Retro HiFi - The Missing Link
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- čas přidán 9. 02. 2016
- This is a video about two HiFi components that could do with making a comeback.
The video features two devices, The first is the Realistic APM-200 - an external add-on VU meter sold in the 1970s & 1980s through Radioshack and Tandy. The main subject of the video though is the Onkyo U30 - an RCA Switchbox/Pre-amp.
I really don't see why an enterprising manufacturer couldn't bring back either one or both of these types of devices. If they were to go a step further and add in a DAC, then we'd really have an handy all-in-one HiFi component. Perhaps I've just given someone the idea for a Kickstarter.
The Techmoan channel can be supported via Patreon / techmoan - Věda a technologie
The amount of cables in the back of that cabinet could probably strangle a spider.
+id104335409 That was a spider......lol
Spiders camera shy. its the remnants of the web.. dont put your hand to far back there it will get caught...
That mass of wires is a thing of beauty.
I have a theory about wires behind stereos... you can hook them up nice and neat and then leave the stereo alone for years, come back all the wires tangled up like they're back there f****** or something
id104335409 it would’ve done the job of making the web
i didnt know i needed analog VU metter in my life until i saw this video
same
same
Jolly Joy ahah I need them now to but need to find one
Not me.
It would have to be at least a spectrograph.
That Realistic APM 200 is really beautiful.
I'm going to have to stop watching these videos. They just make me want things. I've already got a lot of things.
Ha ha I hear you
The money isn't the problem, I'm running out of space!
Paul Bennell i wish i could say that
Paul Bennell haha I am not going to stop watching but have the same feeling xD
Paul Bennell I wish I could say that to
These VU meters ARE SO COOL! Todays tech is so boring.
"Todays tech is so boring." That is a reaction to the 80s and 90s tech which had flashing lights and video equalisers everywhere. (NB: VU meters were crucial on tape and cassette recorders for ensuring you did not saturate the tape.) Nowadays, if you are interested in high-quality sound, you are much less likely to want flashing lights and etc invading your space, as the quality of the sound is more important. I am now very glad that I retained some of my audio gear separates from this era which were not overburdened with flashy effects.Especially as most of it is no longer available at relatively reasonable prices. (Some is no longer available at all; especially decent cassette decks.)
mcintosh luxman are still using meters. Nagra accuphase are the more expensive ones.
And always So Black!
You should have your own BBC-TV program. Well done!
If they can do a programme where James May reassembles a 50s lawnmower, then they can broadcast something like this.
i agree tho i do have some suffolk colts and punches too lol
With a voice like that, he should have his own BBC channel!
This kind of mythical missing link would be a great thing indeed. I'd love such a thing for my setup, at least. Although I'd also be happy with that standalone VU meter, haha.
Just signed up to your Patreon too; happy to support what you're doing!
+Lazy Game Reviews Cool channel. Subbed :)
+Lazy Game Reviews Dont be an idiot
+Myst Blade rofl
+Paul Hicks LGR is fucking great, imho. The old stuff, the new stuff.. All wonderful.
+Lazy Game Reviews Check out Big Clive if you haven't yet Clint, fun channel too
For blue film, I'd suggest you buy yourself a box of quality streets and eat all of the chocolates - After you've done that, you'll have a large selection of different coloured films to choose from. Hope that helps. Cheers!!
I don't know what's better about this, the film or the chocolate... It's the best thing he could possibly do
+Jim Conner Quite a good idea!
+Jim Conner
I thought the same thing as I have a large tin next to me. The coconut chocolates have the blue film.
+Jim Conner It's a good idea, but, what kind of heat do the bulbs put out? Would the wrappers be in any danger of melting? I'd also suggest just getting some lantern gels (Colour filters) and then cut out what he needs. And lastly, you can find colour filters for cameras on amazon really easily.
+Jim Conner Surely if you're in to that a box of tissues would be better for a blue film... ;-P
It's great that so many people want to help me out with their blue-film lightbulb substitute ideas...but on this occasion I'm really not at all interested in colouring bulbs blue. I am 100% happy with the non-blue bulbs.I have no intention of unwiring this sucker just to tint some bulbs so they look a little bit more white than yellow.
