Ask S&V

Q I’m on a vinyl kick. I recently purchased an Audio-Technica LP120 USB turntable and am converting a few of my old LPs. I have it connected to a Sony AVR and am listening through my Klipsch Reference RB-5II bookshelf speakers. Now I’m thinking about searching for a vintage amp or receiver. I’ve read good things about the Marantz 1060 integrated amp (circa 1975), which is rated at 30 watts per channel. I also hear good things about some of the old Pioneer gear. I want to crank old classic rock, and I know the RB-5IIs can handle it. Any suggestions on what I should set my sights on? — Lew Collins/Via e-mail

A There’s an active online market for vintage integrated amps and receivers, many of which still sound great 40 or 50 years after they were first manufactured. A quick Google search will turn up many sites worth perusing, including AudioClassics.com, SoundClassics.com, ClassicAudio.com, UltraElectronicActive.com, and eBay Vintage Audio & Video. Along with Marantz and Pioneer, in-demand vintage brands to look out for on eBay and elsewhere include Sherwood and Sansui. Decades-old audio electronic gear often requires maintenance to restore it to good working order, however, so be prepared to pop the hood and replace leaking capacitors and clean up grunge-coated potentiometers as necessary.

With their efficient, horn-loaded drivers, Klipsch speakers are known for their high output. This would make them a good match for vintage electronics, which generally have a lower power rating (20 to 30 watts per channel was standard back then) than present-day gear. But wattage isn’t everything: Many Integrated amps and receivers from the 1960s and ’70s were built ruggedly and with high-quality components. Their ability to cleanly crank classic rock to a high volume over your Klipsch speakers might surprise you.