tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51369547913802605042024-03-13T01:46:40.563-07:00RevolverThis blog is about the Vintage Stereo Equipment that passes through my hands. Some I sell, some I keep.Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-3853951411438033252018-02-16T21:53:00.004-08:002018-02-16T21:53:54.842-08:0068. Marantz 2230B AM/FM Stereo Receiver from 1976Only 30 watts per channel, but more than enough for a bedroom system. Not a whole lot of info out there on this one. There's tons on the 2230, but not the 2230b. The 2230 has pre out/power in, the 2230b does not. That's sad. Anyway, I replaced the old lamps with some blue LEDs and it's a looker! Here's a picture of mine:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRREGqlSfvsqJVGomt9CcwyzSMlkz6mAn3kWuK1Jbhxmj_Cc2DiK0ciDOo3odEIccbEsrpopo1h1Be5b-Cdv7yb0HL0DX57Y_FHE4YFt4PPZV1Z1xDhetM-j8m7ZjYjjeuk6Hq8zrIPhI/s1600/IMG_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRREGqlSfvsqJVGomt9CcwyzSMlkz6mAn3kWuK1Jbhxmj_Cc2DiK0ciDOo3odEIccbEsrpopo1h1Be5b-Cdv7yb0HL0DX57Y_FHE4YFt4PPZV1Z1xDhetM-j8m7ZjYjjeuk6Hq8zrIPhI/s640/IMG_0104.jpg" width="640" /></a>Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-83548810665423688062018-02-16T21:09:00.004-08:002018-02-16T21:09:51.685-08:0067. Acoustic Research AR XB1 Turntable from 1972The AR XA had a real wood skirt, whereas the XB had vinyl veneer that looked like wood.<br />
They are essentially the same turntable. The XB does have an arm lifter though and there are style differences, but they are basically the same. Nice and simple. In 1972 they sold for about $90, which is roughly $540 today. Here's one that I fixed up and sold to a friend:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMXueSEtCXZNfRoMYXTKDxVDav2dfNOHucZpaHrRbsmd4ssRPyI7Erj1MZkj-voQcxUqwaNG4Cmvu5E-Kul3fAWIc-i4llBdQx2YdiJ6ymHVBA42irt2Z7yhEGXOaeyCVcJJ7xaLwGZA/s1600/IMG_1838.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMXueSEtCXZNfRoMYXTKDxVDav2dfNOHucZpaHrRbsmd4ssRPyI7Erj1MZkj-voQcxUqwaNG4Cmvu5E-Kul3fAWIc-i4llBdQx2YdiJ6ymHVBA42irt2Z7yhEGXOaeyCVcJJ7xaLwGZA/s640/IMG_1838.jpg" width="640" /></a>Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-58319372758675497092018-02-16T20:52:00.002-08:002018-02-16T20:53:18.768-08:0066. Harman Kardon 930 AM/FM Stereo Receiver from 1972With 2 Phono, 2 Aux and 2 Tape inputs, the 930 gives the user lots of options! Only 48 watts per channel, but that's more than enough for most people. It was priced at $480, which in 2018 is almost $2800. I bought it from a nice couple and gave it a good cleaning. If you decide to go after one, do know that the green dial only stays on white you have it in tuner mode. If you switch it to Phono, the pretty green display goes away. Here's a picture of the one I briefly owned.<br />
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<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-23723745459217193482017-05-19T01:35:00.004-07:002017-05-19T01:49:56.654-07:0065. Pioneer PL-510A Direct Drive Turntable From 1976 - 1978This is a really nice turntable that flies under the radar. It doesn't get the same attention that the Pioneer PL-530 does, but both tables have the SAME tonearm! The PL-510A is a totally manual table. It features two pitch controls, one for 33 and one for 45. This means you don't have to adjust when going between 45s and 33s like you do with tables that have only one pitch control. It's simple a dependable. It has a quiet motor too! The only real issue with these old tables is that often times the pitch control pots get dirty and they need a shot of Deoxit to get them right again. Back in 1976 these sold for $199. That's about $875 in 2017 dollars! Here's a picture of mine, it's currently serving in the garage system:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1aCglyB5evesShiC9BN-Mqi8F1Iy024tRfJLRI5q8IjxFfx-fiz77etjzhm67r0Y9eGvKmb5EPX2obg2UvBjKxI3clbJ5HWXtch-TcBRFqVUU688L7FtICSEIj58Ymy6G11vkIWLuLI/s1600/Pioneer+PL-510A.