You can see all the previous comments on this subject...of which I've pasted a proportion (but not all) below....
1) the blue light covers can be purchased from any pinball repair or supply company. they have other colors as well.
2) The blue film around the bulb was likely a simple hack to change the colour of the meters, probably to match a previous owner's other equipment. You shouldn't have to import anything if you want to make it blue again, just some standard LEE colour correction gel from a good photographic or professional lighting distributor will be a more appropriate material.
3) The answer to your "blue film" is just theatrical gels. You can get a sheet (or a sample book for free) at a theatrical lighting supply. Or you could just drop by a local theater and beg a small strip from a lighting tech as it's all you'd need. The colors are almost unlimited so you don't have to just have blue. A bit of clear packing tape and you're set.
4) use a blue marker and color the bulb.
5) ever considered to replace some of those old bulbs with LEDs?
(just take some burned out bulbs, remove glas cap, solder in a resistor and a LED socket[/s
+Techmoan keep them old school man
You can remove that chipped VU meter and use a rough piece of sand paper working up to really fine sandpaper then a gritty polish you use on cars. You can completely remove the chip, I have used this method multiple times on items I've purchased because I'm too cheap to pay full price :P.
+gizzymoee maybe it can just be filled in with some clear glue?
+Techmoan Some nailcolour or acrylcolour should also do the job
I know nothing about hi-fi but how do you get the audio if you don't run your speakers through it
I have never lost my fascination for the dancing VU meters. Real needles real jumping a thing of beauty.
Your retro system is a joy to behold. Thanks especially for your willingness to put some time into editing...your videos are never boring or camera challenged....I am a grateful subscriber!
Hey Techmoan, Thank you for another great video. I really like your no-nonsense, fun approach to audio gadgetry. I never realized this, but I need a VU meter!
I've been junking for several years and scored all kinds of "old" stereo equipment in Germany. Some finds were 1960' 8mm video camera and projector, Marantz 2210 scope display amp tuner, Marantz amps, syntheticizer, Sasui turntables, Pioneer R2R just like Techmoan's, Akai R2R and much more. Unbelievably that people were throwing out these great quality made products. I cherish and use them to this day! Thanks for all the great Videos you make and doing all the research!
Pardon me, I'm American, so I'm not 100% sure on this. Quid is to pounds as buck is to dollars, right?
Yep, you are right.
thanks!
Like, so glad someone asked this for me :P
yep
Bobs your uncle.
Funny thing its actually a problem when you let steve jobsian design everything with that knee jerk reaction to visual clutter, you get stylistic uselessness and oversimplification, which admittedly are important to some people. But we don't live in the matrix yet at and it's ok to have actual buttons and switches to control real physical things... that actually work for more then 4 years, have replaceable parts, and are MORE FUN when you add it all up... if it adds up that way for you.
Yep, the oversimplification trend of late is simply disgusting, basically they assume the stupidity of the consumer... no thanks!
@@BillAnt And that extends to software and interfaces too. Hiding or plain removing features because apparently the majority are too stupid to use them (that's what they seem to think at least) then you get screwed together for not moving enough cash alone or on your circle.
Apple stuff is exquisitely engineered - I’d recommend reading Jony Ive’s biography - the attention to detail that went into, for example, engineering the Mac Book Air is astonishing. Just a pity about the built-in obsolescence that gets designed into the software. After 4 or 5 years all you’re left with is a useless, albeit exquisite, useless lump of aluminium and glass.
@@simonhodgetts6530 I mean there are several hardware issues as well, most due to intentional decisions to render the device useless. Like for almost ten years apple used the same chip in their charging circuit that had high failure rates after a certain number of charge cycles even though it had been a know issue since basically the beginning. Not to mention the fact that they bricked thousands of phones and tablets in australia from 2014 to 2016 if the device had a 3rd party replacement screen.
@@simonhodgetts6530 You forget they opted out of using fans in computers because they were, "Noisy!" and dumped the only thing mac os had over ms which was gaming.
I remember dad having something similar to this. Plugging so many analogue cables for each slot and the mass of variable switches and dials is something I adore.
Two separate Back to the Future references in one video, for that sir, you get a thumbs up.
