Vintage Stereo Bargains in 2024

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Why would anyone unsubscribe? I found this channel totally by accident and really enjoy it!

[@doningle6137]

Excellent take, and so glad to see Sony getting mentioned. I bought a used STR6055 in 1979 and it has been in constant service ever since. Not just for HiFi use, but also used to run studio monitors, (JBL 4311's) stage monitors and other sundry needs. These receivers and amps were largely ignored in the 70's being overlooked in favor of Pioneer, Kenwood and Sansui, and are really only known to those of us that own them. As an amp, it is, in purely subjective terms, honest. My rather abused receiver is now doing living room duty connected to a DAC for streaming uncompressed Hi res audio from my personal server. I have owned many, MANY, amps and receivers from the 60's and 70's as well as vintage separates (McIntosh, Leak and others) as well as professional amps (Crown, BGW, Hafler, with the BGW 500D being a favorite) and more. I have also had a more than a few Heathkit amps and such. Very underrated! The market was always soft on early to mid 70's Sony units. I plan on getting another (or upgrading the STR6065 or 7065) at some point. My mastering/archival studio set up is currently running Crown D75A into Yamaha NS10M's. Dynaco amps and preamps are absolutely killer and I could care less about looks, personally. 😉 A note on your turntable recommendations: I agree, Technics is the end all. I use a Technics SP15 that has been fully recapped and upgraded with the Fidelis Analog IC upgrade and it now exceeds factory spec. It is still considered studio reference by archivists and mastering engineers. But even their entry level belt driven turntables are amazing compared to new offerings. But there is one thing you should make known: the original blue and purple Matsushita capacitors do fail after 30 or 40 years. That is in all things Technics, Panasonic, etc, tape decks, amps, receivers and turntables. My SP15 was built in 1980 and every last cap was either swollen or had 'fuzzy leg' syndrome. The fuzz that becomes apparent on the negative legs of the cap will eventually eat the traces off the PCB. That, and a cap failure can (and usually does) take out proprietary IC's in Direct Drive models. As always, your video was informative and entertaining and I would love to visit your store in future. BTW, I am on the hunt for the hinges and dust cover for my SH15B-2 base. I'll drop you an email later about that. 😁

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

Cool to hear you talk about Heathkit. I learned to solder helping my dad make a Heathkit tv and stereo and a mini bike when I was 5-6 yr old, Ha! I learned a lot!

[@rafacq]

My 1979 Technics SL-3300 Direct Drive turntable still works perfectly! It’s never been serviced!

[@RobertMattison-pp6uf]

No belt drive the best to own.

[@larrysmac]

Same with my SL-D3 which I regretfully gave away.

[@jeffbrady9448]

always remember my dad's late 70's technics setup - turntable, receiver/amp, cassette. Just started on this channel but don't hear Technics mentioned much

[@darrellmellott6096]

I'm an audiophile (stereo nut according to my wife) and bought this kind of vintage equipment, in my younger days with less disposable income, when it was current technology, not yet vintage. One brand that I haven't seen on your channel (I guess because it was less mainstream) is Rotel. My first dip into the esoteric HiFi world was a 40 watt per channel Rotel integrated amp. I have a Sim Audio Moon integrated amp now (more than twice the power), but within its power limits that Rotel could hold its own with modern equipment. It could play music, and that's the best praise you can give audio equipment. I wish I still had it, but my girl has a very strict "One toy in, one toy out policy."

[@haroldbrooks4235]

Glad you mentioned that, I had totally forgotten all about the Rotel brand. I’ve never heard one in person but I’ve seen them on EBay and they look great

[@darrellmellott6096]

@@haroldbrooks4235 According to Wikipedia, Rotel is a Japanese brand founded in 1957. They are still going and had a strategic alliance with B&W and Classe Audio. All three brands are now under the same group, (Sound United). My take on their philosophy is "highest performance per dollar" (similar to NAD or Rega).

[@johnjaco5544]

Get rid of her

[@aussierob7177]

In 1984 i was looking to replace my Telefunken L 645 loudspeakers (16 OHM 45 WATT). I eventually found the speakers of my choice, a pair of Rogers studio 1 loudspeakers being demonstrated to a customer. I asked the salesman what amplifier he was using. It was a Pioneer model SM 83 tube integrated amp. the sound was very sweet and warm.I did not buy it because i had already bought a new amp for the speakers (bad mistake) I should have taken it back then. I hope it is still available today.

