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.01
The Icons
Published
NAD 3020
Integrated amplifier
MEDIA
Twenty watts that broke the myth of amplifier power.
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N.02
The Icons
Published
Thorens TD 160
turntable
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.03
The Icons
Published
Technics SL-1200
turntable
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.04
The Icons
Published
Quad 33 + Quad 303
amplification
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.05
The Icons
Published
Rogers LS3/5a
speakers
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.06
The Icons
Published
Linn Sondek LP12
turntable
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.07
The Icons
Published
Naim NAC 72 + NAP 140
amplification
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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N.08
The Icons
Published
McIntosh MC2105
amplification
MEDIUM
The blue meters behind the glass: the MC2105, the amp that gave American hi-fi its face. Why it's an icon, the autoformer, and how to buy it used.
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