vintage audio amplifiers

[ChrisJ]

Was talking to some friends and realized most people seem to think high power amplifiers didn't exist until somewhat recently.

A pair of mid 1950s 1KW amplifiers in use.

Philips EL6471 playing stereo part 3 - YouTube

Yes, they are larger than a modern 1000W amplifier, but they have regulated power supplies which is nice and solid state technology wasn't really usable at the time.

The point being, it's still a 2000W setup from the mid 50s.

An interesting shot of how the regulators act at full power.
http://youtu.be/C3_-2fUm6y0?t=2m37s


I've seen many many high powered setups using equipment from the 50s-70s.


Is anyone on SOF interested in vintage or highend audio?

 

[sonic007]

I love the old stuff! Alot of times I tell customers the old stuff is the good stuff..lol. Alot of systems are sized limited which is y newer amps are sometimes better. Older powerful amps were huuggeee..lol

 

[Scot]

I love vintage audio, I just don't have the $$$ to invest in a decent setup.

I have a mix of hk components, Jamo speakers, various subwoofers and bass shakers under the seats. My favorite is an older hk PA5800 - I think it was their first home theater amp. 5 x 60 watts, high current.

Fantastic sound quality.

 

[ChrisJ]

I love vintage audio, I just don't have the $$$ to invest in a decent setup.

I have a mix of hk components, Jamo speakers, various subwoofers and bass shakers under the seats. My favorite is an older hk PA5800 - I think it was their first home theater amp. 5 x 60 watts, high current.

Fantastic sound quality.

That's not what I think of when I hear HK, this is.

Early 70s stereo, 50wpc I think. Twin power supplies.

early - mid 70s, 4 channel, twin power supplies.

 

[ChrisJ]

How about the Mcintosh 2300? Early 1970s and 300WPC x 2. Can be bridged for 600 x1.

Hook up two of them bridged to a pair of early 1970s Mcintosh ML-4s and you had something special. Each speaker weighs over 200lbs and has four fairly long excursion 12's in a sealed cabinet. I like vintage audio, but I also love loud techno.