The vintage hi-fi market is buzzing! Classic gear like vacuum-tube amplifiers and horn-loaded loudspeakers are now selling for far more than they originally cost. Listening bars, popular in Japan, are popping up in cities like New York and Los Angeles. These spots feature cool-jazz LPs played on old-school systems while bartenders serve Scotch whisky that’s younger than the audio gear. There’s something special about the way music sounds on these vintage pieces. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s an experience.
Loudspeaker designer Andrew Jones explains, “Vintage systems can be more engaging.” He’s worked with famous brands like KEF, Infinity, and Pioneer. Jones emphasizes that using this gear takes patience and dedication. It’s about being involved in the music.
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Some classic speakers, such as the Altec 604 and Quad ESL 57, still hold up well against modern ones. They were made in the 1940s and 1950s and can deliver great sound, but they do have some limits. However, today’s designs have improved on these weaknesses. Jones notes that how a person perceives sound can vary, so what defines “great sound” can be different for each listener. “We can only guess how things sounded back then,” he says, explaining that some people might not care about technical perfection.
Throughout his career, Jones has taken cues from older technology to create new products. One example is the Coherent Source Transducer (CST) he worked on for TAD Laboratories. He believes that exploring past techniques can spark new ideas.
Today, old tech like field-coil transducers is being used by companies such as Songer Audio and Voxativ. Advances in technology have also enhanced sound and reliability, making old designs more viable.
If you’re considering a vintage setup, keep in mind that some older gear, particularly from the mid-1960s to the 1980s when transistors took over, may not sound great. Many enthusiasts prefer tube amps and preamps from brands like McIntosh and Marantz, paired with classic speakers like Altec Lansing and JBL.
There are many places to find timeless gear. Local shops sell both new and used equipment, while sites like Audiogon and eBay can offer unique finds. Brands like McIntosh and Klipsch still make improved versions of their classic products from decades ago.
Jones sums it up nicely: “A vintage system captures the same sound as when those old recordings were made. It’s like a time machine; we revisit the past to better understand the present.”
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