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1aCglyB5evesShiC9BN-Mqi8F1Iy024tRfJLRI5q8IjxFfx-fiz77etjzhm67r0Y9eGvKmb5EPX2obg2UvBjKxI3clbJ5HWXtch-TcBRFqVUU688L7FtICSEIj58Ymy6G11vkIWLuLI/s640/Pioneer+PL-510A.jpg" width="640" /></a>Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-49540516388931661302017-05-19T01:12:00.002-07:002017-05-19T01:49:46.262-07:0064. Pioneer SA-9100 Stereo Integrated Amplifier - 1973 - 1975This was the top of the line integrated amp from Pioneer back in 1974.<br />
It was rated at 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms and had three sets of speaker outputs.<br />
This model came with a ton of great features. Get this, there were three separate volume controls on the back for "Phono 2", "Aux 2" and "Speaker B". It had lots of flexibility. 2 Tape, 2 phono and 2 aux inputs means you can hook up lots of components to this wonderful amp. It's very sturdy and I love the solid feel of it. The stamped face of it. All 40 pounds of it. A true throwback to a time when quality was king. Here's a picture of the second I've been lucky enough to find.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqgeUkpx-eVPTTYVKqtGGKC2dELToM_10PwR-g4ULTb7IBzMnQmE3rwRMjDw8-bgC9n7V2npbbXVr7Kwe_0rR3O0XQqzrk9XgCNJluTJfTKIeJkKHTwroIj5nE9rMY-abpQalWrFJPhQ/s1600/Pioneer+SA-9100.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqgeUkpx-eVPTTYVKqtGGKC2dELToM_10PwR-g4ULTb7IBzMnQmE3rwRMjDw8-bgC9n7V2npbbXVr7Kwe_0rR3O0XQqzrk9XgCNJluTJfTKIeJkKHTwroIj5nE9rMY-abpQalWrFJPhQ/s640/Pioneer+SA-9100.jpg" width="640" /></a>Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-27486211254336781902016-03-18T13:58:00.001-07:002017-05-19T01:49:37.388-07:0063. Yamaha CR-840 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver Made in Japan From 1979 - 1980The simulated dark wood case and silver face with greenish lights are so attractive! It features a nice tuning section and 60 watts per channel of Yamaha power. So far I have nothing to complain about, which is a nice change. I have not had very good luck with Yamahas. This is maybe my 3rd or 4th Yammie receiver and it's been a good one. Back in 1979 it would run you $500, which today is over $1600. I like it. I have it hooked up to a pair of JBL 4401 speakers and use it for my 2nd computer set up. Here it is:<br />
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<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-38864766401720535052016-03-18T13:36:00.001-07:002017-05-19T01:49:23.428-07:0062. The Pioneer PL-71 Turntable Made in Japan 1974 -1975 This is the 3rd one I've owned. It's also the roughest one I've owned of the three. The 1st one was mint, this one was abused. I had to take it to Bill Ennis the "Turntable Daddy" in Charlotte to get it running properly. In 1974 they were $300. That's about $1450 in 2016. I have about $330 invested in this one. They are just beautiful. Real wood is rare on Japanese turntables. Here is a picture of my 3rd PL-71:<br />
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<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-30406153717737038882016-03-18T13:22:00.001-07:002017-05-19T01:49:11.519-07:0061. Rega Planar 3 British Turntable Built From 1977 to 2000This is one of the most popular turntables ever. One of the longest running too. It's so popular that it has it's own Wikipedia entry:<br />
