Something Vintage

Re-capped and upgraded Sansui AU D-11, Upgraded Mitsubishi LT-30. There's no self-respect involved.

I am one of those with a great deal of reverence for classic high quality vintage gear, and having extensive experience with many such pieces I can attest to how well they can perform, if in good condition.

Arbitrarily defining "vintage" as older than 1980, my main system presently includes:

1)A ca. 1954 REL (Radio Engineering Laboratories) "Precedent" FM tuner, with a ca. 1960 H. H. Scott LM35 Multiplex Adapter to decode the stereo.

It is by far the best performing of many tuners I have had, including two Marantz 10B's, a McIntosh MR71, a Carver TX11, and numerous Scott and Fisher units.

2)A Mark Levinson ML1 preamp, ca. 1977, which I use as my phono stage, accessed via its tape out jacks.

Best regards,
-- Al

I'm with Tpreaves.

Almarg- The REL is on my wish list. If you ever come across one, give me a ping.

I have nearly all vintage gear.

Power amp: Dynaco ST 70 with Sound Valves input board (with solen coupling caps) modified by Tom Tutay of Transition Audio Design. I have owned it over 12 years and I can't part ways with it. I have tried several new amps both solid state and tube and stay with my ST70.

VanAlstine Super PAS 3si preamp also modified by Tom Tutay.
I can only tell you in stock form it was good but now it's great. No special caps but no where near stock any more. It's quiet, refined and just plain musical.

Systemdek IV turntable w 12 pound platter, circa (1988 to 1992) with Rega RB600 and Audio Technica OC9 MLII LO cart. I have a newly installed cork platter mat and it's very interesting. This is not the IIx or 2X900 or glass platter versions. They are rare and I purchased mine NOS about 4 years ago.

Arcam DV78 with Scott Nixon Tube Dac and a North Hills Transformer between DAC and DVD Player. Wow! Thanks JB for the tip and advice.

Spica TC 60's (Tri-Wired) with a pair of Dali Suite 1.2 subs. I haven't listened to my TC50's in a couple years.
Thanks JB for the tri-wire advice too.

I have tried many pieces of new gear and it has yet to replace my trusty vintage gear. And oh yes, I have been looking for replacements.