Your retro Yamaha is gorgeous. Well done!
Thx
I'm super interested in getting awesome sound quality but have a limited knowledge base. I figure the best I could do is get a modern receiver (pioneer/Yamaha) and purchase some Bose speakers. I don't need loud music, I want quality music.
I have over 500 records but don't know much about vintage audio equipment. Definately something I would be interested in learning more about. I do however have a 1946 Viking Radio that needs new tubes.
Vintage audio stuff isn't tough to gain a little knowledge about.
The one main reason I was drawn to vintage audio was the way the equipment looked. But after doing some more listening and reading I realized that the sound quality and performance was top notch.
You have to look at it this way. Receiver manufacturers have always kept pricing relatively the same, even dating back to the 70's
The average sweet spot cost wise for receivers are always in the $300-$600 range. Being the most popular to the masses. Back then when a manufacturer sold an receiver at those prices, and say had $200 of the $600 as profit(just an example, I don't know for sure profit margins). They had $400 to spend on building that receiver. Now, let say you purchase a receiver for the same $600 today. The manufacturer will still profit $200(as they aren't going to compromise their profits). But here is the difference. Out of the $400 they have to build that receiver today, they now need to shell out a ton in licensing fees to Dolby, THX, Satellite radio, iPod docks and so on. So that $400 to build the receiver has now dropped to say $300. And guess where they save that money. That's right! On the components used to build that receiver! So if you're comparing apples to apples( $600-1970's receiver to $600-2016 receiver) you're technically getting an inferior receiver for the same amount of money if bought new.
I've also read a few articles that did direct comparison tests with vintage gear vs new gear. The one article compared an 1972 Pioneer receiver($1500 new) to a 2015 Denon receiver($3500 new) and the 1972 Pioneer blew it away for sound quality.
Just goes to show you that the really "Don't make them like they used to"
Since I've gotten into vintage gear. A few of my friends have switched over as well after seeing and hearing the difference with my system. I would recommend to anyone to look into vintage receivers if you're in the market for a new one or just want something for enjoying music to its fullest.
Most receivers that have had restoration done and in good cosmetic and working condition should run you $100 and up. Obviously the $100 is low power. As an example, we spent about $300 on our vintage Yamaha, and I'd do it again if I had to.
Just some food for thought if you guys are looking into a system for optimum music enjoyment.
@Dingets If I were you. I'd have a look at your local Kijiji ads to see what is available around you. Sure you can get a new Yamaha and Bose set up and it would sound good. But you could do much better if you took your time and found yourself some quality vintage gear. Tons of reviews and forums also dedicated to vintage audio stuff. I also don't mind answering some questions
