Oldest component still in use in your system

Posted by: Kevin-W on 10 June 2003

I'm not sure if this topic hs been posted before (I remember one about Naim components with low serial numbers), but I'd be intrigued to know who's got the oldest component in their system.

My NAC 62 is 13 years old, the NAP 160 is 16, the LP12 is of 1987 vintage but my Heybrook HB1 speakers are no less than 19 years old and still working perfectly (a couple of drive units had to be replaced recently as they'd gone soft, but that's it).

Anyone else?

Kevin
Posted on: 10 June 2003 by Engelbert
Undoubtedly, it is the wooden floorboards that my FRAIM rests on. And what mighty floorboards they are too! They sound fantastic - despite the fact that they're 85 years old. Don't tempt me with offers - they're not for sale!!

Cheers to the envious,
Rob Bowie
Posted on: 10 June 2003 by Jonathan Hales
I am still running an original Cylinder record machine as developed by one Thomas Alva Edison about the time he was working on filament inventions to power up the humble lightbulb.

I have used this with and without a Hi Cap and it still sounds like gobshite.

It does however sound infinitely better than anything currently made by Linn.

Stand back as the abuse gets hurled down the pipe' time I guess.

Jonny.
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by Keith Tish
Probably my LP12. Bought 2nd hand and in need of much restoration complete with Ittok/Asak in 1993. Closely foolowed by the 2nd hand 42.5 which started life as a 42. The 2nd hand Kan I from that same time ~1994. All bought at uni'. Why now I am a professional without a mortgage can't I afford any of this stuff now?

Wondering if I can P/X the wife for some speakers Wink
Keith
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by domfjbrown
quote:
Originally posted by Jonathan Hales:
I am still running an original Cylinder record machine as developed by one Thomas Alva Edison

It does however sound infinitely better than anything currently made by Linn.


COOL!!! What cylinders do you have - not got the "Mary had a little lamb" one by any chance? I'd love to own one of these and an early gramophone...

No comment on the Linn comment you made - everyone knows what I think of the LP12 (ducks!)

I have a 1950s Philips valve radio (still working at last check) and a 1968 Grundig one - both gorgeous lookers but only use MW/LW - although in the day when I first got the Grundig (I was 14) I remember things like "Do the bartman" on the radio 1 chart show sounding pretty good in the bass area - I used to have my crappy little Sanyo twin deck portable on top of it for the mid/treble and stereo - it worked pretty well!!!

I also have a late 60s (I think) Sony TC105 school-issue open reel - mono 4 track - it worked at last count.

My oldest component in the actual hifi is a 1972 Akai CR81D 8track cartridge RECORDER I got for £20 in 1998 to play my one and only cart (then) on. I saw one go on Ebay last month for £127 so I had a quiet chuckle.

I also have a Rega Planar 3 from the mid 80s (RB300, old tungsten weight, "Rega" in black on the black plinth), a 1985 Technics SLP2 CD player (given to me free - works-ish), a 1985 Akai timer unit from a midi system (in the roof as it won't fit in my second system) and a 1983 Technics RS-B85 3 head DBX tape deck - which doesn't work too well due to a sticky solenoid mech, but makes a good surrogate headphone amp!

When the music's over turn out the lights
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by vicdiaz
LP12/Ittok LVII and Creek CAS3040 FM Tuner - both from 1985 and I'm their original owner.

The Tropical Linnie
Flat-Earther circa 1984
LP12/LVII/Karma/Cirkus/Trampolinn/Wakonda/Genki/2*LK240/Katan/Creek CAS3040
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by JeremyD
The oldest component in my system is my 1985 LP12.

My second oldest component is, by a whisker, my 1987 pair of Kans (purchased in 1987 or 1988) followed by my 1987 NAP140 (purchased last week).

--J
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by graphoman
what about a 1981 vintage 250. (Re-built in Salisbury two years ago, it’s true.)

graphoman
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by Andy Piercy
Anyone got any idea how old this is.
Other oldies include my 1981 lp12 and a pair of big Kef Cantata's from 1977.

Andy

Hope the piccie appears Big Grin
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by Andy Piercy
Guess that didn't work then!!! It was supposed to be a photo of an HMV 4000t tuner. I've no idea how old it is and was hoping someone would have an idea.

Cheers

Andy Wink
Posted on: 11 June 2003 by mdurand
Naim, still used : NAP 110 - 1978 (with a 112 + HC as an office system)

Naim, on display : NAC 22 - 1978

otherwise, my Advent/1 speakers (now on my office system since I got SBLs) from 1975.

Students at the college where I work are younger than that Red Face
Posted on: 12 June 2003 by David Sutton
My oldest bits are the 1982 LP12 (although many parts have been updated over time) and a 1987 HiCap.

Both still going strong.

david
Posted on: 12 June 2003 by Pete, Mad Bad and Dangerous to Know
Hi,
Mines the nut behind the volume control at some 44 years man and boy.

Pete Mad Bad & Dangerous to Know
Posted on: 12 June 2003 by Paul Gravett
I have a pair of SBLs that date from 1987, though I only bought them last year and had the drivers upgraded early this year.
I also own a crome bumper 250 that was made in about 1988 and recapped in 2000. Again, I only bought it last year.
The oldest component I have owned from new and am still using regularly is an Audio Technicia Vibrating Stylus Cleaner which I purchased c.1987.
Paul
Posted on: 12 June 2003 by KT66
My Quad 57's are at least 35 yrs old.

do I win?

Tim
Posted on: 12 June 2003 by Geoff C
It was a very good year!

I still have my NAP160 purchased new in 1984, upgraded and rebuilt to Olive style in 2000. It was my first Naim system, which also included a Snaps and NAC42. I have the original receipt from Radfords in Bristol, and I recall a very good (relaxing) demo by Mike Manning!

Regards
Geoff