I love the big analog VU meters. It reminds me of the old RCA and Gates stereo broadcast mixing boards I used in the early ‘70s. The coolest gig I worked was weekend shifts of WLAC-FM in Nashville, TN. The air and production studios and the transmitter were on the 31st floor observation deck of the Life & Casualty tower, then the tallest building in town. Quite a view across the city doing a midnight shift. It was a “good music”(Sinatra, Streisand, etc.) format. And it wasn’t unusual to get some pretty freaky phone calls in the wee hours. I still can’t watch Clint Eastwood’s “Play Misty For Me” without having nightmares.
You sound like my kind of guy. A mate used to buy all this stereo equipment, black boxes with one led and two buttons or so. My issue was there just wasn't enough going on for the money, I wanted things to look like an 80s portable stereo, knobs, dials and meters everywhere!
Nice video as always !
I recently bought a Teac AI-501DA and I love its VU meters and its power switch.
I was confronted with that switching problem many times in the past working as a radio television technician as well as on my own home stereo. That was the Reason I thought about developing a piece of equipment like that and sure enough it would work - actually, it DID work, at least my prototype which i build into an old hifi case that time. Sadly, at least in germany, there are things like WEEE that prevent you from starting a company manufacturing stuff like that. The manufacturing wouldn't realy be a huge problem, but the WEEE, ROHS, CE and other regulatory stuff makes everything realy expensive for a "one product company" idea like that :( If you like I could send you a prototype PCB without a case to take a look at, but as I said, there is no way to manufacture it in series.
However, keep up the good work, I love your videos!
I really wish you could do more videos (I know you can't since you have to own the equip in the first place) because I haven't found one other great channel like yours which covers oldschool/vintage Hi-Fi stuff. You make great videos!
I've become more and more interested in weird audio equipment lately, your channel is a godsend, and gives me lots of ideas to add onto my increasingly elaborate audio system.
I will say that wiring is actually my FAVORITE part of setting these systems up. :P
Wow can't believe I just discovered this channel. I love vintage gear and I love learning about hi-fi so this is really up mt alley. Your delivery and your tone and your presentation, I dig all of it. Subscribed!
It's a fact that audio sounds better when there's a VU meter in there somewhere!
That's why I got a frequency analyzer kit the other day 🤣
I'm using a 16 channel stereo mixer to connect all my audio devices to my hi-fi stereo set. Most of my audio devices are electronic instruments like synthesizers and samplers though.
Here in America, we call them alligator clips.
Thank you for sharing your love of music and the beautiful components of the recent past.
Joe.
Really lovely unit there! Glad to see you add an Onkyo machine to your collection as well, half of my equipment is all Onkyo... Love their stuff!
Great video, always well explained and edited. I enjoy your videos a lot, looking forward to the next one. You could review the mini disc format ;-)
+ColinMcX Minidisc will be the subject of a future video ....when that is, I'm not sure yet, but it will happen.
+Techmoan Great, cant wait! I bought the Sony Hap-S1 for 599€ the other day, you convinced me with your video. Its a great dac, in really enjoying my music library again. Thanks
+ColinMcX My HAP-S1 seems to be acting up a bit, as it no longer sends the various sources (RCA 1&2,Co-Ax and Optical back out through the RCAs. I think this has been happening since a recent firmware/software update. If you get the option for an update, I'd recommend declining it at the moment.
This isn't a big deal at the moment as I'm not routing anything through it - but I'd still like it working.
+Techmoan thanks for the tip, but, I have updated it. I dont have any aux cables, only the line out to my amp. If I put any more aux in it, ill let you know if it happens.
+Techmoan I think you should have a look at McIntosh amplifiers, they aren't "boring" at all.
You must be the only person switching between a Tefifon and an HD audio player ( not to mention R2R & 8 Track :-)
I love your videos and seeing all this equipment sure takes me back down memory lane. That being said, through the 90's I distinctly remember being very excited about the realization that computers were soon going to allow me to have all my media (audio, video) stored on a giant hard disk, in a single computer that would allow me to sort/mix/edit/(and more!). I love the nostalgia here, but I am very happy to be free of a web of patch cables, power cords, and power bars.
