Why Are Vintage Stereos So Popular in 2024?

This week, Kevin gives his 5 reasons why he thinks vintage audio is so popular in 2024 and why he doesn't think that is going to change any time soon. Why are people picking vintage over modern? Is it the cost, the sound, or are there other aspects that could persuade you to do the same thing? Watch and find out!
If you are a vintage audio fan, let us know what you like about it. If you like the newer stuff, let us know that too. We love getting feedback from viewers.
We hope you enjoy this video as much as we did making it!
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#vintagehifi #vinylrecords #vintagestereo

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I had put away my Marantz and Technics platter from the early 70's for decades until someone suggested I put it back into service and set up a small 2 channel room for music and left the living room for movies only. Now I am enjoying it better than I ever did.

[@webman1956]

Better yet, it has never been easier to move vintage audio to 2.1 with TV through an RCA to optical connecter to upgrade the sound.

[@trustme7731]

These old units all seem to need repair. Many videos on this. My 2270 needs some work too . What model is yours? Check the value. You'll be surprised.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

@@trustme7731 It's a 2230. It is 50 yrs old, but it's got low miles cause it sat in storage for decades. It's referred to as "untouched original." just got a light bulb out.

[@philbarone4603]

It’s become a throw away society. I remember my mom had a toaster and vacuum cleaner for forty years and they still worked when she replaced them, she just wanted new ones. I can’t imagine how many times she’s replaced them since.

[@ShazeemKhan]

I hope they found good homes

[@Cimone90]

I bought a 50 year old sunbeam toaster 3 years ago lol. Best toaster ever

[@keithroy7884]

​@@Cimone90Yeah, and I bought a Walmart toaster recently. I'll be lucky if it lasts more than a couple months. Such a piece of junk.

[@LakeNipissing]

My place is crazy! Of course there are vintage stereos. But there are also a 1977 GE Oven, Countertop stove and refrigerator in avocado green. (none have ever needed service) The washer and dryer are 1981 Kenmore / Whirlpool (only cycle timer for the washer and belt for the dryer as repairs). Vacuum is a 1968 Electrolux model 89 canister in mint green. Never needed repairs and bags are still commonly available today. Of course blender, toaster, blender, can opener, etc. are also avocado green 70s items made in USA. This was when stuff was made to last forever!

[@GenoFamYT]

Manufacturers nowadays cannot make more money if they build a better ones like they used to be in the past.

[@petercarlsson6606]

I think it's mostly about looks and design. Vintage units are beautiful. 😀 And us oldies remember when we were drooling over stereo catalogues when we were young.

[@boomboxmachine]

That's it

[@Grandeur-n9q]

Vintages stereo are a million times beautiful, it's design, the sound everything about vintage things are superior than the modern one.

[@dankingjr.2088]

One of the very few cool things about getting older is watching things you bought new and just kept using for 40 years come back in vogue. 😃

[@bierbarrel]

Yep, My Avacado paint and Orange shag carpet is looking good these days! I still hate raking it though!

[@36karpatoruski]

How ‘bout them patchwork Britannia bell bottoms?

[@keithroy7884]

​@@bierbarrelWow! We had orange paint and avocado shag, lol.

[@PossibleAudio]

Kevin!! Your channel is in my top 5 favorites list for vintage audio. Always practical, honest and full of insight. There's so little of this on YT. Keep it up bro!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you. I appreciate that

[@ThaxterTewksbury]

One very big reason is that a 1970s Sansui amplifier sounds absolutely fantastic today, fifty years later.

[@Collaborologist]

I had a 8080DB from the 80s that unfortunately I lost in (ugh) divorce... :(

[@dougstrobel4226]

I got a 8080db like new for sale. ​@@Collaborologist

[@CraigHollabaugh]

"Enjoyable time in your life" is the key comment here. Who else here stops movies playing to see what vintage gear is in the background? I saw my high school stereo (Technics SU-8077 amp and ST-8077 tuner) in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". My wife thinks I'm a nut. How about you? Thanks Kevin, glad to see you back.

[@ShazeemKhan]

Meeeee lol

[@septembersurprise5178]

My Son and I call it silver face spotting.

[@MeadowsFunk49]

Been using a new Denon receiver with all the bells and whistles , bluetooth, etc that I picked up at Costco 3 and a half years ago. Saw a Kenwood KR-8050 on Craigslist for $500, talked him down to $350 and jumped on it. With 120 watts and a 150 watt power boost the things in near mint condition and shakes the walls with a sweet warm sound. Throw in 2 phono inputs and that classic look and couldnt be happier. The kicker is I took the Denon back to Costco with the receipt and original box and they refunded my money. After 3.5 years !! I doubt Ill ever go back to anything but a vintage receiver.

[@jordanrussell345]

So you jewed a guy down on CL, then took advantage of Costco's liberal return policy and returned a perfectly good HTR after getting 3.5. solid years of use. I bet you drive a European car.

[@MeadowsFunk49]

@@jordanrussell345 Had to laugh at that one cuz its exactly what I did. I guess I should be slightly offended but its every Americans dream to work the system for the best deal. BTW I drive a Lexus and the KR-8050 is still rocking strong after 2 months. I am thinking about trading the Lexus in for a Yugo. Better gas mileage since it usually wont start and you have to push it .