[@YuengsNwings]

Love the advice to get the matching tuner even if you're not gonna listen to it. I picked up a Sansui TU-5500 to stack with the AU-5500 for $200, looks super cool and also actually sounds fantastic for the little bit I do use it. Most people's only experience with tuners is listening in the car, and until you actually listen to a vintage tuner playing FM Mono you have no idea how great it can sound. There was a time where people invested huge money and effort to run a dedicated antenna up on the roof to receive FM signals before the days of having hundreds of channels on TV. A ton of engineering and marketing went into making them sound wonderful and look the part.

[@Richard-jq6mq]

Kevin, You are my #1 go-to stereo guy. Learn so much from your channel. I have a Marantz 2238 receiver( completely refurbished) Klipsch speakers, AudioTechnica AT-LP120USB turntable and a Onkyo 6 disc player I found ( like new) in a GoodWill store for $15. Has played flawlessly for over 3 years. This setup is in a modest sized LR and produces a wonderful sound from vinyl and Disc. I have under $2k in this entire system. Some of the best money I’ve ever spent. Thanks for your knowledge and your easy delivery. Continued success.. Richard

[@oldcars5547720]

@@Richard-jq6mq i watch all your videos. My system is old but still works well. It is a Realistic STA 2000(D) receiver, two Klipsch Heresys & two Realistic three ways with passive woofers. I also have a Sony & B&O turntables. It sounds great considering age. Would love to restore the boards w/ new caps & transistors.

[@BillyDenton-nx3oy]

I ❤ Skylabs Videos !! Speaker fun : I currently have two sets of vintage speakers, which, 3 years ago, I had never even heard of. The first is my RTR Model IV Series E. These things are super detailed, packing 2-12" woofers, 4-3 5/8" midrange, 4 2 3/4" tweeters, 5 1/2" x 2 1/2" Piezoelectric super tweeter . Sound great, look even better. The second set is The Dahlquist DQ-8. They're different but not impressive looking. But the sound from these babies is AMAZING ! I ❤ Vintage Hi-Fi !

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Billy

[@desertratedc9596]

I just picked up a set of JBL J2060 speakers with a Fisher RS 1035 receiver for $90. I understand that the fisher is the baby model of the line but I also kept seeing that that line was the last decent receivers put out under the Fisher name.

[@Hifimarantzuk]

Thanks Skylab. I recently bought the Sony STRV6 and it’s on par with Marantz 2325 and 2385. It’s my new favorite monster receiver. If you get the v6 or v7 buy it with your eyes closed. Cheers guys. immy - Paris,FR

[@peterkanzow6500]

Cool! I have a Technics SL-D3 turntable, bought new when I was 14 and here I find almost the same model recommended.

[@robertliskey420]

This is great, Letting on my age I was changing crt's in Packard bells in 1972. And have had many hits and some misses. A couple tips from experience. When driving around and you see loudspeakers stop, there might be more goodies they will part with. Also stay away from mega complicated turntables. My example was a Sony biotracer, top of the line I could never get it to balance correctly. A gigantic circuit board in it. One other item to think about if you are wanting 2 channel look around for (I hate to use this word) obsolete home theatre receivers. I have a Marantx-SR-14EX and use as a second receiver it is fantastic, and it is a true Marantz. Gyro tuning sure! Power yep and build quality is amazing. 26Kg!

[@jeffhammond8969]

Totally agree with Dynaco separates. Just need to find someone to work on my PAS-3X preamp.

[@fb6performance271]

One of my best sounding set ups is my Fisher CA 120 amp...FM 120 tuner..CR 120 tape deck...Teac X300R R to R...Realistic 5 band eq. playing thru Rectilinear XI speakers. All pieces in perfect condition...VU meters galore. 150 dollars spent including the Amazon shelf that fits the smallish Fisher separates perfectly. Id put this setup against my more expensive collections all day. I set this up in my second (vacation home) to keep my need for a VU meter fix when needed.

[@BootsWalken]

About a year and a half ago I decided to get in the hobby on a whim, and was able to score a Sony STR-V3 for $150 shipped on the Bay. The seller had the foresight to fully insure and asked me to take pics if there was any damage. Sure enough, FedEx guy strolled up carrying it on his shoulder and SLAMMED the box down on the doorstep, crushing the wood on the corner of the cabinet. Seller was cool, refunded me, got his money from the claim through FedEx, and told me to just keep the receiver. I was going to rebuild the cabinet with some walnut, but by chance found a refurbished cabinet on eBay for $50. Then just a bit of cleaning up and it was gorgeous. I'm still an unsophisticated novice, but man has this thing brought me and my family so much enjoyment since we've had it.

[@LakeNipissing]

That refund should have been from FedEx, due their abusive handling of the package, instead of the seller !

[@BootsWalken]

@@LakeNipissing It was. He received the claim from FedEx so he wasn't out any cash. I should've clarified but the comment was already lengthy. I wouldn't have done him like that.

