Little help please...
jemrey81
Posts: 161
Hey guys, I am new to the "vintage audio" type of stuff but really want to get started on the right foot. I was browsing thru craigslist the other day and stumbled upon some Monitor 5 speakers and thought that they would be cool to have in the garage for when I am working out there... so I went and listened to them and they were good enough for the $40 asking price. My dilema is that I have an older (bought in 03ish) sony surround sound receiver in the garage and it doesn't put out the power that these should have. I am lost when it comes to the vintage receiver / amp stuff. I would like some type of older 2 channel setup. What do I need to look for? Do I need an amp and receiver? A pre-amp? What are all of these? (sorry, I am in my 20's)... Any help would be appreciated, any advise as far as brands and production times are also appreciated but please keep in mind that this is just a garage setup. thanks!
Post edited by jemrey81 on
Comments
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Do you listen to the radio? I'm assuming if it's going to be in the garage/workshop environment you will want a radio. A vintage 2-channel receiver will have the tuner (radio), pre-amp and amp all in one (actually, any 2-channel reciever will be all-in-one). 1970's era Marantz, Pioneer, Yamaha, Sansui, Kenwood, etc are all pretty cool vintage receivers and pretty powerful. Those Monitor 5's shouldn't be that tough to drive though, so you shouldn't need tons of power. Harman Kardon makes some pretty decent (and inexpensive) 2-channel receivers these days also though. Something like this maybe? http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=208072338&listingid=43208934&dcaid=17902 or this?
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=817782 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
dragon1952 wrote: »Harman Kardon makes some pretty decent (and inexpensive) 2-channel receivers these days also though.
Ugh. Sorry, I gotta disagree with you there. I grew up on HK. My dad had a seriously old HK solid state receiver, and I carried on the tradition and bought an HK in 1989, at the same time I bought my first SDA's (CRS+'s) - HK990VXi. That was a GREAT receiver, but it died on me a few years ago. Bought an HK 2-channel receiver a few years back, and was SOOOOOO let down. Their stuff has gone way downhill recently. I'd stay away from new HK. Vintage, yes; but new, nah.....Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
Thanks for the info guys! I wasn't sure if the 70's era receiver was an all in one like the new ones... very happy to know that they are! I saw a Sansui 5500 receiver on craigslist yesterday, original owner purchased in 1972, he was asking $100obo... seem like a good deal? It's a 4 channel though, does that matter?
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I don't have a clue as to your budget, but this setup might fit the bill. It may be to nice for a garage though...
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83838The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
Thanks for the info guys! I wasn't sure if the 70's era receiver was an all in one like the new ones... very happy to know that they are! I saw a Sansui 5500 receiver on craigslist yesterday, original owner purchased in 1972, he was asking $100obo... seem like a good deal? It's a 4 channel though, does that matter?
I'd pass on that.
There's an ebay auction right now for the HK receiver I used to have:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK990-Vxi-High-Voltage-Stereo-Receiver_W0QQitemZ200347211961
That receiver was over $900 in 1989. Snag that, you'll love it.Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
By the way, I also had a pair of Monitor 5's at one point that I drove with that receiver. Sounded great! I miss that receiver, but considering I'm picking up a Krell amp in a week, I don't miss it that much....:DGood music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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nooshinjohn wrote: »I don't have a clue as to your budget, but this setup might fit the bill. It may be to nice for a garage though...
