Start me up

[cwood74]

As someone who's just starting out in the world of vintage audio (bit of a "noob" I guess), I'd really appreciate some recommendations on a great starter system.

Earlier this week, a few people pointed me in the direction of a Marantz 2325 in response to my posts about a $500 Mac system I saw for sale. I really like what I've read about the Marantz (I have yet to audition one) but there doesn't seem to be an over-abundance of these works of art kicking around. I like what I've read about the Sansui AU-9500 but I'll probably have to stand in a long line before I'm lucky enough to bring home one of those bad boys.

Am I setting my sights too high? Should I start off with something simpler until I develop that true appreciation for greatness? What, in your opinion would make a great starter set-up to give me a really good taste of what vintage audio is all about?

The room I'm working with is smallish (about 10 x 10). I own a Technics 1200 turntable so to round it out, I'm leaning toward an integrated amp receiver and a pair of speakers. I'd like to keep things in the $700 - 800 range but if you think there's something I just can't live without, I can be flexible.

[poppachubby]

You live in Toronto but can't find a Marantz?!? Here's an ad from Kijiji, the 2238B is aruguably one of the finest amps they made. This one looks to be perfect, even lighting up. You could probably talk him down price wise a bit, but in that condition you're buying a real gem.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-Vintage-Marantz-Receiver-2238B-W0QQAdIdZ185106432

[cwood74]

I think I was hung up on the the idea that I needed a 2325. Again, still learnin' the ropes.

[blackraven]

Buy as much quality equipment as you can comfortably afford, don't skimp. Sound quality generally improves as you move up in price. You are obviously interested in good sound by the virtue of you joining this forum. Me personally, I would love to have some vintage Mac is good working condition, but vintage Marantz and Sansui are good too.

The thing about vintage Mac is that you can usually get them refurbished and up to spec. I don't know about the Marantz and Sansui.

[Mr Peabody]

Some older Harmon Kardon or their Citation would be good. HK is notorious for under rating their receivers so don't get caught up on the power output rating. I haven't seen any HK from the 70's so I'm not sure if it will meet your vintage taste. Performance is good though from what I've experienced.

[02audionoob]

How about this for a nice starter system...

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA340A

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA540P

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENC300

I know it's not vintage, but hey...it's under warranty. A little Marantz gear, just for fun...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/3013799518_98f0b4924b.jpg

[poppachubby]

Shameless photo opp...

[02audionoob]

Guilty as charged.

[Mr Peabody]

I know you are looking for vintage but have you ever seen the Shanling gear? Also a bit out of budget but just for your viewing pleasure check this: http://www.spearitsound.com/shanling/shanling_mc3000.asp

This is cheaper, low power but is said to really sound great for the money http://www.spearitsound.com/jolida/FX10.asp

Here's one other new option that could give a vintage sound; http://www.spearitsound.com/Music_Hall/mmhcd252_a252.asp

[02audionoob]

Shanling does indeed make some nice-looking gear...

http://www.spearitsound.com/shanling/shanling_images/a3000ftt.jpg

[cwood74]

All great suggestions. That Jolida FX10 looks fantastic. Thanks. If anyone else has any other ideas to share, I'm still opinion shopping. Reccos on speakers would be great too.

[Mr Peabody]

These have a good buzz going http://www.amazon.com/Mordaunt-Short-Avant-902i-Monitor-Loudspeaker/dp/B002OTYGNW I think you can find them for $225.00 at another online site.

I also like Paradigm. I've heard Dali that I like but not sure the starting point on price. Wharfdale is usually a good value speaker. If deciding on the FX10 or something similarly low power you should stick with speakers 89dB or higher sensitivity.

These are around 90dB and I believe start at $499.00 pr. http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/products/silver-rx I heard a Gold series monitor that was pretty impressive but it was $1.5k.