Adding Vintage Amplification to Your Sound System
Audiophiles and music lovers have long appreciated the extra listening pleasure they can find from amplifiers amongst their assortment of stereo and other electronic equipment. You may be looking for a specific vintage model as a collector or hoping to find the same one you already have if you need some spare parts.
Who is This Brand?
Pioneer has been a maker of electronic and audio equipment since the 1930s. Their power amplifiers continue to release in new models, including Hi-Fi car amplifiers that add to the enjoyment of in-car entertainment.
- To count as "vintage," equipment is generally anything over 20 years old.
- This brand's amplifiers of the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s are particularly recognizable with their silver front panel designs. Some models also have distinctive wood veneer cases or surround.
- Amp models from the 60s or 70s often use vacuum tubes for the amplification.
What Are the Different Types of Amps?
Amplifiers increase or amplify the power or voltage of a sound signal. They give audio that extra volume and can make the sound quality seem even better. Among vintage models, the types of amps you may see listed include:
- Integrated: An integrated amplifier contains the audio (pre) and power amplifiers in one box. The inputs and outputs for other components and controls to operate the amp are all via the same unit.
- Preamplifier: A preamplifier is a unit that handles the audio signal only and converts it for a separate power amplifier.
- Power amplifier: A power amplifier transmits and amplifies the sound separately to the speakers.
- Quadrophonic: A quadrophonic amp uses four channels to transmit sounds to four different speakers in a surround sound system.
- Reverberation: Reverb amps have the ability to add extra reverberation, like an acoustic echo effect, to your audio content.
What Other Components Work with Vintage Amps?
If you are looking for other components to connect to your Pioneer amplifier, always check the compatibility between each and for any other spare parts that may come in useful if you are doing a spot of DIY. Things to consider include:
- Speakers: Speakers compatible with vintage amplifiers may include those with 4, 8, and 16-Ohm ratings.
- Turntables: Separate turntables may be belt driven, manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. The type of needle or stylus will affect the sound quality when you play your vinyl.
- Tuners: Unless you have bought a receiver with a built-in tuner, if you want to listen to AM/FM radio, you will also need a separate tuner to connect to your amp.
- Other Parts: Amplifier parts that come separately for any repairs include controls and knobs, speaker plug adapters, and power switches.