. Electronics today don’t seem as magical. Everybody has grown stuck to their boring smartphone. It’s like everyone is stuck to their Swiss army knife, while everyone before was seeking the best sword.😢

[@broederbond60]

Excellent presentation, impressively written.

[@_redpillbill]

Thanks mate, very informative. I did read that Quincy Jones bought AKAI in very early 70's and had a no expense spared, striving to produce the best of the best equipment. One of their best amps was 1971 aa-5800 integrated I read by 45 vinyl site who upgrades amps and writes that this amp was dumbed down. Their sw 160 are great speakers too, I snapped up a pair for 260$ people didn't know their worth, the guy I bought off had a pair of 6k$ speakers and sounded as good as these AKAI s, his wife made him sell cause if decor reasons.I also read that AKAI started cost cutting from 1976 with as 2250 not having pre in /pre outs, dials were plain, more ic's used, speaker wire terminals degraded. I saw this personally cause I own them both and the quad aa 6100 that pairs with 1870ss reel to reel. From what little I know AKAI was their best from 1969-1975. Not saying all I write is fact but that's what I read as I said. I'm in Australia and AKAI not respected like pioneer, mirantz, sansai etc due to poor knowledge of the people. Keep up the good work 🤙

[@B-Slade]

Talk about doing what you love and loving what you do - which results in being great at it, well, this cat absolutely does such a deep dive it left me smiling over it at times and enjoying it all the way through. Particularly all things Technics, though. My serious compliments! Earlier in this video journey with you, I was delighted to learn the things about Audio-Technica since I have been doing extensive research into today’s great resurgence of turntables and which one I should choose in order to play my vast 1970s Rock record collection. Like all of the great KISS albums that dominated the 70s, Aerosmith, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, And so on. And, alright, also the Bay City Rollers, KC & The Sunshine Band, Village People, and even Barry Manilow. But I recently “settled on” the $399.99 USB and Bluetooth model (there was a $399.99 and a $299.99 model, both of which come in either black or silver). You profiled and praised the more expensive of the two, which is what I have been preparing to either buy or land for my August Birthday. So thank you for that!! I have a good friend who certainly is an Audiophile, and who owns tons of components by Luxman, McIntosh, Denon, Auralec (sp?), and others, as well as far more speakers than needed from KEF, Focal, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose. So the point really being that he has pushed on me that Audio-Technica turntables are not what I think they are and that I should spend more. However, a VERY large, all high-end brands store outside Chicago took considerable time to show me why if I wasn’t able to spend somewhere in the beginning range of $800 and up then he said that Audio-Technica is an amazingly high-caliber, high-quality line of products at surprisingly affordable prices. He recommended it over three other well-known brands (whom I don’t want to name because I don’t want to make anyone feel less happy with their own than they should unnecessarily be. I am curious to know simply why when folks like yourself are making lists of “the best turntables”, for example, why are the REEEAALLY high-end brands never mentioned or shown? Such as the $19,000, $30,000 and $49,000 tables by SME, and even two in the range of and exceeding $100,000. YES, to anyone who may think those are typos, they’re NOT. And I’m missing at least two brands who can always be found in Sound & Vision Magazine and Stereophile Magazine.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank for sharing this! Great information!

[@JuanCarlos-xv6ux]

I have 8 akai models in my collection. My favorite, the M-10. I think Akai produced the largest number of open reel models in history.

[@animalcorvair]

i have a 635d ,,an a 255 i just got off ebay,,, they are better than my teacs 5500 they are buggy lol

[@patricknicolucci5073]

I still sell JBL through Harman as well as AKG, Harmon Kardon, Infinity, and Mark Levinson. I love Superscope great gear

[@markbailey1911]

Wow this video is a wealth of information Lenny , you've done a great job . Took me down memory lane too there's something about vintage hi-fi that is so nostalgic. Really enjoyed learning with you Mark

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks Mark! Appreciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed it!

[@johndyson4109]

It's no SECRET the Smart PHONE & the INTERNET, Computers and LAPTOPS.. Also our society being more interested in aesthetics for the home. A more visual society.. The WALKMAN from SONY.. I had a WALKMAN 1..costed me almost $150 in 1983.. A lot of Women also helped kill the Home stereo system because to them it was UGLY in their livingroom. etc. etc...