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rega_Planar_3<br />
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There is already so much info available online regarding this low priced high performer, I'll simply skip to mine. Here it is with an acrylic platter and a green vinyl pressing of Starfish by The Church:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ40RWyhQdc9GG0c5YkUbDpDTcJinbsi3Ry3UPMSAGCMRxIFfqcKRlM-H-Am0R8aLFjRgDArR8MmrczNNfIT7dYhCyGI1NrZMqIU6iZJFlCdvFCRUBfQFjR12KFsSugIA3SHXqWZM4XBw/s1600/Rega+Planar+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ40RWyhQdc9GG0c5YkUbDpDTcJinbsi3Ry3UPMSAGCMRxIFfqcKRlM-H-Am0R8aLFjRgDArR8MmrczNNfIT7dYhCyGI1NrZMqIU6iZJFlCdvFCRUBfQFjR12KFsSugIA3SHXqWZM4XBw/s640/Rega+Planar+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-56676018758596358002015-11-08T01:58:00.001-08:002017-05-19T01:48:52.312-07:0060. McIntosh Mac 1700 Receiver from 1968 to 1973 This is an unusual receiver. It combines solid state and tubes. The amplifier and pre-amplifier are solid state, the tuner is tube. The tuning section is nice! Mine has no problems pulling local stations in clearly. It's potentiometers were dirty, but cleaning the controls was easy. Everything is laid out in such a simple way. It's hard to believe that this over 40 year old receiver is still functioning so well. All the lights still work too. Truly, they just don't build them like this anymore. I'm keeping this one. It's too cool to just let go.<br />
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The 40 watts per channel are more than enough to drive my JBL 4311 desktop studio monitors.<br />
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It retailed for $599 back in 1973. That's about $3200 in 2015 dollars. It was a great piece of stereo equipment back then and it still is now. Here's a picture of mine:<br />
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<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-33348327897275745292015-07-13T22:04:00.001-07:002015-11-08T12:10:41.240-08:0059. JVC R-S33 Super A AM/FM Stereo Receiver From 1980This is a nice little receiver. It retailed for $345 back in 1980. That's about $980 in 2015 dollars. A strong 40 watts per channel. The sound is nice a clear. It features a 5 band EQ for tone control. It is quite pretty at night when lit up. Unfortunately the engineers decided to use a slider for the volume. That's a terrible idea. Still though, it is a nice receiver. I picked one up at a garage sale on July 11th 2015. Here's a picture of mine:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKsZncOo6-RvbmyEwD08Vmc-PRnkXrbYuGlNwD3SSrl-2qBoXHvxGlZVXa9j8t9tcSkmmBaQPUdRB1aFXPrHVFlTsyJFbpE9upvGxD8Zoi7kJLNb3cdhzyCTxwf8jJ0E0Qku1SraZ6Us/s1600/IMG_6323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKsZncOo6-RvbmyEwD08Vmc-PRnkXrbYuGlNwD3SSrl-2qBoXHvxGlZVXa9j8t9tcSkmmBaQPUdRB1aFXPrHVFlTsyJFbpE9upvGxD8Zoi7kJLNb3cdhzyCTxwf8jJ0E0Qku1SraZ6Us/s640/IMG_6323.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-70734184554606462562015-05-11T17:02:00.001-07:002015-05-11T17:02:29.115-07:0058. Pioneer SX-950 Stereo Receiver from 1976Strong receiver! 