So, what kind of system do you run?

Night Wolf · « **on:** 11 Jan 2003, 07:10 am »

ok, let's hear what kind of system everyone runs, although this is the vintage room, so let's try and keep it, say pre mid-80's?

as for me, I have 2 Kenwood KR-8010 (125wpc each) running bi-amp system on my restored and customized JBL L100 (late model, mine were made about '78 ) and I have my Nakamichi CD Player2 Limited as a cdp

I love my system, tons of power, sounds great, the L100 is a amazing spekaer and I have the clarity and detail for crtical listening as well as the abality to just flat out crank the system for parties and such (and still remin extremly clear and detaild)

I was actualy saving up for a Pioneer SX-1280, but found the KR-8010 cheap, and it was in perfect cosmetic condition and the power amp worked great, but it was missing a extremly hard to find mechanical linkage that went from the funtion knob to 2 differnt slider-type switches on the circuit board, and the preamp was damaged (still don't know what is wrong with it) so I then later found another KR-8010 100% working condition, so I said ah what the hell and went for it. $60 (including shipping) for the first amp and $140 (including shipping) for the second, although my first rec. is in better overall condition and has the ultra-rare full wood case with it.

so for about $200 I have 2 great vintage rec. and massive amounts of power, and for the price IMO the pair is just unbeatable.

as it is now, I have a great system, and I love it, there is not 1 thing wrong with it, and the total system price is just amazing for what it is, I was thinking about adding a quality sub, but I don't *need* to, but then again I didn't need to add the second huge Kenwood 125wpc rec. did I?

and each of those 8010's are 45lbs. so it;s fun running 90lbs. of amps

as far as music, I like everything, mostly classic rock and disco, but I listen to new stuff on the radio, some rap (although I don't care for i, but if it's on the radio, I'll listen) country, pop, you name it. but like I said, classic rock (Pink Floyd, Steve Miller, Def Leppard, Rolling Stones) and 70's and 80's disco are my favorite, I also like Fleetwood Mac, and pretty much any song that is extended.

I just got really nice new stands for my spekaers, but really can't use them yet becuase my spekaers are all apart right now (errr..... screwdriver through the midrange, but I repaired that and mostly waiting for a repalcement tweeter from when I sent a major power suge through my system and cooked 1 tweeter, whole differnt story though)

also if anyone would like any info or anything at all also tips on restoring the JBL L100, you can ask me as I am very knowladgeabl with them.

anyway, once my system is back together and all working again, I'll add some pictures to the gallery.

Brad · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Jan 2003, 01:47 pm »

I've got a Fisher 800c in really good condition and another 500c that plays, but needs to be re-done.

I bought the kit from the FisherDoctor, but who knows when I'll get to it.

I think it's kind of bizarre that as an Old-Truck guy, I managed to find a correlation in my Other Hobby. What's next for me - vintage golf clubs and darts?

Bill Baker · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Jan 2003, 04:29 pm »

OK, Dealers can have their own vintage system also. Right?

Kenwood KA-6100 integrated (Excellent condition)
Several vintage tuners with favorite being an Akai 2600 & Marantz Model 105 (waiting on a nice Sansui 717)
Yamaha YP-B2 turntable
Original Dynaco A-25 speakers
Music Hall CD-25 (OK not so vintage)

Also have a Kenwood KA-5300 integrated, several vintage Kenwood analog tuners, various turntables (nothing so great), A few tube reel-to-reels and vintage speakers.

I listen to this system quite often and enjoy it very much. It brings me into whats most important......the Music!!

DVV · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jan 2003, 09:50 pm »

Quote from: Response Audio

OK, Dealers can have their own vintage system also. Right

...

Jeez Bill, you make it sound like dealers are some half-world characters. Come on, of course you can, I would think that you as a dealer would be in a much better position to get hold of such stuff than the rest of us.

Anyway, my two vintage units are my beloved Dual CS604 TT and my equally beloved Philips N4520 open reel deck, all of its 66 lbs. I service both myself and I'm happy to say they work flawlessly. Never filed, either one.

Cheers,
DVV

Night Wolf · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jan 2003, 09:57 pm »

Bill, you must use all Clarity cables then, right?

Bill Baker · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jan 2003, 10:08 pm »

OK, I admit it. I use Clarity Wires in all my systems, new or vintage.

The reason for the first quote about dealers and vintage gear is due to the questions I receive on my personal systems. I like it all.

I guess I should list my current "new" system. It changes frequently but at this time it is as follows.

Jolida 502B (stock with upgraded tubes) soon to be RAM 701 Signature
Jolida JD100 CD player
Music Hall MMF-9 (soon)
Response Audio Musik 1.5 speakers.
Clarity Labs cables throughout

With all my current projects and ventures, I don't get to listen to this system as much as I would like. The vintage system mention earlier is in my office so I mostly listen to that system.