[@Bootradr]

I have a Roberts 778X that my dad bought new in either the late '60s or very early '70s. He also had bought a Sony reel to reel unit that's still at the house back in Houston. I have the manuals to both recorders.. My dad had actually given the Roberts and Sony reel to reel recorders to me back in the 1990s and I used to use the Roberts on my HF radio recording cool things like Coast Guard search and rescue ops and military phone patches being done. I'm legally blind today and I was real happy to find this reel to reel recorder over at his house when I was picking up his McIntosh receiver, preamp, and amp. He used to not allow me or my sister to use that equipment when I was growing up in the 1980s. But I still hooked it up and I've never heard anything that sounded as good. I've been trying to get the McIntosh equipment from him for years but he just kept it in his closet and never used it after the early 1980s. But he recently gave it to me and I've got it over here at the house now. I'm looking forward to getting it going again but I need to find someone who can check the electrical components and help do things like recapping the gear if it needs it. If you can recommend anybody in the DFW area, I would greatly appreciate it! I really enjoy watching the videos you guys make and seeing all of the vintage gear y'all get to play, repair, and just use! Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@LennyFlorentine]

Metzgers vintage audio

[@iuriryzewski2648]

Great presentation Lenny, thank you! Willing to watch Kenwood-Trio and Pioneer’s videos ahead. Cheers!

[@dudleyrathborne9849]

Good day to you . I have a Kenwood Stereo Receiver , Model KR-9400 . Cira 1978 . It is still going strong although the 4 back lights to illuminate the dial are all burned out . I use it to drive a pair of JBL Studio 190's . I was wondering what your thoughts on this Kenwood is . Thank You ...........DGR

[@wronghandshooter]

Great video, very detailed history of some very important manufacturers.

[@cjc363636]

The Technics CD version of the 1200 - the SLP-1200 'cash register' (as I called it back in the '80s), was the first CD player I used as a radio DJ. It had auto cue and frame scrubbing. Awesome machine in its day.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Yeah that sure was!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I bought a used set of 901s from an F-18 pilot in the 1990’s. I happily used them until the foam fell apart. There was a problem with foam from the 1980’s. Ski boots and speaker foam. I got them refoamed and happily used them for another 5 years. I hung my from the ceiling and they sounded great. I know that many audiophiles hate them, but then again, they can hear audio cables with gold ends. 😂

[@photogcw]

I applaud you, sir, for your extensive research and presentation! This type of production is so far better than others found on KZbin. Keep up the good work!

[@just_passing_through]

Sansui was my component brand of choice right up to the early 80s. Most of my HiFi is still Sansui, with smatterings of Sony, Technics, and Onkyo.

[@just_passing_through]

Having said that, Sansui took a deep quality dive in the 80s. Such a shame. And after they sold the brand, the name was nothing more than that… a quality name placed onto absolute trash products.

[@Coolguy-xo3cj]

Nice job ; very informative !!✊💪💪

[@mistermac56]

A fun and highly informative presentation of brands I grew up with. Well done.

[@MatthewBrannigan]

This made me remember that back in the late 80's my family had an Akai VHS VCR, which was amazing, our first Hi-Fi VCR. Notably it had switchable auto/manual audio level control. We used to use it as an audio only recorder, and every VCR we had after that was also often used in this way, although we never had another manual level control machine.

[@gavwatts]

Hello from Ireland, Great video really enjoyed it. The amount of research you must have done really paid off, really informative. A really great way to spend an afternoon in work.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you!!

[@williamcampbell3868]

A reel to reel with a leather finish!? Man!, that would be a mind mangling sight and I would wager most hi-fi enthusiast and audiophiles have never seen one. I've owned two reel to reel decks and probably would have freaked out seeing one clad in leather!

[@billd9667]

Correction: Stanley designed the Wall of Sound in 1973, not ‘53. That would have been quite a coup as McIntosh was a wee company then 😉

[@25830]

Fantastic vid! Excellent from start to finish!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisblock6697]

Wow, crazy great documentary!!! Thanks 😊

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks Chris!

