CHERRY VINTAGE AUDIO / objets d'art (Since 2014) 

CHERRY VINTAGE AUDIO / objets d'art (Since 2014) 

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Page 1 Vintage Stereo Receivers ~ Tuners ~ Amps ~ Preamps

McIntosh 1900 

McIntosh 1900

McIntosh 1900

('71-'78)  55 WPC  $950 (firm)

In excellent cosmetic condition and working perfectly, this iconic McIntosh 1900 stereo receiver comes with the handsome McIntosh L-19 walnut case.  It has been completely disassembled for a deep cleaning and thorough deoxit of all pots and switches, DC offset and bias.  It is 100% original; all inputs, outputs, switches and lamps are fully functional.

Vintage McIntosh gear vs the "others" is sometimes like comparing a Rolex to a Timex...this McIntosh 1900 has that retro-cool look and is one of the early "Rolex" quality units from McIntosh...

The MAC-1900 was introduced in the early ’70s and remained in the company’s line through 1978 but it wasn’t the company’s first receiver. That hard-fought honor was reserved for the 30-watts-per-channel MAC-1500 that sold for $499 in 1965. It was replaced by the MAC-1700 receiver a couple years later, which upped power output to 40 watts and filled the receiver slot until the MAC-1900 came along.

Most vintage audio enthusiasts consider McIntosh equipment to be the top of the line. It is some of the best designed and best built audio equipment made during that time period. And, actually many would argue that you would have to spend thousands of dollars today on contemporary audio equipment in order to equal the performance of restored vintage McIntosh gear. McIntosh amplifiers are some of the most highly sought after vintage audio equipment around.  Many knowledgeable audiophiles called the MAC-1900 "arguably the first 'high-end' receiver of the modern equipment era”.   


Basic specs:

Power output: minimum 55 WPC into 4 or 8 Ohms
THD: less than 0.20%
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Finish: front panel in anodized black and gold
Weight: – 33 pounds (39 lbs with case)


History of the McIntosh 1900:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/mcintosh-mac-1900-original-high-end-stereo-receiver


About McIntosh...
Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment experience for discriminating listeners around the world. Their iconic blue watt output meter is globally recognized as a symbol of quality home audio. 
McIntosh products are designed and handcrafted at their Binghamton, NY factory by dedicated employees who share a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. Since their inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration speech to Woodstock to the famous Grateful Dead "Wall of Sound," McIntosh has not only witnessed history, they have shaped it.


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Bryston 4B

power amp (late 70's/early 80's)   $900

Obtained from the estate of the original owner, this Bryston 4B class-AB2 stereo power amp is one of Bryston's first (original) models. (this fact was verified from the Bryston factory after we submitted the serial number directly to them)

Cosmetically, it's damage-free; the black anodized faceplate is in excellent condition.  It has been disassembled, checked, cleaned and fully tested. We have to say, this is one tough, well-built amp.  After our typical routine service, it performs perfectly.  Essentially, even today, some 40 years later, it's still a tough, solid performing beast.  
NOTE: the original 4B, which sold for $1200 at its launch in 1978, and was followed, in turn, by the 4Be, 4B ST, 4B SST, and the 4B SST². Currently, Bryston offers a trade-in program that gives owners of any of those earlier iterations, regardless of condition, a generous credit toward a new 4B³.

Regardless of its age, this vintage amp from Bryston is a well-performing brute.   As some may already know, Bryston amps are found in studios throughout the world because of their neutrality and reliability.  One very amazing fact is that, from the beginning up through today, Bryston offers a 20 year analog and 5 year digital warranty on their products!

Many Bryston amps have been running nearly non-stop since they were manufactured over 40 years ago, illustrating Bryston’s commitment to superior engineering and manufacturing quality. 

Link to Stereophile Magazine review: https://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/592bryston/index.html

Specs:


Rated Power Output: 250 Watts Per Channel at 8 ohms
                                   400 Watts Per Channel at 4 ohms
                                   800 Watts In Bridged mode
|Mono Mode at 8 ohms
Frequency Response: 1 Hz - 100 kHz
THD: 0.01%
Dimensions 16.25"W by 7 1/8"H by 13.5" D
Weight: 40 lbs.
Original MSRP: $2295 including the optional LED display


About Bryston...
Bryston Ltd. has been designing and manufacturing state of the art specialty electronics to both the consumer and professional audio marketplaces for over 35 years.  They have
 a major commitment in producing the most accurate and reliable product available by maintaining an extensive research and development division which is constantly looking for ways to improve the performance, value, and reliability of their products.

