Home General Asylum

General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories.

low-fi worth owning

C'mon now-- we all own stuff we're ashamed of hanging on to, but can't bear to part with. Lets face it, some audio gear was never meant to compete with our big-rigs, but there is still a place in our homes and hearts! Here are a few of my favorites:

Zenith z212, z213 clock radio: Yes, you read that correctly. Looks like Bose Wave, but better built, solid feel. Battery backup, good FM reception, aux input, true stereo sound. This thing really plays well at considerable volume levels! Somewhat noisy at idle and non-intuitive station programming.

Dual 1019 record changer: We've all owned one, right? Admire its engineering and cool looks! Motor purrs like a kitten. Fun to watch. I wonder if it would work in zero-gravity.

Lafayette receivers and amps from the 70s: Too cute! Tiny little power transformers, simple and cheap parts, but good reliability.

KLH twenty and similar "console" type changer/amp/tuner combos: Earned extra credit for making a light-weight tonearm, but sadly matched with low-grade Pickering cartridge. Most need rehab by now but worth the effort. These were super-expensive when new (about a month's income). Nice wood cabinets on some.

Dynaco ST-120 amp: After replacing the faulty power supplies and upgrading all parts, still sounds distant and odd, but hey, its a Dynaco, gotta luv it. Cool chassis can be recycled, nice power tranny.

Panasonic Shockwave personal stereos: Low-fi on the go! Super-duper rugged chassis, easy-to-use. Simply carry around 25 pre-recorded cassettes for music on the go! Lasts forever on a single AA battery. Earlier versions used 2 AAs.

Did I miss any?


This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Schiit Audio  


Topic - low-fi worth owning - soundsalot 19:04:49 03/26/15 (8)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.