Vintage or Modern ! Input and advice welcome * New setup build*

[xalara76]

interested in building a new home stereo setup from scratch.. should I go vintage or modern ? I am on a 5k budget MAX for components. I plan on using Canton Reference 9 bookshelf speakers . I was thinking of using a Vintage Marantz 510M Amp & Marantz 3600 preamp. Or should I go with a McIntosh Integrated amp IE MA7900 ? or ?.. GOSH THIS IS DIFFICULT ! LOL

Luxman - Sony - Onkyo Integra ?
I definitely want something that looks pretty, as it will be a focal point to the room, but obviously sound quality is extra important too.. Also, from a reliability standpoint.. The 510M does NOT has a speaker relay, should I be scared of this ?

Any input / better ideas / options welcome.. this is fun, just want to make the "right" move for me !

Thanks

 

[pauldrewry]

I would vote for Mac. Old stuff unless repaired by a qualified tech, will break down and need repairs. Of fans of vintage will add their own options. Any chance there's a place you could go to audition gear?

 

[xalara76]

I would vote for Mac. Old stuff unless repaired by a qualified tech, will break down and need repairs. Of fans of vintage will add their own options. Any chance there's a place you could go to audition gear?

No place to Audition, I do have a 510M / 3600 at the moment and love the warmth, they’ve been recapped. No relay just recently scared me however.. these cantons are expensive speakers and wouldn’t want to risk ruining them..

Mac stuff.. love the look and warmth, hate the price LOL

 

[motorstereo]

I had an Echowars restored 3600 many years ago. It was a nice unit but the Mcintosh integrated you mentioned is the way to go here.

 

[E2]

From the last five years used modern? Just savings. Check Yamaha AS 3200, Musical Fidelity A5, A 6, some serious beasts from MF out there. Parasound Integrated would be excellent with many options......lots of choices.

 

[Quadman2]

In the end, it will be YOUR choice, and to live with it.

Pretty much what you've indicated is solid gear. Personally, the looks need "back seat" attention (my POV), and I'd be more attentive to the quality of sound, rather than the look, but it's a subjective decision on your part.

Do you homework. Check out the specs and past reviews. Read what other owners share that are specific to your needs, keeping an eye on the budget you have in mind. More than half the fun is in the "chase" and "acquisition" so keep this in mind.

Q

 

[pauldrewry]

Here's an option https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/vision-set-120-control-amplifier
They offer 30 day guarantee. Frank Van Alstine is also a supporter of AK.

 

[Lavane]

I had an Echowars restored 3600 many years ago. It was a nice unit but the Mcintosh integrated you mentioned is the way to go here.

I had a 3600 for a short time. One thing to remember is it uses an arcane op amp. There isn't a drop in replacement if it fails. It will take some modification to be able to use something more modern.
I'm a big Marantz fan, but I think I would go for the Mac. In this case.

 

[radioeng]

No place to Audition, I do have a 510M / 3600 at the moment and love the warmth, they’ve been recapped. No relay just recently scared me however.. these cantons are expensive speakers and wouldn’t want to risk ruining them..

Mac stuff.. love the look and warmth, hate the price LOL

I used to love my 510m's. But now that Marantz is long out of business, they can be difficult to maintain. If you ever fry a channel, getting enough matched transistors will give you an ulcer. I tried fixing one for a friend a few years ago. After spending hours on a curve tracer, and testing over a hundred output devices, there were simply not enough good matches for the entire output section. So the amp was retuned, where it sits in storage until this day.