What Happened?! Do We Love Our Vintage Stereos More Than I thought?

[@GlorifiedG-z9c]

If you weren't 1800 miles away I'd be buying stuff at your store, Great channel.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, appreciate it

[@gilbertovillafana]

X2!! 😂😂

[@WilliamSmart-g3s]

Agree, i could spend all day in the store. Love the vintage stuff. Finally got my hands on a 2270.

[@Heck_Ster]

Me three!

[@Palace_Hi-Fi]

They do have a website lol

[@frh-freerangehuman]

You nailed it. I’m 60 and you hit that nail on the head.

[@michaelbyrne8860]

Bingo! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! It's all about our youth and the music of the 60's & 70's!

[@johnwilliamson6467]

Agreed. I'm 62. Totally where you were in the 70's. My first stereo piece (Marantz 1070) came from a store in the mall. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

[@MagicMaus29]

When I rediscovered my old 80s stereo in my attic over three years ago, I decided to repair and restore it... and that's exactly what I did. I did it myself... all by myself. This way, not only did all the old memories came back to life, but I also created completely new ones. I'm so glad I never sold the devices. They make me happy every day and put a smile on my face. And they don't even have to be switched on at the time. Just looking at them is a joy.

[@sixguncowboy9478]

Everyone’s first component stereo system gave them that same great feeling like our first bicycle. Freedom.

[@skylabsaudio]

True. I had a kick ass Huffy!

[@terrybeavan4264]

Yup! I've had a LOT of stereo components over the years and I've had good, bad and indifferent stuff and currently have some great almost iconic stuff e.g. my Marantz 2270, Nakamichi Dragon, Rega Planar 25 turntable along with other vintage and modern pieces. But I still have the first stereo component I bought with my own hard earned money, a humble Technics SA-110 receiver bought in the '83-'84 time frame that I know most people don't think very highly of, even if it has a nifty flywheel tuning knob that resembles that of a Marantz receiver. But paired with a Technics turntable and cassette deck and JVC speakers and soon after an early CD player, compared to the CRAP I'd been listening to before it, it was a huge revelation in sound! Great times getting with my friends on a Friday after college classes going to the mall, hitting Camelot at one end and Turtles at the other looking for the latest releases and possibly Vintage Vinyl on the way back (did every city back then have a used record store by that name?) then going back to my place to listen to what we'd just gotten! And of course I'd have bought plenty of cassette tapes to record the albums both I and my friend had just bought. :D Most of those pieces are gone but I'll never part with that receiver and I'm piecing together a system close to that one I had and loved back then. Didn't realize just how good we had it back then, but maybe at times we did! :)

[@terrybeavan4264]

Oh and yeah the first few trips we made to the mall were on our bicycles, me with my 10 speed Huffy and my friend with his beach cruiser but soon after we had REAL freedom with our drivers licenses and first cars, that's when going to the record stores at the mall and coming back to listen to our latest finds on my constantly changing and improving stereo setup became our way to spend a Friday!

[@johnwalker4221]

You are spot-on. The stereo systems we had in the 70s are works of art and allowed us to engage our passion for the music. They did become part of our lives. Many of us lost that during the 90s and 2000s, but now we are rediscovering how wonderful those systems really were and still are. Thanks to you and people like you who are finding ways to allow us to get some of that back. The new, entry-level electronics may sound better in some cases, but they are almost entirely just throw-away metal boxes. They are soulless, corporate products designed to meet a market segment and be replaced with the next iteration of the same thing. We may enjoy the sound they make, but we shed no tear when they break or we decide to replace them with the next black box. But, the vintage gear! They become part of us! They rekindle our passion and sustain it. Again, thank you!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@janath9118]

I agree with your view!

[@bickybickford]

I'm 58 now, but I can still vividly recall those late 70s and early 80s, when I was just a young teenager. My cousin Richard, four years older than me, and I would spend hours together at my uncle and aunt’s house, sitting by his modest stereo. We'd listen to what’s now considered classic rock, each note filling the room with a sense of freedom and discovery. Those were the days when the music seemed to speak directly to our souls, shaping memories that still linger with me today.

[@skylabsaudio]

Absolutely

[@AlejandroMS67]

same here, I'm 57, grew up in a small town in northern California, there wasn't a whole lot to do other than ride dirt bikes in the hills, get stoned and listen to music, and I really miss my parents' monster Realistic receiver, I thought it was cool for a while, then for many years I thought it was a pos cuz it was from Radio Shack, and now as an older guy, I'm missing that "pos stereo" now...

[@stereoniche]

Yeah, I've been trying to figure this out as well! 🙂That video hit on a new topic, but also, YOUR DAD came back, which was FANTASTIC news that also resonated with all of us. We are a male dominated category, so it made us all appreciate our dads just a little bit more.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks Scott. Me as well. I'm taking the old man to a hockey game tomorrow. Thanks for your feedback and videos!

[@MAG_1979]

I grew up outside of a small college town in the 70s which meant there were 2 hi-fi stores in town. I bought my first receiver and speakers with the money I earned delivering papers in the 9th grade. 3 years later I work the summer before college for a painting contractor and used that money to upgrade to an Onkyo TS-4500 MKII, a pair of large Advent loudspeakers and a Rotel turntable. I still have the speakers and the receiver and most of the LPs . I bought the gear on layaway. Since then, I have acquired some of the other components I was interested at that time - Yamaha, Sansui, and AR. What really grabs me about that time for me and those of us that lived then is that we were part of the generation that heard that music for the first time. It was never played before. Every so often - for a brief moment I can remember that feeling of hearing those songs for the first time. I heard Boston, Kansas, Fleetwood Mac, The Who, Zeppelin, Yes, and so many many others when that music was first released. We talked about it, went to see those groups in concert, and wanted gear that could play that music well, and loud. Very good times.....

[@skylabsaudio]

Very good times. I agree. Thanks

[@scottbedwell9178]

Everyone who responded to the video did so because they felt as if they were, for a moment in time transported back to a simple and happy place, its good for soul to do that, well done Kevin

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Scott

[@janath9118]

@scottbedwell9178 Yes, you are exactly correct!

[@docstahl]

This year in October I turn 70ty, I started collecting 6 years ago, my favorite pieces are my Sansui's, 4 receivers, 1 AU-999 and a turntable, I love watching your channel and listening to your advice, thank you for being here!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@MilesBarnette]

I hear ya bro I'm 68 years old all I wanted was my first stereo wanted a marantz so bad but had to settle for a JVC I was broke after buying it but had the love of owning a stereo to use the hell out of it and it was on every chance I had to listen to it. I now have my marantz 2238 and klipsch speakers and smile every time I push the on button what a great feeling for me STILL love my tunes just makes my day true love....