Its funny to watch some of these videos; I was an 80's kid, but my dad always had and maintained his hifi and record collection well into the 90's. By the time everyone else had wanted to "come back" to the old style hifi build quality, I had a pile of it sitting in my basement. Some of it finally fell into disrepair, but a handful of things survived including my Pioneer SX-636 which I absolutely love. Those blue lights, VU's, and heavy metal knobs just feel sooooo good.
QED made a series of switch boxes that require no power. Early DIN and RCA version where to switch three tape decks. Later units included 6 way expansion MB41 and 3 way tape MB40. I added these to a 1981 pre-amp with only phono, tuner and tape selection. I used to have more than one tape deck and several video recorders (V2000, Super VHS, Hi8 and DV) and never enough inputs. These are all redundant now as the PC is source for everything.
Meridian made a modular system which could take over 20 inputs if you had the shelf space to take the add-on inline modules. The mechanical fit was a weak point and you could "blow" the amplifier when fitting more. Perhaps the best ever MC phono inputs from Meridian as later all their equipment is digital based.
JVC made a neat SCART (AV Selector JX-S100 Super VHS) and RCA switch boxes for audio and video selection between four decks and a front panel RCA and S-connector for a camcorder input.
As ridiculous as it sounds, you should consider making your own! It's a pretty simple circuit electronically and you could make some interesting videos out of it!
The quality of these videos has shot up recently. Great job and keep up the good work!
Wonderful, I love seeing you take things apart old things to repair them or give them some required TLC.
8:16 when i hear that song i get Nostalgia thinks on very old stuff I just fell old :)
I've gone modern (7.1receiver) with my retro's and vintage... and I miss the bouncy meters and the filament glow
Very smart use of old tech for a modern problem. Love the glow of the VU meters in the dark
4:48 - The front panel of the Onkyo is using a font for the switches that's about 30 years ahead of it's time, it looks so modern!
Great as always! Just to add, DBX made very capable and complex source selectors until more recently. No meters, but you can hook up up to 3 tape recorders, 3 signal processors and 1 noise reduction unit just in the available sockets - and of course you could connect even more, using the extra inputs on the processors. Some require no power (like the 200 I recently got) and some others do (400, 400x), just for the LED indicators. They allow you to also route recording in whichever direction you want, and even choose to record processed or unprocessed signal. They usually go for under 100 on Ebay!
last summer I picked up a 400XG. I'm going to set it up for my LP-to-CD transfer station. This will be pure analog, no bloody laptop in sight. I have an SAE 5000A pop/click unit, a DBX 228, a 3bx, an SAE parametric EQ, and an Akai 10" R2R. Can't wait to plug in the last piece into the power strip and flip the switch!
Cool but not silver.
08:40 - "...switch between devices made 60 years apart". Possible not only by the RCA connector, but also by the "line level" signal standard that specifies voltage, power & impedance across those connections.
Perhaps make it able to switch between a couple of different amps so we can use the same speakers or different speakers with different different amps.
RCA connectors are dodgy, DIN is way better, you have 5 poles on one plug that you could use so you could connect a even tape machine (Rec/Out) with only one plug instead of four, just like a tuner or stereo ceramic cartridge. I don't know why they are so rare these days, even in Europe where they were extremely popular in the 60s and 70s and far more common than RCA.
@@westelaudio943 Simple. Because from an audio standpoint, those DIN cables simply sucked with that many conductors crammed into one relatively thin cable, causing interference/crosstalk between each other. Yes, they were convenient, but that's about where their positive aspects stop. Just think about how many individual conductors + shielding are in a standard DIN cable that usually isn't even the diameter of your smallest finger (much less than that in most cases) ...
@@Knaeckebrotsaege
And that simply isn't true. Good DIN cables also have four individual ground-shielded leads. And even if not, all I disadvantages can think of is maybe one db less channel separation, and I couldn't care less. And there are cinch and 1/8" jack cables built in the same fashion, the connector has nothing to do with the cable itself.