85 Watts per channel, connections for 3 sets of speakers. I used it for about a year and recently flipped it for $400. When it was new in 1976 it was about $600, which is around $2500 today. These are very popular receivers. The only two above it were the SX-1050 (120 WPC) and the SX-1250 (165 WPC). When you consider the features versus the price on these big three, the SX-950 was a bargain at $600. The SX-1050 would set you back $750, which todays is $3100, the SX-1250 cost $950 which today is a whopping $3900. Sure the SX-1250 had twice the WPC of the SX-950, but not twice the features or twice the sound quality. I've owned both. At a normal listening level, I don't think I could tell the difference. here's a look at my old SX-950:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXUfFcEvk43LxGx4FTvHr7fbfXJQ718NsHPqNinvHnga_LsP6SkIhorRWLYbH_KgKoJQqTAplts1i9HTKyo71t503nJcM2V1oFrAK9c-DoOQbFAOhHA0Z7Oo8-946z5fBmzUPEiD8mDg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-11+at+7.42.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXUfFcEvk43LxGx4FTvHr7fbfXJQ718NsHPqNinvHnga_LsP6SkIhorRWLYbH_KgKoJQqTAplts1i9HTKyo71t503nJcM2V1oFrAK9c-DoOQbFAOhHA0Z7Oo8-946z5fBmzUPEiD8mDg/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-05-11+at+7.42.08+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-62920053798039349292015-05-11T16:28:00.000-07:002015-05-11T16:28:26.714-07:0057. Denon POA-1500 Amplifier & Denon PRA 1000 Pre Amplifier from 1983The Denon POA-1500. Big glowing meters and 150 watts per channel. What's not to love?<br />
Well, the glass keeps coming loose. Outside of that, you can run two pair of speakers, that's nice!<br />
Back in 1983 the POA-1500 would run you $695, that's over $1600 today.<br />
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The Denon PRA-100 is a nice preamp. In 1983 it cost $495, which is almost $1200 today. This kind of gives you an idea of the quality of these components. I've been listening to them for a month now just about everyday. The speakers I've used include JBL L96, JBL L100, Infinity Kappa 7 and as of yesterday, JBL L112.<br />
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No complaints. This is just really good equipment. If you can snag this pair in good condition for less than $500, do it. They are over 30 years old, so you mileage may vary. All I did with mine was clean the pots in the pre. That's it. Heres a pic: (sorry for the reflection of my marine aquarium on the meters).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbaeXEbFV98GGyTlgvgT9BWbJD9AwDJfUmuK1IAmYDt0CgOtBBQcZCM8ULQndS8TtotSfDPbR1N0zZSceUQxX2h30yOJqb-iBdlLjEZT4nVE8BBnfQd5LMrKTrESrwOpUkS0X9veuI4k/s1600/IMG_5464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbaeXEbFV98GGyTlgvgT9BWbJD9AwDJfUmuK1IAmYDt0CgOtBBQcZCM8ULQndS8TtotSfDPbR1N0zZSceUQxX2h30yOJqb-iBdlLjEZT4nVE8BBnfQd5LMrKTrESrwOpUkS0X9veuI4k/s640/IMG_5464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-53315296014450466172015-05-11T15:57:00.000-07:002017-05-19T01:41:07.033-07:0056. JBL L100 Century 1970, Love em or Hate em, they ARE the 1970's HiFi SoundI really can't think of a pair of speakers, or any stereo equipment for that matter, that stirs emotions like the L100 Century. People either think they are wonderful or hate them. The biggest complaint is the "forward" sounding midrange. After a while, it can give you what is known as "listener fatigue". Either that or just a plain old headache! I had a nice looking pair and sold them. Now I have an okay looking pair and they are not nearly as harsh. As with all equipment this old, the capacitiors have varying levels of degradation from one to the next. This has an affect on the sound. Personally, I think they are dynamic! Listening to the helicopters in Pink Floyd's The Wall with 100+ watts driving a good pair of Century speakers is an eye opening experience. I felt that thrill just yesterday. Man, these speakers still kick ass! Here's a guide for you:<br />
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Do you like listening to the Ramones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Stones or any rock, post-punk, alternative, new wave, punk, grunge or metal?<br />