MediaSeth · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jan 2003, 10:51 pm »

-A 70's Kenwood Tuner (forget model, it was a while ago)
-AR Turntable (hand-me-down)
-Dynaco A-25's (hand-me-down) my father thought they were AR, and I later learned what they really were
-BIC record changer (model?)
-Superscope by Marantz tape deck (weird slant/front loading system)
-Sansui 20 watt integrated (forget AU#)
-Acoustic Research Model R Receiver with FM-only tuner that I will post pics of later on
-Advents (smaller) from 1973 with re-coned woofers and laminate enclosures
-Dual 506 turntable
-NAD 7140 receiver (still using that in bedroom)
-Vector Research tape deck

I still have the AR table (needs work), NAD, and Vector Research deck in case I need to listen to an old tape or aircheck

I live in an apartment and can't keep so much stuff around...

Bill Baker · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Jan 2003, 11:26 pm »

Not yet Marbles but I am expecting some shortly and will let you know as soon as they are available. The MMF-9 is now on debut at CES. No pictures yet but I hear it is a killer.
I hope it is as reliable and up to standard as the MMF-7 was in [it's] price point.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Jan 2003, 11:53 pm »

Hi Marbles, Response Audio started out custom designed and building speakers with the Musik 1.5 being our all time most popular. Due to the growth and further ventures of this company, we can no loger keep up with or have the time to build speakers. I will now leave that up to dedicated speaker companies. (I will still continue to build them for personal reference).

Sonneteer is a high end company based out of England
www.sonneteer.co.uk not very popular in the US and will probably hold off on these pieces till I get the new showroom started for better exposure.
For some reason, I have lost their page on my website. Still working on getting it back.
I will be running the Sonneteer Sedley phono pre with the MMF-9 as a reference point. It did a very nice job with the MMF-5 and 7.

Night Wolf · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 Jan 2003, 01:06 am »

Bill, I have a question to ask you.........

I realize vintage gear was not designed and built with expensive cables in mind, and although vintage gear (atleast my gear and all others I have seen) they are not short on quality at all, but one quick pop of the top, and you could see that they were not designed with high quality cables in mind (leads going from RCA jacks to circuit board etc...)

so my question is, for you, have you noticed a differnce with your cables over standerd cables?

I persoanly have tried 70's TEAC (dad gave them to me when I needed cables) and OEM, Radio Shack gold series (look nice, and golt plated) Monster Cable 100 and Monster Cable 400 MKII, and besides the old TEAC (proably due to the corriosen on them) I can't tell a differnce, I mean the RS and MC seem a tad better in the highs then the cheap OEM, but that is about it

I use the Monster 400 MKII going from my cdp to my KR-8010 vina AUX, then on that 8010, I have a 2-way splitter going from pre-outm and 1 set of cables going from that splitter to power-in on that 8010 (the one I am running with the pre amp) and a 2nd set of cables going to the upper KR-8010 into power-in (running it as a power amp)

all cbales besides going from cdp are radio shack gold series, and the splitter are just standerd gold plated from radio shack (had to get a quick soultion one night)

so, since you probaly have alot more knowladge on cables and all then I do, am I loosing anything by using the splitter from pre0out to go to 2 seperate power-in? and is it possible that I would see a noticeable, worthwhile (like worth my money) differnce by going with differnt cables?

system:

dual Kenwood KR-8010 running bi-amp to my spekaers, 125wpc each
spekaers- modified JBL L100
cdp- Nakamichi CD Player2 Limited

cables are all mentioned above

Thanks

Bill Baker · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Jan 2003, 01:43 am »

Quote from: Night Wolf

Bill, I have a question to ask you.........

so, since you probaly have alot more knowladge on cables and all then I do, am I loosing anything by using the splitter from pre0out to go to 2 seperate power-in? and is it possible that I would see a noticeable, worthwhile (like worth my money) differnce by going with differnt cables?

Hi Night Wolf, The reason I use high quality cabling in my vintage system is because I have it. The differences I mention are not due to the quality but rather the design. I prefer a smaller gauge, solid copper cable which I feel adds a bit more "vividness" to the presentation of older equipment. As you mentioned yourself, the internals of vintage gear were nowhere up to todays standards in some hi-fi gear.

Would upgrading the cables in you system be worth the money? NO, not if you are expecting miracles. I would however experiment with some "different" cable designs to find the recipe that best suits your personal taste.

skchow · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Jan 2003, 01:57 am »

Found pictures of the MMF-9...
http://img.audioasylum.com/cgi/view.pl?u=users/423&f=MMF9_1139.jpg&v=f&UserImages=423&session=&l=211&moniker=Webmaster&invite=1198435336&w=512&h=304">Audio Asylum's img of MMF-9

Not sure if the link will work, can't figure out how to upload to the gallery, but in case the above link doesn't work, you can go to the CES 2003 pics in www.audioasylum.com, and click on Pictures Only from January 11.

It only looks like they added a plinth from the MMF-7 though. Wonder if the isolated motor and tonearm are still the same...