[@arrya5372]

Those vintage Sonys are underrated. I have a STR 7060 and I dare say it competes if not exceeds with the major competitors of its day.

[@rich52569]

@@arrya5372 I bought a V-7 at a pawn shop in the late 80's when I was in the Marines. It was my everyday unit and occasionally as a dj head unit in the mid 90's. I gave it to a friend in 2002. It was a wonderful receiver. I have a STR 2800 sitting on my shelf - never even turned it on!

[@michaeldavidfigures9842]

For someone used to listening to JBL's and Altec 601's the Bose 901's are probably the greatest fraud ever perpetrated on the hi-fi buying market.

[@acrossthedial]

Kevin, you really nailed it on bargain audio. Especially the 70's Kenwood integrated amps and Technics turntables. I am also finding some amazing speakers for less than a cart of groceries!

[@skylabsaudio]

Great minds :)

[@PlanetDeLaTourette]

I have Dynaco A25 speakers. Great for vocals. It has body. A lot were produced. Quite primitive. Early dome tweeters. I complement it with something on top of it. With my eyes closed I want to reach out and touch the vocalist. Natural instruments, particularly wood, also sound great. One can really sink into music with subtle expression in such a range. I can't say that about other entry level speakers of nicer brands. A25s are an interesting experience.

[@christopher3963]

What do you run with the a25’s? A super tweeter?

[@PlanetDeLaTourette]

@@christopher3963 B&W DM110. Also simple and old. Different speaker though. Complements mids and high.

[@reneaceves8820]

My first preamp and amp were both those Dynacos. I assembled them and an FM-5. I later replaced them the Stereo 70 and PAS 3.

[@engelschmidl2907]

Had a Technics SL-BD20 for about 25 years. They just go and go! Fantastic beginner table.

[@marcatkinson5187]

Klipsch KG-2's picked up today for $80

[@thedaveut]

Loving your channel bro! Hey, somthing that is not talked about with the Bose 301's, is when placed correctly in the right room, a little smile contour on your EQ makes them really sing. They have a mellow vibe in the high end with the deflection system and a different excursion as a result but with a smiley and a sub, they are very nice actually. Especially if you have two pair 5.1.

[@Dadmasterjames]

I traded a few rare LPs to a friend for a Marantz SR 6000DC . And recently found some Miller & Kreisel SB-1’s with original stands on Facebook for cheap. Running an affordable Fluance turntable. Sounding good. Someone gave me a Kenwood KR-4400, great little receiver

[@oldcars5547720]

I picked up a Dynaco from a friend. The ventilated top had been cut out to accommodate two, large capacitors. It still works pretty well -- I think its about 30 watts and has tubes.

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

I built a few Dynaco units in the 70s. FM5 receiver and a solid state amp. It was fun, and really worth the price back then. I recall they were based in Phila, where I grew up. They sold a lot of kits and factory built versions out there!

[@larrysmac]

My Dynaco A25s are still kicking after all these years.

[@scottkies6356]

I love my Technics SL-D2, I’ve had it since the 80s and haven’t had any issues with it

[@tomday7309]

Good video, Kevin. I tend to agree with your recommendations. I bought a Technics SL-Q303 turntable in 1982 and it is still going strong. I built a Dynaco solid state preamp about 1973 to see if I could do it and it was actually pretty easy following the directions. I had a pair of Dynaco A25's I liked so why not?

[@frankierodriguez8661]

Cool Tee. Randy will be happy 😊 I've got a pair of Mission bookshelves I think the model is LM or ME10 fantastic sound speakers. I have them with a vintage JVC MA 40W integrated with the complementary cassette deck and Tuner as second system at my girlfriend's because I have a last model Buchardt amp and S400 MKII amazing speakers but I can tell you that my vintage system with those missions, despite is not obviously like the other state of the art thing, it stands its ground quite well and keeps the music flow in the best way posiible.

[@mpersad]

All excellent recommendations! I wish we had such a wealth of vintage pieces here in the UK, but being a much smaller market there just aren't the number you're blessed with in NAmerica. Great video.

[@Zimmy_1981]

What about cont. Europe? Unless S&H would be too costly?

[@shipsahoy1793]

I use all 20th century vintage equipment, and its basically priceless, especially my old but refurbed speakers. I wouldn't sell any of my stuff for any price. Still working, I keep it, and use with care. Needs attention, I take care of it. Broken, I attempt to fix it. NOT necessarily the safest plan, and not as "rich" as I used to be, but I enjoy the hobby, and hope I can until I breathe no more..😉

[@Dave_Boyer]

Being Canadian, and in Ontario, PSB speakers are pretty common, and they are really nice speakers. I have a set of tower speakers I got for $100 at Goodwill, and my Pioneer SX-1010 can make them shake the entire house.

