Vintage speakers might be the biggest bargain left in hi-fi — and in this video, we explain exactly why. From Pioneer, JBL, Klipsch, Advent, Boston Acoustics, AR, Bose, and more, we dive into the strange reality that massive vintage speakers are often “trapped” in local markets because shipping them is such a nightmare. That means incredible deals are still hiding at garage sales, estate sales, and on Facebook Marketplace right in your own town. We also break down why vintage speakers are often FAR easier to own and restore than vintage receivers or amplifiers, what common problems to look out for, how to avoid expensive mistakes, and why pairing classic speakers with a modern integrated amplifier from brands like Cambridge Audio or Advance Paris might be one of the best audio combinations possible in 2025. In this video: • Why vintage speakers are still undervalued • The “local market gravity well” effect • How to buy vintage speakers safely • Common vintage speaker problems to avoid • Refoaming woofers & simple restorations • Why vintage speakers are easier to repair than receivers • Best brands to look for at garage sales & estate sales • Using modern amplifiers with vintage speakers • Why speaker “character” matters more than perfect measurements • How to rotate gear and learn what YOUR ears actually love Whether you're into Pioneer HPMs, JBL L100s, Klipsch Heritage, Advents, Acoustic Research, Boston Acoustics, Cerwin Vega, Bose, KLH, Bang & Olufsen, or classic 1970s hi-fi in general, this video is packed with practical advice for anyone wanting to get into vintage audio without spending a fortune. If you enjoy vintage stereo equipment, vinyl records, hi-fi history, garage sale finds, Facebook Marketplace hunting, and restoring classic audio gear, make sure to subscribe for more videos every week. 🎉 Skylabs Audio is also celebrating 10 YEARS! To celebrate, Skylabs merchandise is being discounted and we’re hosting a huge listening party on Saturday, June 6th. More details available at https://skylabsaudio.com Link to tone generator: https://amzn.to/3Pr8G59 _____________________________________ Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! https://discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylabsiowa Check us out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylabsiowa/ _____________________________________ Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, Luxman, Advance Paris, Wharfedale, Cambridge Audio, Rega, Audio Technica, new vinyl records, SACDs and more! https://skylabsaudio.com Good news for our international viewers! You can now order our shirts for international shipping! Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition. www.skylabsaudio.com Join this YouTube channel to get access to the perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkefBAR_BBXW_2z37-ozuw/join We have a Patreon page! You can check that out here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=79064906
ADVERTISEMENT
In my area most people think everything they own is worth way more than it actually is.
I'm glad to see a man with such passion for audio gear who has made a successful business out of it. Stay cool Kevin. Peace!
I love this channel!
I am a senior citizen and I picked up a pair of vintage Mission 770s for $112 with my senior discount at church thrift store! Spectacular fun!
I paid $2k for Altec Lansing 604E with their original N1500A crossovers inbMastering Labs “Big Red” cabinets with stands that replaced my $28,000 (new) speakers. They were a big upgrade. I love them.
In the 1970s when today’s vintage speakers were the technology of their day, shipping fees were cheap and the mail order discount audio warehouses shipped big speakers nationwide for very little money. Times have changed. I still have my invoice for the pair of KLH Model 32 speakers I purchased from Dixie Hi-Fi the shipping cost was under $10 in 1974. You can’t almost send a fork in a box for $10.
You folks that reform CVs with the orange surrounds are my heros!
I was walking through a consignment store (Stuff Etc, for you Iowans) years ago and saw what I thought were end tables wedged between some sofas in the overflow area. Turned out they were Spendor SP1s, with the dedicated stands, priced at $40! I must have looked like a fool dashing across the store to grab a cart.
I quit looking after I found (12yrs) ago my ADS L1590 series 2.
The thing that bugs me about modern audio is the emphasis on non-musical bass. So many speakers now come from the factory with a smiley face EQ curve built into their design. Bass that fills the head but doesn't bring out the sound of a bass guitar. Buried vocals. The highest of highs but no definition to cymbals and acoustic overtones. Somehow, someway a modern speaker can produce a wider frequency range than ever before, yet it can't sound like the thing it's supposed to reproduce.
Thanks for making every Sunday a Happy Sunday 😀
I’m still rocking my Polk Audio SDA-SRS speakers that I purchased new in 1986. They are monsters, and are still the topic of conversation the first time people seem them in my living room.
I am 69 and bought a pair of JBL40’s and a Sansui G500 in 1978. I have had tape decks, CD players and are now to just down to these two units. I Bluetooth from a IPOD 7th Generation. Each listening sends me back to day one of setting these electronics to the first power on. When I say it is joyful is an understatement. I find this channel interesting at every level!
Great video. My dad bought his AR2a speakers back in 1960 and in 1982ish, he gave them to me and I have had them in use since then. I had then upgraded to AR2ax's in 2004 using an AR upgrade kid and they sound incredible. I still can't get over that those woofers have been in constant use since 1960 and they still work beautifully although I did have to have the spiders re-glued about 7 years ago.
I bought my first system in 1975. I was in the Navy and making 168 bucks every 2 weeks so I'm glad audio was fairly cheap! lol Vintage audio is so beautiful and I own 3 receivers from the 70s. I don't have any vintage speakers. I think new speakers sound so much better. Fun fact, my cats used to go after my grill covers on my Klipsch towers. I took the grill covers off and they don't even look at them any more.
Hey Kevin…thanks for all your great videos.
I just finished building new crossovers for my Klipsch RF5s. Last year I did the same for my LaScalas. I've used other much newer speakers (B&W) but always go back to the old Klipsch. They fill the room with music that feels alive. Makes you wanna move, not just sit and analyze. Thank you for this great video!
Love your content m8, look forward to Sundays 😀
My main speakers are Yamaha NS-670 from 1979. I upgraded the crossover caps to film caps. Beauties!!
I love My KLH 1206 - T speakers !!! Matched with two BOSE Vintage 2.2 Bookshelf speakers !!! Outstanding sound !!!