Most Wanted Vintage Stereo Pieces Today 

Beware of the scammer, please! We will not ask you to contact us outside of RU-vid!

I'm sure I can speak for most of your subscribers when I say I come here to be entertained and learn a great deal in the process, but the biggest reason why I keep coming back is your relaxing delivery. It's very therapeutic and thanks for that.

Oh, how I miss our record playing parties back in the 70's. A bunch of us would gather at our friends apartment and listen to our favorite records on Saturday nights. He had a Marantz receiver, Technics turntable, and speakers that were like 5 feet tall, (I forget the brand). We would "donate" LP's to his collection and then when we would gather, he would DJ. The amazing thing is that he was legally blind with like 20/100 vision but would find our request and cue it up on the turntable in a flash, perfectly, first time every time. Four early twenties couples, music, dancing, weed, beer, and...LOVE! ✌️

I was a stereo salesman at Tech Hi Fi in the 70 s , Fun to see the stuff I was selling still sells!

I have a great find. I found a tube Mcintosh stereo amp at a garage sale for $20 and works great!

Kevin, an old high school (1980) friend is visiting and we watched this. Then we reminisced for an hour or so about our systems back then, I showed him the stuff I still have including albums, turntables, receiver and a Discwasher with D2 fluid. Thanks for jogging those memories.

I’m 52 and these receivers bring back wonderful memories. They still look totally awesome.

I'm fortunate to own a Pioneer SX-980. Love this stereo and bought it new in 1977. Built my own speakers in high school, walnut veneer cabinets with 12" woofer, dome midrange and dome tweeter. Those speakers would handle anything that Pioneer threw at them and they sounded great.

Great video. Glad to see the vintage stereo stuff being recognized for how great they were. I still have my Pioneer SX9000 paired with my Pioneer CS77a speakers. Bought them in 71 while stationed overseas. Still sound great

I bought a Pioneer SX 1050 new in 1977 with a pair of HPM100 speakers. It was the jizz back then. Still using it!

Thank you, you brought tears to my eye's. In the 70's I lived in Tokyo Japan. There was a place down town where you could buy any and everything you wanted. The stereo's where stacked so high. Good times

A great list Kevin. Appreciate your efforts as always.

Always learn from your vids. Again ...your relaxing style always brings me back. I wish everyone today was as laid back with life. Keep on doing these!

I got the stereo bug in early 80s while in the Service overseas. I purchased various maker's recievers, equalizers, reel to reel, cassette players, and the list goes on. Much of my stuff are in custom built rack shelves behind a double lock door room. The gear boxes are as clean as the day purchased. Wife and kids (kids all moved on) knew i was dead serious in them never ever tell anyone what i own .. 😅

That was nice trip down memory lane, Thanks. I worked as a service engineer for Marantz UK in the early 80s, saw a lot of their receivers, amps, turntables and speakers. Was also lucky enough to own a few of their items up until the late 2000s. Thought about rebuilding a system, but current prices are just too high for the amount of use they'd get from me now. So, currently refurbishing a slightly damaged Leak Delta 70 with a Sony Belt drive TT and Sony speakers. All of them were acquired through Freecycle network at a total cost of only UK£10 - quite a bargain :-)

Really enjoy all of your videos. Absolutely love vintage stereo equipment. Such a fun community to engage in. 👍

I have a mint condition Marantz 2230 which I bought new in early 1976 and it has been professionally serviced twice for minor things. It still kicks butt! Nothing like the warmth of a Marantz receiver. I installed LED bulbs a couple of years ago and a custom black faceplate. It looks as good as it sounds!

Yes sir, I had Klipsch KG 4's which I purchased in 1985 from a US Army Post Exchange while stations in Nuremburg West Germany. I had them for roughly thirty years and eventually sold them to a collector for more than I purchased them for. I kept them in near pristine condition, so they sold within hours of listing them online. The guy that purchased them planned on connecting them to an old tube amp. Like you, I really enjoyed them.

I have that Maxell poster also, sitting under it right now. I don't have the L100's but I do have the L112's. Love that sound. Keep up the good work.