[@dandiehm8414]

@@MeadowsFunk49 "...but its every Americans dream to work the system for the best deal" where I come from that is called stealing.

[@Joe90-e4r]

I,ve spent 45 years in the electronics industry, now retired. I started off as an audio engineer on 12th December 1977 , with a known Japanese company. I loved my job. You didn’t mention the 5 pin DIN plug. It was common to find RCA and 5 pin DIN plug on most cassette recorders. My garage is like a museum. I still have an IBM 286 with a 40 Mb (yes Mb, not Gb) 53/4 inch hdd. A couple of music centres, amps and ghetto blasters that people used to walk around on their shoulders.

[@DaveZiffer]

If vintage stereos are so popular, why can't I buy a new one? Why are there NO manufacturers making reasonably-priced copies of stuff we bought easily in the 1970s?

[@bigb2020]

What I like about my vintage allied 395? The power, the sound, the nostalgia.

[@alanmaier]

That was a really good receiver. I have seen more of those in person than I have seen the Pioneer version of it.

[@BobMeyers]

You got me interested so I did a Google search for my receiver, a Marantz 2270 I purchased new around 1972. I saw the prices they are asking and got a big smile on my face.

[@mph7282]

If you bought it new in 1972, you probably paid $500-600 for it then, which is the equivalent of $4,000-4,500 today. They were a significant investment. One could argue that even at $2,500 today, they're half their original cost. Of course, 10 years ago you could have bought one for $300...

[@jimfarrell4635]

I have been a cutting edge kind of audio guy all my life, but after watching your channel maybe 18 months ago, I started looking into vintage audio. My first pieces were JVC receivers, then I found a mint in box Sansui Au 101 and that led to a love affair with Sansui, a brand I was only vaguely aware of. Then, having no prior skills I started to learn to fix stuff, and that has become a whole new hobby with a whole new community. I'm currently working on a pair of vintage Tannoy Eatons, a Sansui Ba-f1 power amp, a Yamaha Cr 820 and have an Au 7700 waiting to act as preamp for the BA F1. Your channel, and your own enthusiasm, has literally changed my day to day life, and I very much appreciate it. My wife? .... maybe not so much.. 😅 Edit. And Technics linear tracking turntables. Boy, I love those. I have three and may buy a fourth today (an SL-QL15)

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing, Jim! Glad you are enjoying the vintage side of things

[@osliverpool]

One of the things I love most about my vintage LP-playing system is that there isn't a single computer chip or custom component in it, and I can understand every component well enough to do repairs and upgrades. I was unable to repair an amp for a friend recently, as the amp itself was fine but the microprocessor-controlled front panel had failed - so a piece of gear was trashed just because the controls couldn't be fixed.

[@Gr8Passion4Music]

I still have a National Panasonic stereo cassette deck from 1979 with radio/tuner, backlit and working volume levels and separate speaker boxes and it is still a pleasure to listen to 😊

[@baxter4462]

Picked up a Marantz 2270 from an estate sale for $100 last month I’m retiring soon and plan on restoring it myself! Still can’t believe my luck. I drooled over them in the seventies but couldn’t afford one with just my paper route money😊

[@christopher3963]

Wow, those deals are unheard of these days! Where do people find out about estate sales? Garage sales are mostly mountains of fisher-price and tea cups.

[@mikeg2491]

⁠@@christopher3963I hit alot of estate sales and likewise most workers are wise enough to price such things realistically, you just don’t find deals like that anymore.

[@davidz1189]

What's the difference between a Garage sale and an estate sale? ...Absolutely Nothing.

[@mikeg2491]

@@davidz1189 A lot, estate sales are put on by professionals who generally know what stuff is worth. They’re also fun because you can gamble and come the next day me hope to get something 25-50% off or risk it being gone. Also it’s someone’s entire life collection for sale so you’ll find priceless art, furniture, antiques, stuff that just don’t show up on the side of the road.

[@mikeg2491]

@@davidz1189 not really I’ve been to estate sales of multi-million dollar houses, these kind of people don’t put 17th century Dutch crafted furniture out on the driveway for sale on a Saturday morning

[@alexw890]

I recently bought an HK 330C and a Sansui AU 505 on eBay for $200 and $165 respectively, all in with taxes and shipping. My first restoration was an AU-101 and the first time powering it up after fixing it was a huge rush! I never thought I’d be able to do this kind of work. I literally was dancing with joy. Highly recommended!!

[@MarcL-t4l]

I restored a Sansui 9010.....I can listen all day and I never get tired of the sound....buying a Hakko desoldering gun was a big help

[@lizkrinsky5209]

Have my Marantz receiver, Philips 212 electronic turntable, and infinity QBs that I save for and got in high school around 1979. Still going strong. Also have a 1950 RCA 45 changer and radio of my dad's that I had restored. Yes, it is all still fixable. Glad I never got rid of it.

