First entry into vintage HiFi

[citymech]

Hi all, newbie here. I'm looking to get into vintage hifi and have an opportunity to buy a Technics SA 5370 that sounds good but is a bit cosmetically rough. For the same money, I've been offered a Technics SA 5360, which also sounds good, but looks great.

I haven't seen any specs on the 5360, so I know very little about it. How do these two receivers stack up against each other?

Thanks.

 

[goodolpg]

Looks like the 5370 is 48 watts per channel, the 5360 is 38 watts per channel.

The speaker efficiency numbers also have a bearing on how loud they will play, what speakers will you be using?

 

[citymech]

Thanks. Looks like it's going to be the 5370. I guess I shouldn't be too concerned about cosmetics since this system is going in the garage.

I haven't decided what speakers to use just yet. I figured I would get the receiver, then find some speakers that will work within the power level of the receiver.

Do you have any recommendations on a set of speakers that will work well with the 5370?

 

[goodolpg]

I don't, speakers do sound different, and if possible it's best to listen before buying though that is often not practical if not buying locally.
You may want to mention the type of music and how loud you play it, and if you are looking for new or vintage speakers, so others can offer their opinions.
Good luck!

EDIT--if you don't mind saying where you are located, members here often will look at that craigslist and point out items worth looking into.

 

[citymech]

Ahh. I knew someone was going to ask what kind of music I listen to. Well, let's just say I have very diverse tastes in music. My palate runs from '40s Big Band and Swing to '80s pop, from '50s and '60s oldies to Hair Metal, old country to '90s grunge. Essentially I listen to just about everything except gangster rap and disco.

I would like to stick with vintage speakers, just to complete the vibe of the vintage receiver. I've looked at all the typical local places and haven't seen anything, aside from an old stereo shop about 30 miles from here. He has a bunch of high quality vintage stuff on consignment from an estate sale, but most of it is priced a bit high.

I certainly don't mind telling my location; I'm I Danville, IL. I have been looking at receivers on Craigslist, but haven't checked out speakers yet.

 

[62vauxhall]

Nothing wrong with some battle scars as long as it's working. That opinion would be borne out by the looks of some pieces in my system.

If you're not too speaker savvy, look as was mentioned, through CL and just Google search the make/model of what interests you. Chances are, you will be led to posts on some forums that may give you some idea of what to expect. Certainly other's opinions if nothing else. If you think there are more pros than cons, they're worth a follow up.

 

[Bodyblue]

As long as the speakers are in good condition (good foam etc) then most any vintage, decent size speaker will sound fine for a garage system. 48 wpc will drive most anything vintage. Dont worry about the name (as long as it is a name you are familiar with) and concentrate on condition.

If this was a system for your inside of your house then I would worry more about how they sound as well as condition.

 

[eiraved]

I looked on CL Indianapolis (hope that's not too far to travel). and there's a pair of KLH Model 20 Speakers along with the accompanying Model 20 stereo system, has KLH branded Garrard turntable, for cheap, especially if you're looking for a turntable. The speakers are 4 ohms, but it appears your receiver should have no problem with these. There's also a KLH Model 17 available for cheap. The KLH 20 and KLH 17 are identical except the 20 is 4 ohm while the 17 is 8 ohm. Either will work for your Technics receiver.

 

[Bodyblue]

Even though a lot of vintage receivers are rated for 4 ohm use, I would avoid them if possible. There are lots of 8 ohm speakers out there. A brand new unit rated for 4 ohm use and a 45 year old one rated for 4 ohm is a different story.

 

[eiraved]

Even though a lot of vintage receivers are rated for 4 ohm use, I would avoid them if possible. A brand new unit rated for 4 ohm use and a 45 year old one rated for 4 ohm is a different story.

I beg to differ...using that same logic, one would have to reconsider using their KLH Model 20 stereo system with the 4 ohm Model 20 speakers, even though they were packaged together for sale to the public over 50 years ago.
The Technics 5370 is rated to handle speakers from 4 - 16 ohms, and should still handle 4 ohm speakers easily years later.

 

[Bodyblue]

I beg to differ...using that same logic, one would have to reconsider using their KLH Model 20 stereo system with the 4 ohm Model 20 speakers, even though they were packaged together for sale to the public over 50 years ago.
The Technics 5370 is rated to handle speakers from 4 - 16 ohms, and should still handle 4 ohm speakers easily years later.

Being rated for something when brand new is different than using them on a 45 year old unit. IF the unit has been taken to a service center and checked out then fine, but on a unit that has not been checked over? Why take a chance? There are so many awesome vintage 8ohm speakers out there as well. Being cautious is the smart play for someone new to the vintage scene.

 

[eiraved]

Being rated for something when brand new is different than using them on a 45 year old unit.

I think I'm getting it...so if I own a 45 year old amplifier that has not been checked over, and is rated for only 8 - 16 ohm speakers, I must use 16 ohm speakers? If I use 8 ohm speakers I'm taking a chance?
No need to discuss our difference in opinion further on the OP's thread, but I don't think I'm throwing caution to the wind by recommending the use of 4 ohm speakers on a vintage amp rated for them. I've done it on a number of vintage amps and have had no problems.

 

[Djcoolray]

So...

Go to Goodwill and grab a couple pair of the least expensive 8ohm speakers and check them out, unless the garage is finished with insulation and paneling.....to include the garage door as it's futile to really spend any big bucks. Fact is, I'd fix up the garage before installing any kind of equipment. Paneling and insulation doesn't cost much....and large kitchen sponges nailed to the edges of the garage door and the garage door frame (large head nails with wide washers) keeps the humidity and cold out of the garage. Been there, done that....got the t-shirt !

 

[citymech]

The garage is insulated and finished with wood paneling, with insulated metal garage doors. It is not heated, unless I'm working in there, which to tell the truth, I usually avoid working in the garage when heat is required unless I absolutely have to.

 

[citymech]

FedEx delivered my Technics SA-5370 today, and I picked up a pair of Sansui SP-1200 speakers yesterday. I got everything set up in the garage tonight, and I'm impressed by the clarity and volume of the setup, much more impressed than the neighbors. As I said in my thread about the Sansui speakers, the bass is a little light at low volume, but at a volume comfortably loud enough to hear while working, the bass is pretty decent.

I'm in need of more than a wire for an FM antenna, but what I really noticed was the tuner needle is quite a bit off. When tuned to 99.1 it points at about 98.3, and it seems to be like that all across the dial; 102.1 comes in at 101.3 on the dial, 92.5 is around 91.7, and 91.7 comes in at 90.5 on the dial. Is this an easy fix?

Thanks again for putting up with my newbie questions.

 

[goodolpg]

Maybe, take the case off, the tuner pointer is most likely on a string which may have two or three prongs (or a dab of glue). If prongs, try gently prying them up and see if you can slide the pointer along the string.
If you can, tune in a known local station, slide the pointer to that point on the dial and push the prongs back down to secure it. Some people use clear nail polish and that is probably fine.
DO NOT ALLOW THE STRING TO COME OFF THE PULLETS/GUIDES/MAIN TUNING WHEEL on the end of the tuner gang or you will have a problem.
You may want to use masking tape on each contact point/pulley to keep the string from coming off.