Bryston engineers are never constrained by design costs for functionality. On the contrary, Bryston challenges their engineers to create the finest products they can; to source and use the best components; to move Bryston equipment ever-closer to perfection, while maximizing performance and reliability.

Following in the fine tradition of artisan craftsmanship worldwide, every audio component is handcrafted by people who take tremendous pride in building the very best. Each component is hand selected and installed, every wire is cut and bent by hand, and every connection is hand soldered.

In the consumer market Bryston manufactures state of the art audio electronics intended to provide the owner with the most musically accurate and reliable performance available. In the professional market Bryston offers amplifiers for recording studios, radio and television broadcast facilities, and sound reinforcement applications such as stadiums and arenas, etc.

Each of Bryston's fully assembled products is extensively tested before shipment. During 100 hours of continuous testing, Bryston amplifiers are monitored through a range of input cycles and thermal stress levels to duplicate a broad spectrum of operational loads. If any failures occur, Bryston will catch them during the manufacturing process, before you begin using the product.  Their dedication to creating the most reliable products is clearly evident in their 20 year analog and 5 year digital warranty.

Bryston products allow you to enjoy a generation of sound, music, and incredible performance. The company is based in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, just northeast of Toronto, and is sold through over 150 dealers in North America and 60 countries worldwide.


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Technics SA-5560

Technics SA-5560

Technics SA-5560 

('76-'77)  85 WPC    SOLD

In pristine cosmetic condition and fully operational, this Technics SA-5560 has been disassembled for a complete, in-depth cleaning and bench service.
The conservative power rating is a minimum of 85 watts per channel into 8 ohms and up to *108 watts per channel into 4 ohms.  We installed special order frosted Azure blue LEDs which apply a simply stunning appearance across the faceplate when the unit is powered on.

The SA-5560 was the upgraded model that replaced the very popular SA-5550.  Among other improvements it added more power with less distortion than its predecessor and also sports a more sensitive phono equalizer circuit.

As we've said before when describing these mid-70's series of Technics' receivers, there are a few ways you could argue that these units were better built and better sounding than their later SA-XXX series that followed in the very late 70's because cost-cutting was becoming the industry standard due to stiff competition.  

Main features:

~Power supply - 
The 5A-5560 can easily be the anchor for just about any vintage stereo system. lt delivers 90 watts per channel (minimum RMS) into 4 ohms from 20 Hz to 2O kHz' with no more than 0.1% THD (both channels driven). 
*At 1,000 Hz, this figure rises to 108 watts per channel at 4 ohms.The more than adequate 15,000 microfarad filter capacitors used in the power supply not only contributes to the excellent regulation, but also keeps hum and noise low and improves power availability at the low frequency end, where it is most often needed.  In regards to the amp section, like all the Technics receivers in this series, the SA-5560 uses a direct-coupled OCL (output capacitor-less) design.
~Multiple circuit / speaker protection
~Click-stop volume control and low distortion
 tone controls 
~Low-noise phono equalizer-
 This is a direct-coupled circuit consisting of three stages. Specially-selected, low-noise lC is used for a superb phono S/N ratio of 65 dB. Precision metal-film resistors (1% tolerance) and polypropylene capacitors keep equalization within +0.2 dB of the RIAA curve.


Basic specs:

Power output: 85 WPC into 8 / 90 WPC into 4
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.1%
Speaker load impedance: 4 ohms minimum
Dimensions: 20"W x 6"H x 16.5"D
Weight: 36 lbs


Technics SA-5760

Technics SA-5760

Technics SA-5760 

('76-'77) 165 WPC @ 8 / 205 WPC @ 4  SOLD 

This fully serviced and fully tested Technics SA-5760 stereo receiver is almost impossible to find in such excellent cosmetic and working condition as this one is. 

Essentially, it was disassembled for intensive bench cleaning, bias / offset adjustments and considerable testing prior to being offered for sale.  The upgraded, custom frosted Azure blue LEDs apply a simply stunning appearance across the faceplate when the unit is powered on...the photos do not compare when viewed in person.