[@johnstump2433]

I don’t consider my stuff vintage because I purchased it brand new back starting 60+ years ago and if I admit it’s vintage then I will have to finally admit I’m vintage as well! 😂

[@DeborahVerret-yp9fp]

I think they've always been popular. Iconic! In today's world we have the internet which has opened up many buying places. Younger adults like the classic look and sound. Not the junk they sale today. I have a 1979 Pioneer tuner/amp in my living room. And a 1977 Marantz receiver and cassette deck in my game room. I'm 67 and feel so fortunate that I grew up buying and listening in the classic stereo age. Great review.

[@davidyoung1610]

I have a Pioneer SA-9800 integrated amp. It’s a beautiful work of art. I just wish someone could fix the fading fluorescent display 😔

[@raygarafano3633]

I so know what u mean. Sx950 w sg9500 Eq Tt from 80 all vintage but spkrs cerwin vega sl-22 and 15s

[@raygarafano3633]

Whoops SL-12's and SL-15s

[@DeborahVerret-yp9fp]

@@davidyoung1610 look at Just audio's website, also Mort's on ebay. You might find help there.

[@marcgoecke9401]

I inherited my first stereo system from my parents. Its was a 1978 SONY system with turntable, receiver and tape deck. Since then, whenever I bought a new piece of stereo equipment, I always wanted some 70s stereo device. And I like it. I can even make some repairs by myself. And my current Pioneer SX 850 sounds really nice and is great looking too.

[@raygarafano3633]

Yup, u did well in getting an SX850, got it and the SX950 too. Saw the 850 at tek shop. Seeing it for real...something happened..I had to get it.

[@3rdaxis649]

The Onkyo TX-4500 MKii you suggested sounds AAMAZING. I'm SUPER happy with it. And it's never been serviced, still the OG caps and everything. Incredible receiver.

[@alanmaier]

That generation of Onkyo was absolutely excellent!

[@Wiep1982]

I agree with that! I’m enjoying the sound of it every day 😀

[@klafong1]

I'm glad that balanced analog interconnects were mentioned toward the end of the video because they've been the standard for both microphone and line-level signals in recording and broadcast settings for many years. I've wondered why balanced signaling didn't become commonplace in the hi-fi world much earlier. The best explanation that I can think of from an engineering standpoint is that in a studio, multiple sources are delivering signals to the mixing console at the same time, so it's important to not have cross-talk between them (say, via ground loops). However, in a home hi-fi setup, typically only one source is delivering signal to the receiver at a time.

[@mikecampbell5856]

I love this video. I bought my first Hi Fi system in 1975. A Sony TA-1130 integrated amp, an AR manual turntable and BIC Venturi speakers. The BICs sounded best with Black Sabbath music LOL The only problem was, I was in the Navy and I only got to listen to it when I was home on leave. D'oh! BTW I have a 1940 RCA Victor radio with an RCA jack in the back. At Christmas I connect an Echo Dot to it with adapters and listen to Christmas music. People can't believe it!

[@ShazeemKhan]

I still have my Technics SA-500 I bought "by accident" last year, I have it up for sale but after using it again last night, I am gonna remove the listing. I know it ain't a super high quality audiophile trophy receiver but I love it. I also have a Carver M400 recently serviced, I just finished using, as well as an Amber Series 70, I love them all, they're unique, special and rather enjoyable in their own ways❤. Much love & warm regards from Trinidad & Tobago❤

[@paulh6591]

In 1979 I bought the Technics SA-80 because I couldn’t afford the SA-200 which was a top-rated “low price” receiver by Consumer Reports. Today I have a SA-500, which I couldn’t even dream of owning when I was 12 years old. It’s fantastic, and beautiful!

[@ShazeemKhan]

@@paulh6591 awww at least u had something great. I didn't know the SA-200 was so highly regarded. Congrats on the newly aquired SA-500. I ended up trading mine & an Amber & some $ for an upgrade. 0 regrets

[@rEdf196]

I was a teenager in the late 70's when many of these sought after vintage stereos were brand new. I was a young audiophile always checking out the latest stereo stuff, turntables, tuner/amps speakers, reel to reel tape players. It was a fascinating time for me. I think the rise in hype and rumours of a coming all new digital Compact Disc format around the end of 1981 kind of marked the end of that era in stereo design.

[@pasadenaphil8804]

Why vintage? Because my Marantz 2220B cost me almost $400 when I bought it in 1977 and I am too cheap to replace it. Actually, I just took it out of mothballs about a month ago after being stored for 20 years. Also bought a refurbishing kit but once I cleaned the it thoroughly inside and out including the pots, it worked just as I remembered. I have over 300 vinyl records and my old Sansui turntable but I have no plans yet to resurrect it. Some good LPs but too many "what was I thinking?" LPs to even think about it. Plus I am on the "CDs are better than vinyl" crowd anyway and have almost 400 of those. And my tastes improved dramatically as I got older. My revived Marantz and new JBL speakers are the best kit I have ever owned. When I get around to refurbishing, I'll be set for life.

