What vintage hi-fi co's would you like to see return?

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited December 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Some I wish would come back:

- Soundcraftsmen
- Nakamichi (yes, I know they still exist--I'm talking mainstream audio)
- ACOUSTIC RESEARCH
- I'd love to see Pioneer make integrateds, pres, and amps again
- I'd love to see Infinity go back to making REAL audiophile speakers again
- I'd love to see Polk Audio expand their line of audiophile only speakers, SDA's, monitors, built like they used to be
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
Post edited by steveinaz on
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2009
    A/D/S speakers

    More reasonably priced USA tube gear.

    Tubes that actually sound like they did in the 40's-60's.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited December 2009
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Some I wish would come back:

    - Soundcraftsmen
    - Nakamichi (yes, I know they still exist--I'm talking mainstream audio)
    - ACOUSTIC RESEARCH
    - I'd love to see Pioneer make integrateds, pres, and amps again
    - I'd love to see Infinity go back to making REAL audiophile speakers again
    - I'd love to see Polk Audio expand their line of audiophile only speakers, SDA's, monitors, built like they used to be

    In Infinitys defence, it is now owned by Harmon Audio Corp. (who also owns JBL, Mark Levinson, Harmon Kardon, JBL, dbx, Crown, and a few others)...so it may happen, but it's unlikely...


    As far as brands,

    Luxman
    Acoustic Research
    Carver
    (Metered amps in general)
    Nakamichi
    ADS
    Teac turntables
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2009
    Lafayette & Nakamici.
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited December 2009
    sk1939 wrote: »
    In Infinitys defence, it is now owned by Harmon Audio Corp. (who also owns JBL, Mark Levinson, Harmon Kardon, JBL, dbx, Crown, and a few others)...so it may happen, but it's unlikely...

    So good, they bought it twice.:p:D

    I had read somewhere, that Harmon intended to restore Infinity to a high-end status. Wait and see, I suppose.

    Me, I'd like to see some more refrigerator-sized speakers. (Altec VOT's, EV, Jensen, etc.)
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited December 2009
    McIntosh of the Gordon Gow/Roger Russell golden era before sellouts/buyouts, etc.

    I would also like to see a world that would support the expense of Polk able being to profitably market brand new, gigantic state-of-the-art SDA's.
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • DollarDave
    DollarDave Posts: 2,575
    edited December 2009
    A third vote for ADS here.

    I'll throw in Epicure/EPI, too.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2009
    inspiredsports wrote: »
    McIntosh of the Gordon Gow/Roger Russell golden era before sellouts/buyouts, etc.
    If you compared that gear to today's offerings, you'd change your mind.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,767
    edited December 2009
    sk1939 wrote: »
    In Infinitys defence, it is now owned by Harmon Audio Corp. (who also owns JBL, Mark Levinson, Harmon Kardon, JBL, dbx, Crown, and a few others)...so it may happen, but it's unlikely...


    As far as brands,

    Luxman
    Acoustic Research
    Carver
    (Metered amps in general)
    Nakamichi
    ADS
    Teac turntables

    Luxman is still around and they make some nice $hit!
    http://www.luxman.co.jp/global/index.html

    I wouldn't mind one of these:
    http://www.luxman.co.jp/global/product/ia_l-509u.html
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited December 2009
    LessisNevermore wrote: »
    So good, they bought it twice.:p:D

    I had read somewhere, that Harmon intended to restore Infinity to a high-end status. Wait and see, I suppose.

    Me, I'd like to see some more refrigerator-sized speakers. (Altec VOT's, EV, Jensen, etc.)