[@janath9118]

@MilesBarnette Very good memories for you! I too had similar type experiences here.

[@chipc4936]

Kevin, you perfectly related, and eloquently described, the "magic" you experienced as a youth. Spot on. You have such a likeable, down to earth, and approachable personality that we subscribers/viewers are drawn to your calming presence. You touch places deep within us with which we can readily and comfortably identify. We feel -- and know -- that "magic," too. Succinctly stated, "you rock." And we can dig it. So you wonder why this channel is so popular??? Thank you. Really. Cheers!🥂 🎶☮

[@skylabsaudio]

Wow, thank you! Much appreciated

[@chopsooy]

Very well stated, I have similar sentiments. Really enjoy this channel as well as going back in time. 30 inches of 5 slapping blood pumping nuclear brain damage...😂 Thanks Kevin!

[@darrylcrawford6592]

Wow, you are the most kind, humble, thoughtful and relatable guy. I’m so thankful to wake up every Sunday morning to a new video, I truly look forward to it every weekend. Thank you so much for leading a very special forum for all us vintage audio lovers to come together to enjoy. Once again thank you for everything you do, it’s so appreciated.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Darryl. That means a lot.

[@taquitopicante5863]

100% correct!

[@46GarageUSA]

Everyone loves vintage look, the simplicity of use and the sound quality.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree

[@taquitopicante5863]

Absolutely right!

[@ChuckF-oy2rm]

I agree! Something about the great build quality, metal, glass and especially the lights & illumination. I still have my first late 70's Sony stereo components and even though I have newer equipment, I just can't bring myself to sell my first system. Happy memories!

[@scrappy7571]

My addiction started in the summer of '67. Grandma gave me a transistor radio. 77 WABC was playing the Doors Light My Fire and Beetles songs all day long. I was hooked, and still am. Have several mid 70's amps and receivers, and enjoy restoring and playing them. Wish your store was not on the other side of the country!

[@humblergto4514]

Cousin Brucie from 77 WABC has a show every Saturday night

[@scrappy7571]

@@humblergto4514 Wow! Hard to believe he is still active in radio.

[@MrDoneboy]

We who grew up in the 1970's, had the greatest equipment, but especially, the greatest music. That is why young people today get it, just like we did!

[@taquitopicante5863]

Amen @Mr Doneboy!

[@thomaskendall452]

Kevin, as a kid who grew up in the second largest metro area in the U.S. in the 1950's-1960's, the magic of stereo stores and record shops was just as strong for me as it was for you in the cornfields of Iowa. Outstanding video!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@ericmcmillen978]

Man you just described my childhood. We are brothers.

[@897firefly]

I’m over 60 and was a teenager in the 70’s. I was nowhere near the audio geek you talk about being but I too loved going into stereo stores and looking at all the equipment. We could never afford such an extravagance but that didn’t matter, I was in love with the beauty and craftsmanship of those beautiful receivers. My brother won a kissing contest put on by a local stereo store by locking lips with his girlfriend for nearly four days straight and won a $1,000 dollar system in early 72 which I’m sure helped fuel the craving. Funny, as time passed I kinda forgot about them. One day I watched one of your videos and I’m hooked again. Thank goodness you’re not close, I would have bought one of your systems already and I don’t have a single place to put it! Great content and delivery on your channel. You present educational and honest information, definitely not Dale the stereo salesman on WKRP! Keep up the great work.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you

[@harryhoesch3793]

Classic toys are more fun. I remember the mid-late 60's (as a child) listening and falling a sleep to my transistor am radio under my pillow. The seed was planted.

[@JJKHaywood]

@@harryhoesch3793 I listened to Spokane Indians AAA baseball on the transistor Radio/later the clock Radio. 1971 Indians were historically the greatest AAA team ever assembled. Tom Lasorda coached and Steve Garvey; Dave Lopes; Ron Cey; Bill Russel; Bobby Valentine; Doyle Alexander all played their and most went on to Win The World series as LA Dodgers. I still prefer to listen to Baseball on the Radio 📻

[@TorontoJon]

So true! I remember in 1977, listening to a GE transistor radio my dad bought me and listening to Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Sound of Silence' or 'Scarborough Fair', etc. :)

[@LakeNipissing]

That didn't end for me. I still have a radio on (quietly) all night. Sometimes talk radio, sometimes one of two new commercial free 70s/80s classic hits stations which have recently gone on the air on the *AM* band !

[@terrybeavan4264]

I guess that's how it all started for me! 1972, just a kid in elementary school probably first or second grade listening to Roundabout by Yes on my transistor radio snuck under my jacket on the way to school!

[@jamesrichard9722]

I appreciate your channel. I'm 75, and my fondest memories as a young adult, and as an adult; revolves around Audio. From assistant sales Mgr of a Hi-Fi store; to working for Sony as one of the first employees of their new Car Stereo Division; to working as a Mfg. Rep salesman. Being in a product meeting with Bob Carver, to auditioning Infinity Prelude speakers with Sidney Harmon. It was fun. It still is fun. Thanks again for this channel

[@skylabsaudio]

Me too! Thanks

[@rogerboretskyjr5651]

Music brought people together back then. Our personal stereo systems were a big part of that. You went to each other's house to get together and listen.

[@skylabsaudio]

Best times ever

[@terrybeavan4264]

YUP as I've commented elsewhere here those were some of my best memories, I'd put together what now looking back was a pretty humble system but after the ritual Friday trip to the mall hitting the record stores, we'd go back and listen our latest finds on my system! I really need to finish putting together a system around that so loved Technics receiver of mine!

[@locutiss100]

Yes, I have great memories of getting together with friends and listening each other's new record. Younger people tend to be reclusive with "their" music listening through cheap headphones on the cell phones . Fortunately grew up in the right era 😊

[@gr7485]

I grew up in a small town where there was no such thing as a stereo shop. A record store yes, but no stereo shop. It was 1970. I had an after school job, saved up some money, headed to the big city to buy a stereo. Brought home an Akai AA-910DB receiver, a pair of Ultralinear speakers, and Dual turntable. Man I loved that stereo and spent many hours in my bedroom listening to it. Good times indeed.