[@dtracy03ss]

My Main Reason is because I owned all the Big Power units when they were New! IMHO The Sound is as good or Better in some Cases than the New Equipment! There is also Always a work around for Streaming Etc.! Keep these Vids Rollin Buddy!

[@dennisw9495]

Just got my equipment out of closet and thinking about getting them connected again.

[@johnbeckham1483]

Thanks, Kevin, as I enjoy your posts here on KZbin indeed! I have always had a place in my heart for Realistic "vintaged" AM/FM Stereo receivers! I recently picked up a STA-117 & a STA-2150 which are 55 WPC RMS & 100 WPC RMS respectively!

[@donaldchapman8392]

Nothing like vintage. I just finished repairing a Sansui G-4700. All I have on my bench for testing are a pair of Realistic Minimus 7s. That old Sansui sounds great - even through those small speakers!

[@MrMatthewgross]

Love your channel I became an audiophile at a young age when I would visit family in the 70s and my uncle had a set up a Kenwood kr 9600 and cerwin Vega 12tr's with the downward firing subwoofers. The sound was amazing! I can still feel the house shaking when I think about it🤣

[@networkteacher1]

Married 46 years. First purchase in 1978 was a used Marantz 2245 for $40. The LEDs don't light up anymore, and the tuner string is toast, but the amp is still humming. Electrical lightning surges have forced us to replace everything else in the house, but not this jewel. Wife once said, 'why don't we put that old thing out on the yard sales pile?' Yeah, right. Only thing I would like more is one with enough wattage to pair it with some Magnepans.

[@Johnny-ov7qe]

For me it’s the look. Vintage audio is almost like furniture or art in my home. You just can’t beat the look of vintage audio. Sound is subjective like you said. I have vintage McIntosh, vintage Marantz, and JBL etc. Even if you know nothing about those brands you look at that stuff and have to tip your hat at the design/aesthetics

[@gregfeeler6910]

I worked in the retail high end audio business in the late '70's and early '80's and I'm finding all this interest now in so much of the gear we sold then very intriguing. However, what we considered the best sounding electronics then is different from what appears to be the sought after gear today. Specifically, the big challenge then was making solid stated amps/pre-amps sound more like tube equipment. Times and tastes change. I still have a complete stack of the best amp, pre-amp, and tuner that Yamaha made in those days, along with my turn table, moving coil cartridges, and a good collection of mint condition direct-to-disk LPs. If I keep watching your channel I just might get it all set up again. Thanks for your great videos.

[@LSmiata]

Loved the video. I have a background in EE, but automotive based. Just tested, cleaned, and recapped a Yamaha MX-630 and it works perfect. I may have been a bit lucky, but pulled all main transistors out of circuit and tested. Resources on internet on amazing! Project was many hours for me, but easy with hole through single sided circuit boards. So happy and this is a late vintage mode (early 90's)

[@CorgiConnect]

You should have seen the look on the faces of some of my coworkers that come into my work cubicle to see me listening to music on a vintage 5" reel to reel tape recorder with bluetooth dongle plugged into the phones jack feeding my wireless headphones, hehheh. I love playing with those old machines, and I do have some things on tape that I have nowhere else. But the wonderous looks of "god, that thing still works and actually sounds halfway decent", is sometimes priceless.

[@peterwolfanger3268]

I really appreciate your take on the durability of the RCA cable over the decades. Thanks for another great video

[@frogdishon]

I've been selling vintage audiobfor the past 7 years. I got into it because I saw so much old equipment getting thrown away. I like to work with my hands and started to repair the older equipment and it's now just a hobby that makes me money.

[@gerlachsieders4578]

For me, it's both looks and sound... Besides Advance Paris, allow me to put another brand on your radar Kevin that produces wonderful hybrid amps, that is the german brand Vincent Audio... they make wonderful hybrid amps, vintage-like in both looks and sound... their entry model SV500 is both a stunner and very affordable. All the best, Gerlach Sven.

[@voodoocars2134]

For me - I had a a pile of vinyl records from the 80’s when I was a teenager. My hifi’s were long gone due to the onset of the convenience of cds etc. However, I bought a house that had space for a stack system in the corner of the kitchen diner. So, about 10 years ago I bought a JVC stack system off ebay (here in the uk) which still had the blue film on the alloy parts and the original invoice from 1982- £599. It still sits proudly in my house and it’s a great talking point when we have guests. Placing a record on the turntable, putting a cassette in the deck.. I do now have an Amazon echo dot connected to it so I can easily play any radio station or any song via Spotify as well but it is played through the massive JVC speakers and the ones BOSE ceiling speakers I installed the other end of the room. It’s just ace.

[@MrDannywb]

I can tell you why vintage stereo equipment is popular. Because nobody makes beautiful equipment anymore. The equipment is meant to blend with the background and dissapear.

[@thisoldgoat3927]

Respectfully disagree. These vintage stereo components were meant to be seen as well as heard. They have withstood the test of time.

[@GiantsOrbiting]

I love vintage amps/speakers etc. I love the way they sound. They have personality. Each amp, is it's own identity. I think when people say modern amps are good, is because of the lack of noise. That's all they're looking for. Old amps, do have a level of noise, but the warmth, depth of field, stereo separation, response to dynamics, makes up for it. Honestly, the small amount of hiss, is very pleasing to my ears. Hearing that hiss prior to when the music starts, hits home. That's how everything sounded growing up in the late 70's and 80's.

