This saying holds true for so many products today. It bothers me that almost everything we buy today has limited serviceability and is built to be, at some point, disposable. Replacement parts are often priced such that the most economical decision is to not repair but to replace. The life cycle of a product is carefully engineered to ensure that, as reliability decreases, you fall right into line with the plan and buy a new one. Thanks for coming, see you in four years, a year after your warranty expires.
Along with limited serviceability, we also see clever engineering and marketing; have you ever believed you are buying something superior, when this was simply not true? If I am sounding like a grumpy old fart, I’m not. I just like simple things that work, and last, and surely mid-forties is not old. It’s not all pessimism though; advancements in engineering and science over the last few decades have meant we all benefit in many areas, for example, health and medicine.
Reflecting on my possessions, it becomes obvious that I tend to favour products of yesteryear but there are certainly cases where new has its place. I drive a vehicle built in the mid ’90s, we have a home built in the ’60s, and we have our fair share of vintage furnishings. On the other hand, I do own and very much enjoy the recent designs and technologies found in things like mountain biking, digital photography, and of course, the benefits of streaming digital music; anywhere.
So, where does this leave us, enthusiasts of this subjective and opinionated HiFi wonderland, when making our HiFi choices? Well, for many, it leaves us at the mercy of clever marketing, both in the form of reviews and advertising, which, as Will has said, is usually the same thing. Online forums can contain a wealth of experience and information but may either help or send us on a wild goose chase.
For my first decent system, I auditioned several amplifiers and speakers until I found something I liked and bought it. I then researched the items I bought to give me some validation (or otherwise) that I had made good decisions. Of course, I only remember the positive reviews.
As often is the case, it wasn’t long before I realised my system just wasn’t right. Having just spent more than my wife would want to know about (which really wasn’t much when talking HIFI or MID-FI for that matter), it was going to be a tough ask to justify the further spend to get any worthwhile improvements. So my research into cost-effective options to improve my sound quality began; enter quality 80’s HIFI gear.
I first stumbled across the Perreaux brand when my brother-in-law managed to score an SM2 Pre/PMF2150B power amp combo, in mint condition, for a ridiculously cheap price. He is one of those guys that always seems to find insane bargains. Rummaging online for information, I started to think that I may just have found a candidate to provide my speakers the current they need. It wasn’t long before I had a Perreaux 6000C power amp in my possession and without even so much as a test, I made the near 3-hour drive to meet Will for the first time, and the magic began.
A few weeks later, Will hands me a fully restored and improved power amp and the drive home takes what feels like an eternity. Inputs connected, outputs connected, power supply connected, mains power on, double-check connections, amp power on. Twenty-seven seconds and a relay clicks; 500W into 4ohms on tap and there is dead silence in between. The difference in audio quality was not subtle; the improvement in bass and mid-range was huge. 80’s HIFI has just given me a taste of its capabilities. They don’t build ’em like they used to.
I am now wondering why I paid good money for an integrated amplifier only to now be using it as a preamp. The damage is done; I accept that I could have made better choices and learn from the mistake. For a couple of years, I am content with the sound quality and during this time I acquire an old Dual 506 CS turntable from an elderly neighbour, who had owned it from new. It is also given the magic touch by Will and I begin to enjoy vinyl again for the first time in 25 years.
I begin to delve into phono stage research, eager to improve my vinyl playback. Driven in circles by contradicting reviews and forum opinions I turn to Will for advice; “find yourself a dedicated preamp with a good inbuilt phono stage, something like a Perreaux SM2/ SM3, or a PS Audio PS 4, and sell your integrated”. You may even come out on top, he says. Little did I know at this point the dramatic improvement in sound quality that awaited if I decided to pursue this path.
After considering a few other options offered by Will, I decided to hunt down a dedicated pre. And so, the search began. A year passed by and there was still no Perreaux or PS Audio in my ownership, and I was sick of haunting a range of online sources. I lost interest and didn’t look again for many months.
Months later, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I decide to have a look at a few online pages. I could not believe my luck when I saw an SM2 advertised, that looked in great physical condition; posted 7 hours prior and still no takers. I simply could not believe my eyes. No time was wasted, a few messages were exchanged, and the sale was secured. Five days later and my precious parcel had arrived and again I was making the 3-hour drive. My instruction to Will was simply “treat it as your own and go to town”.
I wonder about my recent purchase, the imminent restoration cost, and if “I am making another mistake”. Three weeks later and I receive a message; “your preamp is now ready’. That weekend I make the drive to Canberra. Basking in the morning sun, in the open hatch of Will’s car, is Aeryn; she accepts a welcoming pat and I wonder if she is now starting to recognise my scent. Will talks me through the parts replaced, faults fixed, and improvements made. I’m excited as I make the long drive home.
“One simply can’t be too careful at dog parks” Aeryn.
Out with the integrated amp, in with the preamp. Turntable connected, CD player connected, pre-outs connected, power supply connected, mains on, double-check connections, power up. Twenty-seven seconds and the power amp clicks. The preamp looks slim and unassuming compared to the integrated that used to reside in its place. All business; I like it.
Unsure what to expect or what to play first, I put on Reggatta de Blanc by The Police and drop the stylus straight onto Walking on the Moon. My wife (cooking up a storm in the kitchen) comes into the lounge room and says, “wow, is that a record?”. She enjoys music but has never ever said boo about the sound quality of my system, ever. I have not made a mistake.
Next, I insert a CD, Couldn’t Stand the Weather, by Stevie Ray Vaughan and go to a track that I love, Tin Pan Alley. I plant my backside in ‘the spot’ and cannot believe this is the same system. Big dynamics, sound stage, clarity and separation, bass, and did I say big dynamics – damn, I cannot believe the impact this 40-year-old preamp and power amp combo has had on my system. The chokehold has been released from my speakers and they are well and truly alive.
My story paints a very rosy picture, but it wasn’t without some pain. If you are prepared to be patient in the purchasing hunt, and if you are prepared to be patient in the restoration, you will be very well rewarded. For the next 40 years.
They don’t build ’em like they used to.
Russell Rodrigues
Images by Russell Rodrigues.