[@tdkz72]

That video made all of us enthusiast remember a better time and a better country. It's not only vintage electronics, it's vintage anything. People are starting to realize that life was exponentially better back in the 60s,70s and 80s. Just like you, I spent my formative years in the record and electronics sections of stores like Woolco, Montgomery Wards, Sears, JC Penney and numerous small independently owned stereo stores. It's so sad to see this once great country reduced to mindless staring at cell phones 24/7/365.

[@jeremiahwells8525]

Called my insurance lady today. While she was looking something up, it took a few seconds, she reflexively apologized for the "long wait." I told her that she didn't have to apologize because I'm a Gen Xer and we still have patience. That's a big reason why I love my vintage audio and vinyl records. It's a highly palatable antidote to today's InstaCulture. Keep doing what you're doing Kevin 🤙

[@marcdebroin6700]

The Johnny Fever clip was awesome. Thanks.

[@edwardkane7708]

The music of my youth being played on a stereo system from that same era is a personal Time Machine. And I enjoy it over and over again. I get to reconnect with the mood and excitement of listening as a teenager or twenty-something.

[@Jodeanson.23]

You nailed it Kevin. When I was a kid it was World Radio, Sound Environment, Musicland and Homer's Records. When my Dad passed away last year my brother and I spent several weeks cleaning out the house to ready it for market. We found about a dozen plastic tubs stuffed with old photos. Buried deep in one of them was a Polaroid of me plopped down in a giant beanbag chair listening to my first good stereo on Christmas day 1978. Marantz 2220B, Garrard turntable and two huge Pioneer speakers. Led Zeppelin IV and You Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish at my feet. That was my church. It shifted my dna and rewired my brain and to this day listening to records is my escape to my sanctuary. Analog music is better bumper stickers should be issued.

[@skylabsaudio]

Sounds like a great time going thru those relics. Sorry about your Dad.

[@dukemoney2]

I understand what you’re saying. I have my father’s fisher x-101d with Jbl L-99 speakers and numerous vintage turntables I could not afford when I was young. I’m 81 years young and I love it all. I have the first album I purchased and hundreds of others. I’m so connected to my music system. Thanks for your channel my friend.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you

[@foghornlh7592]

I might be weird, but I remember going to the stores and enjoying the sweet smell of 70’s stereo equipment cooking…. almost better than baked cookies.

[@skylabsaudio]

Our store smells like that! So good.

[@jefffoster3557]

Music and memories is what it is about. Music was the getaway for us kids back in the 60s early 70s. Started with my first transistor radio in Sept. 69 and now ends with a g9000 with speakers that can handle that power and the goodies as well. We DREAMED of these back then when entering the audio shops back in the late 70s, but never could afford them. Now thats different.

[@TorontoJon]

Every time I look at my Marantz 2270 receiver, it brings a smile to my face with its gorgeous blue lighting, blue meters, and warm sound, but I also love my cheaper lower-end receivers like my Audio Reflex unit I bought from a local Salvation Army Thrift Store for only $11.99 and it has a great industrial look, a cool green glow on the tuning dial, and excellent sound. There are other pieces I have where I literally give them a fond pat "on the head" every time I walk past them like patting a beloved family dog. :)

[@J_Dubb1]

It brings me so much joy that the vintage audio scene is well into its revival. The wonder and amazement of the younger generation just now finding the love for what many of us have grown up with, learning why vinyl is the media of choice and how the vintage amps/receivers really do bring music to life with the right speakers and setup. I just (finally) found myself a beautiful (astoundingly beautiful) Marantz 2270, I have been looking for one for a long time, and this one is a heck of an example, some switching issues (from what I can tell, hopefully the deoxit wll take care of it) but the wood on the case is amazing and overall it seems MINT, and how I felt when I got it home is something I hope everyone who loves this stuff feels when they find an amazing LP or piece of equipment they have been looking for. Much love to everyone out there who feels the same way about this quirky hobby of ours. Thanks Kevin :)

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! Love it

[@pedrofernandez8729]

My Marantz/Technics stereo was a gift from my Mom for my High School graduation. I will cherish, enjoy and hold on to it as long as I live.

[@skylabsaudio]

That is awesome!

[@erickrohn88]

It took me back to my younger days.

[@pjbelman3399]

Your right about what you say. It was a generation ago that was into this type of hardware and audio .We lived in the best time period for music and the styles .They made the equipment just right for the music that was being produced . And we loved all of it .I remember my first stereo and speakers and bought it from my local audio store in boston area they were called Layfayettes audio. Long gone but memorable in the sixties.

[@garrypayne9892]

Although I was only a few "k"s (Australia) from town, I was far enough that I may as well have been in your corn field! I was lucky Dad had a half decent Sony system to keep me going until I could start piecing together something myself. I first came across your video's about 6 months ago, has inpired me to piece something back together again! Thanks for your inspiration & insite!

[@danwheetman6914]

Music was the common portal for all youth to step into another reality. Being a teenager is lonely business even for the tragically hip. It’s the same today, music offers another world from the one kids live it, a language that they understand that their partners don’t. As far as the delivery system, more and more people, young and older are turning to vinyl and CDs and stereo systems to sit down and enjoy music that, as you know is a magic carpet to undiscovered lands. It’s not a mystery.

[@birolerkan65]

I am 59 years old. Stereo systems were a childhood dream for me. As time passed and conditions became favorable, I started to own one. Now I can't stop, I keep buying and changing different vintage models. I'm happy with my life. Your video was very sincere ... 👍👋

[@1stcontact590]

Thanks for the memories ! We has Radio shack,Team Electronics, Shack electronics,the list goes on. This is the reason I collect and listen to these beautiful machines ,it keeps me young.

[@skylabsaudio]

Good point, Thanks!

[@katebennett3061]

Nail on the head. Whoever got a new album with their allowance it was an event to go there after school. Just like checking the message “pad” where the whole family wrote down who called for whom. John called - 6pm. Simple. Knock on Nick’ door after walking 20 minutes to see if he could “play”. If he wasn’t home or was grounded you walked home. Hour killed. Love your insight and delivery. I had a cheap all in one stereo cassette stereo. But it was life. The first time I saw a felt type record cleaner with liquid my rich friend had I was in awe. But mine was mine and it transported me. The lines “Listen to the words,” and “ wait!!! Here comes the best part” resonate and are so essential in any 70-80 movie. Am And this is not a rant. Rants are angry. This is a babble and a thank you. . I just realized that your channel is way bigger than vintage stereo equipment. It’s about vintage people. Real people. And I am glad I am lucky enough there are others like me here. I have zero opinion on what is or was the best piece of any equipment. The best stereo for all of us was the one we had or had access to at a friend’s house. Keep talking. Only thing I would love to see here that isn’t is how to hook up everything or how to cob stuff together to get more out of what we have. I worked on a garbage truck in high school summers and would bring home old speakers and just wire them all together and create Bobby’s surrround sound attic. No power. But way cool lol. Thanks again.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds very familiar:)

[@jamesskiles1160]

Your store is on my bucket list. 15 hours away from Layton, UT and will make it there hopefully. I need some vintage again. Right now have a mixture of stuff, but will get a few pieces. My 1979 time frame original stereo was a Luxman receiver, JBL speakers and Kenwood cassette deck, and Pioneer turntable.