[@leebrewer1324]

I love the honesty it is refreshing. Every body has a choice with their systems. No right or wrong just taste. Cheers Kevin

[@vcv6560]

When Mr. Holland's Opus had a Marantz 2325 in his home I knew my falling in love with it in 1976 was not misplaced.

[@donnellwilliams6272]

Never thought I’d be purchasing vintage equipment in 2024, but it’s been a great experience. I’m really glad I did. The build of my Onkyo amp and Hi-MD deck showcases quality, it’s heavy, well built and the sound is so satisfying! Will definitely add a few more to my collection.

[@nickberdebes8874]

Great listening to you !You have a very nice way of speaking and I float back to the 70’s with my vintage Pioneer and Marantz silver products! Thank you. Keep up the good work! Best wishes from Montreal.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@davidshore8936]

Always enjoy your videos. I work on some sound systems. As explained to me by the chief engineer at UWO. Balanced connection is not needed as long as cable lines are less than about 10 feet. Also my father once explained that once the signal is in the equipment it becomes unbalanced. For me the biggest advantage to balanced connection is better connection XLR is the most reliable. RCA and 1/4 are problematic more so as they age. Keep up the good work

[@yopajo]

I was also wondering if it has to do with demographics. Many.. like myself now have the income to spend on stereo equipment that when I was younger was not obtainable at the time. The only items I have kept from my youth are the Techniques SL-Q200 & Realistic APM-500 since I have been able to buy an Audio Source EQ 1 Series 2, which when I was young was a cool thing I saw on Ferris Bueller's Day Off, TEAC-A 4010, and a monster Techniques SA-616 - and a bunch of other gear - I also think the equipment lighting also plays a part in it.. filament bulbs give a great warm glow and the older large round LED's just seem to be less harsh than modern ones.. nostalgia

[@johnvincent4048]

When I was in high school in the early 80s all I had for music was a $100 Toshiba boombox. At that time I would subscribe to Stereo Review and get McIntosh catalogs and dream about high end systems. Now I have some of that equipment I would dream about.

[@yopajo]

@@johnvincent4048 funny I also subscribed to Stereo Review my mother was thrilled that I was at least reading something... I really wanted a pair of Polk Audio SDA SRS...

[@donvnielsen]

Pioneer SX 3800 (1981) owner here. It still plays on in my son's bedroom thru a Bose surround speaker system. Love it's sound, look, and longevity.

[@attheshowvids]

I have a 1919 AM radio. It has screw terminals on the back for a mono phono input. I built a simple stereo summing adapter for it and I stream to it from my phone using a chromecast audio. I even put the power on a wifi switch so I can turn on the radio and stream to it from the couch. It’s pretty awesome.

[@johntempest267]

We bought a 1965 Magnavox Astro Sonic console, repaired it and LOVE it. Old stuff is so cool.

[@christophercordray9529]

Kevin I always look forward to your videos and will continue to buy my vinyl through you. Have you ever thought about selling jazz or country vinyl?

[@skylabsaudio]

Yes, soon! Thank you

[@tomsoil9909]

Kevin and friends!! Last weekend I stopped by the Goodwill store to have a look at whatever they had. Right there at the front window! Technics Quartz DD, SL-Q3 turntable, Pioneer SX-9000 receiver, and the best part, Pioneer CS-99 speakers!!! Good shape for 50 years old!! $300!!! Into my truck they went! I have yet to set them up, but will soon!! The good stuff is still out there!!!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

The elusive hunt finally pays off!

[@knivesandfire1]

I pretty much quit searching for amps and receivers through my local Goodwill stores as 99% of the time are crappy AVRs on the shelves. If they get something worthwhile, it goes on the Goodwill website for auction.

[@ronchambers3713]

As a guy who bought a new pair of adventure A9 speakers to hook up to my brother’s pioneer integrated dual table and Otari reel to reel , I can safely say I enjoyed watching those speakers bounce because I was playing so loud. Can gladly say I upgraded speakers table and amps several times over the years and my current rig is awesome. I loved it in the day but I know the upgrades moved me up the path in the last 45 years. Vintage is like wearing 70’s bell bottoms, it’s fashion in my opinion

[@claudekeppenne5345]

And always nice videos, full of charm and reality! I'm still fond of it! Long live. Claude, the former Belgian!

[@clydedickens3762]

Outlaw RR 2160 stereo receiver is a great modern throwback

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Thank you, Kevin! Every one of your uploads has information that I did not know, or in some cases, had forgotten.

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad to hear that!

[@archangele1]

I have a Maranz 2270 and for kicks, just looked up what they are asking for them on Ebay and was amazed to see prices from $1000 to well over $2,000. I must admit that my 2270 is a fantastic sounding receiver. It is also a very cool looking receiver, especially at night with the lights off.

[@harryhoesch3793]

Hi Kevin. An avenue to explore. Bring in an audiologist and for us old rockers at the hearing aid level (yes we blasted it way too loud, too often), To get us back to hearing it as we used to, without hearing aids (which doesn't replicate), but with equalization. So much is lost in what this large vintage base used to hear and wants back. I actually found Bluetooth earbuds with 5 equalized options, but again same as in wearing in ear hearing aids. Can we take our audio hearing frequency losses and with our hearing test charts then retune our speakers output to what we once heard? A large unhappy, untapped vintage market.

[@troyvan6952]

Why? Because it takes us back to a better time.

[@ljsites]

When everyone I knew listed to music, by musicians playing real instruments!

[@bikeman7982]

Hi. I totally get the benefits and appeal of vintage gear to some people, but I'm in the modern camp. Modern gear is certainly harder to repair, but in my experience I haven't needed any repair in 10-15 years of use. I like to upgrade now and then to benefit from the latest tech. I recently upgraded from separates to an all in one the awesome NAD M33. It does have 5 digial inputs and 5 analog inputs (including MM/MC phono) for those who need it, but I don't. I use a rather vintage standard cable for the music (and metadata/control) - the 50 year old RJ45 🙂.

[@jim010109]

One of the main reasons I haven't got into vintage gear,is there is no one in my area doing repairs. The closet shop is almost a 2 hours drive away. Great video. The short history lesson on the rca cable was really interesting. Had no idea it came from the late 30's.

[@kevinyoung2431]

I am not much of a DIY repair kind of guy, so I invest my money in affordable quality pre-2014 modern Toyota trucks and vintage stereo equipment that experienced professionals can service & repair at a fair price. My vintage stereo equipment includes: Marantz 2238B, Technics SL-PD8 plus Schiit MODI+, Technics SL-1500, ADS L570/2 and an Acoustic Audio PSW-10. I also have ADS L780/2's and a set of JBL 4311B's... the DAC and powered subwoofer are probably dispose & replace items if and when they fail, but everything else is currently serviceable. Oh yeah, the sound is awesome!

[@NCislander]

Nice job Kevin. Great points on the Vintage community. It never ends, looking for and remembering the older times of our music and the equipment we love.

[@ripjones5294]

Another enjoyable installment. The very first time I saw the Geico commercial, my eyes immediately jumped to the horizontal tuning knob of a Marantz receiver at the Garage Sale. You hit the nail on the head about Connectivity as well. While all things video are heading to the whatever HDMI standard there is, I still find it amusing that the Television vendors, still put a set of RCA jacks on the back panel. Still have some of the old Radio Shack "Gold" cables in my arsenal. Hell, my first LaserDisc player hooked up to your TV, just like the very first Atari 2600 did -- 75 ohm connector ! Yes sir, call it a disease like my wife says, or better, like you, I will accept the word addiction..... Rip

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Rip. Best addiction there is!

[@Red-yx5yo]

Now that I am retired I have always wondered how long it would take me to learn how to do the work to restore my old gear. I have a huge number of receivers that need basic stuff to complete restoration and have still not found anyone local.

[@danwheetman6914]

Changing the camera angle is fine . Personally I’d hold the shot longer so it doesn’t feel so jumpy but then I’m a vintage human. Love the channel

[@nicholaskalogris9985]

It was gear that meant something. It was an experience to listen. Electronics manufacturers should look at this trend and start making quality gear again

[@SodapopTheOutsider]

I always look forward to these weekend vids. Thanks for another awesome one, Kevin. All the best on this fine Sunday!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, you too!

[@gregoryclemen1870]

I still have my "MARANTZ"( mod. 2238B) that I bought new in 1976. I did have failing transistor/ capacitor issues about 5 years ago that I took care of myself. I work on vintage equipment including vacuum tube systems .I also have the turntable with a stanton mod 500EE cartridge. the equalizer, tape deck, cd player are all "JVC" and I have not had any problems with any of it .I also kept all of my vinyl recordings.

[@ikejennings1154]

Nice video ,Kevin! Pioneer kp supertuner Tenna 6x9 mindblowers. Those were the days 70s were the best ,imo for car/ home/ stereo ..music in general....

[@tmdillon1969]

I have an interesting mix of vintage and modern. I really like vintage speakers because my skill level is such that I can rebuild them. Now I'm starting to learn the tech aspects because some of the oldest speakers need new crossovers and copying the old ones isn't ideal. Honestly, if I had real tech knowledge I'd open a "Skylab" in our corner of the world because there isn't anything like it for hours in any direction. The only stereo store in our area is super high end and the young folks who are packing the vinyl stores don't have anywhere to buy from outside of the FB marketplace. My wife thinks I should open a shop that has a small bar in it to aid in the overall listening room experience. Contrary to the narrative, Gen Z and Millenials are very tight with their money and really hate spending it on something they can't touch and see first. The one record store that stocks a few components can't keep them in stock. Maybe some day.

[@glenncurry3041]

Going balanced between pre and amp have an interesting advantage outside of CMNR based on circuit design. When an unbalanced, RCA input is fed into an class AB amp the input has to go through a differential stage to develop the inverted phase to the other half of the output. If the Pre is designed differential gain stages instead of class A topology a balanced line between them can stop the need to recombine the balanced differential signal back to unbalanced. Eliminating an entire stage. And since phono carts are inherently balanced, you could design an entirely balanced system cart to speaker.

