2. amps-preamps
  3. 985591232

Bringing back the dead?

After reading the recent Stereophile's annual recommended components issue gave an idea for this thread. What are some of the best designed and produced audio products that is no longer in production? Apparently, I can't get this answer from reading new press. I am asking this question because I have only been in this hobby for about 10 years off and on. 10 years is not very long and I feel that I cannot not really appreciate this hobby without really understanding the past. Perhaps going forward, I can compare what's new to what I have been exposed to this past 10 years, but it would be nice to know what other products that was available before I started my audiophile journey. Is the best really yet to come or we have achieved the apex of hifi and we're all heading back down? Thanks for reading this thread and I look forward to reading your comments.
3chihuahuas
3chihuahuas OP
108 posts
 
I forgot to ask what products would any of you want the manufacturer to reproduce? Please mention any insight you have to why the product was discountinued to begin with if you have info on this.
sean
6,229 posts
 
Well "3", how about a little bit of a twist to your basic idea here ??? How about if we list what we think were "ground breaking" or "trend setting" products ? You know, designs that were ahead of their time and may still compete with newer stuff even though it's not in current production. we can pick a product or two, spout of a brief blurb about it, why we think it was important and when it was made, etc... This will give you and many others a quick "what's what" and how things have progressed. Plus it will give us a little insight as to what various members like and think highly of. Sound like a plan ??? Sean
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3chihuahuas OP
108 posts
 
Sean, that's a great idea because it will allow this thread to focus in on the "innovative" products that are considered to be "future proof".
peterrussell
4 posts
 
Here's one for starters. How about the original Quad 57 electrostatics. I know they did not have much bass, but not everyone wants this to the exclusion of everything else. They rolled of the highs and had a listener's hot spot. Boy what a mid range! Put them on stands about 12-18 inches high and angle them back.As long as you get the angle right and listen in the near field and preferably no not use the original Quad11 power amps they can sound wonderful. Use a Radford MA15 of ST25. Even an ML2. They were not the first electrostatic but commercially they made such an impact they have to be in the hall of fame. With companies offering refurbishment and one in Germany making them as new speakers as well as resurecting the Braun L1 there is obviously a future for these speakers.
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