For example 47 Laboratory, from Japan. I have their Gaincard amp, and used to have their Shigaraki. Kind of settled with them, after experimenting with tube amps (including Luxman, their newer versions). Speakers Jean Marie Reynaud, still loving their series from 2005 or so. Of course I also like Audio Note, which is still readily available, but then I can’t resist searching for a gently used OTO SE with phono amp on our local online market place… What do you like?
And then of course vinyl. Have used a Technics SL12010 for a long time (the dj turntable) but am now looking for a Technics SP10 (very, very rare these days), Garrard 401, or a Thorens TD124. I also use a digital source, I have an Innuos Zenith bought as a demo from a local shop. Not completely happy with it…
3 Likes
BarneyGrubble
(Fan of Beethoven and Latina singers)
82
You’re running with the big boys! For me there’s sticker shock with Audio Note. I have an ancient VPI HW19 MK IV turntable with JMW arm and Hana ML cartridge (used to have a Koetsu Rosewood, until it wore out and I couldn’t afford to replace it). Amplification is all-tube: ARC SP9 MK11, ARC VTM 120 monoblocks (bought used 20 years ago). Speakers are Martin-Logan SL3.
Digital is a music server built on a Mac Mini and PS Audio DAC. I’m an electrical engineer, but hate futzing with a computer to play music, so I’d like to replace the Mac with an Aurender N150 (supposedly much better-sounding too), but lack the shekels. My hobby got severely curtailed when I got hit with two major illnesses in the last 16 years, and almost died a few times.
I suggest you join this group: Facebook turntable, vintage hifi, and record enthusiasts group.
In addition to saving money, a lot of items are saved from taking up space at the landfill. I try to recycle or “upcycle” items to fit my needs. For example, I took this entertainment center I found at Saint Vincent de Paul’s thrift shop, cut the top off and turned it into a bathroom vanity.
I also recycled this old (Goodwill) child (passenger) bicycle trailer into a bicycle cargo trailer. I pulled out the fabric and seat belts and added some scrap masonite, then painted it. I try to do most of my grocery shopping by bicycle. (My doctor wants me to get my cardio up at least twice a week, so I “kill two birds with one stone”.) Also its kind of fun to ride a bicycle, again.
CCE
(Keyrock the unfrozen caveman lawyer; your world frightens & confuses me)
84
Yes. But when the vehicle value is around $2K and the repair is about $4K, that’s when I punt. Certainly if the vehicle was running just fine before, and the repair would make it just fine again, it’s not logical to buy rather than repair. But after 10 or 14 years, I figure I’ve gotten a good use of it and, to be honest, I’m just tired of it and want something different.
I’ve been driving minivans for 25 years - wife thinks they’re “not cool” so the minivans have been my vehicle. In the same timespan she’s been driving a 3-row Explorer and then (now) an Expedition.
My minivans smoked her SUVs - I could get them up to 125 mph (governor limit, which I never bothered to defeat, but kind of wanted to - story below). Her trucks had governors set under 110 mph. To me, that’s what’s “not cool”.
The first minivan was an Olds Silhouette with (IIRC) the Caddy 3800 V6. At 125, it was still under 4000 rpm and redline was up around 5800. So I figured it still had legs left when the governor kicked in at 125 mph. That’s why I thought about defeating the governor, just to see how fast it could actually go, but figured I’d end up killing myself if I did.
That’s just getting broken in for me… I’ve kept most of my vehicles for 20-25 years.
My old GM work truck just turned 26. It ain’t pretty, but it runs great. It still puts a smile on my face each time I turn the key and it roars to life… ready to do battle with whatever task I throw at it. I’ve stocked up on all of the “hard to find” parts and would really like to keep it running for another 20 years.
My SIL has a 2015 Elantra that was running very rough. She took it to a Hyundai dealer, a/k/a Grand Theft Auto. They replaced the coils, plugs and plug wires. $1600!!!
Sunshine’s car needed the same after throwing a P0303 misfire code, parts were under $100 (from rockauto). It took me about an hour to install everything and clear the code.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Words we’ve lived by for decades. Nice work, there!
First car: '63 VW convertible Bug picked it up in 1975, hand me down
Second car: '64 VW Sunroof Bug picked up in 1983
Third car: '86 Volvo 240 Wagon picked up in 1993
Two kids in car seats and groceries was getting cramped, to say the least!
Current vehicle: '00 Volvo XC 90 wagon picked up in 2013
Lots of room for grandies now!
I’ve been happy with my economical V-cars, they’ve served me well and I’ve been able to pass the old ones on to someone else while they were still drivable.
I am thinking of going with a new vehicle in the future, one in which I sit up higher and can see a bit farther ahead and am not blinded by the brutal headlights of the many high profile vehicles on the road these days.
Someone I know just bought a 70K, F-350 Monstrosity…he’ll be paying that off for the rest of his life.
4 Likes
CCE
(Keyrock the unfrozen caveman lawyer; your world frightens & confuses me)
89
Ouch indeed, as Dan said. How can they justify that cost? It’s not like they have to pull the engine.
I know folks who want a “new car” every 3 years and pour a lot of money down the drain leasing. I’m pretty happy that we’ve been getting over 10 years.
That’s really impressive. Can you get “antique” plates on vehicles over 25 years in your state? How many miles?
I looked into “antique” plates but (in my state) they want you to fill out a bunch of forms, then they want to “inspect” the vehicle and some other “ted tape”. There isn’t much of a cost savings going from regular plates to antique plates, so I’ll stay with regular plates.
The truck only has 125K miles on it, but those are “hard miles”. I put overweight springs on the back to haul heavy loads and I’ve done quite a bit of trailer towing with it. Oddly, I still have the original clutch in it. By now (based on the abuse suffered), I would have expected the clutch to be worn out, but that is not the case.
I’ve owned more Volvos than any other make.
25+. Always 140s and 240s. Plus a couple of 122s.
Cars in Oregon are not considered personal property and we have no sales tax so everyone can be an amateur car dealer. You can sell 5 cars a year before getting on DMV’s radar.
I’ve had Subarus, Volvos, BMWs, and Toyotas with 300,000+ miles. My sweet spot was 200,000 miles because it usually meant that someone cared for it and had done the hard and expensive stuff.
Now I ride the bus. Cars and a pain.
Redirecting to thrifting “finds”… Someone donated 30+ older Bundt pans in unique designs and perfect condition at my local charity thrift shop. Staff were putting them out on shelves yesterday as I walked by with the two Anchor Hocking glass ($2.99 ea.) casserole dishes I’ll use to take a dinner main & side to a new mom. I had to avert my eyes – my own collection of similar size has filled the baking cabinet to beyond-full capacity. Does the NordicWare outlet store count as a “Thrift Shop”?
What do you like?