[@darrellmellott6096]

Hi, fellow Hoser here. There are a sh*t ton of great speakers made in the Great White North (mostly Quebec). I currently have a set of Totem Forests in my system and I don't think anything I can afford could touch them for musicality. I also have an Oracle Delphi turntable and Sim Audio Moon integrated amp that are made in Quebec. Not patriotism at work, I just like the uncolored sound of Canadian equipment. However, I do have a Musical Fidelity CD player, as there really isn't anything Canadian made that fits my budget.

[@chipc4936]

I LOVE my Boston Acoustics speakers!!!

[@tedwilliams3472]

Boston cr9..a keeper

[@kraig7777]

Series 1 A100s right next to me right now!

[@SurnaturalM]

I bought a pair of A-40 about 15 years ago, now my daughter has them at her home, she's also into vintage audio, and they still sound great for the size.

[@martyjewell5683]

@@SurnaturalM- I got the A-40's in 2017 with new surrounds for $75. Man, do they sound swell. I use them in my 900+cu/ft kitchen powered by a Pioneer SX-434 (15wpc). Very accurate sound and decent bass, flat (+/-3dB's) to 68Hz. Bass does seem robust for such a tiny speaker and they only require 5w min power. They're boss.

[@julianray5240]

I’ve got the HD7s from my dad, who bought them new back in the day. I’ve got them hooked up to a yamaha rx-495 and technics 1210 mk ii, it honestly sounds fantastic for my apartment, which is relatively small but with high ceilings. I refoamed them maybe 5 years ago and they just sound great, better range than the advents/polks/jbl/klipsch too, they’re super underrated and provide a balanced sound with a tint of warmness.

[@jimmyhawke]

I had a Dynakit 35 with a Marantz Model 3300 preamp, a Technics SL-7 turntable, an Aiwa AD-F 990 cassette deck with Altec Stonehenge I speakers in 1984. I really miss it!

[@billsmith5166]

Polk monitor 10 or 7, ESS, ADS, KEF, Scott. KLH, Realistic integrated or receivers, Sherwood, Wharfedale, Akai electronics, Onkyo electronics, SOME Fisher electronics. Several of these take a bit of research.

[@wwz1011]

I am a huge fan of KLH speakers. Sound great, look great and are often cheap. Found a set of KLH 23s for $25 here locally.

[@kgu9870]

Just picked up a near mint pair of monitor 7s with upgraded tweeter for $35

[@billsmith5166]

@@kgu9870 What a steal. I liked mine about 4 to 6 inches above the floor aimed up just a bit or at ear level but at that size it can be difficult. I'm convinced that 70s Polks are the best bargain of all speakers out there and they also don't have foam surrounds. Really high quality components. If you get addicted look for a pair of SDAs. They're big, but amazing.

[@NavyChiling]

Those PSB Alphas @4:40 are very very special and might just be the best bookshelf speakers in Kevin's entire store. I had a pair in a bedroom system ~20 years ago and in some ways they sounded better than the Klipsch Forte II's in my living room. If I didn't already own a pair of very similar ELAC Debut B6's, I'd drive out to Des Moines and offer $100 for 'em. Yes, they're THAT GOOD!

[@Taketimeout3]

The only thing that matters is the sound. For people who are skint or just tight my speaker tips are SONY SS CDS1 ,SONY SS CCP 333 or 500, SONY SS NX1and AIWA SX LMN5. Also SONY SS 1005 ( B & W). They all but the 1005s are generic looking speakers but they sound very good. Just letting people know who are short of pocket. Love this channel. Hi from the UK.

[@mrpbody44]

Great video as always. I got a stack of Dynaco solid state gear from the early 70's last week for $100 and kind of disappointed with it compared to the Dynaco tube gear that I have. The quality is a lot less and they don't sound that great. I like to work on stuff so I will give it a go. On the flip side I got 2 Dual 2119's for $5 each at a thrift store that look brand new. They need to be relubed as the grease has hardened but still a good deal.

[@jeffbrooke4892]

Glad to hear you talk about Dynaco! Good stuff and a good deal for people into Dynaco. Thanks!

[@Norman-bone13]

Memories 🎶 The Pioneer SX6000 was my first stereo receiver in 1972. It powered 4ohm speakers and sounded great. I was 19, in the Army stationed in Berlin. I put my first stereo rig together with the SX6000, a Dual turntable, and an Akai reel-to-reel tape deck. Still rocking and living the Blues! 👍🏼😎🎼

[@Thetimeisnow78]

That's awesome to still have that pioneer today from when you were a young 19-year-old man👨 Those memories from being young and overseas have gotta be nuts! What was the pioneer's original asking price?

