Led by Stereophile Editor-At-Large Art Dudley and TONEAudio Magazine publisher Jeff Dorgay, the panel description read "panel members will discuss the relevance of domestic audio products designed and manufactured a half century ago and the challenges of reconditioning, repairing and maintaining classic audio gear." The panel consisted of (LtoR) Robyatt Audio's Robin Wyatt, Tone Import's Jonathan Halpern, and writer, designer and all around audio guru, Herb Reichert. The panel offered a collection of one line zingers that supported their "older is better credo" with plenty of real world examples.
Reichert explained that the audio press of the '70s and '80s created today's environment where terms like "imaging," "soundstage" and "bass extension" have replaced the ideals of texture, richness, and color. "The press created a checklist and people used that checklist to judge their components," Reichert said. "Post '90s expectations have changed. But vintage gear reminds you of when you were young. It puts you back into the romance of the music."
Jonathan Halpern went further, saying "High end started in the 1920s and the 1970s was the beginning of the end."
"It's like we've gained the world and lost our souls," said Art Dudley, who has written of reconditioning vintage gear often in Stereophile. "Vintage offers a sense of touch, of flesh and blood. Some newer gear [sounds like] a skeleton without any meat on its bones."
"But what about the enormous costs of reconditioning and repairing old vintage tube amps and speakers?" asked Jeff Dorgay, who added, "You have to decide if you're a check writer or a wrench turner."
Dudley then asked the panel for vintage gear recommendations, items that wouldn't break the bank yet which might also increase in value. "Vintage for Newbies," as it were.
Robin Wyatt: Sherwood amplifiers and Voice of the Theater radios. "A Garrard 401 is better than a Garrard 301," he added, and "The best sound you will ever hear is from an FM broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera."
Halpern: Altec Valencia 846A or Flamenco speakers. (Tone Imports is reissuing the EMT 927 turntable)
Reichert: Altec 604 and Quad 57 speakers
Dudley also recommended the reissues from the Electric Recording Company (
The Electric Recording Co.) which produces classical LPs using vintage recording and mastering gear.
And what about wife acceptance factor?
"Some of the old gear you can't buy," replied Wyatt, "but you can always get a new wife," which brought down the house, err, room.