If yes, then you might enjoy the JBL L100 Century experience.<br />
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Are you a lace curtain, choirboy Kenny G fan?<br />
If yes, then you probably won't enjoy the JBL L100 Century experience.<br />
Go buy Klipsch speakers, play a Mozart SACD and eat an alfalfa sprout salad.<br />
You'll probably then feel the need to take a drive in your Volvo or Prius to the vegan food store for a refreshing bowl of humus for desert. Good grief, Klipsch, how sad. I hope you don't have kids...<br />
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Here's a picture of my L100s.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIlkXeJbgwCDG9hpXIST4Odoh0clCoWJ0BeLOiofAPgPZUeUkqOYh8sdZLxj2myrXuINTdZuj6obnHaQidIFIkNtvwcf-a5pHY2U55bu339maJE6ImZ1QYyi-7ZWN9CDCdWePNa5inS8/s1600/JBL+L100.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIlkXeJbgwCDG9hpXIST4Odoh0clCoWJ0BeLOiofAPgPZUeUkqOYh8sdZLxj2myrXuINTdZuj6obnHaQidIFIkNtvwcf-a5pHY2U55bu339maJE6ImZ1QYyi-7ZWN9CDCdWePNa5inS8/s640/JBL+L100.jpg" width="640" /></a>Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-76506175402728906982015-05-11T14:59:00.004-07:002015-07-13T22:06:57.390-07:0055. JBL L112 Century II Speakers from 1981I just scored a nice pair of JBL L112 Century II Speakers! I've been wanting a pair for quite a while. These really are wonder 3 way speakers! The build quality is amazing. Back in 1981 these ran about $1100 a pair. In 2015 that's over $2800. Yikes! They weren't cheap. Here's a photo of the left one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjKoT9OjmysQ2tdHyoV8365TL9QBbRX5HWKBFLIHs8k-eIaSw6hJYY79kISRBjyz2_bOO44g7sS6uW3SiPgFe9jH7fdIc5eGJh-gZlVyJ3VH007pV80L_fEKxWZ6n8q0Vg5s4yy23HiA/s1600/IMG_5444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjKoT9OjmysQ2tdHyoV8365TL9QBbRX5HWKBFLIHs8k-eIaSw6hJYY79kISRBjyz2_bOO44g7sS6uW3SiPgFe9jH7fdIc5eGJh-gZlVyJ3VH007pV80L_fEKxWZ6n8q0Vg5s4yy23HiA/s640/IMG_5444.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03833355053950987295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-20678103449604947532014-08-16T00:06:00.002-07:002014-08-16T00:07:02.162-07:0054. Pioneer SX-980 Receiver 80 WPC from 1978.I had this one about a year ago and sold it. I liked it. Powerful, strong bass, very dynamic. 80 watts per channel of old 1970's Pioneer power.<br />
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The prices on the two main lines of Pioneer receivers are getting crazy. The 1976 line ends in "50". For instance, 750, 850, 950, 1050 and 1250. The 1978 line ends in "80". For instance, 780, 880, 980, 1080, 1280 and the big daddy that continues to elude me, the 1980.<br />
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Here's a pic of my old Pioneer SX-980:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2P7orDSSDO1oM_-4iWffe5pnuGgh5xD2HWObzR-dwrloCxIIGrWniTpCrDyp86Wi2iY9edNf10SMFUXKeJtOfB1jsbpBJMd5QTfyIknP_uV2ErmYG7hEMNjv060ne2ZoAyVJEbjpPFX-/s1600/Pioneer+SX-980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2P7orDSSDO1oM_-4iWffe5pnuGgh5xD2HWObzR-dwrloCxIIGrWniTpCrDyp86Wi2iY9edNf10SMFUXKeJtOfB1jsbpBJMd5QTfyIknP_uV2ErmYG7hEMNjv060ne2ZoAyVJEbjpPFX-/s1600/Pioneer+SX-980.