Interestingly, Technics' design for the SA-5760 did not include vu-meters.  It's almost a necessity for these big monster units in order to be able to visually measure the sound output at a glance.  As a bonus, we have attached a backlit, adjustable power meter module that indicates the sound levels for both right/left speaker output.  The module has matching walnut veneer. 

At the time of its release it held the legitimate title of the "world's most powerful receiver".  Technics was enjoying a rise in the popularity of their receiver line-up in the mid 70's.  The SA-5760 was perceived as a triumph of audio engineering in the mid 70's.  

The 5760 conservatively pumps out a thunderous 165 watts per channel into 8 ohms and a whopping 205 watts per channel into 4 ohms.  All 50 lbs of this incredible beast is neatly packaged into a sleek (essentially slim) uncluttered exterior design. 

It's no secret that Technics focused on the Pioneer SX-1250 as the direct competitor to the SA-5760.  With the specs being so close to each other, Technics launched the 5760 at a slightly lower price point than the SX-1250.  

The SA-5760 was clearly in a war of fierce competition with Pioneer, Yamaha, Sansui  and all the rest.  While we have to rate them all to be excellent, we submit that the Technics SA-5760 and Pioneer's SX-1250 are closest to each other in terms of build quality and pure, unadulterated brute power.  However...to each his own opinion, right?   

In many ways you could argue that the mid-70's series of Technics gear was better built and better sounding than their later SA-XXX series that followed in the late 70's because cost-cutting was becoming the industry standard due to stiff competition.  The competition was so intense by the late 70's that everybody was cutting corners to keep up with each other.  Fortunately, the SA-5760 was available before the cost cutting measures taken by Technics took place.

Tech info:
The SA-5760 power supply features two 22,000uf caps and a gigantic laminated core transformer with dual secondaries.  All of that was to power its amplifier consisting of ‘para-push pure complimentary, direct-coupled OCL circuit with single-pack, matched differential transistors.
The SA-5760 was originally retailed at $800 in 1977 which would equate to around $4000 in 2024. This priced it very competitively against Pioneer’s S-1250 and the other "monster" receivers of the time. This budget / price angle was also heavily promoted in Technics literature at the time.

Basic specs:
Power output: 165 WPC into 8 ohms / 205 WPC into 4 ohms
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.08%Speaker load impedance: 4 ohms to 16 ohms
Dimensions: 21.7"W x 7"H x 19.5"D
Weight: 51 lbs


About TECHNICS / MATSUSHITA / PANASONIC...
Founded in the 1920's, the huge Japanese conglomerate Matsushita had interests in many electronics companies.  The most well known would be Technics and Panasonic. Technics was introduced as a brand name for premium loudspeakers marketed domestically by Matsushita in 1965.  Eventually, Technics became a premium brand bringing classics like the SL-1200mkii turntable and the absolute monster receiver at the top of the list: Technics SA-1000 (330 watts per channel)

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Luxman R-3045 

Luxman R-3045

Luxman R-3045

('77-'79)  45 WPC  SOLD


In splendid cosmetic condition and fully operational, this Luxman R-3045 receiver was first released in 1977 at a retail price of $450.  Part of a three model series, the R-3045 was just under the R-3055 and right above the R-3030.  The distinctive faceplate design of the R-3045 features a subdued elegance, a minimum of knobs and the rosewood veneer case.  This unit also comes with four custom-chrome, fully adjustable feet with rubber pads.

One of the most charming vintage stereo receivers, attractive in form, function, and importantly...sound quality, the Luxman R-3045 is not often seen for sale.  This lovely receiver has power LED output indicators, tuning assist LEDs and Acculock for locking onto a station. While the R-3045 is rated at around 45 watts per channel (8 ohms) and 65 watts per channel (4 ohms), it's well known that Luxman units are very conservatively rated.  At the time of release the R-3045 was well regarded for its low distortion, high dynamic range and wide bandwidth.  When it comes to Luxman, all their amps and receivers are almost universally referred to as being warm and natural sounding. 


Perhaps, one its better features...the R-3045 is also equipped with a great phono stage for both MC and MM types of cartridges.  The phono stage has variable input impedance and equalizer gain which is all done automatically.
That is something you rarely see in a mid-range receiver.