Sunny.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Jan 2003, 02:04 am »

It only looks like they added a plinth from the MMF-7 though. Wonder if the isolated motor and tonearm are still the same...

Thanks for the link. If you would like more info on this table (arm, motor, cartridge, etc) vist the "Whats New" page of my website.
I assure you it is not a modified MMF-7. I will let you know how it sounds as soon as my order come in.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Jan 2003, 02:25 am »

I have posted further info about the Music Hall MMF-9 table on the "Vinyl Circle" with a direct link to the picture. I figure this would be a better place for it.

Night Wolf · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Jan 2003, 08:30 pm »

Quote

As you mentioned yourself, the internals of vintage gear were nowhere up to todays standards in some hi-fi gear.

IMO vintage gear is built far better then modern gear, and they have alot more quality to them, that is one of the reasons when I run it. what I was saying by that, was that the gear wasn't designed with hi-fi cables in mind, I can see that by seeing the leads from the RCA jack to the circuit board etc.... but the overall quality of just about everthing else IMO is far better then the equivlent of modern gear.

what does a smaller gaug, solid copper design have over a normal cable?

ok, I just got the box that my Monster Cable 400 MKII came in, here are a few things it says on the back of the box about the cable:

24k gold contact, split-tip center pin
dual solid core center conductors
100% foil sheilded
high and low frequency networks

then everything else is mostly talking about features on the cable like the differnt grip things and stuff like that, each of those things I mentioned has alittle caption under it that briefly explains what it means.

is that what you were talking about? or am I missing something?

Bill Baker · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 Jan 2003, 04:58 am »

I agree to the point where vintage gear is better in comparison to [some] current equipment. Obviousy, some of today's higher end components (caps, resistors, etc) were just not available then.
I have a few vintage amps with most being late 70's Kenwood integrated units. Even the vintage analog tuners are much better IMHO than most of today's "affordable" digital tuners. I have lost count of the vintage tuners I now own.
I prefer my vintage system over most of todays mass market gear. Alot has to do with my mood and what I am looking for in presentation. To just lay back and relax, the vintage system is just as enjoyable as my current tube system. Besides, the VU meters are just "COOL".
BUT, there is another side of me.............................

Haoleb · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 Jan 2003, 05:14 am »

Night wolf. From my understanding, different cable designs can change alot of things. for instance. The cables i use and the ones bill uses are probbly the same ( Clarity Labs ) and on the clarity cables they have a 3 conductor braided design. which i *think* correct me if im wrong is a different form of RF rejection or sheliding i guess. unlike using something like a braided or foil sheild on some cables.and i imagine the ground wire going through a real wire compared to some foil would be better, if thats even how it works. i havent learned too much about cable designs as of yet. and of course different cables have different resistance values and capacitance values i think, although i dont know how much that affects sound. But as Bill said, dont expect miracles from higher end cables. But for myself i have noticed smaller differences like more air and seperation. and smoother highs and mids all together on my foxfire's but the emberglows i have are too bright when used between my cdp and amp. So you really need to experiment for yourself. I also think that cables are dependent of other gear.

And bill, if you have no clue who i am..
Brandon.... in hawaii. good to see ya here.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 Jan 2003, 03:28 pm »

Hi Brandon,
Of course I knew who you are. I just didn't want to talk to you because you are sitting in "Sunny Land" as I was shoveling out 18" of snow. (haha) Glad to see you here also.
I am not going to continue the cable discussion much further as this is a very touchy subject. All I can say is "Build your system for yourself, not the critics". In other words, don't let others tell you what components would sound best in your system. We all have different taste and preferences.
Other people's opinions are just that.....opinions. Including mine. They can help you get ideas and insight but in the end it is you and your ears that make the final decission.

By the way Brandon, your updated system IS on my site if you have not already noticed.

Happy Listening.
[/quote]

PL gear head · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 Jan 2003, 07:21 pm »

I run a Phase Linear 400 series 1 amp, Phase Linear 4000 series 1 preamp, Phase Linear 1000 auto correlator, a Pioneer Elite DV-09 DVD player ( used as CD player only) and a Linn Basik TT with Akito II arm and Linn K9 stylus and cart. My speakers are Dahlquist DQ-10's and Peavey horns with 15" woofers in a bass bin. Speakers cables are Tara Labs Quantum 4's, all I/C's are hand braided pure silver with Dayton RCA's.

Haoleb · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 Jan 2003, 11:13 pm »

Yes, Bill i agree 100% cables are probbly the MOST touchy componet. well except for stuff like cable elevators but they dont count. I also agree about building your system for youself. i mean Your the one thats using it. but when it comes to me because there are no audio dealers on this island i have to take other people opionions and stuff. and so far its worked out pretty good. Hey. id rather be out shoveling snow than out in t he hot sun doing anything. When youve lived here your whole life... the glamour of hawaii wears off i think lol. And yea, i saw you updated it. sorry for sending soo much new pics this will be the last time

But you have to agree. its looks alot better on a high end type site than those junk jbls not even setup properly lol.