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-49098463768527473082014-08-15T23:25:00.003-07:002014-08-15T23:25:44.773-07:0053. Onkyo TX-8500 MKI 110 WPC Monster Receiver from 1978I picked this up a few months ago and flipped it. It wasn't bad, but I have too much gear. It was nice, mellow and clear. The 110 WPC were more than enough. A few years later Onkyo updated the TX-8500 with the release of the TX-8500 MKII. This model was upgraded to a digital tuning dial and 160 watts per channel. Needles to say, the MKII sells for more than the MKI, but if you're looking for the most affordable way to join the 100+ WPC club, I don't think that the TX-8500 MKI can be beat, $200 to $300 bucks. This is a picture of the one I owned for a short time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOnwvTc7uPfFjG70TAeDOG4g5mnfe_0vtF_KZVIdpLTFRdYiAO5hAfhSqu80RBqMF6H3wH12a6cR9jhS0lSgpgQx9NPW_I52rs6_8Ubp4FVgIa0va00u8tW6HbAlDDT4wLzCRKdvU-GUV/s1600/IMG_1495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOnwvTc7uPfFjG70TAeDOG4g5mnfe_0vtF_KZVIdpLTFRdYiAO5hAfhSqu80RBqMF6H3wH12a6cR9jhS0lSgpgQx9NPW_I52rs6_8Ubp4FVgIa0va00u8tW6HbAlDDT4wLzCRKdvU-GUV/s1600/IMG_1495.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-4616290905161177652014-02-03T21:18:00.000-08:002014-02-03T21:19:25.875-08:0052. McIntosh C26 Preamplifier From 1968 to 1977 Nice little preamp. VERY simple to get to the pots for cleaning. In fact, I don't think I have ever worked on an easier to service piece of equipment. The pushbuttons, pots and bulbs are all extremely easy to get to. In 1977 the last of these went for $450 which in todays dollars equals a little over $1700. These don't get a lot of love from the audiophile community, but that's because after decades, vintage equipment can get out of spec. Capacitors go bad. I believe that I'm just lucky to find one that's in great shape. The guy who sold it to me said it was restored. I think it sounds great. Check out the split pic of the back and front below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r3BlTOhUSZv-w8AjRKfBjfl5ssY05zOwouU7oozcOoOymyYJEz_65NxE3zx2nYEZHGzyX_ASiBUyH6iHQQskucHWasPZTwfEYa8RShXjoNjQ60X-g-cV4gst05d9ej83_tUUsMhDsTHZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-03+at+11.43.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r3BlTOhUSZv-w8AjRKfBjfl5ssY05zOwouU7oozcOoOymyYJEz_65NxE3zx2nYEZHGzyX_ASiBUyH6iHQQskucHWasPZTwfEYa8RShXjoNjQ60X-g-cV4gst05d9ej83_tUUsMhDsTHZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-03+at+11.43.44+PM.png" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-83021565153505033862013-11-30T08:19:00.001-08:002013-11-30T08:20:26.182-08:0051. BEWARE of What Can Be Found in a Ported Speaker or The Horror of What I Found in a Cerwin Vega AT-12.I picked up a pair of Cerwin Vega AT-12 speakers at a thrift store. The foam on the 12 inch woofers needed to be replaced. I paid less than $20 for the pair and got a streak of lazy in me and decided to part them out rather than invest the time in fixing a pair of speakers that I'm not going to use anyway. So I pulled out the tweeters, mids, crossovers and lastly, the woofers. That's when I saw <i>THE HORROR! </i>Apparently, the savage who owned them before me stuffed his USED condoms in it. There were more than what is pictured. Then again, maybe he didn't own them. Maybe they belonged to his girlfriend or boyfriend and when they weren't looking, he stuffed the used rubbers in the Vegas. Either way, this is the WORSE thing I have discovered inside a pair of ported speakers. Here's a picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap2ouKg9dScrOSzqHM2eZb7VoZYpYc4rRYveDoI72Xv-AF1PqaImU_Mq9chS8qDfYyYGKsVVNWf2wqU1HTbAmLhe8Y53Ejk3axPI0bjife9qGqP1xM1IPXj_BOtE3U2OZHY0sOESkkPEM/s1600/IMG_7312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap2ouKg9dScrOSzqHM2eZb7VoZYpYc4rRYveDoI72Xv-AF1PqaImU_Mq9chS8qDfYyYGKsVVNWf2wqU1HTbAmLhe8Y53Ejk3axPI0bjife9qGqP1xM1IPXj_BOtE3U2OZHY0sOESkkPEM/s640/IMG_7312.