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

Nostalgia is a wonderful (and powerful) emotion. I`m a little older than you ("more vintage"), I went into the military in 1967, and my first exposure to serious stereo gear was from GIs who were returning from Viet Nam, Germany, Japan, etc. Served two tours in Viet Nam, and took advantage of the PX pricing to purchase a number of components, and had them shipped to my home in the US. My first setup was comprised of a Sansui 5000 receiver, Pioneer CS 99 speakers, TEAC 4010S R2R deck, and an AR turntable with Stanton cart. "Back In The World", I was the first among my friends to have a "real" stereo, and this new obsession quickly spread. Within less than a year, most of my friends had purchased some Marantz, Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer, or other nice gear, and every weekend, we would all PARTY at someone else`s house to compare notes. A couple of years down the road, a friend and I rented a house with a finished basement (with fireplace and a wet bar !), and installed an upgraded sound system, including a Phase Linear 700 amp, 2 pairs of Advent Large speakers (stacked and wired in parallel) and a Garrard Zero 100 TT with a Stanton 681EEE cart. That system most definitely rocked the house, to the point where we had to buy a couple of foam mattresses, cut them to size, and stuff them into the window wells to help soundproof the place. I remember testing the effectiveness of our setup by BLASTING "Live At Leeds" while we stood outside, listening. It was surprisingly controlled, and we never had the cops called for any noise complaints, even with some parties lasting until the break of dawn. I really miss those days ! Been through a lot of changes over the years, but still have enough gear to assemble three halfway decent systems. Got an all-`70s, all silver-faced Pioneer system, mostly restored, with an SX-1250, SG-9500 EQ, RT-1020L R2R, RT-707 R2R, a CT-F1250 cassette deck, a PL-50A TT, a PL-71 TT, a PL-707 TT, and 2 pairs of HPM-100s. The Carver system centers around an M-500t amp, C-4000 preamp, and a TX-11A tuner, with a bunch of peripheral items as well. Last, but not least, is my beloved Luxman R-117 receiver, which is pretty much the musical equivalent of a `70 Chevelle LS6 454, it just oozed power everywhere.... So yes, the Stereo Bug bit me HARD a long time ago, and I`m still feeling the effects. And, truth be told, we ARE an "extended family" of sorts, and to all of you, ROCK ON !

[@WayneMerryman]

Thank you for another fantastic video!! Everything from that era (60's, 70's, 80's) makes one feel warm and fuzzy, but the music shaped a generation. The search to find the latest album by your favorite artist and racing home to play it. The smell of new vinyl, holding the jacket, feeling a little superior to your friends that didn't score the new album, but we didn't care as long as someone in our circle had it, we would all go over to that house to listen. It is a lot like watching a sporting event today, fellowship, camaraderie, tunes, maybe dinner. It was a social event. Day after day. And as equipment got older we would talk to it, ( c'mon o'l girl let's jam) and when it did quit there were places that would fix it in a week or so. I miss those great times!

[@skylabsaudio]

Great times!

[@fredcrook8228]

I formed a bond with my first piece of audio equipment as well, Kevin. I had a hand-me-down JC Penny labeled all-in-one unit, featuring quadraphonic sound (never used as such because it came with 2 speakers), 8 track, fully automatic turntable, and an AM/FM receiver. That was the center of my world until a few years later when I got into cassette tape and individual components. As an intrrovert, I dove into music, gathering every penny I could get my hamds on for that next trip to the record store. My wife and I just moved into a larger, Mid Century Modern home and I'll be heading out to Iowa sometime soon, I hope, to pick up some goodies for a room or two. Thank you, Kevin and the crew at Skylabs for every bit of audio wisdom that you lay on us.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you

[@mainebigfoothunter7088]

It's an attachment to yesteryear when life was more of an organic experience. Life could be a little rough or raw at times, but it was a good time. The old equipment gives me a piece of that era that I don't want to give up

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree

[@Illinois_Steve]

In those days, music was the culture we immersed ourselves in, it’s what we talked about, it was behind the experiences we wanted to have and share. It was our common bond. From radio to record stores, the concerts, the t-shirts, the pissing contests over musicians and the beer spilled hearing something new. And at the center of it, for so many of us, was that stereo system. Like cars, we bench-raced our rigs; who had the most watts, the biggest woofers and the best tape decks. It allowed us to belong. They were halcyon days and I’m still trying to capture some of it back. Your channel feeds into that and I am very grateful.

[@larryross2301]

This video is totally 100% spot on and I agree absolutely with you Kevin. I'm 76 and started listening to music in the 50's when I was 9 years old. I could not wait to start buying stereo components, which I finally did when I went overseas in the late 60's. Seeing everything that was available from the Japanese manufacturers convinced me I had reached Nirvana. Fast forward, I have some newer gear and yet still enjoy the two pieces of vintage audio that I currently have - a Sansui AU-777 integrated amp (circa 1969) and a 1970s Pioneer SV-450. Both still work great and are well taken care of. I love your channel Kevin and hope to visit your shop if I'm ever in Iowa. You are our go-to guy for all things related to vintage audio. Oh, and I'm glad your dad is back!

[@leebrewer1324]

Hit the nail on the head. Just talking about it makes the memories come back and it didn’t matter what music you listened to we all searched for the systems and vinyl we loved. Only wish skylabs was close to me.

[@jeffbranch8072]

I'm now 59, pushing 60, and youngest of 4, and I have 2 pieces from my childhood - my parents' 1962 Airline console they bought at Montgomery-Ward before I was born, and the 1974 Pioneer stereo my sister gave me when I was 14 (in 1979) and she moved out of state. For me it's not that they're characters or entities that were my friends, they are objects, but they're part of a feeling of "home" - a familiarity, good memories, nostalgia - and they tie my current home to the home I knew growing up. To me they always sounded good and still sound good. They make me smile. Not high end, but not cheap or junky either. Someone recently asked in a FB group what junky stereo you had growing up that sounded bad. I couldn't answer that, maybe a clock radio? And monetary value only has meaning if a piece is to be sold. These pieces can be sold at my estate sale, so their market value has no meaning to me.