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83838
Yeah, that's a beautiful setup, but probably overkill for a pair of Monitor 5's in a garage. He shouldn't have to spend anywhere near $500 on that HK on ebay. I'd bid $300 on that receiver, and you'll probably win it for a lot less. And please don't ask why he should pay $300 for a 20 year old HK receiver when you can get a new one for that price. That 990vxi will destroy the new HK receivers of today. Completely different league.Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
yeah, for the garage I was going to try and find something in the $100 range... for one; it's the garage, and two; the speakers aren't so great that I would need to spend 300-500 to power them. If they were great speakers, they would be in the house
Don't get me wrong though, I do like the sound of them... but they were $40. -
Definitely follow that eBay auction. You never know you may be able to snag that hk for $100. It is 20 years ol after all. I just pulled that $300 number out of thin air as an amount that would likely be a sure win. By you may be able to get it for a lot less, an you'll like itna lot more than that Sasui.Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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It depends on what you have in the house now but I wouldn't send them to the garage too quick. I've had Monitor 5jr's for a long time and if you find the right reciever to power them you can really fill a room with them... OK... a smallish room.
+1 on the vintage HK reciever. I think the sound will shock you with the right setup.
dI like to listen, tinker, listen and repeat. -
That eBay auction for the HK 990 is sitting at $21 with two days left. You really ought to make a play for that!!!Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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For the garage you may want to consider something by NAD. Their gear is built like a tank and will last for many more years. NAD will not win any beauty contests but when you are looking for quality on the cheap NAD is hard to beat. In the link I will provide the receiver is only 40 wpc but don't let that stop you. Even at 40 wpc this receiver can drive very demanding loads......sounds more like a 80 or 90 wpc receiver. Here is an example of something I am talking about.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NAD-7140-RECEIVER-40-WATTS-RMS-HIGH-DYNAMIC-POWER_W0QQitemZ150349331473QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item230184bc11&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1234%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50 -
Also a strong contender. When my HK receiver died, and I subsequently got rid of the HK receiver that I replaced it with (and hated...) I ended up with an NAD 2200 power amp. Few things to beware of though:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47337
That receiver in the above link is from the "Power Envelope" series, which was designed in England in an effort to conserve electricity. It basically uses a lower current power supply at low volume and then a higher current supply kicks in as volumes increase. Many people are now modding those amps to bypass that technology and use the high current supply at all times.
If you read that link above, I had my 2200 modded by the shop mentioned in that thread, and was quite pleased with the results. That vintage of NAD is excellent gear, but I found that it does require a few tweaks to get it to sound its best.
With Monitor 5's in a garage, you'll be happy with either one of those receivers, the HK or the NAD.
What I would do is put a bid in on the HK at a price you're comfortable with. If you win it, great, you'll be really pleased with it. If not, take a stab at that NAD. Either one will be a great amp for you.Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47337
That receiver in the above link is from the "Power Envelope" series, which was designed in England in an effort to conserve electricity. It basically uses a lower current power supply at low volume and then a higher current supply kicks in as volumes increase. Many people are now modding those amps to bypass that technology and use the high current supply at all times.
If you read that link above, I had my 2200 modded by the shop mentioned in that thread, and was quite pleased with the results. That vintage of NAD is excellent gear, but I found that it does require a few tweaks to get it to sound its best.
That is a nice tip for the NAD PE series, thanks. I have owned a receiver and amps from NAD. Great bang for the buck equipment that is like the Energizer bunny........keeps going and going and going,lol.
I owned a NAD 7045 and even though it was old it produced a very pleasing sound. A couple of days ago I ran across a 7080 for cheap ($20.00) and almost bought it for the heck of it but it would just sit and collect dust. The one NAD piece I have yet to see locally is a 7600PE. A monster that has gobs of power, but man are they hard to find. And if you do find one there is usually a bidding war. -
There is a Denon 2ch 40wpc receiver just listed for sale on this site
Check it out it may just fit the bill at $45.00
www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83910
Good luck
Jimmy -
I have seen some Denon receivers on EB lately (DRA-435R and DRA-635R). The x35R series are from 1990 - 1992 and very well may be Denon's peak in 2ch receivers. I had picked up a DRA-835R a couple months ago for $12.50 that needs a little work on one of the RCA connectors but sounds fantastic.
The Monitor 5's for $40 is a great deal. I paid $80 for my 5A's with Peerless tweeters in excellent condition.Stan
Main 2ch:
Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.