Just remembered that I have an old Sansui G-7000 sitting in my storage unit that my Dad handed down to me back in the day. I always thought it was an awesome unit with good power, but I had no idea anyone was still interested in these. Good to know! Thanks, man!

I have a pair of Herseys that I first picked up some twenty plus years ago That I still love. They handle Rock, classical and everything in between -- at low volume or rattling the windows. Just GREAT speakers.

Thanks for the time travel! Reminds me of the time I bought a Marantz 2215B for less than $200 new in 1977 when I was 17 years old. Also bought a Pioneer 112D entry-level turntable with an AudioTechnica cart. With quality headphones I discovered high fidelity

I started out with a Pioneer SX 950 receiver and a PL 71 direct drive turntable (Shure V15 type IV cartridge). I also bought a pair of Jensen Spectrum Series 550 Speakers. I still have the receiver and turntable. I really wish they still made the same level of quality today as they did back then. Over time I built a collection of Original Master Recordings, even today I prefer vinyl to other sources.

A few years back, while at the local dump, I spotted a receiver. Into the truck it went. It is now set up and ready for use. After watching your video, I checked and sure enough it is a Marantz 2270. Your video made my day. Now if I could go back and find a wood case for it. I love the look of the old wood cases.

Came across your channel recently. I bought my first serious stereo system June 1979. It was purchased at a popular company at the time called Tech HiFi. My system (3 pieces)contains a Philips 7851 receiver, Sanyo TP636 TT, pair of Infinity Qa speakers. Found the receipt today, paid $620 plus sales tax. Don't use it too much these days but really appreciate the quality of the components for the price I paid. Nice channel BTW.

I recall in the 70's going out with my dad buying my first component system. Receiver, speakers, turntable and eventually cassette system. Great experience

I had a Sansui 8080dB. It was a great receiver. Just spinning the selector knob was an experience. Beautiful dark walnut case, excellent face graphics. Mated with Bose 901s and the sound was perfect.

You are making some really awesome and informative videos ! Love your easy going delivery and nonchalant take on what is currently happening with our 70s gear. I bought a Pioneer SX636 new in 1976 and a set of Jennings Research Contreras pedestals to run it and my PL71 turntable through. Love the sound delivery and power and the system works flawlessly today. Added a 737 about 4 years ago to place in my other home which I picked up at an auction for under 200 bucks. Mint shape, perfect sound quality with 190 watts delivering clarity and power at a bargain rate. Never got the box or the papers with it but that's OK. If I ever need either serviced, I'll be heading your way with them wrapped in a blanket for you to work your magic. Thanks for your level of expertise ~

Always learning from you keep up the good work you do

I thought I knew a lot about vintage audio gear, but I keep learning from your video’s. Thank you!

I have my system from HS still... realistic sta-2080 and the lab-420 turn table. Still going strong after 42 years!!

GREAT VIDEO. BRINGS BACK MEMORIES WHEN I OWNED A PAIR OF L1OO'S HOOKED UP TO A SANSUI 9090 RECIEVER AND DUAL TURNTABLE 😊

Great video. Love the vintage electronics. Love those pieces mentioned in this video. I was lucky enough to have purchased a Marantz 2385 receiver along with a Marantz 5030B cassette player. Matched also is a Marantz 6350Q turntable. At the same time, connected a pro-20 dynamic processor to all above. I bought these pieces together along with a set of Altec Lansings model 14 speakers. I've had to re foam the speakers twice and had my receiver completely gone over and rebuilt with new caps etc by an experienced analog tech. Tuned system and dialed in to perform like new again. All pieces are in excellent condition and look beautiful in my home. The sound to my ears is exceptional and takes me back to the rock'n 70's. People always ask me if I would part with the system. I love the analog sound. In my opinion, can't be beat.

I agree with Vivaldi, there are always odd gems that can be found if you know what to look for. This is a very solid list, and one I agree with wholeheartedly. I absolutely love the lower wattage Pioneer receivers, for example, as they punch well above their numbers and are easy to work on given the simpler design. I have not owned ADS speakers, but I always wanted a set, but they were out of reach when I was younger. I would probably lose my mind in the brick and mortar store... well done Skylabs.