[@Norman-bone13]

@@Thetimeisnow78 I don’t remember exactly. I believe around $250-$300.

[@DMUSA536]

I was stationed in Berlin in 1975. Moved to Graf then Bayreuth. Bought a pioneer sx950 in 1976. So sad I gave it away 😢

[@donalddeorio2237]

I am 65 and I still have my SL-D2 from 1979 and still works great.

[@58MrMike]

My new favorite channel. Hunting for a Pioneer or Marantz receiver on a budget

[@72vespa]

10/10 on vintage Technics turntables for entry level newbies. I would also recommend telling folks not to shy away from the P-mount cartridge system as it removes a lot of set-up anxiety getting into the hobby. Pick-up a P-mount, direst drive semi-auto without speed controls, add a drop of light weight oil to the spindle bearing and you're up n running.

[@Zimmy_1981]

Do you think the oil used for hair trimmers will work? Example: Wahl

[@hodun8]

Sewing machine oil all the way

[@Zimmy_1981]

@@hodun8 thanks mate. Was hoping the trimmer pik wpuld work

[@hodun8]

@@Zimmy_1981 I bet it would be fine

[@Zimmy_1981]

@@hodun8 thanks. Me too. If it can lube those trimmers so well then these devices should be a cake walk

[@plumbermancan]

Loved seeing the SX-6000 listed here. I have a SX-9000 with Reverb. It's fantastic, and I have been enjoying it since the late 70s.

[@davidnagy510]

I have a Yamaha cr1000 receiver that I purchased new still sounds great

[@bmboldt]

You mentioned my Pioneer SX-6000 I got for $50 and my BA A-60's I got for $40. Like you said bargains. The A-60s needed no work. The SX-6000 needed new bulbs. I also recapped it for fun. Bargains are out there but may take some time to find.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

To me you should not underestimate Realistic. I owned an SA1001 and still have the STA2700. At the beginning I did have some ghost problems in the STA 2700. Radio Shack techs did not find issue. Am local tech did. Weak solder points on the board. That was around 1987. That stereo still works great and never stopped using. Loved it enough to get a second for the other room. Also the SX626 Pioneer.

[@NCislander]

Nice job guys. Good info on the Vintage market for summer 2024. Also good to hear the Vintage interests are stronger than ever. My latest find is a set of Advent NLA, Refoam job and they sound incredible. -Thanks for sharing all you do out here.

[@darrellborland119]

Think I saw a Dynaco PAT-4 at beginning. As a kid, built a PAS-3x and Stereo 35 amp...had an fm-3 tuner.. and Garrard 40 mk2? and Gradp FCR cartridge, Goodman EE 10 speakers..Sly and the Family Stone rocked, almost as well as live at Winterland 1970, LOL, and a bump- in with Bill Graham. amazing times. Thanks. and subscribed

[@Hogdog970]

def shipping is key, ive had too many receivers damaged in shipping via ebay, and sellers dont seem to care.

[@RobertKohut]

I went the vintage route recently. I bought the Pioneer M-73 and C-73 amp and preamp (Japan model). Had them serviced and restored and run them off a step down transformer for the 100 volt line voltage. Amazing sounding gear!! Little brothers to the US Spec models sold from 1977 to 1980 in Japan. 🙂

[@metamike2012]

Try finding a pair of Sanyo Audio Spec SP 90 's. These were sold as car speakers. They were bi-amp, 4 ohm,120w passive radiator encased in a metal cabinet. Sold for $200 back in the mid 70's. I still have mine but can't find anyone to fix them.They have since deteriorated. I'm still using my Marantz and Kenwood amps from that time period , along with Marantz Imperial speakers.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Thanks for another great video I like Dynaco I bought three stereo 70s a dynaco preamp first model a Macintosh 225 tube amp a Marantz 2325 at a church rummage all for 50 bucks man that was a score apparently the guy who had this stuff really must have liked dynaco yeah I love it it all works great I did some upgrades in a few things they had no idea at the church what they had they were happy to get rid of it which is kind of sad I feel sorry for the guy who passed away he's probably cringing now have a great day I'll keep watching it keeps me inspired I'm the poor Audio Man had a lot of fun though over my life but stereo stuff

[@xTHiNK617x]

i have a technics sl q 350 i love it ... when i bought it used many years all i did was buy a new needle and re-grease the gears and BOOM sounds killer i love it

[@ranrae]

I picked up a Kenwood Eleven 111 for 700.00 and I love the features,warm sound and power.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

I would love to watch a video on the process of refoaming speakers, how to know when it's needed if there's no visible damage, things like that.

