newbie seeks advice


My dad was a big time audiophile when I was in my twenties many years ago. He started all my friends on that route in the 70's @ 80's. I drifted away when I started a business and it started eating all my resources (both time and money). Now, 40yrs later, I have inherited his system and find myself close to retirement, far behind the curve and wanting to update his system for myself. I would like to keep his core speakers and find some components to bring out the best in them. He had a pair of Bozak B-4000's backed on the high end with a pair of ESS Heil Elites. The system sounded very good to me when I visited him, but he was always having trouble with his amp and pre amp (an ESS 500 and ESS pre amp). I have been looking at a lot of hi-end used amps (Mcintosh, Levinson, Bryston, etc) because I think the Bozaks are power hungry. I really don't want to spend 20,30, or 40,0000 dollars on new equipment for a new hobby until I see if it sticks in retirement. Does anyone care to give me the benefit of your expertise on the subject? I would be very greatful.

kenmason
When I see the move by many audiophiles back to vinyl, and the prices that high end vintage equipment is bringing on many venues, I wonder just how inferior older equipment and older technology really is. I recently passed on a good deal for a Mcintosh 2500 power amp that had specs. rivaling modern amps costing 5X as much. If the specs are just as good....is the root of its inferiority only its age? 
Saw an article recently about how some vintage mid-fi receivers (Pioneer SX-1980 for instance) are far superior to current mid-fi receivers. The prices for them reflect that as well.
The Bozaks due to age might need cone surrounds repaired. If so, check out millersound in PA. The king of driver repair. Cheers,
Spencer