
You know a lot of the older stereo equipment from the 70s really rivals even today's systems, when it comes to quality of sound, especially if you compare a high quality system playing vinyl, compared to CDs.
So, I have been doing a bit of ebay shopping to acquire some equipment. One of the first things I ordered was an old amp, the Marantz 1060. What I would really love, eventually, is a sweet looking tube amp. I love the look of those things. And some audiophiles will tell you that a tube amp gives a slightly more pleasing, warmer sound than a normal amp. I've heard good things about the 1060. I am planning on replacing the current fake-wood case with a custom real-wood case, probably walnut or cherry.
I also bought some used Advent 5002 speakers from a local guy. They sound amazing. It looks like the tweet

ers have been replaced, so I can't be sure what exactly they sounded like originally. Probably sounds obvious, but it's incredible listening to music on good speakers. It makes you want to listen to music as an event in and of itself, rather than something to be in the background, while doing other activities. In a lot of ways, music has become background filler in our current way of life, as noted
here.
And yet, vinyl is actually growing in popularity again. In fact, U2 has been issuing remasters of their albums recently, and they are releasing them on CD and 180 gram Vinyl. I have found myself on a vinyl "kick" lately, and I can't wait to get a turntable set up.
I have been trying to get one of two turntables: The Dual 1229 or Dual 1219. My dad owned a 1229 for 30 years and said it was the


best turntable he ever owned. It's been challenging to get a decent one on ebay, as they are typically pushing $200. You can buy completely tuned refurbished ones from www.fixmydual.com, but they run closer to $400. Add a really nice cartridge and stylus on top that and it can be $150-200 more.
So I'm still working on that one.