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Classic gear from yesteryear; vintage audio standing the test of time.

Modifying/upgrading vs. restoration of vintage...

...is an interesting concept to have to choose. I used to think just like bob24, that upgrading/modifying changes the intended sonics. Restoring tube gear over 30 years, now, I used to restore/rebuild with stock circuitry, first, always interested in hearing the original. If I liked the "original" enough, I left it that way. But, my upgrading often results in better than original sound. Now, I choose a bit more wisely. I know which phono stage I prefer, which line stage that satisfies, which amp circuitry I will prefer, etc. I might just redesign as I rebuild. Then again, I have tough love for certain stock items...decisions, decisions...

So, if you want to hear a vintage item the way it sounded back then, use carbon resistors and paper/mylar/polyester coupling caps, to mimic the sonics. If you hear the bass is too thick, after breaking in the parts, maybe an upgrade to PIO or polypropylene caps will add the texture and detail you want. Maybe, a simple swap of the RIAA EQ parts choices(polystyrene versus original mica or ceramic) will do the trick. If the newer version tubes need lower grid resistor values(like 7591s in Fisher 500/800 Rcvrs), then consider that mod a smart upgrade, which will still accommodate the rarer tubes. Upgrading of parts and design is meant to be just that, an upgrade. All in all, though, I still like to hear the original circuit, first...


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