My personal experiences with vintage (50+ year old) items of audio equipment has invariably been (as with many / most other "things")
that - "what you put in, you get out" - this of course applies to time spent, efforts and energies expended and last but not the least, finances expended.
Unfortunately - as also with many other "things" in life, there are NO shortcuts and quick fixes with this..........the bottom line has always been and
remains that you HAVE TO "get in deep" and if you prefer, "bite the bullet" (time wise, financially, etc.) IF you want to enjoy true peace of mind and some measure of reliability and stability - with items that were first made 50, 60 or even 70 years ago.
And, for those of you who are un-initiated with this, I AM and already have (on several occasions in the past) "practicing what I am preaching" -
on umpteen occasions for the last 20 years or so, I have had my equipment serviced and/or restored by the acknowledged "finest" in the business, be it in the USA, the UK, Europe (Germany, Italy, etc.) and even in Singapore (where I had an "old" Made in Japan CD player fully refurbished and made "as new" electronically) - and believe me, these efforts take time (often 9-12-15 months' turn around time) and it takes BIG funds (in foreign currencies, no less) which bring tears to most people's eyes !
But, that IS what it takes and the results are nothing short of astounding and are very, very fulfilling and gratifying - that is, IF this is something that "floats your boat" in the first place.
And, over the years, I have matured enough to understand and know that these "expenses" are NOT to be considered as mere "expenses" (outright losses) but, in fact, as "investments" - because, speaking for myself, at least, I have always "recovered" the monies that I have "spent" (as and when and IF) I have ever re-sold the "vintage equipment" in question and often times, even actually turned a small profit - if only because, when the equipment in question is sold, simply because the Indian Rupee is constantly sliding down in value against the BIG global currencies, what face value USD or GBP "sums" I have spent ("invested"), invariably get increased simply due to the sliding value of the mighty Indian Rupee.
SO, all in all - IF you are a patient and philosophical person and not a short term equipment flipping (make a quick buck) buck chaser, I have noticed and personally experienced (on scores of occasions) that you actually come out ahead - NOT that I indulge in this "hobby" for any monetary gain or enjoyment - for me, it IS just the thrill and pure joy or "reviving" (usually, to original, "as new" specs and performance) these "older" items of fine audio equipment to the electronic and electrical standard that they were 50, 60 or even 70 years ago - like my (fully restored in Germany) GRUNDIG valve radio from 1955 - which will totally smash anything purchased today at Vijay Sales or indeed at any home electronics store in the USA, UK, Japan or Singapore - it is truly a joy to own, behold (watch at night) and of course, to listen to - AND, I am NOT ashamed or embarrassed to state that it HAS cost me a "pretty penny" but that , to me, it's been a journey well worth it ! And the same story applies to my beautiful Garrard 401 and my old McIntosh tube power amps (now sold, alas) and pretty much all the other vintage "items" that I have owned at some point or another.
Moral of the story and closing thoughts are - there is NO substitute for quality and also you get what you pay for ! IF one can espouse and/or overcome these 2 caveats, then, there is joy, satisfaction and even pride to be had in abundance in this noble pursuit / hobby of vintage audio.
With warm regards and best wishes to any and all of my kindred spirits in this aspect,
Sincerely,
Ronnie K. Marker
Mumbai