Yey! My receiver made no 1! Couldn't be happier with it. Sounds just wonderful. Wish I had the wood cabinet for it though.

Great vid, what fun. I'm 70 and have been through a lot of stuff over the years... Kudos

Excellent feature! In the eastern suburbs of Cleveland OH, we had 3 places that stood out for high end stereo equipment. Audio Warehouse, Tokyo Shapiro, and B-n-B Appliance. Those big Pioneer receivers were the gold standard! My dad had an SX-1250 with RtR column speakers, Infinity speakers with samarium cobalt tweeters, and Fishers with 15 inch woofers from 1972!

It's amazing, how beautiful pieces of hi-fi equipment the factories used to produce...

Love the clips that your team puts in the videos.!! Vintage audio rocks!!!.I bought shag carpeting to complete my set up. I have Marantz tape deck(I collect vintage Walkman's)..Sony 7045 and Heathkit speakers with original 1972 grills!. All perform like new. I honestly never thought I would have ever assembled my audio dream at 56years old of equipment from 1975 and before!! LONG LIVE VINTAGE AUDIO

Great list of gear. I have a pioneer sa9500 running a set of cornerhorns, and cornealls. Bought and finished them in the early 70s. Love the sound !My Sis has a set of heresy un used at her house. Had a concept 110 reciever that had problems. Sold it. Wish i still had it. Thanks for the review.

…..excellent chat thx 🍻 we all were throwing down back in the day. I miss all my audio gear. Still sitting on allot of vinyl 🎸🏴‍☠️⚡️

Kevin, glad to see you're doing well with your business. I really enjoy your channel. I have a few of the pieces you mentioned. I collected for a while then kids, family, & life got in the way. I do have a few more I hope to acquire in the not so distant future. My grown kids think I'm foolish. It's "Dad, dump the junk so we don't have to". My bucket list is short, Sansui 9090, Pioneer CT-9191, & perhaps the SX-1250. I'm at a point I already have more than I need so if happens fine, if not fine. Take Care, Joe

Thanks for a great review. I used to sell audio in Canada in the 70's and I have fond memories. I ended up with a Luxman system and some Onkyo equipment along with a Sony Integrated amp and an old MacIntosh system.

Excellent video. You have a stereo paradise.

What a fantastic post! My father gave me his “old” Sansui receiver and Advent speakers from the 70’s for college (1986). I hooked a Sony Walkman up to the receiver…..and it sounded great! I still remember being worried about the wood housing on the receiver catching fire while jamming Boston, Led Zepplin and Genesis at near max volume. Fantastic memories…..those stereo’s/speakers were tanks!

My 1976 college intro to stereo gear was from a ex military classmate's system. Pioneer receiver, ESS AMT 1's, Philips 212 turntable. Big TEAC reel to reel too.

Still have my Pioneer sx750 and my Technics 1200. Bought them in 1977/78 and they still work !

Hi! I own a 2270. No wood version. Building on my birth year! Crazy! It's a warm amplifier. Great for old recordings, and for all people liking smooth sound. But it's not a reference linear amp. When i work with Cubase i switch to a more recent amp. You give me interest to search a new source switch. Mine had bad contacts... Thanks for your very interesting videos! Greatings from France! 🥰

Owned a Marantz 1550 bought new way back when. Loved it. Nice

Good list! Have all other than the 730 twin I have had a couple in the past few years. Enjoy your content I started collecting back in the 70s It's not as bad an addiction as many others Zlol@😊

Back in the day (1980’s) I had a full stack of NAD components linked to 5’ high Waferdale speakers that weighted a ton. I felt like a KING. I remember one specific time when it blew a sliding door clear out of its tracks! 😁

Just found this channel. I can really appreciate your take on vintage audio. Several years back I went through a stage of buying pioneer receivers. I had a SX-8 that I bought new and it died. So I went shopping on ebay started with the 1080, 1250, 1280 and the daddy sx1980. I think the most I paid was 1300.00 for the 1980. Still running the 1250. I need to get the 1980 serviced it's got a channel that drops in and out. I don't know where to take it, here in PA. area. Oh well I gotta check out the rest of your channel. Keep them coming thanks.

