We live in a world where change is constant. New technology appears every day — but is it always better? One of the great debates today is around electronic goods with many being essentially non-recyclable and unserviceable. There are countless examples — especially in consumer electronics — where the drive for cheaper, disposable products raises the question: is this really progress?

What about in the world of vintage Audio and Hi-fi?

At OnVinyl, and among many of our clients, there’s still a deep love for great sound. And nothing reflects that passion quite like vintage hi-fi gear.

Old-school audio equipment —30, 40+ years old — has a magic of its own. Simple, two-channel systems. No DACs. No streaming. Just pure, beautifully engineered sound.

Back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, there was a wave of brilliant audio engineers and companies all striving to create equipment that captured the emotion and energy of a live performance. Some succeeded spectacularly, some built to a price point — but many products are iconic and still worth celebrating today.

This isn’t to say that modern equipment isn’t excellent — much of it is. Sometimes the price is a barrier. But in the relentless drive for the next new thing, a lot of fantastic vintage gear gets overlooked. 

So why consider vintage hi-fi?

Because at the end of the day, it’s about the sound. And a lot of vintage gear still delivers that in spades.

Where to begin? For music lovers in New Zealand, where our market has always been smaller, finding these hidden gems might just require a little more patience, curiosity, and hunting.

Start with research, before you spend a dollar. Old hi-fi magazines (remember those?) are still out there — online, in used bookstores, or tucked away in someone’s garage. There are great books on audio gear and electrical theory too, if you want to really dig in.

Identify brands that have stood the test of time — especially those that were sold here in New Zealand. Some names to look out for: Quad, Croft, Mission, Linn, McIntosh, Rega, Revox, VTL, Audio Research, Luxman, and of course the NZ stars of Perreaux amplifiers and Lambert Speakers, et al…There has been so much wonderful gear available over the years, and who knows what hiding out there?

It’s not just the sound. It’s the engineering. The styling. The build quality.

Think solid metal cases, real wood veneers, beautifully machined controls — volume knobs with that satisfying silky turn or ‘thunk’ of a well-made switch. These are tactile pleasures that modern gear often lacks. Some amplifiers even have delicious Valves!

Is it perfect? No — but that’s part of the charm.

Think of it like discovering a classic Mercedes from the 1970s in a barn. Incredible engineering, iconic design, and a joy to drive — but also subject to the realities of age.

The same goes for vintage audio gear. It may come with issues that need attention. Capacitors, drive belts, dry joints, dry bearings, faulty transistors, the list may go on. This is why it’s crucial to seek advice from someone with specialist knowledge. An experienced technician can assess, service, and restore equipment to its former glory, especially if you are not handy with repairs.

Be wary of gear that’s been poorly modified or mistreated. If it looks like it has been badly treated or stored, just walk away. Some things just can’t be fixed — or at least not economically.

Still interested?

Great! Start your search. Look online (TradeMe is a treasure trove), ask friends and family, visit second-hand hi-fi specialists. In Auckland, ‘The Turntable Guy’ on the North Shore is well worth a visit online, and there are others. Some hifi retailers have a ‘Second-hand’ section with gear they may have traded. 

Vintage hi-fi isn’t for everyone. But for those who love music and appreciate craftsmanship, owning a piece of classic audio gear can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

It’s not just about nostalgia — it’s about sound, style, and substance. And who knows what you might discover?

All the best Otis and David