stereo systems lit up

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Few months back I was listening to an interview on the radio with an expert on Korgs. He commented that since in the 60s-70s era you had to pre-program the Korg for the specific sounds you wanted frequently a keyboardist would be on stage surrounded by half a dozen Korgs. Then how could he not be dressed in platform boots and a cape?

Similarly, wasn't it part of the fun listening to an LP or a cassette and having a whole stereo system lit up - the turntable, the amp and the equalizer the receiver in your bedroom or living room?  Totally Awesome Dude! Feel bad for the Ipod generation.

[Good Buddy]

My dad still had a super great Quadraphonic system with reel-to-reel, the whole nine yards. He got into Hi-Fi stereos when we were in Italy with the Navy. 1976, around there.
I'd like to have a killer vintage set up to relax to in my office.
No room...yet.

[Big Daddy Audio]

Stuff like that is getting harder to come by.  In addition, most has been snatched up by collectors and resellers, so bargains are not as plentiful as they once were.  You can still put together a killer stereo from thrift stores, but it takes time, knowledge, discipline, and diligence.  You have to know what you like, what can be serviced, and what will sound the best.  If you are at all interested in this stuff, you'll know the names to look for and the model numbers; speakers are the same way - you'll have to start hanging around message boards devoted to old-time audio - they are out there but you have to find them.

One good thing about this, though is that you can start with whatever you find and upgrade as you find the gear that's better than what you already have.  I've been doing this for the past 8 years, and through a combination of thrift stores (mainly) and craigslist (for good buys when they show up), I've been able to put together a killer system that would rival anything from the days of the "power wars" of the late 1970's and early 1980's.

I can expound on my system and offer tips if you like.  I never get sick of talking about this stuff.

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Ok, please expound on the "power wars" of the late 1970's and early 1980's as I don't know what you are referring to.

All I want back is my elegant Harmon Kardon receiver and infinity speakers that I purchased around 1984.   

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If you thought I was sad in my last post now I am even sadder. I couldn't recall any details of my HK except I know how it looked. I just did a search on Google and found a pic of it on Flikr. The guy bought it at the Good Will of all places for $10!!!  (I guess this thread has to do with Thrift Stores after all) 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerryvo/2177472522/

[Good Buddy]

I can expound on my system and offer tips if you like.  I never get sick of talking about this stuff.

You?..... Really...?

Brother I hear you. and yes, I have your number in my phone. If I ever have a question about an audio component I find in a thrift, you get the call.

I did just pick up a paid of CV bookshelf speakers with 8" woofers and a yard sale for $5 total. I got new Red surrounds put on there and I'm just waiting for to be able to use 'em.

[Big Daddy Audio]

Cerwin Vegas are hot stuff out here in Phoenix (they always have higher price tags on them in the thrift stores and on Craigslist).  I'm not a big fan - they have a "West Coast" sound to them - lots of bottom and top but sort of weak in the middle.  Strangely, JBL is also a "West Coast" speaker company and I love the JBL sound.  Maybe a little more balanced.

I've NEVER come across a pair of Infinty speakers where the foam surrounds were not completely destroyed.  I guess people keep using them until they deteriorate and then they donate them - OR - they put them in a hot and dry garage for YEARS and then donate them when they finally clean the place up.

I've had some H-K stuff and it's good.  Never had a 330 receiver like the one shown - I had an older version, though.  Had a 91 tape deck, a 101 tape deck, and a 201 tape deck.  Bought them all at thrift stores and sold them on eBay during my eBay heyday.  There's a good market out there for it, so you might try looking on eBay for the units you seek.

The "Stereo Power Wars" or "Receiver Wars" occurred back in the mid to late 1970's, and is summed up really well here:

http://www.stereomanuals.com/articles/

It was a last gasp at manufactured excellence.  Unlike the muscle car era where manufacturers had gobs of horsepower in not-really-capable-of-handling-it, the receiver wars truly were the time when the best stuff was made for mass markets. 

[GatorDude]

Aaaaah....if only I didn't live in an apartment!     One day, I'd love to build a vintage stereo system.  The thrift stores in Atlanta used to have great stereo stuff.

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Sun is shinin’ in the sky
There ain’t a cloud in sight
It’s stopped rainin’ everybody’s in a play
And don’t you know
It’s a beautiful new day hey,hey, hey
                                         
                                         -E.L.O. - MR. BLUE SKY

Thanks Big Daddy for the eBay tip.  Bought what looks to be a nice one for $38! and since it will be a local pickup no shipping charge.

[Big Daddy Audio]

You picked up an HK-330i?  That sounds like a good deal for $38 if it works right.  You'll save yourself a lot of hunting time.  Remember - most receivers and vintage audio will benefit from a good going-through with some canned air and some Caig's De-Ox-It on the switches and pots.  Follow the instructions and you can eliminate all the noise and static you get with some older equipment.

Good luck with it.  AND PHOTOS!  We need photos.

[Skip]

Yes, that is what I was trying to convey.  I won't have it for another 3-4 weeks as my parents are going to bring it down from Toronto when they visit. When I get it I'll try to put up a pic or two.

Thanks for the "good going-through" advice. I will do that.