My favorite piece of equipment that I own is an old Technics by Panasonic SA-80. I was out junking one day and heading down one side street, I saw an old man put this old receiver on top of his trash can. I stopped and ask him what was wrong with it and he said it sat for a long time and when he hooked it up, one channel wasn't working. I said I would look at it and took it home. Found out that all that was wrong was dirty contacts in the input selector. I cleaned up all the contacts and it's been working perfectly ever since. It doesn't put out huge amounts of wattage, but it sounds so sweet. And the AM/FM tuner really pulls in weak stations nicely and it has a meter that shows signal strength.

I have my dads JBL L100 and his Marantz 2265. As a kid. I was always so impressed by the sound and I asked him a few years back if he still had them. He did and gave them to me!

...and here I am, collecting one of the most un-desired brands of audio, Bang & Olufsen. Though I also own some pretty cool Pioneer gear, but I really love my B&O and the magic of those systems is a huge part of what draws me in.

I still have my Harmon Kardon 430, bought it in 1976. I have kept it clean and never had an issue. It still sounds great.

“It happens to all of us” at 8:55, Truer words have never been spoken.

I've got a Pioneer SX-1010 and a Pioneer SX-1250, and I love 'em both. I swap them out every once in awhile, and they're both just great sounding receivers that sound great through my Large Advents. The 70's really were a golden age for stereo gear.

I restored a Harmon Kardon 730 and 930 from the 70s. There are none better. Twin power and discreet components makes for pure sound.

Excellent! I owned the Pioneer SX-1080 RCVR for 25 years. I NEVER made the switch to "Home Theater" just because that thing rocked so much. It's tuner was very exotic and expensive- with specs that EXCEEDED that of the famous Crown FM1. I put a dual dipole in my attic and got every FM station within a few hundred miles. That thing was in a league all it's own. The ONE issue it had, was the way the amplifier was made- custom dual output transistor packs, the damping factor was on the low side. When you would drive big woofers at high volumes, they would dance all over the place. I later switched to a huge pro-audio amp for my subs- it had MANY output transistors per push/pull side- high damping factor- the bass was much tighter- the 15's and later 18's would hardly move- total control. I was often asked what those small pieces of plastic below the glass were for. Even in the 1980's digital presets on FM receivers were the norm. Into the later 2000's, I would show people that those pieces of plastic slide along the length.. and are used to mark your FM stations. Then they would give me this look like I was out of my mind. Between the dual tape deck and duplicate function and pre-amp OUT/IN, you could easily insert the rcvr into a chain of other audio devices, and use the duplicate function to insert an EQ into the signal as well- that was really nice. I ended up using that rcvr for Pro-Audio work on many occasions. 120W per channel into some efficient mid or mid-high horns is all you need to blow somebody's head clean off. Ahhhhh, the memories..... the calls to the local police dept. Ha Ha Ha.....

I work in the hifi/ high end industry in Portugal for 30 years plus, the last 14 at Ultimate Audio, we are importers of some of the best high end brands in the world,but since im 61 years old,i always loved all the great products from the 70,80,90...i have some in my colection mainly Sony Es who still work fine,and my first receiver the Akay AR 20 from 1980 still with beautifull sound with Jbl studio monitor 4315.thank you for the video.

I've only had one system. Used some reenlistment bonus once to buy a Marantz Gold system ( I don't recall model numbers). Receiver, turntable, dual cassette deck, 2 floor speakers. It looked beautiful and sounded better. Played a lot of ZZ TOP, Led Zeppeplin, and Black Sabbath on it while learning guitar. Had an tour overseas, and sadly, it was gone when I got back. Fair winds and following seas to all.

I bought a JVC separate stack system in a glass front cabinet circa 8 years ago on eBay (UK) for £110. It still had the blue film on the aluminium and original receipt from 1982 for £599. That was a chunk of money back then. Since then I’ve bought a few different vintage JVC units. Playing vinyl loudly at home is just unbeatable.