This superb Japanese-built R-3045 features Luxman’s famous and ground-breaking “Duo-Beta” circuit. The concept behind the “Duo-Beta” circuit is that negative feedback (used in most amplifiers to enhance amplified components) is applied with individual gain to two discrete frequency ranges to condition waveforms for listening. As a result, the amp produces an exceptionally smooth mid-range, while keeping the low frequencies focused and articulate.

One last note:  often overlooked by some is the FM circuit.  In the R-3045, Luxman has what's called "flash tuning system".  This is an array of LEDs which point the direction to tune, automatically changing into a signal strength indicator at the exact center tuning point.


Basic specs:
Power output: 45 WPC into 8 ohms / 65 WPC into 4 ohms
THD: 0.05% 
Frequency response: 15Hz to 60kHz
Dimensions: 20'W x 12.4"D x 6.5"H 
Weight: 24 lbs


About Luxman...(from Luxman's home page)
The history of the Luxman audio brand began in 1925, at the birth of radio broadcasting.  They paid particular attention to the world of audio and gained a high reputation as a quality brand of high-end audio products both domestically and internationally.

People tend to open their mind to natural things and react negatively to the unnatural. Natural sound, without coloration, develops an intimacy between the music and the listener; naturally and purely reproduced music resonates with the listener’s imagination. 

Luxman reflected this effect in their product development; music that features a performer's true passion and which a recording engineer has worked on precisely benefits from the fine nuances in sound which they aimed to reproduce, conveying the spirit of the artist and the enthusiasm of the performance. They strove to bring to the listener the experience of unlimited, pure music because composers, performers and recording engineers have poured their true feelings into our favorite pieces of music. Luxman would only be satisfied if the listener could experience those same passions through their products. They continue to discover new excitement through wonderful music and to continue to share that pleasure with everyone.


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Harman Kardon HK-505 /  HK-500

Harman Kardon HK-505 /  HK-500

Harman Kardon HK-505 /  HK-500

integrated amp / stereo tuner ('79-'81)  60 WPC    $400/set

In excellent cosmetic and operating condition, both the Harman Kardon HK-505 integrated amp and the matching HK-500 stereo tuner have been completely serviced.  Every input, output and switch functions perfectly.  The factory metal cases have been sanded and coated with a beautiful metallic flat soft iron finish.

Harman Kardon’s top of the line amplifier in 1979 (one they were justifiably proud of), the HK-505 is a well designed masterpiece that still looks and operates as it did when first released.  Critics raved about this amplifier and its sonic performance back then, and still continue to do so some four and a half decades later, review after review. 

The design starts with a twin power supply (a separate output winding on the huge power transformer for each channel) and separate DC rectifying / filtering components for each, monitored by the twin LEDs under the power switch. The main amplifier modules feature T03 package output devices on huge extruded heatsinks and high quality construction.

All of the switches and controls are high quality units as well. In keeping with Harman’s long term design philosophy that “even the frequencies you can’t hear form part of music” the 505 has a “DC to daylight” frequency response of <3Hz through to 140kHz. The phono stage is just as superb as the rest of the amplifier, equal to some phono amps in units costing much more. Mechanical construction is as solid as the electronic design, a 27 lb tank.

The 505 has two separately switchable speaker zones, and can drive down to a 4 ohm total impedance.  It also has preamp out / main amp in looping, a turntable input (with switchable capacitance loading), three line level (aux) inputs, plus two tape loops (which of course can also be used for any aux devices). Dubbing routing is included for the tape loops. A Hi cut and subsonic filter are fitted, and the tone controls (which can be bypassed) have selectable frequency bands, 150Hz, 500Hz, 2.5kHz and 6kHz.

Essentially, the HK-505 (along with its matching HK-500 stereo tuner) is a very well designed and executed mid-to-high end amplifier, and not an easy model to find!


About Harman Kardon...
Harman Kardon's first audio products were more high style than high-tech, with easily removable faceplates available in a variety of designer colors as their principal selling point. But it wasn't long before Sidney Harman hired Stu Hegeman as HK's head designer and, the products they are most famous for,  the Award Series and Citation line of kits and factory assembled separates was born.
In the late 70's the "new" handsome components were designed, built and tested with the understandings that went far beyond conventional ideas about distortion and the factors that make one component sound better than another.  HK considered the integrated series such as the HK-503 (above) to be the most musically accurate components ever devised.  That's quite a statement!


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