[@mmazz30]

I also noticed the massive views jump a couple of videos back.......I actually felt very happy for you and this channel. Your channel is relaxing and laid back, you don't force crap back at us.....kinda like sitting back in your chair listening to a stereo. Here's to 100k subs and then 500k......1 MILLION is on the cards. Seriously happy for ya....all the best from an aussie watcher.

[@skylabsaudio]

Really appreciate that. Thank you!

[@antoniocpalmer]

Well, turning 60 in a month (still can't believe it) but felling like 16 when it comes to this matter. I grew up in Brazil - and still live there -, my father bought a all-in-one Sharp system when I was 12 and the bug bit me hard. No bucks for those 'top imported brands', the standard American market ones, we had to dream with our ingenious local brands, some very well made. First receiver came to me in 79, a pair of good speakers and the world was never the same. Life has passed but finally, in the last 3 years, I've done my crusade to get a bit what I dreamed at that time, now some 12 pieces stacked. I listen to them and those are the best moments I have. Would really love to, one day, be the in Des Moines to pay a visit to your "vintage temple". You make the best and most sincere videos around. Keep that way, you have the feeling millions had those times and you speak for us. Thanks for that.

[@skylabsaudio]

Wow. Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@mr.mojorisin1616]

I bought my first stereo system in 1979 when I was in the Air Force. Bought a Technics SA-500 receiver, SL-D2 Technics turntable and a set of speakers which for the life of me I cannot remember which Technics they were but it was a great system and I lost it in 1984 in a house fire. Just a few years ago I found an SA-500 receiver on eBay and had it rebuilt and it's just as great as it was in '79! Tried to get an SL-D2 turntable but they want too damned much money for them. Nobody will appreciate the classic systems like the generation that came up in the seventies! Love your channel, Kevin! Keep it up! Peace!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks

[@jameskorthals4224]

Keep doing what you're doing. Got my first Marantz, a 4240 at the base stereo shop in Turkey, 1973. Had a pair of Bose 501s and the Marantz Imperial 7s. Teac reel to reel and manual turntable. Great times.

[@mariojurman4113]

I use a 4270+5020Tapedeck and 5010

[@kcsavers]

I agree! These are fond memories for me: the first system, buying my own music, listening to my favorite songs; all good!

[@glennmiskulin5379]

We had CB radios and it was a blast

[@DarwinRocks1]

Thanks Man. Your videos are the Best out there. Everything you are saying is what i am feeling. The love and attachment to this vintage gear is real. My parents did not have high end or decent gear in the 70s BUT many of my friends parents DID. I remember what that stuff sounded like, and in the last 15 years I have been buying and immersing myself in it. I listen to music 15 hours a day minimum and it is good for the SOUL. Just bought a PIONEER Refresh Capsule (Bodysonic) listening Chair from Asia which is putting another dimension on everything. Also, the Young folks getting into Vintage Audio is Awesome!!!

[@kevinyoungM14EBR]

For me it's all about great music and great memories... I remember playing Motown records on my parents console stereo when I was a kid, and I was blown away when my father brought home a new Marantz system in '77. I was an assistant manager of a mall record store in Indianapolis as a teen, so I had access to all sorts of music and I even started a side gig with my good friend spinning mostly demo records at events using my fathers Marantz receiver. Back then my money went into muscle cars, I was exposed to all sorts of music & gear but I only bought a few records for the DJ gig and some tapes to play in my under-dash tape player in the GTO. Today I am still using that same Marantz receiver to listen to records and CDs on a daily basis and I have a much broader appreciation for music & vintage gear, but most of my money goes into muscle trucks. I am not a big consumer of gear but your channel has helped me make the most of my old Marantz receiver... I can't thank you enough for educating me about ADS speakers. Marantz, ADS and Skylabs Audio is a winning combination.

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad to hear it. Thanks

[@stancooper5997]

I completely relate with all of this and could (and do) lament about days of old. I am 54 and grew up(and still live) three hours east of you in the Quad Cities where my Dad worked for John Deere. We were lucky enough to not only have Sears and Target, but also Radio Shack, K-Mart and several electronic stores. I too spent hours reading the jacket liners and buying the magazines to get a glimpse in the life of these bands that were everything to me. I wasn't escaping from anything. I just love music. Anyway ...great video and I'm now subscribed and have been going through your other videos. I'm glad I found your channel.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@rickeaton3085]

I absolutely was enamored with stereos growing up outside of Des Moines. To go into town and head to Southridge Mall. It progressed from my parent's Readers Digest stereo to me getting a Montgomery Wards stereo. Then I was constantly talking to Lou at Stereo Town, him playing Donald Fagen or Manheim Steamroller to showcase stereos. Then he went to Audio Labs. I would go in and they'd be nice enough to satisfy my stereo wishes with a tour through the Magnepan and Polk behemoth speakers... I'd get the literature and it was like looking at a Playboy for me! "Passive radiator! "..... We likely were looking at stuff across the room from each other. :) Cheers!

[@GregForLife]

Just turned 60 and i grew up with several uncles and an aunt who were into music and had really cool equipment. I found out almost a year ago that vintage hifi was even a thing and man Ive jumped in with both feet. I love it. Only regret it wasn’t on my radar sooner.

[@billstiles6948]

Love your channel! You pretty much hit the nail on the head as it relates to my experience with "vintage" stereo equipment and the music we (my brother and our HS and college friends) put thru them. Very little TV access, no cell phones or internet meant music was king. Growing up in upstate NY the two best FM stations we could pull in were in Montreal (CHOM-FM) and Ottawa (CHEZ-FM) and they gave us some of our first taste of the music that was out there. My brother saved all his pay from a camp summer job and bought a Kenwood receiver (with handles!) and followed that with a Dual cassette deck. I went another way and got a Pioneer SX-650, Technics SL-23 TT and B.I.C. Formula 4 speakers. There were other earlier stereos, all-in-ones, portable 8 track players and cassettes in our cars, all connecting us to the musical experience and each other. After going thru many forgettable late '80's-2020's stereo systems I now have a Marantz Model 2225 and Technics SL-D202 with the only modern concession being the B&W speakers.