Your hifi knowledge is impressive, makes for excellent viewing thanks
+Techmoan I also had the problem with running out of RCA inputs on my tube amp, and, inspired by this video, I made my own switcher. It has 8 inputs and 4 outputs. It has a color LCD combination, spectrum anylyser, VU meter, Oscilliscope on the left and a LCD text display to show what input is running with a scrubber knob for selecting them on the right. I can also use a remote control to switch the inputs. An Arduino runs the software. I saw you recently retired the Onkyo, but I still give 100% credit to you for getting me to put this thing together. Best thing? The wife loves it...no more confusion. Keep up the good work!!
Can't agree more... Modern hifi units are boring.
They may sound good (if not too good, aka digital artifacts), but the warmth of these devices from days gone by have a soul, something to touch and feel.
Goddam, I love the build quality of these old devices, now I want a Onkyo U30
I LIKE THE WAY HE EXPLAINS ALL THE VINTAGE STEREOS AND OTHER VINTAGE EQUIPMENT. .. VERY WELL DETAILED INFORMATION. ... this was the best at its generation. ...
I've been watching way too many of your videos. I really love them. Thanks for taping.
I think the white/yellow bulbs look better than the blue ones, at least it now matches the rest of the system.
+Neil Donnelley I do wonder what the blue ones looked like - and if I could have found an easy way to substitute the bulbs for LEDs I may have given it a go. I understand why they blew out - the bulbs are on for the entire time the device is plugged in. I can imagine someone in the past leaving it powered on continuously.
+Techmoan For the blue film go to the photo equipment store: look for 80A color conversion filter film. It converts warm incandescent light bulb light into daylight. This film is often available in temperature-resistant option for use with big hot lights.
+Techmoan What voltage are the bulbs? I found these LED bulbs for car interiors: www.topledlight.com/auto-car-led-interior-light-bulb-screw-e10-12v-whitebluegreenredyellow_p1920.html
Most people today just have their iPods/iPhones and a dock with speakers and that's just about all they need. I made my own pre-amps and audio switch-boxes for my Retro HiFi setup though since I'm a dab hand with transistors(and other components) and a soldering iron.
Love how this system looks. Takes me back. Radio Shack was a great store. A friend bought a qudro-phonic system that was crazy expensive.
Love all the hifi videos! Good stuff! Thank you sir!
how much power does that whole rig consume?
I can't speak for his monolithic wall of audio there, but my own retro stereo and pretty much any of my old tube type radios, turntables, etc....are all very surprisingly lightweight on the wattage drain compared to the average new ones.
Also, pardon the necropost.
Doug Shiro Necro posting rules! One of the best things about CZcams, is that time travel is possible. (Posting while watching Doctor Who.)
A switch box draws nothing. A "modern" transistorized preamp is maybe 15 watts. A vacuum tube preamp might be 25 to 40 watts or so. A transistor stereo 100W amplifier will idle around 5W, and even if you are into modern boom music will probably average less than 50 watts while you are listening to it. A 25W Williamson mono amplifier using a pair of 6L6's will probably run around 50W idling and less than 75W running at normal volume.
Transistorized or IC hifi equipment draws virtually nothing when idling, and the power amps draw less average power than you would think when running at even very loud listening levels with older speakers. With modern speakers the power amps can get very hungry, up around 500W - 1KW if you are really driving things to make you and your friends go deaf. Vacuum tube hifi gear (not "audiofile" gear) runs hotter, but will still typically be under 120W under load. "Audiofile" gear with things like class A amps running quad 807's is absurd, and takes absurd amounts of power. That isn't what he has there.
"kind of like Biff's car" haha
Now why don't you make like a tree, and get out of here
Vintage electronics, 1970s and earlier, are awesome. Not only were they built solid and built to last, it all had so much more class than modern stuff.
This is one of your best, yet! I use a patch-bay in my Hifi system
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED doing an open source project to create a switching device with VU readouts? This stuff sold back in the day because there was a market for it ... some of that market must still exist ...
+eyreland I've seen enough Kickstarter disasters (and read about the production problems of the ones that eventually did come out) to know that it's not something I want to get involved in. However if a manufacturer wants to take this idea and run with it, I'm happy to help (as long as it requires minimal effort and no financial involvement).