[@skylabsaudio]

The Simply Speakers channel has a lot of great refoam tutorials.

[@AudiophileStooge]

I love Dynaco! Been looking for a nice 70 Amp. Already have my PAS2!

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

What a bag. The dude has a smooth speech. I am amazed that this stuff is on the front page. Heck, I bought a dozen turntables for $5 way back. They had rubber bands and that was a problem. Of course, it's worse to hold the turntrable while removing a disc and leaving a forever dent in it. Thump, thump, thump....

[@kellyswoodyard]

My Technics SL-D303 turn table, came from a dumpster. Needed a stylus, $60. Works perfectly. There was also a dozen or so very high quality, 2 metre interconnect cables. Deal of the year.

[@mikeschock9225]

I have a Technics SL-1401 turntable passed down to me from my dad. Still works like a charm with nothing done to it ever!

[@hemihead001]

I have a pair of Bose 601 Series I's and love them . They are a Direct/ Reflecting speaker so you have to have a brain to set them up correctly . I have had Harmon Kardan Receivers and liked them a lot . I have had Infinity Speakers and liked them also . Right now I have a Luxman RX - 103 Suck Face . Works great .

[@lithiumstatic]

I have a mint Technics SL-D2 I bought for $150 from the original owner. Worn out crappy old cart included. Purchased a Nagaoka MP-110. Pulled the plater and oiled the spindle bearing. For $275 total I have a great turntable. I'd like to upgrade to a heavier table in the future, but for now, it's a winner.

[@jskobe808]

These are great Sunday morning videos to watch. Just honest unbiased content. Thanks Skylab 👍

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you like them!

[@nickprioletti7221]

Please cover the Advent Model 300 receiver! IMO the best bargain in vintage audio. Super understated and kinda looks like an old cable box. It punches way above its 15 watts. The phono stage sounds unexpectedly great. Makes a great preamp, so its versatile.

[@garykarlin1777]

And NAD, when they were an American brand, too

[@georgelewis3047]

Thanks for this! You omitted to mention that Kenwood made the best tuners in the mainstream market. I would also include Kenwood in your last group of undervalued receivers.

[@davidbryanbartlett4071]

Still enjoy my Marantz Tube Gear from Mid Sixties 10B sort of sits there for Show -Computor has taken over for Radio Section

[@ARGAMAWOO]

Great video and tips on some current bargain stereos on the market today! I suggest you do this type of video at least twice a year. One for the summer season and one for the holiday/winter season.

[@SurnaturalM]

Cool video. Very informative as always. Especially the speakers part, I got a pair of jbl lx-44, for 100$ and a pair of tannoy 609 for 120$ Canadian. These are good enough for me. My daughter, who is also into vintage audio, got these Boston A-40. They are quite good for the size and I paid a very low price for them about 10 years ago. 11:56 A cheaper integrated with meters and both a moving magnet and moving coil phono Pre-amp would be a sansui A-80. And the matching tuner, T-80 is an awesome, great sounding tuner too. The only downside is that the amplifier doesn't have a relay, so it pop in the speakers when you turn it on and off, but not enough to destroy anything.

[@michaeldickson9876]

I have my original Technics SL-D30 TT. Other than dioxng controls, thing is perfect. Only issue with less expensive Technics is the covers stress at the hinge and crack. Loctite make a special plastic adhesive that works well in the repair.

[@wwz1011]

There are also replacement metal clips available on eBay for about $10. So if the clip on the dust cover broke, it can be replaced at minimal cost. Compare that $10 cost versus a reproduction dust cover.

[@xomthood]

Just bought a pair of Baby Advents for $20. Foam kit $28. Perfect cabinet and screens. Like new.

[@artshaw6962]

I have never heard you mention Southwest Technical Products amplifiers. As I remember, they had a limited number of products, but I really liked their power amplifiers. They were sold as mono kits. If you wanted stereo, you bought two kits. If you wanted a quad setup, you bought 4 kits. A decent amount of power per channel, easy to build, and they just didn't fail.

[@OscarSanchez-tk3hx]

Thanks Kevin for making my Sunday so bright here in South Texas

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate that

[@tomilaiho7498]

Sony STR recievers are just great. I have a STR-414 great fm radio and nice sound.

[@marcparsons1726]

Found Infinity RS-325 bookshelf speakers for 45 dollars. Probably from 1996? Fantastic sound and build quality!

[@Tara-is9yk]

I came across a black Yamaha R-5 and I am blown away! A friend gave it to me for free, and a can of Dioxit, and some Advent Jades, I'd say it's close to my SX750 with my Polk RTA 11TLs. It's my garage set up, 50W per channel and I really enjoy it! Thanks for all you do!

