What a beautiful collection. I remember when my ship was in Japan in 1978 and I was drooling over many of these units at the Navy exchange. The Power LEDs on the Technics sold a lot of units.
The Sansui AU integrated amps had the ability to record back and forth between tape decks. I had an AU 517 and remember using that feature frequently. Thanks for the video
Actually, tape dubbing was offered in many receivers & integrated amps of the day. Cassettes were so popular, most wanted to make copies, so manufacturers added it to typically the mid-level and higher models.
Honorable mention for Kyocera. In the 90s, I owned an R-661 with a DA-610CX and a pair of Allison Acoustics CD8s. Loved this set up so much I have since bought every pair of Allison CD line up and currently searching for another Kyocera set.
During their short tenure in HiFi, they made some stellar gear, not really any low end models. Still on the lookout for some Allison speakers to add to my collection. I missed out on some Allison One in the boxes many years ago.
Unfortunately, I do not have any vintage Onkyo. They are on my list though. I very much like their aesthetics as well, they are just a bit hard to come by.
I have worked on all equipment from the late 1960’s on ! Then solid state took over ! I believe the original Pioneer SA-9500 was the best over engineered Intergrated amp ever built ! I know everything is subjective but I’ve had many of these completely apart ! They were made in the mid 1970’s and are today still wonderful !
I think you need to add another category to your checklist. There should be an "eye candy" category. That would make the Marantz 2330b and Sansui 9090 jump higher in the list and the Sansui AU-20000 would top the list in my opinion. I know looks are subjective but I bet MOST people would pick out the beauty of the Sansui 9090/AU-20000 and the Marantz 2330b. If you need an unbiased opinion for the "Eye Candy" category, simply ask your wife. My wife lets her opinion known and she is an official member of the "aesthetics" union as all women are......
I do realize how tempting it is, but as you said, far too subjective. BTW, I have the Marantz currently running in my living room. I have my own "unbiased" opinion willing to lend a hand around here too ANYTIME I ask (or not). LOL
My picks would be most likely for receiver I'd say the Harman Kardon 730 for me. Integrated amp, you had a good one there with the sansui au-7700, and power amp and preamp combo, c4/m4 combo is one of my favorite amps I had and one of the best looking too
You need to watch the entire video, I have MANY more to review in my collection, this is just a snapshot of where reviews are as of August 2024. Unfortunately, I currently only have a Luxman amp and no HK models at the moment. But there are a lot more NOT reviewed, of course. Not sure I will ever be able to review all HiFi sold in the 70's though, but I will give it my best! 🙂
I'm a big fan of the Sansui systems, great looking and sounding. I think that the systems from the 70s have excellent well-balanced sound that even challenge modern systems.
GREAT Q, but not any real confirmed answers to my knowledge as things wear out at different rates due to age and climate conditions. The goal is to work all of the components. Most think of caps, but really, we should work all of it periodically, like pots, sliders and the like. Although I cannot get to all of mine annually, I think if you can give each of them a few days of use annually, that is probably the best way to maintain them longer term.
A buddy had a Sansui 661. That line of receivers were really great sounding. I thought you had to spend a lot more to hear better. I had Marantz separates at the time. I was also wondering why I spent that much more. Had to be the meters on the Marantz 140 power amp.
Can you send your scoring sheet. Attempting to understand how points are awarded. Also, it would be interesting to highlight some of the unique features of an item. Your first that Kenwood 6600 what is a sound injection knob for? Or sharing the quality of the photo stage and how that quality is measured. I am just trying to learn and appreciate more that’s all.
Watch any of the review videos and in the last section you will see the all of the scoring categories and possible points for each. I only focus on functions I think are relevant for most users today. That Sound Injection knob is for mic mixing, for example.
. Unlike modern gear, vintage electronics can function at counter or waist height. There's no need to put them on the ground between the loudspeakers. Furthermore, vintage amps can drive speaker cables longer than 6 feet. Oh Boy! Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
I have one that might be called a "sleeper" The Marantz 1200-B integrated. 100 min w/c more features than I will put here. Made Southern California, early 70's 700.00+ It is not flashy but a powerhouse. Rather small, but when you lift it! I have a Sony integrated same vintage and looks like they tried to copy it.
@stereoniche Wireless the old tuning fork technology, didn't come with it but I knew by the receiving eye it was the same as grandpa's old remote TV I played with as a kid. I have a picture of the original ad I can email you
What a beautiful collection. I remember when my ship was in Japan in 1978 and I was drooling over many of these units at the Navy exchange. The Power LEDs on the Technics sold a lot of units.
You sort of hit it at the zenith of stereo gear offerings!
The Sansui AU integrated amps had the ability to record back and forth between tape decks. I had an AU 517 and remember using that feature frequently. Thanks for the video
Actually, tape dubbing was offered in many receivers & integrated amps of the day. Cassettes were so popular, most wanted to make copies, so manufacturers added it to typically the mid-level and higher models.
Honorable mention for Kyocera. In the 90s, I owned an R-661 with a DA-610CX and a pair of Allison Acoustics CD8s. Loved this set up so much I have since bought every pair of Allison CD line up and currently searching for another Kyocera set.
During their short tenure in HiFi, they made some stellar gear, not really any low end models. Still on the lookout for some Allison speakers to add to my collection. I missed out on some Allison One in the boxes many years ago.
Personal opinion, my taste liked the way the Marantz 2330D looked good and also the Fisher 800T with the tune oh matic. Good Video.