HT:
Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60
Other stuff:
Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601 -
Here is another one you might be interested in:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=330334145697Stan
Main 2ch:
Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.
HT:
Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60
Other stuff:
Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601 -
You guys are crazy with all of the info you have... it's great! I am keeping an eye on that ebay listing @ $21... We'll see if I can get my wife to sit at the computer and bid on it last minute... it will come down to the shipping cost though. On a side note; any of you have experience with Pioneer SX-9000 or the CS-99 speakers?
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I have seen some Denon receivers on EB lately (DRA-435R and DRA-635R). The x35R series are from 1990 - 1992 and very well may be Denon's peak in 2ch receivers. I had picked up a DRA-835R a couple months ago for $12.50 that needs a little work on one of the RCA connectors but sounds fantastic.
The Monitor 5's for $40 is a great deal. I paid $80 for my 5A's with Peerless tweeters in excellent condition.
Nothing fancy with these... not peerless or anything, and the cabinets have some scratches (looks like they had a cat). The sound is good though! They just need some warm vintage power -
You guys are crazy with all of the info you have... it's great! I am keeping an eye on that ebay listing @ $21... We'll see if I can get my wife to sit at the computer and bid on it last minute... it will come down to the shipping cost though. On a side note; any of you have experience with Pioneer SX-9000 or the CS-99 speakers?
Amateur:p
Don't sit at the computer bidding at the last minute! Check out esnipe.com. I use that for almost everything I bid for on ebay...Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
Amateur:p
Don't sit at the computer bidding at the last minute! Check out esnipe.com. I use that for almost everything I bid for on ebay...
Ha! Indeed an amateur... maybe 3 -5 purchases
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esnipe rocksGood music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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So I had an impulsive buy... hope it was a good choice. Let me know what your opinions are. Found it on craigslist tonight and picked it up... it is a Sherwood S-7300 in good condition. I read a few reviews before I checked it out, all of which seemed like it was good. Anyways, I paid $50. Let me know if that's a decent deal, I couldn't find much about the pricing on the Sherwoods. Sounds good to me though
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Not in the same league with tha NAD or Harman Kardon. But for $50, if you're happy with it, then enjoy it!Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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So I had an impulsive buy... hope it was a good choice. Let me know what your opinions are. Found it on craigslist tonight and picked it up... it is a Sherwood S-7300 in good condition. I read a few reviews before I checked it out, all of which seemed like it was good. Anyways, I paid $50. Let me know if that's a decent deal, I couldn't find much about the pricing on the Sherwoods. Sounds good to me though
Is that one from the early 70s? They're supposed to very sweet sounding, with very good tuner sections, and something like 35-50 WPC. If you like the way it sounds, then you spent your money well. -
Is that one from the early 70s? They're supposed to very sweet sounding, with very good tuner sections, and something like 35-50 WPC. If you like the way it sounds, then you spent your money well.
yeah, early 70's (72 I think), Japan built; I think it was rated at 42wpc... the wood is still in really good shape too The tuner works really well, gets a lot of stations that my other radios don't. I am pleased with it thanks for your input! -
Sherwood made some good stuff back then...Steve Carlson
Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten -
That HK ebay auction went for a helluva lot less than $300!!! Someone got that thing for about $70 shipped. What a great 2-channel receiver for a price like that....Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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This is a great receiver:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Denon-DRA-400-Receiver_W0QQitemZ360139801853QQcmdZViewItem
Denon DRA-400
I rank Denon right up there with vintage HK. I have one of these in my bedroom, still sounds great, gutsy amp, silky smooth controls...Steve Carlson
Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten -
That HK ebay auction went for a helluva lot less than $300!!! Someone got that thing for about $70 shipped. What a great 2-channel receiver for a price like that....
Wow, $70 shipped is great... I forgot all about it, busy with work.