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-45673045150643062902013-08-24T18:56:00.001-07:002013-11-29T18:31:19.335-08:0050. JBL Model L96 Speakers from 1982JBL L96 speakers. They are just fantastic! Back in 1982 they cost $800 a pair. In today's dollars that's about $1936. They are extremely well made. About 50 pounds each. The bass that these 10 inch woofers generate is stunning. The woofers feature a 3 inch voice coil that allow them to really pump. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago and it's one of the best purchases that I've ever made. Before these I was using a pair of JBL L100 Centuries and the midrange was so forward that I was getting a headache from them. The L96 are much nicer.<br />
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Here's a picture of mine:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKKKXuTqdE5iDQuysfIqyw0yzMd5IdzEz0X-25jjCz6Aq5skeM6kvkMf9Na14hGECy4Khzc7BpgheqUK3Z6HCYrl62YpEpp5rObCuKafR2lXT5-1ARaT1LoTlKLWKY_SBdKXjw4M21Z_Z/s1600/IMG_7715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKKKXuTqdE5iDQuysfIqyw0yzMd5IdzEz0X-25jjCz6Aq5skeM6kvkMf9Na14hGECy4Khzc7BpgheqUK3Z6HCYrl62YpEpp5rObCuKafR2lXT5-1ARaT1LoTlKLWKY_SBdKXjw4M21Z_Z/s640/IMG_7715.jpg" width="409" /></a></div>
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Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-30199075647398331112013-08-24T18:35:00.001-07:002013-11-11T16:17:18.841-08:0049. JBL 4401 Control Monitors from 1984These are fantastic, accurate little near field monitors. These deceptively heavy rascals put out an amazing amount of bass for their size. Nice wood cabinets, great quality. It would be hard to imagine better speakers at the same size. Very revealing, great soundstage, crisp highs, non fatiguing. These are so much better than what the vast majority use for their computers.<br />
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Here's some info on them from JBL and Lansing Heritage:<br />
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<a href="http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/Studio%20Monitor%20Series/4401.pdf">http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/Studio%20Monitor%20Series/4401.pdf</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/catalogs/1984-pro/page05.jpg">http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/catalogs/1984-pro/page05.jpg</a><br />
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Unfortunately I haven't found any information on what their original cost was.<br />
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Here's a picture of mine:<br />
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<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-60231333358397352012013-08-24T17:48:00.002-07:002013-08-24T17:48:29.152-07:0048. David Hafler DH-110 Preamplifier from 1985.I just got this preamp and hooked it up to my rebuilt and modified Dynaco ST-70 (also designed by David Hafler). Available as a kit, it was and continues to be popular due to it's upgradability and quality. It may be the best preamp available for under $200 in the used market today. I think it retailed for about $450, Anyway, I am very please! I can't wait to upgrade the phono section. It is now in my main rig. Here's a picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59i6dai4olToHgGy9_5zGdOV_rHouWYwSUWeRpcBIDvYKe750k0fG5sWJ3r8Nkerq1hTcTJ8JBQ7hoBUPIpPubQKu2euL_75MFeE7ZUss44cfKmgL0Bpuvi4Ll6WOUbnt8CGhFYqtN9g5/s1600/IMG_5959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59i6dai4olToHgGy9_5zGdOV_rHouWYwSUWeRpcBIDvYKe750k0fG5sWJ3r8Nkerq1hTcTJ8JBQ7hoBUPIpPubQKu2euL_75MFeE7ZUss44cfKmgL0Bpuvi4Ll6WOUbnt8CGhFYqtN9g5/s640/IMG_5959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-89525237729786000132013-07-28T17:12:00.001-07:002013-07-28T17:13:00.302-07:0047. JBL