[@rockdog2584]

I can only DREAM of having a quality vintage stereo (or "Hi-Fi", as we called it back then) anymore. But you are absolutely right; our old equipment WAS part of the family. One of my Grandfathers had built a Heathkit (or was it Heath Kit?) tube (mono) amp of some ridiculous size (100 watts, I think?) and a huge 3-way speaker cube that had a 12 or 15 inch woofer...and all he ever listened to on that thing was news/talk radio! Here I am today with a Yamaha HTR-5835 AV receiver, an Audio-Technica AT-LP120 turntable, and a pair of Yamaha NS-70 speakers. Nothing vintage there...though I used to have a Yamaha CR amp/receiver (I think it was a 620...maybe 660), once upon a time. Makes for a good enough sound system, especially for "movie night" on my 42" flat-screen!

[@davewallace8219]

It's all true!

[@cnyphotovideo]

Thanks Kevin. I'm 62 years old and far away in Syracuse New York. Being a teenager in the 70s our stereos were everything. My first component receiver was a 15 W Realistic from RadioShack used in the store. To me that beautiful thing with knobs and a fully lighted radio dial was just everything. I'm pretty new to your channel so I've been watching a lot. The memories of these components just come flooding in. I'm even tempted to buy a nice vintage receiver just to light it up. No speakers or anything. And I fully agree with your philosophy that LED lights look terrific in vintage receivers. 👍🏻

[@skylabsaudio]

Nothing wrong with that

[@jmfloyd23]

Kevin, I totally agree. My love of music started when I was 2 my sisters always had records playing. I would stand by the record player and listened to their records. It has stayed with me for as long as I can remember. As I got older in the mid 70’s I started buying records. My parents were mostly good sports in letting me buy records (45’s) that I wanted. They are deaf. In my teen years I was buying both lp’s and 45’s and yes I had numerous runs with Columbia House and RCA music service. Then I got serious about stereo gear. Hanging out in stereo shops drooling over the silver faced beauties. Indeed growing up in the 70’s and 80’s was very much the best times of my childhood.

[@nickvecchioli9796]

Listening to my Large Advents with my Advent 300 receiver to this day. The Holman phono preamp delivers for vinyl. With my Dual 1225 table. I sold HiFi all thru the 70's and part of the 80's. I am hooked just like you. All started with a Motorola transistor radio and an AM radio station. WBBF with Nick Nixon playing all the hits of the day!... I would love to visit your store. Probably take me back to the days I remember so well. Cranking the Beatles and Stones up till me ears bled! Love the channel BTW.

[@tkjedrey1]

I just turned 40. I didn't grow up with the kind of equipment you show on this channel, but I got ahold of a SX-535 when I was 16 and haven't used anything other than a vintage receiver since. I still have the SX-535 and is in need of severe repair but I can't bring myself to get rid of it. After watching you videos I acquired a SX-838 about a year and a half ago. I love everything about vintage stereo equipment. Thank you for all of your content!!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@mcirek]

Your nostalgia and vintage love are so genuine and innocent. That's it. I give you a solid hug!

[@danielprice5416]

I just scored a Marantz 2225 , the same receiver I had when it was first introduced . I Love it , I have a pair of Jensen speakers hooked up and it sounds Killer

[@aCraig-s3s]

I'm with you man, grew up in the 70s to 80s, Am radio then got a Radio Shack receiver and separate tape deck, that tape deck had the best LEDs ever playing Rush, the Spirit of Radio.

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Really great to hear you say there are lots of younger people listening to stereo systems and records. One can only hope by sharing, we all help the younger generations join us. Love having them on board to share.

[@harlest71]

I'm 53 and you're right about going to the mall when we were kids and checking out the local stereo shops ( Sound Trek, Electronics Mart, Radio Shack) Great memories. Now, I have a habit of buying as much vintage as I can afford and your channel has increased that LOL!!!. I enjoy all my equipment that you forced me to buy Kevin LOL!! Right now I'm using my McIntosh MA6100 as a preamp to my Dynakit ST-70 which is pushing a pair of Klipsch RP8000F II that sounds pretty good in my opinion. Thanks for the awesome look back on past memories Skylabs.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for watching and sharing

[@dougeurowerkz2881]

It’s the real emotion, whether for sound equipment, furniture, collector cars of all types, you name it. It’s not just the thing, it’s the triggering of the emotion. That, and you are truly great at this! I need to stop in soon.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you. Appreciate it

[@deanfisher1656]

I enjoy listening to your casual discussions about our love for audio equipment. Being an audiophile has been a rewarding ride. Thanks for the memories and ongoing love for vintage audio.

[@postaudio]

You are one extraordinarily thoughtful human being. Keep sharing!

[@skylabsaudio]

Wow, thank you!

[@bierbarrel]

I remember CMC stereo, hifi buys, peaches records...I remember at the local mall the stereo store had the rack by pioneer in the window.....man I wanted that!

[@skylabsaudio]

What a great time

[@MrRepeters]

Wow! Waiting for your Sunday morning videos are like, as a kid, waking up Saturday morning looking forward to Bugs Bunny and Woody Woodpecker. My current vintage audio set up is a Marantz 2015, Dual 1209 turntable, EPI M202 speakers. My previous receiver was a Pioneer 1010, how I wish I could trade. Some of my vinyl records are labeled "Musicland" - $3.59. Ah, fond memories. As Ol' Frank said, Thanks for the memories.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@ejbeekeeper4360]

Watching your channel from the Netherlands. I had the same experience growing up in the 70's and 80's. We used to listen to our records at a friends house because his parents were "rich" and het the very best audio system. Nowadays I own a late 70's consumer audio system which I got from my German family (Rosita 6500) which has a Dual 1239A record player. Playing records on it really takes me back to my childhood and even my children love it. Funny they recognize some of the music from games they play or posts on social media. It's all coming back!

[@roberttrobaugh6248]

Yeah I remember my first Pioneer rack system I loved that thing and miss it 40 years later !! I have two sansui receivers now.

[@Col_Buck]

Thanks!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! Appreciate that :)

[@darrenb5100]

I came across your videos by random, and loved the content. So I figured you were in California some where just because a store like yours just seems to fit out there. So looked you and I about fell off the couch when I seen west Des Moines. As a fellow Iowan I was stoked to see your store was only a few hours from me. I will DEFINITELY be making a vist.