Hard to argue on the good looks of the Marantz. That 800T is so unique, it stands out from the pack.
Great stuff, as usual. Any thoughts on vintage Onkyo? I enjoy their aesthetics and overall feel.
Unfortunately, I do not have any vintage Onkyo. They are on my list though. I very much like their aesthetics as well, they are just a bit hard to come by.
Have 3 TX-4500, not the mkII. I believe the Onkyo is the most underrated receiver in the market nowadays.
Stuck on the 1 phono only thing. Most of us had only one turntable per system back in the 70's anyway
Correct, most people only had one, but 2+ phonos were offered on higher end units. If it had MC capability, even better.
I have worked on all equipment from the late 1960’s on ! Then solid state took over ! I believe the original Pioneer SA-9500 was the best over engineered Intergrated amp ever built ! I know everything is subjective but I’ve had many of these completely apart ! They were made in the mid 1970’s and are today still wonderful !
That timeframe produced some real gems, built to last and sound great. A bygone era.
I hear the Pioneer 50 series 850 and up are the best built receivers. I also hear the Sansui Eight(non deluxe) was extremely over built.
I think you need to add another category to your checklist. There should be an "eye candy" category. That would make the Marantz 2330b and Sansui 9090 jump higher in the list and the Sansui AU-20000 would top the list in my opinion. I know looks are subjective but I bet MOST people would pick out the beauty of the Sansui 9090/AU-20000 and the Marantz 2330b. If you need an unbiased opinion for the "Eye Candy" category, simply ask your wife. My wife lets her opinion known and she is an official member of the "aesthetics" union as all women are......
I do realize how tempting it is, but as you said, far too subjective. BTW, I have the Marantz currently running in my living room. I have my own "unbiased" opinion willing to lend a hand around here too ANYTIME I ask (or not). LOL
I picked up a nice techniques SA 800 for under $300 from the original owner just a few years ago sounds great. I have no problems or issues with it.😊
Very nice score!
My picks would be most likely for receiver I'd say the Harman Kardon 730 for me. Integrated amp, you had a good one there with the sansui au-7700, and power amp and preamp combo, c4/m4 combo is one of my favorite amps I had and one of the best looking too
Great choices! I hope to get some nice HK examples at some point, along with Onkyo.
Wow, as someone who sold hifi in the 70’s you missed two of the best sounding receivers luxman and Harman/ Kardon.
You need to watch the entire video, I have MANY more to review in my collection, this is just a snapshot of where reviews are as of August 2024. Unfortunately, I currently only have a Luxman amp and no HK models at the moment. But there are a lot more NOT reviewed, of course. Not sure I will ever be able to review all HiFi sold in the 70's though, but I will give it my best! 🙂
I'm a big fan of the Sansui systems, great looking and sounding. I think that the systems from the 70s have excellent well-balanced sound that even challenge modern systems.
Totally agree!
Hi Scott… question… How often should I turn on my receivers that are not in use ? Thx
GREAT Q, but not any real confirmed answers to my knowledge as things wear out at different rates due to age and climate conditions. The goal is to work all of the components. Most think of caps, but really, we should work all of it periodically, like pots, sliders and the like. Although I cannot get to all of mine annually, I think if you can give each of them a few days of use annually, that is probably the best way to maintain them longer term.
A buddy had a Sansui 661. That line of receivers were really great sounding. I thought you had to spend a lot more to hear better. I had Marantz separates at the time. I was also wondering why I spent that much more. Had to be the meters on the Marantz 140 power amp.
That series is much appreciated for their warm tone, indeed.
Can you send your scoring sheet. Attempting to understand how points are awarded. Also, it would be interesting to highlight some of the unique features of an item. Your first that Kenwood 6600 what is a sound injection knob for? Or sharing the quality of the photo stage and how that quality is measured. I am just trying to learn and appreciate more that’s all.
Watch any of the review videos and in the last section you will see the all of the scoring categories and possible points for each. I only focus on functions I think are relevant for most users today. That Sound Injection knob is for mic mixing, for example.
Glaring omission - the Harman Kardon twin powered units. The 730 is fantastic.
@@Universityofvinyl Not omitted, I just don't one one to review. 🙂
. Unlike modern gear, vintage electronics can function at counter or waist height. There's no need to put them on the ground between the loudspeakers. Furthermore, vintage amps can drive speaker cables longer than 6 feet. Oh Boy!
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Lots to appreciate for this old gear.
The Concept receiver has power meters?
It has a dual function meter. Not two meters, but one that shows highest output. Not as classic dual meters, but I couldn't give it "half points".
I have one that might be called a "sleeper" The Marantz 1200-B integrated. 100 min w/c more features than I will put here. Made Southern California, early 70's 700.00+ It is not flashy but a powerhouse. Rather small, but when you lift it! I have a Sony integrated same vintage and looks like they tried to copy it.
Yes, that Marantz is a very nice integrated. They are well regarded.
I had a Realistic STA200 made in 73 with remote control find one of those!
Was it a wireless remote or wired?
@stereoniche Wireless the old tuning fork technology, didn't come with it but I knew by the receiving eye it was the same as grandpa's old remote TV I played with as a kid. I have a picture of the original ad I can email you
@@brucesamuelson7541 If you have it handy, send it over to stereoniche@gmail.com
@@stereoniche Will do!
Amazing how you can see the cheapness start rolling in especially Kenwood. Still sound is what matters! Nice job!
Yes, quite the change of build quality after the 70's. Some gear was still nice, but there was a big delta between the lower and higher end gear.