Aquarius 1 Speaker From 1971Available in walnut or satin white finish in 1971. A 10" woofer, 5" mid and 2" tweeter. The woofer and mid have a panel in front of them to disperse the sound in an unconventional way. I have no other information on this unusual speaker. Here's a picture of mine: (I wish I had two of them)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIF3ZoLxjXGvkzNN9MkDuFym0YPlYvp098oHiV_nz9mkCClxCSGEHpmjB_LQK_xgBBrHPs12mO7oVJ6a66IBGi6NEH8it_8iuTaMCI8nUYI9VbphxQDF66DxnUrclfQ51goYB0ASt7Y0f/s1600/Picture+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIF3ZoLxjXGvkzNN9MkDuFym0YPlYvp098oHiV_nz9mkCClxCSGEHpmjB_LQK_xgBBrHPs12mO7oVJ6a66IBGi6NEH8it_8iuTaMCI8nUYI9VbphxQDF66DxnUrclfQ51goYB0ASt7Y0f/s640/Picture+112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-49423790721695468792013-07-28T16:49:00.001-07:002013-07-28T16:49:44.174-07:0046. Pioneer PL-530 From 1976 Painted with a Texturized Bleach Stone Finish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2HD299QDyM3mIWJMrstaJ1P8lAbHnuy05TtPwMVZ9aKXdp5ifhyphenhyphenkhIEE0016D1piU4-dgr39XD2EdACNTHzprxb1pa1ZflMhjjluDZFHr4eqW3wbxjnvZR0SQD5RNtryA0ZQ-vC6RmBw/s1600/Picture+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2HD299QDyM3mIWJMrstaJ1P8lAbHnuy05TtPwMVZ9aKXdp5ifhyphenhyphenkhIEE0016D1piU4-dgr39XD2EdACNTHzprxb1pa1ZflMhjjluDZFHr4eqW3wbxjnvZR0SQD5RNtryA0ZQ-vC6RmBw/s640/Picture+062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The fake wood ultra thin vinyl was peeling badly. So I figured that it would be fun to try something new. I went for a distressed crackle effect and wasn't satisfied with it at all. I then went with the same finnish I had previously applied to a PL-518. I think it turned out okay.Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-22927557285011128542013-04-30T02:14:00.004-07:002013-04-30T02:17:02.005-07:0045. Pioneer HPM-100 Speakers, Stacked Head to Head.What kind of weirdo does this sort of thing? Um, me. Look at the picture. I have them stacked with the top pair upside down so that the tweeters are closer together. What's that you say? "That's not too weird"? Oh yeah? Well I have both pair stacked on top of a third pair that don't work. Now that's weird.<br />
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<br />Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136954791380260504.post-4657062508466099272013-04-29T18:07:00.002-07:002013-04-29T18:15:30.847-07:0044. Vintage 1965 Thorens TD-150 Turntable with Rega RB300 Tone Arm (1984)I just got it back from Bill at Ennis Audio. The Thorens TD-150 is truly a sleeping giant. The original AR suspension turntable was such a great and simple design that the good people at Thorens couldn't help buy rip it off and creat the TD-150. Six or seven years later Linn Sondek would totally rip the TD-150 off and make the LP12. Rather than drop a grand on the LP12, I think I'll stick with the TD-150 and an improved arm with a few mods and not be able to hear the difference. I'll take the money I saved and buy some vinyl. The old TP-13a tone arm has gone and been replaced by a Rega RB300. More base, nice and clear, an improvement! I am using an Ortofon FF 15 XE MKII and couldn't be happier. I'll post more info later, but for now, here's a picture of my "new" main table giving the Crow's <i><b>August and Everything After</b></i> a spin:<br />
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Ron Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09731378079853779708noreply@blogger.com1