I have the JBL 4411 and love them. I still have things like a Marantz 2270 as well as several HH Scott amplifiers and receivers including a 299C, 222C, 340 and 399. The Marantz 2270 sounds amazing through JBL 4411 speakers. The 2270 has an excellent and quiet phono stage and I use mine with a turntable all the time.

I have a pair of epi 500 built in the late 70s and they rock. I redone the foam edges surrounds. I drive them with a marantz 140 x 140 .. love them

Back in the early 1980s...I had a pair of Realistic Mach 1 speakers from Radio Shack. Used them for DJ'ing. Wish I still had them.

In the mid seventies I bought a pair of JBL L26 speakers and a Sansui AU-7700 integrated Amp with a belt drive Sansui TT. I later added a TU-7700 tuner. It was by far the cleanest sounding stereo I'd heard. I've upgraded over the years but that system is what I miss most.

Great video, I hope you have a wonderful 2024. Looking forward to some great videos. I’ve got a road trip planned this summer. Maybe I’ll detour up your way.

I remember Cerwin Vega speakers and how much I liked them since my first component stereo set in 1984. I think I opted for the Sansui S-530 speakers because of price but that is the only part of my original component set that is still in use today, and I believe these speakers will outlive me.

Excellent video, both happy and a bit dismayed that the HK twin power cat is out of the box. Got my HK 730 several years ago for $350.00. Never letting it go.

I love my Marantz 2500, Pioneer 1980 and Sansui 9001 (quad) receivers. But my favorite is Sansui 1000A receiver. Bought them cheap in late 1990s thru early 2000s. Totally lucked out

You sort of mentioned my receiver (the models on both sides of it), I picked up a Pioneer SX-880 brand new when I was in junior high. I had it stored for decades after the last time the power switch delay broke, but I had it cleaned up and repaired recently, it sounds better than any of the junk I've used since then.

I still have my Marantz 2245 that I bought on a military base when I was stationed on Okinawa. It was serviced a couple of times and it still works great!

I still have my 35 year old kenwood. It runs like a champ 👌

I'd also say a Kenwood KR6600 is very nice, good inputs and 54 or 56 a channel.

I was one of those military stereo purchasers, with my Kenwood receiver, Adcom amp for the center and rear channels, and powering my Infinity RS 7000 tower speakers, while letting my Carver amp take my Bose 901s as R & L front. My rear speakers were Bose 601s. I had a Nakamichi tape deck, a Kenwood 6 CD player, and a Yamaha 550 EQ. I lost it all in a pack out that never made it back on my departure from the military. I wished I still had it all, it was such a sweet-sounding system at nearly all volumes.

I have a Sansui G-6700. I bought it used in 1999. I like it. It has that 70's classic look and power. I have some Pioneer CS-G303 speakers hooked up to it. Powerful old school stereo.

I always liked the H.H. Scott (pre-Japan) stuff, tube and transistor separates, and they had fantastic tuners too!

In my day it was Marantz McIntosh Yamaha and Pioneer. I still have all my original top of the line equipment and their boxes. Yamaha receiver, turn table,. Nakamich Dragon cassette player, Yamaha NS1000 monitors. Dual walnut cabnet, subwoofer and equalizer. Everything works perfectly. The sound is unbelievable to youth today. The goal in my day was if you closed your eyes you would think the musicians were playing there in your room. Often I was like the maxwell ads...sitting in my chair absorbed in the music.

Nice memory lane trip. I still have my Fisher st-835 speakers I bought around 1985. Still sound great and in great comdition.

I still have my Marantz 2325 receiver, Sony PS-X50 turntable, Akai cassette player and HD 880 speakers. Bought most of these items in the late 70’s. Loved cranking out the tunes, then and now.🤘✌️

Good list. The one thing I really expected to see on the list, but wasn't was the Pioneer HPM-100's. Great party speakers.

Harmon-Kardon - sweet sounding receivers.