[@anandarochisha]

PSB. very nice..those amazing Alphas are in my repair lab..plus a set of Advents..

[@Brownguy342]

I have a set of Sony speakers that came with a cheap all in one system back in the early 90’s. They are about 24” x 10” with a tweeter, 3” mid, and 6” woofer. They sound so good I just can’t get rid of them.

[@randyhays899]

Finally, you mention equipment I have! HAHA! (Kenwood integrated amp KA- 5700 and tuner KT-5500 matching pair)

[@pauleichenberger4966]

I have the same! Recently refurbished and sounds great!

[@randyhays899]

@@pauleichenberger4966 My amp is getting serviced as we speak, and the tuner has recently been serviced! The dual VU meters are cool! Yep, sounds great!

[@randyhays899]

I also have a KR-7050 receiver and my speakers are KL-888D's.

[@Zimmy_1981]

My tech buddy & I are fanboys of the brand. We affectionately call them "Kenny (Kennies, for plural)"😊

[@ryansmith7974]

Hey Kevin, Im using 2 recievers in parallel to each power a pair of 4ohm speakers. Im using a phone with a 3.5mm jack as my input and a "piggtback Stereo Audio Cable". Its alot of fun and a great way to AB between 2 amps and speakers with the same source or play them together. The part Im using is an Ultralink UH5563 its about $10.

[@repro7780]

If you ever get a chance to listen to PSB Stratus Gold speakers, you won't be disappointed! They are awesome! I also just saw that Kenwood integrated at my local pawn shop. I'll have to go back and check it out more. Thanks!

[@ethimself5064]

Nice to hear from you again👍

[@VintageGearMan]

I find myself keep coming back here. I subscribed. Good channel. Thanks.

[@LakeNipissing]

Many of the Sony receivers go under the radar and can be bargains.... most sellers and buyers know what the *_STR-V7_* is though !

[@tima.478]

My neighbor offered me $9k for my Pioneer SX-1080. Never been serviced or recapped, completely original and in true mint condition. Not a scuff mark, scratch, delamination or anything, anywhere on it. Bought it in Okinawa Japan in 1988 when I was in the Marines. Paid right at $600 for it at the PX on base. I'll never part with it. ✌

[@deanfisher1656]

Have 70 s vintage setup with Kenwood 700m/c series and Luxman pd 272 turntable. It’s so good and great fun …..love your reviews and info. May make a trip over sometime to check you all out. I am Chicago area. . Keep em coming.

[@robertdavis5714]

What all D.J.s @ Radio stations used late 1970's to early 80's. Technics. To bad their Stereo Equipment sucks from cheap components. Pioneer, Kenwood and Yamaha these 3 are my favorite Integrated Amps for both price and reliability. Thanks for bringing up the kits like Dynaco, I am 1 zero interest, such a strange Fad in late 1960's.

[@maverick_trail]

Would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the next generation of "vintage" - the made-in-Japan components from the '80s. I know they've got digital tuners and don't have the cool silver aesthetics, but that seems to be where the big bargains are. It's not uncommon to find Yamaha and Denon receivers pushing 40-50watts for under $60. As a Gen-Xer, these really take me back to my childhood and I think the higher quality components from the '80s will be the next wave of "vintage" as the price of the '70s stuff keeps getting out of reach for the average hobbyist.

[@kraig7777]

I just bought a 45w Yamaha RX-360 and the shipping was more than the purchase price. And it looks like brand new. Even the headphone jack on a Yamaha receiver sounds great.

[@bmboldt]

I worked on a Yamaha R-9 receiver. It was late 80s and very nice. I have a Yamaha C-60 and M-60 from mid 80s. Yamaha made some nice 80s equipment.

[@maverick_trail]

@@kraig7777 Cool! I just bought a Yamaha RX-530, darn near mint condition for $45. That was the basis for my comment - these receivers are well-made, sound great, and really affordable. They just don't look "vintage" by today's standards.

[@maverick_trail]

@@bmboldt Agreed on the quality of Yamaha components from the '80s.

[@PanAmStyle]

I have … THREE Dynaco SCA-80Q amps, all in various stages of restoration. They’re easy to work on and there are parts and easy instructions available. I also have a modified PAS-3x that now needs some more work, but the big thing is that they all sound really, really good when they are brought back to spec or even better than spec. If someone doesn’t want to try doing the work themselves, it’s not too hard to find a tech that can work on them and it won’t take them much time. The SCA-80Q is way undervalued, in my opinion. I use it in my back porch system with a Sansui TU-717, a Wiim mini streamer and older DAC, Dayton Audio B652-Air speakers and an old Velodyne sub. Great stuff!

