Hello from Portland, Oregon! I've been pondering the notion that the "purest" way to connect with recorded music was through the home audio technology for which the artists, engineers and producers originally conceived and mixed their records. That sent me down the rabbit hole to assemble a "period correct system" for the records of my youth and the covers we attempted in my junior high garage band. My goal was an overall listening experience that was more compelling than necessarily accurate. After several false starts with vintage solid state, I heard a 1964 Sansui 500a tube receiver in my local audio shop and loved the warmth and sparkle of its 22 watts. The quest for properly voiced speakers ended sometime later with an estate sale pair of 1962 Wharfdale W-60s. For several months last fall, I couldn't wait to head downstairs every night for an hour of so of rapturous listening to a growing batch of mid-century albums. Sadly, the Sansui became problematic and distracting, so I got my money back and immediately picked up a Fisher 500c that had come up on craigslist last week. There has been a sonic grieving process, as I really really loved how the Sansui made me feel when listening. The Fisher is amazing in its own right, but is all original, so I am currently researching options for proper restoration. The Fisher reveals much greater detail, but does not provide the same shimmering transparency as the Sansui. My reading indicates it that once the 500c has been recapped and retubed, I'll be back in vintage audio heaven. That said, I have yet to determine whether the Wharfdales are the optimum for the Fisher, but will wait for the resto to decide. Glad to join the group!