Great list! Most of my setup is vintage. Marantz 2325 with wc43 case Klipsch Forte 1's & CV DX9 But i went new with my turntable, VPI Super Prime Scout. When I'm blasting any type of rock or metal, those DX9 are untouchable. Perfect speakers for rock, metal or hip hop. The Forte get the most play though since they're a bit smaller and the wife doesn't like me rattling the entire house.

Great video. I bought a Marantz 2230 with money saved from my paper route in the mid 1970s. During college, my apartment was burglarized and it was stolen. I bought another on ebay a few years ago, but still have not set it up. Still figuring out what speakers will be best and how to connect with the computer, etc.

I bought my Harman/Kardon 730 back in 2016. It was affordable compared to now - which go for astronomical prices...and that's just for parts and repair.

I love my 430 & 730 both recapped 🎉😊

When my brother was in the U.S. Navy in 1975-1978 he was going to be in Japan for a few weeks so he sent me a JVC stereo catalog. I bought the whole system including, graphic equalizer receiver , two six way speakers w/ control knobs and lattice covers, cassette player and automatic push button turn table. I still have the complete working system.

Bought the Sansui G 5700 with JBL 4312's in 1979, still have and still use. best sound ever!

Another enjoyable installment. Still have my 780 that I snagged from SC, and probably will never sell it -- I know, it is not a 980. I completely agree with your 1,2, and 3. Actually, would like to own all of them. If I was not selling at Franklin Music, a pair of Pioneer HPM-100s, I was selling a pair of L-100s. Loved them both, and want to own a pair of each. Enjoyed crashing into the "Live Event" towards the end. Rip

A local pawn shop has the JBL L100s with the orange "waffle" grilles for sale, look like new, but for 1,000 CDN$ !! I thought the orange was an odd color choice for the grilles, but it would have fit in with mid to late 1970s decor.

My husband was a musician and has a lot of units and old pa system l think l need to check out what he has he brought a lot back in the 70s thank you for sharing this information

New to channel.. interesting subject… loved vintage stuff since it was new 🤣🤣🤣🤣. I tried to reclaim my best friends old hi fi from my ex-girlfriend years ago for his 50th. I bought it off him… Pioneer/Rotel and Wharfedale … shame she had no ideas where it had gone!! I tried to replace (I even had the pink Floyd stickers!!!). Great list 👍🏼👍🏼

Your videos are always so informative! I wish I could be nearby to walk into your shop!

i have 2 PIONEER SX-1980 RECEIVERS. one that i have used since i purchased the day they came out with no issues at all. and i had the intelligence to purchase one to just keep sealed in its original box which is still put away factory sealed today. i also purchased 4 pair of BIC VENTURI FORMULA 6. in my opinion one of the best speakers ever made and were made in the USA. as with the pioneer SX-1980 that is still sealed i have a pair of the BIC VENTURI FORMULA 6 FACTORY SEALED.

JBL L100 set picked up by the side of a apartment complex dumpster, cases a little shop worn but function perfectly, good find.

I just subscribed. It is great to see a channel talking about vintage stereo equipment from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and even somewhat newer WITHOUT falling into promoting tube based equipment. The only downside to stereo receivers of that era is the remote controls are rather rare. For daily use I want something a bit newer just for the convenience and laziness factor of not having to get up to make adjustments. Lastly, I love that you aren't promoting (at least so far as I've seen) multi-thousand dollar items and snake-oil cables, etc.

Really good and timely clip! Happy to see you coming back with more! PS: Is there any market for vintage pioneer cassette decks? (have several in the garage)

Informative, thanks Kevin. I'm a little surprised that for speakers the HPM-100s aren't on this list. Maybe for Part 2?

I just rebuilt a barn rescue VM 816 with that crazy "push/pull" amp. Quite possibly the best vintage stereo toob amp I've had the pleasure to lay hands on. I know it's not on the list or even in the periphery... but whooo, the sound. I have a decent Sherwood with Dual 1219 and cs88s for my daily, but I'm preety sure I'm going to store all that for the Voice of Music 816 console. It sounds warmer with better clarity and just looks so damn good. IMHO...