Techmoan I only used Kickstarter name because I knew it, I found a later video via an Irish IT source that said that it was functionally kaput. Feel free to use UK or EU equivalents to Kickstarter for this, they are probably less corrupt. GITHUB or SourceForge may also be usable as these sites can support the design aspect SANS source code. SPICE Proofing might be needed in Open Source designs in the AC or RF domains... : )
Great piece....I own a "Crown OC-150" that functions for additional switching I bought 'New' back in the day (early 1970's)....Built like a tank.
Would be great ....'Moan'...if you made a ... Playlist ....titled ......."Retro Hi-Fi"...................I'd visit that all the time...just an idea.....
I appreciate the effort and production values of your videos. As always, content is pretty cool and informative.
Really enjoy your HiFi videos... in fact it's the reason I'm subscribed to your channel. Keep up the great work!
Wiring? Ha. I have 22 game consoles in one cabinet hooked up to my TV and surround system.
+10p6 Cool, will you upload a video of the setup to your account?
+Paul Boyle If HP ever gets around to fixing my workstation so I can make the video, yes.
What's the name of the song at 4:10?
+Miguel Souto Neto The Wiggles - Hot Potato
Topher Mohr and Alex Elena - Trouble
Eduard Khil - It's Great to Finally Be Back Home Again
I love those afterthought capacitors that had to be added on the back of the PCB. Definitely a moment where engineers went “oh crap” after the PCBs had already gone into manufacturing
7:20 Oh, the great satisfaction of returning something to it's full glory.
I love it.
Song at 8:05?
+Fahrenheit38 i would like to know also :)
czcams.com/video/Sgvo_Xue-JU/video.html&feature=share
1970's quality is better than 2018 quality.
And it looks way damn cooler.
Another great Techmoan video. In this one, both Doc Brown AND Biff were mentioned. Extra stars for that! Haha I love these videos. Being a kid in the 80s I would occasionally see this hifi equipment at a friend's house. But I was always bewildered at what seemed like complex gear and operation. Now I know those friends' parents were pursuing audio quality!
I cannot tire watching your videos, I try not to watch too many in a row to save for later, cheers mate I love you.
I think, why manufacture never build product with more switch and VU meter, because a lot of "audiophile" complaining about switches and VU meters will degrade quality of sound.
I have a friend audiophile come to me to remove all switches in his Pioneer SA708, I must jumper and bypass all switcher, VU meters and tone control, and hard to do that, not because I can't do it but because I love switches and vu meters, why audiophool want to remove them...
+Faisal Kadal your friend is right, the shorter the path from the source to your speaker, the better sound you get (i'm not talking about cables length but rather about bypassing all unnecessary circuitry
+unknown matter Aye, I was using electrostatic headphones when I first tried a switchbox and the degredation was noticeable. Tone controls too, not so much an EQ but the addition of 'one note' sound to the different freq regions. Like adding an instrument to the mix.
+unknown matter nonsense
+unknown matter I would say "less coloured" in place of "better"
+unknown matter When I'm done modifying his amplifier I can't hear any difference because Pioneer SA708 can bypass tone control with defeat switch, but yeah switches are "evil" according to my audiophile friend...
Love old skool hifi. Used to go into Tandy as a kid what a shop. Even maplin was good but as with everything it never lasts.
Always such a pleasure to watch your videos. Not only are they very helpful when choosing equipment, but they are also interesting, and entertaining. Get such a kick every time. Especially the videos about vintage hifi.
Keep the awesome stuff coming.
Best wishes.
Soundrookie.
Didn't have anything this fancy, but my old setup included an AM/FM receiver tape deck/phono, a CD player, a dual tape player/recorder, and mixer board from Radio Shack. The receiver luckily had input and output RCA plugs. So did the CD and Tape decks. These were all hooked so that the CD and tape would play through the receiver as well as the mixer board. I also had it hooked up so that I could hook my guitars into the mixer board and play along with whatever I wanted, phono, CD, or tape or even the radio, and with my headphones plugged in, no one could hear it but me. Depending on what I was playing along with or figuring out how to play, I could pause and return or rewind it, and go back over it, as many times as I liked. Not too shabby for a country boy from central Alabama....and I still have all of the parts EXCEPT for the receiver. Wish I still had it...