[@skylabsaudio]

Iowa is cooler than most of us give it credit =)

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

Okay... here's my answer. In the late 1970s I home brewed a full stereo from the ground up. Pre-amp, EQ, Power amp, Speakers, even the stands... But I lost it in a house fire when my neighbour decided to dump frozen french fries into a bucket of boiling oil. The next stereo setup was a Luxman with Heresy speakers. I had that right up to 2005 ... If I could go back to that original setup, I'd be there in a heartbeat. But it's not just the equipment... The music back then was soooooo much better than today. Heck bad pressings from then were better than some of the best stuff from last week. Add the music to the gear... and you've got both sentimental and emotional memories that just aren't going away.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree

[@austin1842]

im 19 years old out of Indiana and I own a Marantz 2235b and listen to all the music you mentioned I completely agree with all the points in this video.

[@GeoMo52]

Good for you, enjoy it

[@1musicsearcher]

Thanks for a trip down memory lane. I remember in 1977 for my 16th birthday, my folks got me a brand new Pioneer receiver to replace the crappy one from Sears. I was in love.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@ronaldmitro3182]

I like your KZbin channel. Please stay true to what you do. Don’t bend to the whims of the Hifi industry. Keep up the good work.

[@lilman1234able]

Ive always been in to music, but i always used the newer stuff. about 3 years ago i bought my first vintage receiver (Pioneer SX580) and a pair of Dynaco A25 speakers. i fell in love with the sound, the look and the notchy clicky knobs. Im 35 (born in 1989) so my dad remembers theses system very well.

[@skylabsaudio]

That stereo is all you will ever need :)

[@lilman1234able]

@@skylabsaudio i love it! want to get another one, maybe a sansui or kenwood

[@robertdentel1775]

You brought up a lot of memories talking about your childhood. Our childhood’s have a lot in common. The audio hobby is a journey. Half the fun is the chase to the next bigger better sounding system. It’s a great pastime.

[@mtlmn1971]

You're 100% correct. Have been watching for years. Love the channel. I'm east of you in the QC. As a kid growing up in the late 70's and 80's, I would go to the stereo stores with my dad Saturday mornings and dream over the stereo receivers and amplifiers on display. Christmas time, brought the catalogs from the stores and I would go back and forth and pick out what I wanted Santa to bring me. I remember not getting the Pioneer I so desperately wanted, but a rack system from Sears. But you know what. I was happy because it was mine. I could play my records that I would spend all my allowance on. I don't think most of the newer generation has the same attachment as we do. My daughter looks at my equipment, says its so unnecessary. "You just need a smart speaker dad!" I've acquired quite a collection. Started with speakers and then so on. Back when you could find things next to nothing when everyone was getting rid of their stuff to get some Bose cubes. Anyway, I think we're the last generation to probably really have this attachment with the silver faced items. They don't make things like the used to. Take care and next time I'm in DSM, I'll have to stop in.

[@johnstump2433]

When I was young, my friends and I used to hang out in one of our local family owned record shops. We would ride our bicycles as soon as we got out of school and spend the whole day there listening to LP’s. I really miss those days 😢 but they left some of the greatest memories of my youth! 😊

[@marks.2909]

I apologize for such a long post ,…..My first all brand new stereo I bought I still remember it well , Sansui 80-80 DB receiver Bose 901 speakers and a Dual direct drive turntable,..Around 1981 I discovered The Absolute Sound Magazine that sent me down a rabbit hole though I thoroughly enjoyed high end audio and I still do today . Recently I joined the vintage receiver club last year having come across an absolutely beautiful Pioneer SX-5590 at an estate sale in my neighborhood. I enjoy listening to it daily in a home office setting some of my clients weren’t even born when this receiver hit the market , it’s certainly a conversation piece that also sounds very , very good ,..

[@alanshrefler]

I worked part-time at a small, independent stereo shop in Denver, Colorado in the (gulp!) mid-1970's. It was everything you described; dark, warm, cozy. A great place to hear music on excellent equipment. I owned a Sansui AU-999, a Braun PS-500 turntable with a B&O SP-12 cartridge and a pair of Braun L-810 speakers. Probably the best overall system I ever owned. But, like most of us addicted to this 'hobby', I was always looking for that unicorn amp, or turntable, or speakers. So I sold that first system, piece by piece, and chased an 'ideal' that didn't exist at my budget. To this day, I hunt the estate sales looking for that one piece of hardware that will scratch the old itch for 'better'. I live in Oregon now, but if I ever get to Iowa, I'll be sure to drop in. Sayonara.

[@prestomattwine]

I live in Dubuque, and during the 80’s Audio Room, Musicland and on Main Street a music shop and cannabis pipe and accessories called the Asteroid was my second home. I can still remember walking into that record store and smelling incense burning and the latest albums being played throughout the store. Great memories for sure!!

[@terryhuffman1503]

Thank you, I just had a Pioneer SX-650 delivered to my house today. Hooked it up to some Polk Audio S-4 speakers from Goodwill I got for $18.00 and it sounds amazing. I've been watching your videos for the last couple of months and wanted to relive my teen age years. I just retired a couple of weeks ago and want that music and sound in my house. Thanks again

[@MyLittleBitOfEverything]

There's an episode of Dharma and Greg where Larry, brain damaged from too much pot smoking, finds an old bottle of Hai Karate cologne. Every time he sniffs it, it takes him back and he manages to remember things. Music is just one more of the senses doing the same thing. Here in the time of push a button, get music, we remember where we had to work for it. As you said, we had to listen for new music on the radio and hope the DJ told you who it was. Where Name That Tune was the people in the record stores who were masters at turning a humming, It sounds like this, into the song you heard on the radio. It was also the time we got to read about our music right there on the album rear cover and the sleeve! Plus the time to just listen. And the struggles to really listen to it. We had to set up that turntable and keep track of needle wear. We had to keep our cassette heads clean. We read about it and dreamed. We had to do more to appreciate our music. There wasn't endless TV shows and video games. We just LISTENED to music. And for when we went out, we took the time to make a mixtape to take with us! They say the music we listened to in our "formative years" is often the music we like throughout our lives. It is what we associate with becoming who we are today. And if we're lucky, we can experience that music again, as it was played then, on what we associate as our childhood friend and take ourselves back to that time, when we took the time, when we had the time, to dream.