[@SoulDaddy33]

I remember how much fun I had building my SCA-80Q and FM5 tuner in the mid 70s. What a great feeling that was to plug them in, hit the power switch and actually hear something. They served me well with my Janszen electrostatic speakers from The Sound Company in San Diego.

[@PanAmStyle]

@@SoulDaddy33 That’s a cool rig! I forgot to mention I also have an FM-6 that I should rehabilitate. I bought it with one of the SCA-80Q units - I couldn’t resist having the tuner.

[@litesaber54yi3]

Let’s see. I have 5 late 60s and early 70s Sonys. A super cool Bang and Olufson, some Marantz’s a Sansui and some others. I LOVE MY SONY’s. LOVE THEM

[@cgreenfield6655]

I can confirm your Advent opinion. I have a set of legacy 1s, mini advents, and advent pearls. I use them often and they definitely sound way more expensive than I paid for them. Great speakers! And refoaming them isn't a huge chore. Good recommendation!

[@starscreamp250]

Great video. I am here because of the Cheapaudioman. Around six years ago I sold my Pioneer SA 8100. I still think about that amplifier.

[@leonarddaneman810]

Found a Dynaco PAT4 at a flea market. It works, but has crosstalk between channels. Purchased a parts kit to upgrade the power supply and phono section. Hopefully the upgrades won't 'degrade' the value.

[@jdwxflyer]

We had a Technics SL-1500 when I was a kid. When I went looking for a vintage table, I thought I wanted to relive my youth, but I researched the newer Technics tables. I found a SL-Q2 in near-NOS condition with the original box. For a reasonable price (a lot less than a SL-1200). Perfectly happy with it!

[@ReyciclismoMTB]

The Sony’s from the 1960s are super undervalued. I have the V6

[@DabblelyDiddly]

i remember finding a pair of baby advent 3s in a rv one time... long story but the woofers were rotten as they all tend to be, and i didnt feel like putting money or much time into them as i had always been told they were cheap jensen junk. but id just gutted a pair of very weird JBLs that had a poly tweeter and a 6.5 woofer in a cabinet that could only be discribed as something youd see badly installed in the 90s in a school gym, they were about 4ft tall and maybe the size of a mac mini square they sounded terrible but i kept the drivers and crossover, put the woofers in the baby advents and i was pretty blown away just how good they sound. i still got em

[@MrTubeamps]

Akai is another company that made some pretty good integrated amps & receivers from roughly the mid 70's to the mid 80's. They extremely undervalued and check most of the boxes for me. They sound very good, the build quality is decent, they look great and most of them still work. The ones that don't are generally fairly easy to repair. You can find these amps in garage sales and thrift stores for next to nothing.

[@neilp192]

I have a '76 Sony integrated (sadly it's not a V-Fet). Really nice. Powerful and clean. Only problem I have with it is the attenuator jumps from too quiet immediately to too loud from one notch to the next. It's got a muting switch, but it loses all its oomph. You guys never mention Technics gear outside of the turntables. Their amps and receivers can be had for a song. Interested to hear what you think of them.

[@turbomustang84]

The Sansui 9090 DB was actually sold for $650 in 77 ( at Gemco in Bellflower CA ) but i had an uncle in the merchant Marines that could of gotten me one for $550 . Unfortunately i was about 5 months from my real big money job ($ 4.25 an hour LoL ) so had to waiit but later found out after buying and selling a dozen or so the Pioneer SX- 1250 was much better . If you want the look of vintage buy a cheaper unit that has the Pre- Outs then get a better Amplifier and that gets the nostalgic looks with much better sound. An Early 90s Adcom GFA-555 can still be had for a song ( Less than $500 ) and ive owns virtually every brand of monster receiver made except from Rotel and Hitachi and the Adcom 555 would best them all..

[@snipe69r]

Love your channel man. I am thinking of making a trip to your store. I am central Illinois so it's really not that long of a drive!

[@wgoconnor33]

I only recently found your channel, I’m hooked ! I live in Illinois, I think I’m going to be coordinating a repair with in the future.

[@mikeh92467]

The Dynaco SCA 80q (assembled) was my first venture into "real" stereo after growing up in an Air Force family with stuff off the shelf of the BX (IYKYK), with a set of Marantz bookshelf speakers. Kick ass sound for a kid just out of high school. I matched the Dynaco with a Rotel tuner that had a great FM section, but an AM section that sounded just awful. Interesting that I don't see you talk about Rotel or Denon. Is there a story there? Thanks for the nostalgia!