02 — Ongoing series

The Icons

Every vintage hi-fi classic worth hunting second-hand — turntables, amplification, speakers. One per issue, each with its buyer's guide. ↩ Back to The Audiophile Corner

N.01NAD 3020
The Icons Published
NAD 3020
Integrated amplifier
Production1978–1988
Used today~£150-300
How hard to find MEDIA
Twenty watts that broke the myth of amplifier power.
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N.02Thorens TD 160
The Icons Published
Thorens TD 160
giradischi
Production1972–1984 (MkI, MkII, Super)
Used today~£250-400
How hard to find MEDIA
What to check before buying a used Thorens TD 160: the two TP16 arm versions, the suspension, the typical faults and the price bands.
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N.03Technics SL-1200
The Icons Published
Technics SL-1200
giradischi
Production1972–2010 (MkII dal 1979)
Used today~£400-800
How hard to find BASSA
How to buy a vintage Technics SL-1200: telling it from the modern reissues, recognising the sub-versions, what to check and what to pay.
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N.04Quad 33 + Quad 303
The Icons Published
Quad 33 + Quad 303
amplificazione
Production1967–1985 (33 fino al 1982, 303 fino al 1985)
Used today~£500-900
How hard to find MEDIA
A pre and power amp instead of an integrated: the Quad 33 and 303, what changes, what to check and how to find them together used.
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N.05Rogers LS3/5a
The Icons Published
Rogers LS3/5a
diffusori
Production1975–1998 (15 Ω, poi 11 Ω)
Used today~£600-1600
How hard to find MEDIA
The BBC LS3/5a standard explained: the licence nature, the 15 and 11 ohm versions, what to check when buying and the two price tiers.
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N.06Linn Sondek LP12
The Icons Published
Linn Sondek LP12
giradischi
Production1972–present (still in production)
Used today~£700-1800 (depending on spec and arm)
How hard to find HARD
Source-first made into a turntable: the LP12, the myth, the endless upgrade path and the setup that decides everything. How to buy it used without a misstep.
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N.07Naim NAC 72 + NAP 140
The Icons Published
Naim NAC 72 + NAP 140
amplificazione
Production~1988–2002 (the 'olive' era; the NAP 140 also in late 'chrome bumper')
Used today~£700-1100 (the pair)
How hard to find MEDIUM
The pre and power amp that open the door to Naim: 'pace, rhythm and timing', the deepest upgrade path, the DINs and the phono boards. How to buy them used.
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