I love the Pioneer receiver. I remember how cool it was to spin the tuner and watch the needle float across the window. When I was a kid that is how we judged quality. If it floated it was the best.
Keep the videos coming and thanks for sharing!
I have one of those Radio Shack meters and I love it! been using it for over 30 years bought it new still in exelent condition.
We have the same Pioneer receiver! I shouldn't be so excited about this, but it makes me happy :).
Just beautiful. Hope i could get space at my living room to place a rack and start building a vintage equipment collection.
Awesome video, best way of listening to music is through a working vintage HiFi setup.
Years ago in hifi stores we had a thing called a comparator, which was a giant box that allowed you to run any amp through any speakers. I think you could also use it as a source selector, and it would route audio to whichever amp you were using. Some smaller stores made do with a GPO type patchbay with 1/4 in stereo jacks.
By 1977 the old mechanical VU meter seemed quite dated. That same year I got a Harman Kardon A402 with neat LED bar meters. We used to spend hours listening to music, and watching the LEDs dance! I still have a Citation 19 amp with the same meter panel, and it's still magical. The discrete round LEDs, 4 green, 2 yellow and 2 red per channel have a nicer look than any LED or other display type I've seen since.
Thanks for the great videos. Waiting for one on the minidisc!
I love the look and feel of the old stereo equipment. Everything now is just black and boring. Just yesterday I went down in my basement and pulled out my old Marantz equipment, Model 3650 Control Center and Model 170DC Power Amp. I am going to be incorporating them into my home theater setup for just listening to music. These pieces are gorgeous. The amp has the wonderful VU meters.
Terrific video ... and I must say I was touched by the 'nostalgia' component ....... but then again, I do remember Mum & Dad in 1940s Scotland, listening to brilliant classical music on our old gramaphone while tuned to Radio Luxembourg .......
Youre a lover of old tech. Its awesome theyre still working even though theyre 30 or more yrs old.
i just finished my cnc shop and its up and running, making a vintage input switcher with meters is going to be my first try at a product, thinks for the inspiration your so right about that, there is not enough good old vintage stuff going around anymore.
Any progress? Us vintage gear-heads want to know.
Nice looking switch. Many hifi stuff from the 70's has simplistic timeless design.
Two Back to the Future references in one video? Great Scott!
I knew I wasn't the only one out there that could watch those VU meters for hours, I have even used my tape deck just for that purpose.
Nice find on the Onkyo U-30, they are actually built very well compared with Realistic switch boxes, and of course the silver makes it stand out even more. Great video by the way.
I'm not really into audio equipment that much, but your videos still make it so interesting! Keep up the awesome work!!!
+sized4spills did not expect to see you in the comments section on this video
you have got the coolest retro hifi set up i have ever seen!
The service work that you did on this machine is what i do daily for work :D
I work as chief of service for a vintage HiFi shop :D
I love old good stuff! Beautiful amplifier! Im so in love with the old timeless hot Sony ES stuff 😍😍😍
Oh wow this brings back some fond memories.
All of your videos make me miss the receiver I grew up with before my dad jumped to Dolby digital surround. It was a Sansui Model 881. I used it in my bedroom for a while until I went surround. My friend loved it and my dad gave it to him under the condition that he gave it back if he stopped using it. He got robbed, and now I pine away seeing only broken ones on eBay that are still expensive... well for me anyways.
Ah the 70s. Hi-Fi equipment was just cooler back then. And more functional too. Thanks for sharing this, brings back memories.
Immensely enjoyable. I am still stuck in the past with all my separates from the 70;s and 80's wired up as should be with a few vintage mods.ah, memories...........
Terrific overview - very enjoyable
@ Techmoan: You're not the only one who loves the VU meter displays. Until I saw your videos I thought I was the only person on Earth who gets thrilled by it. Legacy equipment is the best! I used to have a Sansui setup, integrated amp, tuner, SAE parametric equalizer, with VU meters in all it's glory. I still feel bad until this day I got rid of them. Thank you for bringing back my sanity!
The nickname for my stack has always been Electric Mayhem. Both for the wires and the Muppet Band!
That Onkyo is beautiful, look at those couplers on those switch extensions. That's why sh..stuff doesn't feel like that anymore.