MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
Why basically, post twice? Would have been easier to quote and post in the same post.
Am I hopelessly dated with my gear? Upgrades?
- Thread starter Azimuth
- Start date
Why basically, post twice? Would have been easier to quote and post in the same post.
markmcmuz
Well-Known Member
Recently brought down my SL-Q2 from the attic, cleaned and lubed it installed some RCAs and bought a new AT cart. Sounds pretty good to me. Stopped me from buying a $1000 tt plus cart!
BilboBaggins
Addicted Member
I've been into vintage since when it wasn't vintage. That being said, I jumped on the new upgrade bandwagon as most everyone did when CDs came out and continued for years. The last new thing I bought was an early Sony Home Theatre system. My previous new purchase was a pair of Bose 8.2s. I was never totally happy with the bose, but started to like them once I got the sony HTR. That lasted until my ears adjusted to the prologic sound. Then I went back to a McIntosh MAC1900, and then new speakers, and then I was changing bits of everything for about 5 or 6 years. That has slowed down, and I'm quite happy with the vintage gear that I have now. Not changing anything these days. You have some good gear. Your weakest link in my opinion is the Yamaha. Paradigm 7s are quite nice. They still have a pretty good resale value too. And the Technics is solid. If you do decide to upgrade your receiver, pay attention to the current capabilities of the new one. Paradigms perform best with a good high power amp. Maybe you can buy to try something and ship it back if you don't like it?
Azimuth
Well-Known Member
I’m not as familiar with this format as you are.
MacGM
Member
I'll agree that the Yamaha is the weakest link, but still a respectable amp in its own right.
80wpc of clean Yamaha power is going to be miles better than most new sub $1000 integrated amps.
It's downfall is it's video side, just extra stuff to create noise that doesn't need to be there.
If you can run in pure direct and switch the LCD display off then it's going to be as good as any similar powered Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon etc from the same era, as well as hold its own against modern equivalents.
80wpc of clean Yamaha power is going to be miles better than most new sub $1000 integrated amps.
It's downfall is it's video side, just extra stuff to create noise that doesn't need to be there.
If you can run in pure direct and switch the LCD display off then it's going to be as good as any similar powered Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon etc from the same era, as well as hold its own against modern equivalents.
Azimuth
Well-Known Member
I have no intention of entering a debate or proving anything. I seem to have rubbed you the wrong way. If I have offended you by saying I wasn’t looking for a new table, I’m sorry. I’m not a usual poster here and I may have made a mistake. I thought the point of this hobby and this site is that we’re all friends and support each other. I will continue to think that way.
Azimuth
Well-Known Member
Thank you for this. Very helpful.
MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
My comment that you quoted wasn’t even directed at you. It was for markmcmuz. Go back and reread the post. I have no skin in the game if you buy another turntable or not. That’s your choice and I would never pretend to stir that decision.
540 posts. I’d say you have some experience here.
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Azimuth
Well-Known Member
Other cartridges I have are: Shure M95ED, Shure M97ED/HE, Audio Technica AT440MLa, Ortofon OM 10, Audio Technica AT14 with ATN13 stylus. I like the Shures and the Ortofon is OK, but I have never liked the rather subdued sound of the Audio Technicas. Maybe it’s something I’m missing. I have styli for all of them, but mostly use the V15 III.
MacGM
Member
I've never got on with Shures that I've used. So far a 44-7 and a 72 something..
They were fine but didn't get the feet tapping the way my vintage Empires or Ortofon's do.
I've also got an OM20, not as good as the vintage models, and have had an AT95e and an ATVM95e, and various lower designations similar to the 3600L.
They work, they're ok, just never wowed me.
I'm sure they work great for many people, but the systems I've been running seem to match well with the vintage carts I've mentioned.
Any chance you'd want to move that 440MLa on?
Pretty sure you could sell that pretty easy..
seems like you're just looking for validation of your equipment
so here goes, yes it's older mid-fi gear that could be improved upon but as you state you're happy then it's perfect for your needs.
If really wanting to spend some money on upgrades without breaking the bank no reason you have to look at new.
1. stepping away from receivers into separates, even an integrated, these can usually be had for under $400. Notice the clean architechtual layout of it's true dual mono design paying obvious homage to the legendary Trio 600 Supreme.
2. stepping up to a higher tier table (hint, doesn't have to be a Technics), as you require at least semi-auto, Kenwood KD-770D can often be found for around $450
3. moving to a mc cartridge, just saw one NIB sell on eBay for $299
4. adding a subwoofer or two as mentioned, the Dayton Audio Sub1200 from Parts Express at $150 is a huge bargain, they make great speaker stands too.
Getting back to your table, your music genre of choice has absolutely zero to do with a tables drive method, my best table by a large margin is belt drive.
The current bargain of the vinyl playback world, the Well Tempered Lab Turntable. Originally sold for $3495 back in 1985, I've seen 4 this past year sell for around $800, picked mine up 18months ago for $650 lol.
so here goes, yes it's older mid-fi gear that could be improved upon but as you state you're happy then it's perfect for your needs.
If really wanting to spend some money on upgrades without breaking the bank no reason you have to look at new.
1. stepping away from receivers into separates, even an integrated, these can usually be had for under $400. Notice the clean architechtual layout of it's true dual mono design paying obvious homage to the legendary Trio 600 Supreme.