[@TheMirolab]

OMG, Keep it going! If your channel is audioporn, then this is the “behind the scenes” documentary. My top 3 requests would be to feature Pioneer, Nakamichi, & JVC. I grew up in a small town where the one stereo shop carried Pioneer & JVC, so by the time I went off to college, I had an all JVC system. In the big city, 1984, I finally discovered high-end.

[@alexw890]

Great job, Lenny! I enjoyed this. What always amazes me about JBL is that he didn’t live to see really any of the great things his company did despite it continuing to carry his name. Tandberg is a similarly tragic story. You should do a segment on Tandberg.

[@00penguin]

That is one amazing video. Thank you Lenny

[@LennyFlorentine]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris! Hope to have more shortly!

[@dewaynejelks9088]

What were the speakers and the stereo in the old MAXELL commercial of the guy in the chair being blown back?

[@OldGuyHifi]

You didn't mention that Harman-Kardon bought JBL in 1969. I am going to do a Harman history soon. Great work. Thanks.

[@williamsmith9194]

You bring back fond memories. Thanks

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks for watching!

[@Manhattanman52]

Equally as interesting would be a history of American 1950s and 1960s audio companies that either sold their holdings or vanished. Companies like Fisher and Pilot. Some tube junkies (like me) would greatly appreciate your input. These companies were some of the first to manufacture stereo components.

[@timothyryan7234]

I was wondering if you could talk about Fisher stereo components I had one as a kid. I’d loved it. I had a record player dual cassette equalizer CD player in a cabinet with awesome speakers. Thank you for all the good content they create I enjoy the videos again thank you

[@Wissensmeer]

The most beautiful and perfect receiver I owned in the 1970s was the Marantz Model 4400 with oscilloscope. I still regret having sold it. It still works today in Switzerland.

[@zeesalameh]

Hey dude… I watch a bunch of your ‘just audio’ KZbin vids a lot and noticed it’s disappeared from my subscribed channels. Do I need to subscribe elsewhere? What’s the lowdown? Cheers from Australia

[@mikecampbell5856]

I would take your history class any day Mr. Lenny. I would definitely never fall asleep in class!

[@LennyFlorentine]

As someone who’s anti any school that’s not a trade school I guess I enjoy teaching history lol

[@slk-vf5jb]

Hi Lenny I don't normally comment on KZbin videos but had to tell you how much I enjoyed your documentary. I'd love to come visit your store but unfortunately am in Ireland. So I'll have a scotch and put on my marantz turntable with some Dylan. Love your stuff.

[@LennyFlorentine]

I’ll have some whiskey today for you as well! I’m so glad you enjoyed this!!

[@slk-vf5jb]

👍

[@billd9667]

I miss the instant loading of 1980s CD players. The new ones seem to be momentarily confused as to what you just inserted. What else could it be? Just play it! My 1985 Sony had a lightning quick drawer and started playing the second it closed. Maybe it’s the ability to play CDRs and MP3s and the need to identify them that has slowed down the players…

[@batmandestroys1978]

Lenny have you ever come across the Technics SE A1 Amplifier and SU 2 Preamplifier!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Lenny, I had the awesome Gx630D. Good to see you.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Steve!! Great to hear from you buddy!

[@marcparsons1726]

Some guy who tried to look liked you had a video about Akai last summer. I knew all the answers on this one!

[@buffalofaninyak]

Hey, can you use regular monster spade speaker wire connectors on a pioneer 737?

[@DragnetSound]

What about Scott, Fisher and Awai? Great job on Video Lenny. My dad still has his Reel to Reel portal Attache brief case Awai from the early 60's.

[@LennyFlorentine]

There will be many more to come! Thanks for the suggestions! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MatthewSmith-pn2ro]

Paying attention to your beard. Did you also serve 6yrs in search of information to dive deep into this documentary. Lol Great job I love your passion and the way you dive into the wormhole

[@foyboy03]

Love the long form video

[@user-kk8dj6kk9b]

Please let me know where your store is located I would truly appreciate it thank you 🙏🙏🙏!

[@bencurti7693]

My first, decent receiver was a Sherwood. Loved those receivers...powerful, the cozy, deep aqua blue lighting...built like a tank...

[@andy70d35]

It is NOT pronounced Techneeks but Technicks, their keyboards were very impressive I have had three over the years, Technics audio was pretty special also.

[@philtaylor2043]

Look at technics old commercials they pronounced it both ways. So both are acceptable. But I know this post will not settle the argument. Lol

[@jsprite123]

I had several pair of BOSE speakers through the years. They sounded nice for a backyard party. In the living room, they basically had no STERO separation.

[@lancelot1953]

Hi Lenny, you should write a book. I remember the days "devouring" Audio magazine and Stereo Review magazine for the latest tests and information on Hi-Fi Gear. I grew up in the "development years" of the Philips' audio Cassette. Thank you for taking the time to research the history of these once audio leaders who eventually got eaten up by Chinese low cost production and company greed. It is sad, Peace be with you, Ciao, L (Baby "Booming" Audiophile)

[@kipb2078]

What does the Tannoy speaker have to do with Technics?

[@batmandestroys1978]

Fantastic video! I am watching a great Television programme, being presented by the great Sir Lenny Florentine!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Wow, thank you!

[@BruceW.-hs9qq]

Amazing journalism.

[@alextuve1]

Excelent video!!

[@ReginaldDj1]

This was really good research i totally enjoyed it 👍

[@LennyFlorentine]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@albertogallardo5143]

Greetings teacher, good video

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you!

[@daviddunn773]

Mine is a Pioneer SX-6000 still works great to this Day ....

[@patricknicolucci5073]

I sold Akai Reel to Reel and cassette decks in the late 70's and early 80's My favorite GX-646 auto reverse Reel to Reel

[@jhardy0786]

In 1984 I got married and when my wife and I moved into out house I bought a 36 in tv it was huge at that time a tube tv it weighted a ton but I also bought my first surround sound an akai it was amazing I had it for years it sounded so good

[@MrTPhill1967]

I have the JBL Northridge series ND310 speakers. They are fantastic!

[@user-ef3hf1et3t]

Oh Dear how shall we ever live without this information??????????????????? Please tell us because life is so bad without these companies.

[@anthonyberger225]

I have 5 Akai models in my collection and my favorite is All of them 👍

[@karaDee2363]

Very very interesting, makes me want all the high-end Akai and Technics components you showed LOL But I can't listen to this all in one sitting, because my head is spinning with all the information you're overloading my brain with. LOL

[@LennyFlorentine]

It’s a multi sitting watch for sure, or leave it on repeat all night lol

[@jbradshaw7]

My favourite device ever was an Akai nicam video cassette player. Great sound and superb user interface.

[@user-kk8dj6kk9b]

Where's your store located 🤔🤨🤔?

[@nicolesylvain853]

Nice but you forgot thé Studer Revox Story

[@muhammadfazalradioshop2308]

Best ❤️💕 beautiful 💕 video

[@RoaroftheTiger]

I'm listening to this episode with JBL series One / 104 Desktop Monitors with a Very Good Sounding 4.5 Coax Driver. It's User Friendly, for a variety of interconnects. And of course, it also includes a Headphone Jack & built-in (receiving) Bluetooth .... All for about $150 0r Less !

[@bbigaouette]

why are audio components so danged expensive?

[@user-oh6ev7mj5q]

What happened to my brand Fischer? I loved my stereo which had turntable, cassette, eight track and amfm radio all in one beautiful furniture with chrome and wood.

[@AllboroLCD]

The Woodstock 69 sound rig consisted of JBL woofers and ALTEC horns to be exact.

[@user-kk8dj6kk9b]

Is there a possibility that you can get me and Akai reel to reel 🤨🤔🤨?

[@fabricehaesendonck196]

thanks buddy!

[@animalcorvair]

have a 635d i bought new an just got a 255 off ebay,,,its mint too

[@DetroitAnalog]

Technics had a huge catalog of high end gear throughout the 70's and 80's. I bought the Professional Series, which was a rack mount collection of their best technology at the time. 40 years of service, and still going strong. Also, you neglected to mention they're back+ Hoe about a report on the new gear? A bit pricey, but appear to be a continuation of beautiful form and function. :0)

[@ReginaldDj1]

I have a question what's that behind you it looks like a tv i think it's made by Sony let me know what the model number is on that my friend had one of those in the 70's in his rack but i never inquired about it because we where to busy listening to Disco and smoking pot 😂

[@Plextortion]

What happened to Kenwood?