[@skylabsaudio]

💯

[@rojo630]

Kevin, I am a recent subscriber to your channel, and I really enjoy your commentary and reviews of vintage stereo equipment. I am 66 years young and developed my initial love of stereo gear in the early 70's. My first record player was a Sony which had a built in amplifier with volume, balance, separate bass and treble tone controls, and if I remember correctly a loudness on/off switch. The record player itself was fully automatic and was the type where you would stack records on the spindle so that after the completion of a record side the tone arm would move away and then the next record would automatically drop into playing position, and the process began all over again until the final record side was played and the unit shut itself off. I loved going in to stereo stores like Radio Shack, Lafayette Electronics, and many others to look at, listen to, and dream about one day owning a system like the ones they offered. During my senior year of high school in 1975-76, I had saved up enough money from various jobs to begin buying my first real quality system which I pieced together from various manufacturers. I bought a Pioneer PL12D belt drive manual turntable from a friend who was selling his after he had replaced it with something nicer. I was very much invested in cassette tapes (never owned an 8-track) and wanted a good deck for not only listening, but also for making my own mix tapes so I purchased a brand new Nakamichi 700 Series II (otherwise known as the Nakamichi "wedge") for that purpose. For my receiver I purchaed a brand new Bang & Olufsen Beomaster 2400 which was FM band only with a power output of 25W/ch @ 8ohms or 30W/ch @ 4ohms. My speakers were home built "frankenspeakers" that I cobbled together from various components mostly purchased from Radio Shack. Ultimately I replaced those speakers with a pair of Infinity RSe two way speakers incorporating their famous EMIT tweeters. This was my system throughout college and beyond, and it provided me with many hours of what I can only describe as transcendental experience listening to my favorite music. Now, fast forward to 2008 when I began putting together my current array of equipment. My old high school / college gear was long gone, except for the Infinity RSe's which I still have stored away in a closet. I now have two systems (in different rooms of my house) on which I spent countless hours searching for specific pieces which are all in near mint condition after various degrees of refurbishment. In my main media room I currently have the following pieces: SAE (Scientific Audio Electronics) 2100L preamp, SAE 2401 power amp (250W/ch @ 8ohms, 375W/ch @ 4ohms), SAE 2800 parametric EQ, SAE T101 digital AM/FM tuner, SAE 5000A impulse noise reduction system (otherwise know as a "click and pop machine" to reduce surface noise from vinyl LP's), Nakamichi DR-3 cassette deck, Pro-Ject Debut turntable with Ortofon OMB-5E cartridge, Pro-Ject Speedbox II for turntable speed control, Magnum Dynalab FT101 analog FM tuner, and Infinity Crescendo CS3009 speakers. Much like you, I also love vintage Pioneer gear and have the following system set up in another room of my house: Pioneer SPEC-4 amplifier (150W/ch @ 8ohms, 180W/ch @ 4ohms), Pioneer SPEC-1 preamp, Pioneer SG-9500 graphic EQ, Pioneer RG-1 dynamic processor, Pioneer TX-9500 AM/FM tuner, Pioneer CT-F1000 cassette deck, Pioneer RT-1020H high speed reel-to-reel, Pioneer PL-550 direct drive manual turntable with Audio Technica AT911E cartridge, and Infinity Beta 40 speakers. Listening to music has always been a huge part of my life, and I feel so blessed to have been able to put together my dream systems. I would be interested to know if you have had any experience with SAE equipment? I haven't seen any reviews on your channel (or any others that I've come across), but I have always loved their design and performance. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to watching more interesting (and fun!) content on your channel!!

[@jskobe808]

Being in my sixties, I can relate vintage stereo equipment too vintage muscle cars. Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, = Mustang, Camero, Chevelle. High-school and your first car and discovering rock and roll music. It's all part of our youth that we love. My first stereo was a Sanyo 2050 and a generic turntable and some Sanyo speakers. My friends after school would come over and we would crank that little stereo system to death. April Wine, Reo Speedwagon, AC/DC could be heard all around the house. Making mixed tapes and going cruising on a Friday or Saturday night. I guess it's about holding on to something from our past that holds a special place in our hearts. For me it's not only about the stereo equipment, it's the music and the memories of a time in my life that I look back on fondly. This is a very special channel with Kevin being a humble and a very likeable person. Your unbiased approach and knowledge makes for awesome content. Sorry for rambling on. Love this channel and can't wait for next week's video.👍

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! That is my memories too. Such good times :)

[@kevins7093]

With regards to the "We used to love them. What changed?" video - that was my first time seeing your channel and I've been binge watching it ever since. Like others have stated, I enjoy your honesty and your whole vibe. So, what made me watch that video is that my wife and I have a 20 yo son and watching him go through his musical journey right now is really eye opening. Even though my HS/College friends are scattered all over the country, we still keep in touch and a lot it is still discussing music, bands we follow, concerts, etc. I believe we form most (not all of course but most) of our musical interests around that age of say 13 to 24/25. I did the same things you did, it was the record store, electronics store, stereo store and when used albums/tapes and later disc stores popped up, we were all over that. So, yeah, for me this video and that other video just caught me in a moment of nostalgia. Anyway, thanks for this channel, I really enjoy it.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you for sharing. Music is special that way.

[@scotthill743]

I’m 59 and great video Kevin. I appreciate the presentation. I grew up with a Bose 901 system with a Sherwood receiver. Well it was my dad’s. I still have the 901 speakers. They sound ok but it’s cool that I have them now. My dad also had a Sony reel to reel. I have it now. We also had a 3m eight track recorder. Lost that somewhere. Any how I always loved the looks of those old receivers. They are a work of art in my opinion. Thanks for all you do! Scott 😊

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@SaraDixon-zm2bs]

Your video here spoke my language, as I too, for me in 1978 to maybe 1983 spent every moment I could in the two record stores in my local small town Tennessee mall, and we had one really cool hi fi store too. The stereo shop was exactly how you described, wood and brown everywhere, almost no lights - and the smell - you could smell the amps and all the equipment.. but I too just looked and knew asking for a demo was silly since I could not buy anything. So I settled for the best I could at radio shack for Realistic. And that little system was my life….now like you I can get about anything I want for a retro system (love my 2270) but sometimes I long for my little Realistic system that was mine, built by me! ❤

[@skylabsaudio]

Our store smells the same too. I almost put up a sign that says "free smells" like Jimmy Johns. It smells like vintage electronics in here. Thanks!

[@scottnewellguitar]

I think the reason a lot of us are still into vintage gear, at least why I am, is we grew up with pretty modest gear, whatever our parents could afford and then whatever we could afford when we started working, is now that those of us 50-ish year olds have experienced that old stuff, and modern gear and still lust after those pieces we couldn’t quite afford then but are now attainable. The pricey high end stuff is still outta reach for most of us but the used-to-be-too-pricey stuff, at least in the sweet spot zone we can now get somma that!