Saturday, March 10, 2007

Why buy vintage hifi items?


Many people has asked me why I buy only vintage hifi items?

Firstly, the various vintage items were reviewed by millions of people around the world in order to reach today cult status. These have very nice circiut, superb workmanship plus superior use of materials. We can just ask ourselves, how many of these so called modern days hifi equipment being able to reach these kind of popularity and review. How many of the DIY projects can be widely accepted as before?

Secondly, during the early days where music is one of the main entertainment, milions of $$ were poured into research and development in order to create a better sound (examples Marantz 1, 2, 7,8b,9, 10B), Western Electric 124, 142, 86, 91 etc) Leak 12.1, Fishers 400CX, 50C, 400CX II etc.

Thirdly, vintage amplfiers items are limited in quantities while deman has ben growing. One year ago, I have bought the Marantz 7 at HK$20,000 and the last trasacted price is around $30,000. The LEak TL12.1 at one time was $35,000 and now it is over $45,000. I bought my Western Electric 755a at $38,000 (inclusive of the Piano wood cabinet ) and I was offered $50,000 just for the 755a drivers. As such, prices of vintage amplifiers will appreciate in values on conditions that they have to be rare and in good prestine conditions.

Thus, for anyone interested in hifi and still hope to recover your $$ when you are tired of the hobby, one can consider vintage amplifiers. However, remember to get only those reputatble ones and at its best consitions (both internal and cosmetic conditions)!

Be happy!

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