2. stepping up to a higher tier table (hint, doesn't have to be a Technics), as you require at least semi-auto, Kenwood KD-770D can often be found for around $450
3. moving to a mc cartridge, just saw one NIB sell on eBay for $299
4. adding a subwoofer or two as mentioned, the Dayton Audio Sub1200 from Parts Express at $150 is a huge bargain, they make great speaker stands too.
Getting back to your table, your music genre of choice has absolutely zero to do with a tables drive method, my best table by a large margin is belt drive.
The current bargain of the vinyl playback world, the Well Tempered Lab Turntable. Originally sold for $3495 back in 1985, I've seen 4 this past year sell for around $800, picked mine up 18months ago for $650 lol.
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SterlingOne
Super Member
Just one upgrade idea, buy the Jico SAS-B stylus for your V15 type III. I find it sounds better, in all manner better can be discerned, than the Shure V15V-MR. It is now my daily driver replacing an AT-VM540ML.
SterlingOne
Super Member
One more thing, buy a used Airport Express snd then you can enjoy wireless streaming to your system.
Azimuth
Well-Known Member
Thanks. This is very helpful. Not looking for validation, so much as not wanting to imply that I was anxious to get rid of things or spend just for the sake of spending. On this forum (and others) it is common to see people recommend all kinds of things that suit their ample budgets and lifestyles, but are not for everyone. As a senior on a modest pension, I may be a minority when it comes to this hobby.seems like you're just looking for validation of your equipment
so here goes, yes it's older mid-fi gear that could be improved upon but as you state you're happy then it's perfect for your needs.
If really wanting to spend some money on upgrades without breaking the bank no reason you have to look at new.
1. stepping away from receivers into separates, even an integrated, these can usually be had for under $400. Notice the clean architechtual layout of it's true dual mono design paying obvious homage to the legendary Trio 600 Supreme.
View attachment 2357499
View attachment 2357500
2. stepping up to a higher tier table (hint, doesn't have to be a Technics), as you require at least semi-auto, Kenwood KD-770D can often be found for around $450
View attachment 2357498
3. moving to a mc cartridge, just saw one NIB sell on eBay for $299
View attachment 2357502
4. adding a subwoofer or two as mentioned, the Dayton Audio Sub1200 from Parts Express at $150 is a huge bargain, they make great speaker stands too.
View attachment 2357501
Getting back to your table, your music genre of choice has absolutely zero to do with a tables drive method, my best table by a large margin is belt drive.
The current bargain of the vinyl playback world, the Well Tempered Lab Turntable. Originally sold for $3495 back in 1985, I've seen 4 this past year sell for around $800, picked mine up 18months ago for $650 lol.
View attachment 2357522
this "hobby" doesn't have to be expensive, all of my gear is worth more today than I paid for it, it's like having a fun savings account lol.
If you purchase popular pieces like the Klipsch Heresy, the series 1 can often be found for $400. What I paid for both of my pair, when looking to replace one set I sold them for $400 lol. I like getting to use gear for 5yrs for free.
Also look for pieces that fly under the radar, like the Well Tempered Lab Turntable, or the AR58S.
These beauties are every bit a classic AR 12" 3/way from their dome midrange to their furniture grade cabinets, but due to sharing their 58 designation to lesser AR models they're a hidden gem, although the light is starting to shine on them.
I picked up a pristine pair to replace the Heresys for $275
none of my equipment was expensive, I set searches on eBay and wait until I see something in my price range, or make offers, the worse they can do is say no.
many here don't believe the prices I get my gear for, and I've helped several here score some great deals, like a Kenwood KD-500 with a Grace G707 arm for $310 a couple of months ago.
this table was actually relisted as no-one bid on it, even after I alerted the members here. apparently they were spooked because the seller only had a history of 1 sale lol, so another member I alerted in a PM picked it up for $310.
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50nstillhifi
Super Member
I think we should be careful of the term "vintage" and "old gear" given some of the best gear is now in consoles.. shelf units.. and some museums (Tube Museum), throughout, and in homes in the Americas. I believe most gear is for directed audiences and will get caught up in what it can and can't do. I have heard basic Yamaha "natural sound" systems, with one or two-component add ons, basic bookshelf speakers that sounded fantastic. But they were not for club use 
or impressing the neighbors, just good reproduced sound .
As in all other industries and entertainment forums, it's all about "application". Once the application is met, then a determination can be fairly measured for whether or not "the
system" delivers what is desired. I really think some of this is about "perspective".. and this is ever-changing and in a market economy, forever influenced 
or impressing the neighbors, just good reproduced sound .As in all other industries and entertainment forums, it's all about "application". Once the application is met, then a determination can be fairly measured for whether or not "the
system" delivers what is desired. I really think some of this is about "perspective".. and this is ever-changing and in a market economy, forever influenced
Azimuth
Well-Known Member
Yes, I’d sell it. I’m not an eBayer-perhaps on this site.
SterlingOne
Super Member
I am 71 and live on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so most of my audio gear is circa1975 to 2000 when I was productive. I only buy today to replace broken stuff and I generally look for 0 percent financing.
markmcmuz
Well-Known Member
Little confused about your post. The OP posed a question about replacing some of his stereo. Another mentioned having a vintage TT that I also have so I shared my experience of refurbing instead of buying new as I have the same 40 year old turntable (that I was thinking of replacing-again that goes to the OP theme: keeping or replacing) So ..what gives?