[jarcher]

So my first real stereo system (i.e separates - not "mini component") almost 25 years back was a hand-me-down Sansui 5000A and Boston Acoustics A40 bookshelf speakers.  The BA speakers I still had - the Sansui sadly "disappeared" by room mates following an overseas move.

Perhaps it was just nostalgia, but I got a Sansui 2000A off of ebay for about $60, which just arrived today.  The 5000A are just commanding too high a premium.

Hooked it all up to a stock squeezebox duet & Sky Radio's 80's channel.  I'm in heaven.  Sometimes I think this is the sound I've always been trying to get since, all for under $200.  Warm & deep pleasing bass, rhythmic, and still the tweeters of the BA's give nice detail.  How can 25WPC SS sound so damn good?  Duran Duran, J Geils, 99 Luft balloons, even MJ never sounded so good, all from 25 lowly watts per channel solid state.  A Kenwood "synthetic marble" TT arriving soon, again for under $100. 

Maybe it really is time to just ditch all the expensive & finicky "high end" stuff and get back to enjoying the music..........

Just wish I could get the tuner dial back left of 105 MHZ : oh well, a small defect to pay for $60.

[frank111]

 If I had a huge acreage & unlimited funds I'd purchase a massive wharehouse and fill it with vintage equipment. Nice looking Sansui you have there. 

[jarcher]

Now there seems to be a background hiss on the left channel - oh and the tuner signal level meter doesn't seem to work.  Still don't care too much at $60 - I already feel like I've gotten my money's worth for the enjoyment it's given me so far - and I'm a cheapskate.

I'm really thinking all "audiophiles" should have a $200 - $300 vintage system as a "touchstone".  I don't like these things just because they're are old - and in some cases rare.  I just like the way they look, are built, and most importantly, the way they sound.  Somehow back pre-early 80's the mass market manufacturers seemed to have some understanding of what actually sounds good & pleasant vs building something just to meet some other standard, whether specs, features, or whatever.

[milford3]

My brother has this Pioneer SX650 receiver circa 1975.  He had it serviced a few years and everything works perfectly.  The attached photo is from an internet file.

[jarcher]

My next purchase is going to be a Pioneer : in this case an "SA" X800 series integrated.  I.e. one of the ones with a linear power supply & the cool flouroscan meters : SA7800, SA8800, or SA9800.  I had a SA9800 given to me, and got greedy and sold it on Ebay, a decision which I've regretted ever since - particularly now that they go for crazy money. Although presumably the Sansui AU series integrated maybe as good & lower cost, I just go gaga for the Pioneer aesthetics.

[FireGuy]

My brother has this Pioneer SX650 receiver circa 1975.  He had it serviced a few years and everything works perfectly.  The attached photo is from an internet file.






Milford3 - It's actually a Pioneer SX-850 ss receiver.  Once Chris is done with it Oct. I'll do a vintage post with this, the Sansui SP-5500X speakers and the Pioneer PL-550 turntable.

[pumpkinman]

I have a few vintage pieces. I still use a Pioneer SX-1050 on a daily basis
I also have a very nice Sansui 9090DB that plays music from my computer

[jarcher]

Just this moment won a bid on the Pioneer integrated I've wanted to re-buy for a while.  Missing a knob + some chipping on cabinet + power light doesn't seem to function - in other words, your typical used SA. Knobs are difficult to come by used unfortunately. Got it for $345, which seems pretty decent as I haven't seen one for less than $500 in the 2 months I've been searching.

Now just want to get a Pioneer TT : been thinking about a PL-518 for no other good reason than I like the way it looks.  I'd consider some vintage Pioneer speakers, but don't know if they are any good.  Was planning to run this SA9800 w/ Vandersteen 2CE's.

[pumpkinman]

I bought a SA-6800 in I think 1979. If you want Pioneer speakers look for HPM-100's
Much like the JBL  L-100's. But they can bring a hefty price I have a pair of HPM-60's

[jarcher]

I had never really thought to buy "vintage" speakers outside some of the obvious stuff like some Vandersteen, ESL, etc.  Particularly not from the mass market end like Pioneer.  Just assumed they would be "junk" - but this whole experience has me rethinking things.

I'm surprised the $$$ some of these Pioneer speakers command.  I.e. $300 - $500 asking prices for HPM 60s & 100's you mention.  I thought these would be almost give away.  Of course one thing is asking price, the other actual selling price........

[pumpkinman]

I bought my HPM 60's for $2 at a Goodwill store.
They needed new surrounds which cost about $20
for a kit off of eBay

[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.

If I could go back in time to year : 1967
(That's 45 year ago)
I would buy again the same sound system,
I had when I was 20 years old.

Dual 1019 turntable with an ortophon cartridge.

Sony 7" Reel to reel tape deck Model TC-250

SS amplifier Make : Sound audio 25wpc.
with SS AM/FM tuner.



Speakers not shown where RSC (Radio Speaker of Canada)
bookshelves model with 2 X 4" full range sealed.

In a near future I might buy a Fisher 500C receiver.




I love the look of vintage stuff, more than how they sound.

Guy 13