starter setup

[TurboTopHat]

i want to build a vintage HIFI setup i'm new to the audiophile hobby but would like to build a setup of my own but dont know where to start

 

[Joel27]

I've got a couple of clarification questions. Ball park budget, when you say vintage how old are you thinking, and what room are you planning on using for the stereo?

 

[TurboTopHat]

under 3 grand nzd late 70s to late 80s and i live in a garage so yeah it would go in there

I've got a couple of clarification questions. Ball park budget, when you say vintage how old are you thinking, and what room are you planning on using for the stereo?

 

[theflattire]

I would probably go with a Harmon Kardon twin power receiver (330, 430, etc.) and some Klipsch speakers.
I found HK to be a bit warmer than other SS stuff like Sansui. Maybe a Pioneer.
Sources of your choice.
I'm 99% vinyl so I would look for a used Thorens, Denon or such and mate that with something like my vintage Moth phono stage.

 

[Joel27]

under 3 grand nzd late 70s to late 80s and i live in a garage so yeah it would go in there

One of my favorite 70s vintage systems that I sometimes wish I still had was a Marantz 2285, not the "b" version, JBL 4312 speakers and a Dual 1219 turntable w/DL103 cartridge. It made beautiful music after a restoration on the receiver.

I also had a 2245 and a 2385 both great sounding but the 2285 was a sweet spot with out being overly warm. The 2385 is now past your budget but if one got lucky there maybe one out there hiding. The Dual turntable was a beautiful sounding place holder even with modern gear and was not shamed when I purchased a VPI Scout later on.

The speakers were a little on the warmer side and didn't get the last amount of resolution but they were very enjoyable.

 

[KevinO]

You mentioned NZD; your profile mentions Waikato? Talk to Retrotronics or Auckland Vintage Audio ; see if they have anything you're interested in.

 

[DasguteOhr]

I would recommend a Sansui direct drive turntable, a Luxman L 58A amp and a JBL 4312.
You can get this combination for 1.7k€ maybe later restore cost for best performance.
This is playing at a very high level, it could be that your main system becomes unemployed
Exsample
Sansui xr q5 direct drive ~400-500€

Amazing sounding amp one of best luxman ever done 500-600€

Jbl 4312 fine monitor speaker ~700€

 

[Atmasphere]

under 3 grand nzd late 70s to late 80s and i live in a garage so yeah it would go in there

Do you need a turntable? If no this gets a lot easier! Do you need a CD player? Tuner?
What is the size of the room in which this system will play?