[@wesdoobner7521]

Back around 1984 I bought an old radio shack vintage stereo, the kind with the record player on top and eight track below, plus two bookcase speakers. I put those 2 speakers in the back of my 79 Trans Am with some angle brackets and they really rocked out. Compared to car style speakers, those cheap home style speakers were very heavy duty and could handle my mustang radio and 300 watt flea market equalizer/booster with ease.

[@Collaborologist]

One time in HS, my dad's friend allowed me to spend some hours listening to his Klipsch horns (I regularly listened for hours at the UNM and UW music libraries). When I heard those I promised myself one day I'd have some good speakers (system). It took decades but now I have Infinity Kappa 9's powered with Adcom 555ii's (first) and now Bryston 7b's. Very happy with the music... Hours just melt away when I plop myself in this listening room. (Other rooms have Polk SDA and Infinity Kappa 8's)

[@stevelinahan8022]

The PCBs are properly called multi layer boards not double side. Double side is two sides and was used on power boards previously with negative voltages on the bottom. Multi layer allows for inner layer circuitry most of the boards today are 6-8 layer with circuitry on all those layers. Some boards in computer systems are greater than 12 layers as an example. Even the chips have embedded circuitry. Oh well.

[@Prognosis__]

My technics amp I bought back 25 years ago was the first to have Dolby digital audio and a brilliant phono sound…it’s In between

[@Parallax982]

Thanks for another video, Kevin. Even on a newsworthy day like today, I'm taking the time out to watch and comment.

[@karaDee2363]

Totally agree with you on everything . Well said PS, I don't ever remember having a problem with an RCA cable. And I'm a big believer in, if it's not broke, don't fix it

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Kara! Gonna try and find something fun to add to your package :)

[@keithroy7884]

Recently bought an LG CD/DVD player for $30 and a pair of high end RCA cables at a store that sells used equipment. Got home and could not get audio. Video worked fine, no audio. Checked by plugging into aux inputs, nothing. Like you, figured gotta be the unit, no way both cables bad. So took it back to the store, they plugged it in, worked fine. Went back home, put a meter on the cables: both center conductors were open. Thought the odds of that were astronomical, lol.

[@quiksr20]

You couldnt be more spot on when you mentioned " Seeing that one deal pop up gets you off the couch ".. Yesterday like every day I look for stuff online and most times you come up empty handed until you come across that one listing that says something like "Stereo for sale" / "Old speakers" and the price is right... Picked up another Cap coupled TOTL Sony and some ADS 570s this week for dirt cheap.. Its getting to be slim pickings but theres still deals to be had and when you find one its game on!

[@pixeldup]

Have a MAC 4200 receiver. Took me years to find one in good condition. The sound but also the look of it...can't stop looking at it every time I walk past it.

[@bonaventura_AKA_ben]

Watched a few vids. The vids on KLH and ADS speakers were good, honest and truthful. Pity you don’t sell the vintage stuff online. I’m in Cali and barring a loooong shopping trip, I don’t have access to the stuff I’d like to get.

[@tima.478]

Still jamming my Pioneer SX-1080, daily. Mint condition, not a scratch of scuff on it...offered as much as $9k for it. 🤑 All original, not serviced or recapped. I paid $650 for in 1988 as a Marine in Okinawa, Japan @ the PX, (military store on base). I'll NEVER part with it! ✌

[@artisan002]

This got me thinking about a lot of stuff (which is always a good thing). In particular, I only recently found out that we've started running analog audio down Cat5 Ethernet cables in the pro audio sector, and I'm kind of mad I didn't think of this sooner. Here, I'd been focused on MADI and related protocols. But, just put analog signals down the thing? I never though about it even once. And it makes good engineering sense, too. Asymmetrically twisted pairs, thus naturally protecting against interference, and eliminating most need for shielding... Easy to get stock. Smaller and easier to manage and hide. It makes me wonder if we'll see anyone adopt it for consumer audio.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

When you brought up connectivity, I laughed a bit. A few years ago our cable box needed to be replaced, and the guy came when I was at work. My wife brings him in and in the course of installing the new box, he wants to hook it up to the sound system. Sorry, my old Harmon Kardon doesn't have any HDMI connectors on the back. He was flustered and tried to convince my wife that we need to upgrade the system. Uh, no. Not gonna happen. By the way, I was looking online for information about the Microsoft Sound System, which I bought when new and USB connectors were a new thing. One of the first subwoofer/satellite systems for computers, still working and now approaching "vintage" status for computer audio.

[@lcee6592]

You are exactly right! Love the vintage Hi-Fi. And yes,same thing with repairing cars / trucks. Is so true!

[@furrybear57]

I wish today's audio equipment still had the mono switch as i have a ton of LPs and CDs that are not stereo. A friend of mine once demonstrated how the sound centers aurally between the speakers when he flipped his mono switch on his McIntosh receiver (way back in '77) - with no degradation. Since then finding an amp or receiver with a mono switch is like finding Amelia Earhart alive and well.