    LOL, I completely missed that. But yeah, that was their plan, but they've owned Infinity for years, and if anything, Infinitys and JBL's home speakers are very similar, infact a couple of their subs are almost identical....but like you said, wait and see....
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited December 2009
    billbillw wrote: »
    Luxman is still around and they make some nice $hit!
    http://www.luxman.co.jp/global/index.html

    I wouldn't mind one of these:
    http://www.luxman.co.jp/global/product/ia_l-590a2.html

    So I see....they look incredible...the prices scare me a bit though (the L-505U retails for $3.7k).
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,767
    edited December 2009
    sk1939 wrote: »
    So I see....they look incredible...the prices scare me a bit though (the L-505U retails for $3.7k).

    Yeah, but you can get it for much cheaper;)
    http://www.audiocubes2.com/category/Amplifiers/product/Luxman_L-505u_Integrated_Amplifier.html
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited December 2009
    billbillw wrote: »
    Yeah, but you can get it for much cheaper;)
    http://www.audiocubes2.com/category/Amplifiers/product/Luxman_L-505u_Integrated_Amplifier.html

    Still too rich for me lol.....maybe later on...but not for several years at least....
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • MrGlobe
    MrGlobe Posts: 401
    edited December 2009
    You guys are older than I am, vintage for me is cassettes.
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited December 2009
    MrGlobe wrote: »
    You guys are older than I am, vintage for me is cassettes.

    Heh, we're about the same age then...children of the era of the Mp3 and CD..
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • DeadFeat1
    DeadFeat1 Posts: 51
    edited December 2009
    Tandberg
    Allison Speakers
    Don't forget to enjoy the music...
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited December 2009
    although not vintage. I would like to see California Audio Labs. they made some good solid (overbuilt) stereo gear and I would really like to see them return.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited December 2009
    Nikko!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Timothy Smith
    Timothy Smith Posts: 764
    edited December 2009
    A/D/S, Dahlquist, and Forte please!
    Norh ACA-2B tube pre, Sumo Andromeda SS amp. Magneplanar MMG speakers, M&K MX1250 Subwoofer, Pro-Ject RM1.3 Genie TT with Sumiko Pearl MM cart., Keces DAC, Cambridge Audio Azur 640c CD player
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited December 2009
    Acoustic Research
    Dynaco
    KLH
    Advent
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2009
    Acoustic Research
    Dahlquist
    Dynaco
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • debussyj
    debussyj Posts: 198
    edited December 2009
    Acoustat
    Pioneer (Amps, etc.)
    Revox
    Luxman
    Would love to see Polk make really wonderful speakers like the old SDA's. Yes, there are some of us still out there who care about the sound, don't get hung up about the size and and are willing to pay the $$ for these speakers!
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  • eloo
    eloo Posts: 8
    edited December 2009
    Auditioned the Dahlquist DQ-10 in 1978 at Jamieson Stereo in Toledo,Ohio.Love at first listen. Miss the family owned shops. Probably a bygone era. A heartfelt thanks to all the Jamiesons who started me on the journey to audiophile bliss.
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,767
    edited December 2009
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Nikko!

    Yes! That brand totally slipped my mind. They made some very good gear in the late 70's and it often slips under the radar.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2009
    Acoustic Research
    Advent
    ELAC Miracord
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    edited December 2009
    Polk SDA's with Seas drivers and.............well, I have mentioned this before......

    That's right. I said it. :eek:
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2009
    The only Seas drivers that would be a worthwhile upgrade would necessitate a MUCH more complex crossover. ScanSpeak would be a better choice.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    edited December 2009
    .......for the tweeter.......
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2009
    I like the doped paper drivers.............nothing wrong with them. If you change the drivers you change the characteristic of the speakers. I prefer the "classic" Polk sound so I wouldn't mess with the drivers. Now if you could figure a way to use the Vifa tweeter from the LSi's.................I's be all for that.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2009
    With the right software, that wouldn't be too difficult. But ScanSpeak still makes a better tweeter for the money. http://zaphaudio.com/tweetermishmash/
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    edited December 2009
    Oh dear, I believe I hi-jacked the thread without realizing it. My bad. No further discussion by me on this. Damn, OP..my bad.

    Carry on...
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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