[@larryhazelwood5491]

Technics is still available but very expensive.I have the massive 119 pound Se-R1.Retailing for 25 grand but sailing for 16-18 grand.Mine is used but I still paid $7600 for it.Check out their new highly rated products.

[@chromium86]

Lesser known, and not particularly high-end, but what happened to Vector Research?

[@Psycho9263]

By the way, ever heard of Wintec?

[@lrich65184]

I love seeing how evil and greed changed these companies from their original mission. The ending is spot on to what maybe sadly coming.

[@Sunnbobb]

Great documentary. Makes me happy that I bought and maintained a Phase Linear system since the mid 70's, while sitting back and watching the Stereo wars. I recently upgraded the PL400 amp with a White Oak Audio upgrade. The refurbished amp coupled with a set of JBL L7's takes me back the the first time I set up my system back in 1974. I've tried various other systems, but always come back to the Phase.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

In the Famous Scene of the Air Cav Attack on a "VC VIllage" in the movie, "Apocalypse Now". The Bell "huey" Choppers are Blasting WAGNER's - "Flight of the Valkryies". The Tape Recorders - AKAI M-10

[@daviddunn773]

What about RtR towers series III

[@MatthewBrannigan]

What is the correct pronunciation of Technics in Japan? I grew up in the UK always pronouncing it Tek-niks, whereas the American pronunciation seems to be Tek-neeks.

[@kenandbarbie-b6c]

The acquisition of Sound United by Masimo is surprising. Masimo is a company known for making Pulse Oximeters, either as a dedicated unit or as an OEM part in other manufacturer’s Vital Signs Monitors. Apparently, the biomedical device industry must be profitable enough for that company to purchase Sound United.

[@Darrylizer1]

I have an Akai 4000DS that I inherited from my father. It's a pretty sweet machine.

[@robertwright5487]

This has been a very interesting journey into the history of hifi. I am normally not able to finish watching videos of this duration. You definitely kept my attention. Great job!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you!

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@TheTuckmon]

I owned a Sansui AU20000. I regret selling it to this day. I also had a pair of JBL L100s.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Wow now that’s an amp!

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

Well sone as usual

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks Tim!

[@acousticbutler]

JBL - I grew up with a set of Voice of the Theater I my fathers living room.

[@RedSinter]

The 700 Series has always been my Holly Grail... To be searched, found, and lost...

[@RedSinter]

I do have an 8080 non DB...if it wasn't 2 arms and 3 legs to ship it to your guys Lenny you'd be all over it for me...

[@RedSinter]

Great History Lesson Professor 😁

[@keithgregson9573]

put an image or your video on that mini-crt left shelf!

[@radiorexandy]

How could you do a comprehensive piece on Sansui without mentioning the amazing TU-X1 tuner? In the opinion of many AM FM stereo enthusiasts, it is the best commercial FM tuners ever made. Actually, ii is a combination AM FM stereo tuner along with the preamp only on the same chassis. There is no power amp. Yet, this beast weighs around 30 lbs and I am so fortunate to have one. Now, if only the FM broadcasters would broadcast true Hi-Fi FM stereo music without any compression:-(

[@MarkVillapando-xd7rq]

@Lenny Florentine today is my birthday sir i sont have any components or sound system i dream pioneer set up hope some someday i have this anyway i am new subscriber to your channel

[@bobk3840]

I’ve never had a Bose product. Never will. Overpriced and under to average performance. Why spend big bucks for that?

[@richardhart9204]

Sony APM speakers were superior to Bose, and half the price. They were the only speakers I ever used.

[@25830]

Bose is crap. So many other brands are better.

[@25830]

I googled plans for speaker cabinets and used an online calculator to determine the correct internal dimensions for 2 way acoustic suspension speakers and built my own using 3/4 inch MDF. I purchased two Mcintosh made by Philips tweeters from eBay, two Visaton W170-8 8 ohm 6.5 inch woofers from Parts Express, and 2 1500hz crossovers from eBay. I put walnut veneer on the cabinets and applied a coat of Howard Feed and Wax and they look excellent. And together with an M&K 8 inch subwoofer they sound amazing!