[@user-sw1tu9pw8y]

I moved my 10 year old Denon av unit into the basement and set up a “theater” with a pair of klh 32’s and a 10” klipsch sub. I set up a Sansui au-7700, tu-9500, pioneer pl-518 and a set of klh model 6 in the living room. After settling in, every time I stream music in the basement while board gaming, I tell my wife I need to get a decent dac, and swap the Denon out for my au-d77x. The Denon does video fine, but my vintage sansui gear walks all over it when it comes to music. I don’t know why specifically, but of all three, I enjoy the circa ‘74 au-7700 the most.

[@Barbarapape]

I was a young spotty nosed A/V apprentice in the early 70's and learned the art of repairing them during the H-Fi boom era. There is no doubt that in terms of ease of repair, sound quality and desirability these receivers were and still are a dream to own. They had access plates on the bottom to save you having to take the mainboards out when the output stages or capacitors failed. Sadly Yamama deleted this and the rest followed during the early 90's making them a nightmare to work on. Add to this the complexity of surface mounted components and I/C's that are specific to that model means that the more recent ones are often not repairable. Invest in one whilst you can, servicing them is not that difficult, just ensure that all switches work, noisy ones can be cleaned, broken ones should be avoided. Enjoy the golden era of Hi-Fi, todays digital everything just doesn't sound as easy on the ear unless you spend many thousands.

[@leehazlewoodism]

Keyboard warrior here: in the UK at least RCA has only been dominant for the last 40 years or so. Prior to that a lot of people used DIN. RCA is a daft connector anyway; when is making signal before earth - sorry, ground - a better idea? BNC is a much better connector, it's firm and it doesn't buzz if you plug it in live.

[@duprie37]

The visual appeal. I have two hifi systems. One comprises two completely featureless wireless smart speakers in conjunction with my phone, a router on the other side of the house, servers in distant data centres and nothing else. The other comprises a turntable, cassette deck, CD player, tuner, & amp with intriguing buttons, switches, glowing incandescent bulbs, VU meters & colourful LEDs. One oozes clinical functionality, the other homely, comforting vibes of childhood nostalgia. One is almost invisible in the background, the other calls to you from the second you step into the room: "play me!"

[@raygarafano3633]

I bet the WOW factor is pretty high.

[@brooklynknightss]

The old receivers just looked so cool with all the switches and knobs the volume meters frequency ranges and real wood and aluminum! I always loved them.. the yamaha technics realistic samsui pioneer fisher aKai Marantz sherwood Kenwood Sony sanyo and other brands I know I'm missing

[@solomontorluemke7702]

I still have my parents Marantz 2252 that they bought new back in the late 70s. I even found the box for it in their attic a few years ago. I’ve loved that receiver since I was a kid and I glad that I have it now.

[@FrancesScott-ye8hb]

That is some of the ugliest equipment i ever owned..there was a reason it was in the closet....i remember my grandma's old tube radio..now imagine me wanting 1930s tech over 1960s solid state ...thats how ridiculous you guys sound wanting 70s tech over 80s and 90s tech😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@stephenbarrow3352]

I just got a Leak Stereo 130 and it has the vintage look and sounds great. It was a bit pricey but it was a birthday present to myself 😊

[@sundarAKintelart]

Add to that the visual appeal. The switchs, knobs, dials etc. Interact with the user and say what they are set to and what they do. It's like arms, limbs and eyes of an animated object.

[@robertcuny934]

Before the covid lockdowns from April 2020 to April 2023, I was able to buy good quality and functioning late 1970s silver face stereos for $4.99 at local Goodwills. 😊 Considering the 1970s retail price of those disco era units, that alone would make them popular with owners but especially popular with flippers. However, I like them as much for appearance during use as the price paid.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

I'll say it's solely because of the aesthetic. Sonically, modern audio equipment is superior with far more features (sometimes too many). But I like vintage amplifiers just for their aesthetic. I like to look at them while listening.

[@mikeg2491]

A lot of modern equipment is just ugly black boxes designed to be hidden away in a corner. I like my stereo equipment to be ART.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

@@mikeg2491 Me too

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Great video, I enjoyed the comprehensive coverage of various reasons of the popularity of the vintage electronics. I remember myself being into the old stuff way back in 90’s before it was “cool” and fashionable! Glad I was able to enjoy many pieces that are rare and hard to come by now!

[@donjordan9444]

I'm still enjoying my 1980s vintage Adcom preamp and power amp. 😊

[@Dslats]

I HAVE PIONEER SX 1080, SANSUI 9090DB AND TECNICS SA 500 AND THEY SOUND SUPER GREAT.

[@darcyellis1314]

I really enjoy listening to your take on stereo equipment and related topics. I would love to purchase some items, but live in Canada. I will have to get my daughter in Seattle to order for me. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@skylabsaudio]

We do offer international shipping on shirts :)

[@iloveblue7920]

@@skylabsaudio Thibk he meant a shop/online in Canada, i would have similar issue living in London, UK