Vintage Hi-Fi

My last post was about modern Hi-Fi equipment. This one's all about vintage Hi-Fi.

It's been said that music died in the 80s. Well, stereo equipment did, too. Ok... this might be a bit of an overstatement, but given a choice between a black plastic component and a brushed aluminum component with wood sides and blue lights, which would you choose?

Vintage audio gear holds appeal in many areas. Most old equipment was built out of wood, or solid metal, or both. Not only that, but vintage Hi-Fi equipment looks really cool. This is something you can't say about most modern plastic faced gear.

Many older gear, especially the tube stuff had a unique, characteristic "sound" (added distortion) that is often coveted today. Coupled with [mostly] outstanding build quality, and relatively low prices, vintage gear is a good investment for many people.

Here are a few sites with galleries and listings of old audio equipment.

The Vintage Knob - This site has an extensive collection of vintage stereo equipment from a number of different brands. They've got lots of big pictures. Definitely worth a look.

Classic-Audio.com - A Collection of specs and pictures for vintage Technics, Marantz and Pioneer gear. They've got lots of technical specs, etc... It's a great resource, if your looking for information on a specific model.

Tuner Information Center - Everything you ever wanted to know about AM and [especially] FM tuners old and new. This is a huge collection of stuff, with plenty information

Vinyl Engine - A huge pile of information on vintage turntables.

HiFi Engine - By the same guys as Vinyl Engine.
Vintage Technics - The name's pretty self explanatory. Lots of information and specs on Technics gear.

ClassicAudio.com - A site specializing in reselling vintage audio equipment. They've got a large gallery for sale and sold items.

OakTreeVintage - Another site reselling vintage stuff. Huge selection and gallery.

HiFiLit - A giant collection of manuals and brochures from a gazillion different brands.

Vintage Scott Gear

Vintage Dynaco Gear

Vintage Heathkit Stuff (including Hi-Fi)

Vintage Fischer

HiFi Audio - Retro Thing - A Large collection of vintage and related stuff.

60's Braun and modern Apple designs side by side - Really interesting comparison.