• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Advice on purchasing headphones for old stereo

G

GGonzo

Member
I have an old (late 1970's models) stereo system that consists of an Akai 1730D-SS Reel to Reel, Technics SL-Q3 Record Player, Marantz ST-2020 Stereo Tuner, Nikko NA-550 Integrated Amplifier, Pioneer CT-F500 Stereo Cassette Tape Deck and a Spectro Acoustics 2102 Graphic Equalizer. I'm interested in buying some headphones, ideally from the late 70's as well, to use with it. I would love some advice, I don't know much about headphones or compatibility issues... Any input would be appreciated :)
 
Register to hide this ad
Unlike many vintage receivers, amps, etc., I think headphone technology and sound have advanced significantly since the 70's. I may be wrong.

That is unless you are trying to assemble an all vintage system for reasons other than listening to them.
 
Panasonic RP HTX7

Old school look with modern improvements, and should not be a problem for the equipment listed. Lots of colors to match most themes. Sound good. Low cost. Won't look out of place at all. :) Happy Hunting!
 
The retro look of these Senheiser Momentums would be the perfect fit, and if you don't like the look they come in a plethora of colors.

Martin


momentumfrontside.jpg
 
Thank you so much Mysteryed and Kingshead, I will check out both of these options. It's taken me several months to clean and restore all the stereo equipment (the systems been in my family since the early 80's) and buying some headphones to go with it is the Pièce de résistance! I deeply appreciate your time!
 
Kingshead said:
The retro look of these Senheiser Momentums would be the perfect fit, and if you don't like the look they come in a plethora of colors.

Martin


momentumfrontside.jpg
Click to expand...

Martin: Great suggestion. A definite step up from the Pannys.
GGonzo: I like the idea of rescuing a family history system. All the best!
 
Mysteryed - Thanks! It was indeed a labor of love. I had no experience what-so-ever in restoration or even cleaning inside stereo equipment (although I had successfully cleaned and repaired my boys xBox about two months prior to starting the stereo project).
I learned everything I needed to know from the fine folks on this site... 36 years worth of dust, dirt, bugs, soot from a house fire, rust spots and...hair? thick lint perhaps? never figured it out, but they were all covering the internals of every piece of equipment....probably wouldn't have started the project if I'd known what I was getting myself in to, it's good to be clueless sometimes ;)
 
Old cameras only work with old film so, old amps only work with old phones. :)

Looking for something that looks vintage gets me to the Koss Pro4 series. Looks have changed so little since introduced most persons turn away thinking they are old looking.
 
If you're looking for a system matching accessory that you're never going to use buy something vintage off of EBay. But if you want to actually listen to these headphones new is the way to go. Headphone technology has come so far that only the most high end vintage cans still carry favor today.

AKG K240S
e2a8a7ar.jpg


AKG K612 Pro
yqyhysa5.jpg


Grado SR80e
uvy8abyg.jpg


Beyerdynamic DT770
a3e2yhej.jpg


These cans have a classic look and can be had for under $200. Read some reviews then place your order with B&H Photo Video (family owned business who's prices compete well with Amazons).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I used to have a pair of Sennheiser HD-420. Still have them today. They are still useful although I find the newer HD-650 on a totally different class. But still use the HD-420 at times and they sound decent and also revealing.
 
RamblinE - thanks for the info. I checked them out, unfortunately most of them are out of my price range...a few are within it though and I will do further research on those. Thanks again, I appreciate your help! :)
 
GGonzo said:
RamblinE - thanks for the info. I checked them out, unfortunately most of them are out of my price range...a few are within it though and I will do further research on those. Thanks again, I appreciate your help! :)
Click to expand...

Let's narrow the field:
Budget:
Open or closed cup:
Dynamic or electrostatic:
Termination, 1/4" 3.5mm:
New or used:
Types or musical preferences:
 
Brian said:
Let's narrow the field:
Budget:
Open or closed cup:
Dynamic or electrostatic:
Termination, 1/4" 3.5mm:
New or used:
Types or musical preferences:
Click to expand...


Budget: under $50 plus shipping (ideal)
Open or closed cup: closed, so it covers the ears
Dynamic or electrostatic: ....crickets are chirping in my head...I have no clue as to the answer
Termination, 1/4" 3.5mm: I believe 1/4", I've checked the manual for the reel to reel and tape player and can't find an exact size for the headphone jack
New or used: used is fine with me, as long as it functions properly.
Types or musical preferences: I listen to, quite literally, every type of music...reel to reel tapes and records are Rock (Beatles, Led Zeppelin type), Metal (AC/DC, Judas Priest) or oldies.
 
Price range eliminates electrostatics so that's out, but the problem is, it also eliminates most decent headphones. Used could be an option, but I would worry more about their condition than a used pair of speakers, remember these were on someone else's head.

Martin
 
GGonzo said:
Budget: under $50 plus shipping (ideal)
Open or closed cup: closed, so it covers the ears
Dynamic or electrostatic: ....crickets are chirping in my head...I have no clue as to the answer
Termination, 1/4" 3.5mm: I believe 1/4", I've checked the manual for the reel to reel and tape player and can't find an exact size for the headphone jack
New or used: used is fine with me, as long as it functions properly.
Types or musical preferences: I listen to, quite literally, every type of music...reel to reel tapes and records are Rock (Beatles, Led Zeppelin type), Metal (AC/DC, Judas Priest) or oldies.
Click to expand...

Sounds like 1/4" jack and with the budget and sound source electrostats not practicable.

Used will get most bang for the buck in that range provided the ear cushions are good or are currently replaceable. A good cleaning usually is all the that is needed to wipe off built up oils, dirt, etc.

I still would recommend a set of Koss Pro4AAs or AAAs because pads are available and they may fall under the lifetime warranty.
 
Kingshead said:
Price range eliminates electrostatics so that's out, but the problem is, it also eliminates most decent headphones. Used could be an option, but I would worry more about their condition than a used pair of speakers, remember these were on someone else's head.

Martin
Click to expand...

They usually can be cleaned fairly easily. Bigger problem is replacement ear cushions if the originals are toast.
 
I don't say this too often. I have them and I think they are too heavy and uncomfortable. But if you EBay the Koss Pro4 you can get a vintage design that is still in production. They came with a life time warranty and Koss honors it with second hand owners. They'll refurb them for you for a pittance.

They still sound good. Again I just think they're too heavy. Since you want a period piece though could be a good option.

A secondary option could be the used AKG K240 Monitor. The design of these have not changed in decades. You could buy a secondary parts model if needed and rebuild to a full single unit. That's the more DIY approach though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom