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

The truth about what happened to (AKAI, SANSUI, JBL, TECHNICS, BOSE)
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[@jamesdellaneve9005]

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

[@pandemonium274]

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

[@user-xx2hj7xb6b]

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

[@broederbond60]

Excellent presentation, impressively written.

[@johncunningham5435]

I own my own Vintage Pioneer Amplifier SA-1000 that drive my Bose AM5, the sound is breathtaking, I love the vintage quality and reliability, and yes! I service my own equipment when needed.

[@johnmiller3689]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

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

[@fangyuan6664]

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

[@wronghandshooter]

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

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

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

[@JuanCarlos-xv6ux]

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

[@animalcorvair]

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

[@Bootradr]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

Metzgers vintage audio

[@billd9667]

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

[@MatthewBrannigan]

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

[@williamcampbell3868]

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

[@photogcw]

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

[@_redpillbill]

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

[@cjc363636]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

Yeah that sure was!

[@patricknicolucci5073]

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

[@Manhattanman52]

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

[@OldGuyHifi]

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

[@billd9667]

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

[@marcparsons1726]

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

[@chrisblock6697]

Wow, crazy great documentary!!! Thanks 😊

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks Chris!

[@B-Slade]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank for sharing this! Great information!

[@alexw890]

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

[@lancelot1953]

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

[@foyboy03]

Love the long form video

[@bencurti7693]

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

[@user-fu8vn7xo6c]

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

[@mikecampbell5856]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

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

[@patricknicolucci5073]

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

[@andy70d35]

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

[@philtaylor2043]

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

[@MatthewSmith-pn2ro]

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

[@just_passing_through]

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

[@just_passing_through]

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

[@daviddunn773]

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

[@anthonyberger225]

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

[@timothyryan7234]

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

[@stevezeidman7224]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

Steve!! Great to hear from you buddy!

[@johndyson4109]

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

[@muhammadfazalradioshop2308]

Best ❤️💕 beautiful 💕 video

[@zeesalameh]

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

[@ReginaldDj1]

This was really good research i totally enjoyed it 👍

[@LennyFlorentine]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@user-fu8vn7xo6c]

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

[@alextuve1]

Excelent video!!

[@DragnetSound]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

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

[@Sunnbobb]

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

[@albertogallardo5143]

Greetings teacher, good video

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you!

[@fabricehaesendonck196]

thanks buddy!

[@slk-vf5jb]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

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

[@slk-vf5jb]

👍

[@dewaynejelks9088]

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

[@dudleyrathborne9849]

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

[@buffalofaninyak]

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

[@bobk3840]

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

[@richardhart9204]

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

[@nicolesylvain853]

Nice but you forgot thé Studer Revox Story

[@Darrylizer1]

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

[@karaDee2363]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

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

[@animalcorvair]

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

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

Well sone as usual

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks Tim!

[@robertwright5487]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you!

[@Bass_therapy_]

Imagine attending CES in 1970 it would have been a vibe.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Freakin right man, like CES up until like 2000 would have been insane

[@sinisadovijanic]

jesus what a video, best documentary of hi-fi ever, respect man

[@daviddunn773]

What about RtR towers series III

[@MSKhan-dh9id]

My brother has the Akai 747 he bought brand new. Still looks brand new

[@RobertUrwin]

Phase Linear, Linn and Revox

[@Psycho9263]

By the way, ever heard of Wintec?

[@socksumi]

I seriously challenge the assertion that "one in three homes" had Bose AM5 speakers.

[@Plextortion]

What happened to Kenwood?

[@kodtech]

What about AIWA !?

[@jeffbranch8072]

BOSE: More questionable business practices by Bose. Bose got into automotive as a subsupplier ("Tier 2") of speakers to Delco Electronics, the in-house supplier of GM including audio systems. GM was easily impressed as the audio expertise resided at Delco. After a few programs Bose ran around Delco and began to deal directly with GM. Even after being spun off from GM as part of Delphi (now Delphi Electronics), it was Delphi Electronics engineers doing audio system packaging for GM. Some of these engineers were packaging Bose speaker systems that Bose sold directly to GM. Bose's approach was to use really, really CHEAP speakers and clean them up with electronics. I had bought a Bose Wave Radio in the mid-90's that I still use today.

[@jmfloyd23]

I owned a GX 210D, GX 4000D, GX 255, GX 650D, GX 77. Currently have GX 636 with output issues and GX 747 black panel with speed issues. Can’t really bring myself to part with them. I know servicing them is not cheap.

[@ReginaldDj1]

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

[@TheTuckmon]

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

[@LennyFlorentine]

Wow now that’s an amp!

[@chinmeysway]

akai is still making great things like music production gear just a fyi

[@MarkVillapando-xd7rq]

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

[@yotaiji012]

Akai also made drum machines. MPC😊

[@lllllREDACTEDlllll]

I want a video about vintage euro HiFi. Braun, Sonab, Grundig, Luxman, leak, Saba, Dual...

[@LennyFlorentine]

Love the idea!

[@billd9667]

Actually, Luxman was always Japanese and is still a premium brand along with Accuphase and the high line Yamaha stuff

[@radiorexandy]

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

[@Darrylizer1]

Bose catches a lot of crap but I love their ear buds and noise cancelling headphones, both of which work well and in the ear buds case, sound fantastic.

[@Krencik68]

I have a gx4000d

[@MatthewBrannigan]

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

[@bbigaouette]

why are audio components so danged expensive?

[@johndyson4109]

Funny thing is that people that call themselves audiofiles spend 10s of thousands of dollars on audio equipment. Mainly in way because of the appearance of the systems.. Then they get sold on all this bogus bullshit about brands and cables and the alure of the company producing the way over priced CRAP! Compaired to what you can get for a 1/10 of the price that sounds JUST as GOOD!

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Imagine saying a technics turntables better than a linn LP12 😂😂😂😂

[@darrenwendell1723]

Over the top accent bleehhh

[@alberthodge631]

your bias against Bose is showing. compared to the other brands you cover, you go on and on and on.

[@Psycho9263]

Wow, you left out a lot. No mention of Kenwood, Yamaha, Hitachi, Toshiba and Sony.

[@just_passing_through]

19:56 “Technics”, (with a hard K) as in ‘technical’. Not “Techniques”.

[@billenright2788]

marantz after superscope was just more japanese mid-fi crap.

[@resistorstudios]

What constitutes mid-fi? Discreet transistors, a simple singal path, good quality components, well made transformers. does it get more hifi than that? Other than big tube stuff? Honestly curious.

[@steven6692]

Hey Larry...we can read too ok.. So, no one cares...the BENCH WORK larry..

[@jasonpomare5639]

Excellent video my friend , very educational 👍

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you 👍