Vintage stereo receivers can add a bit of nostalgia to a home theater system, game room, or office. If you are in the market for vintage stereo equipment, it can be helpful to do some research before you go shopping. Try to find out as much as you can about different brands to include how well they were made and how much they originally cost. Listen to the stereo receivers so you can get an idea of the quality of sound transmission from each one. Ask about the warranty and return policy so you can be sure you will not be stuck with vintage sound equipment that does not work properly.
Find out as much as you can about vintage stereo receivers before you begin looking at different models. Reading consumer reports can help you determine which brands were the best quality ones during a particular era. You can also get an idea of which ones may be preferred by collectors of vintage stereo equipment. Knowing how much each unit cost when it was new can help you negotiate the price with a vendor once you have located a good-quality stereo receiver.
Listen to different vintage stereo receivers in order to get an idea of how each one sounds. Try to listen to only one unit at a time in order to make an accurate assessment. While you are tuning in the stereo receiver, pay attention to the knobs and antenna to see if these items are cracked or loose. Look at the power cord to see if there are exposed wires, as this could create a fire hazard. You may also want to look for cracks in the receiver itself or exposed wires in other areas.
Vintage stereo receivers sound best when paired with other vintage sound equipment such as speakers. If you do not already have a set of speakers, you may want to consider buying stereo receivers that also include this equipment. It is a good idea to check the speakers by plugging them into the back of the receiver and making sure each one of them produces stereo sound.
Even though you have tested different vintage stereo receivers, you may find this sound equipment does not operate properly after you bring it home. Finding someone to fix vintage stereo equipment can often be expensive and difficult to do. By finding out about the retailer's warranty and return policy, you can avoid being stuck with a piece you are unhappy with should it malfunction after you purchase it.