Question What an audiophile leaves behind

ruarx

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Jan 13, 2025
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Hello,

We had a recent death in the family, my father was a collector of all things HI-FI, and out of myself and my two other sisters, I am the only one that inherited this trait, and I want to follow the passion in his memory. My sisters would rather the items be sold and the money divided, but I would like to hold on to some of the vintage items, have them appraised, and pay their respective portion to my sisters, as is their right. Are there any of the items here that you would all deem I definitely not let go of?

  1. Krell KSA-100 MK-2 Class A Power Amp
  2. Peachtree Nova 125SE Tube Amplifier
  3. Counterpoint Systems SA-3 Preamplifier
  4. Linn Sonder LP 12 Turntable x 2
  5. Nakamichi BX-300 Cassette Deck
  6. Sony 550ES AM/FM Tuner
  7. Audible Illusions Modulus M3B Preamplifier
  8. Rega Planar 3 Turntable
  9. Hafler XL 280 Power Amp
  10. Acoustat Trans Nova Twin 200 Amplifier
  11. Pioneer TX 9500 Tuner
  12. Denon TU-600 Reference AM-FM Tuner
  13. VPI Vinyl Record Cleaner
  14. Jolida JD100 CD Player
  15. Nakamichi 600 Cassette Deck x 3
  16. Acoustat 2+2 Electrostatic Loudspeaker (Repairs Needed)
  17. Bowers & Wilkins CM9 Floor Speakers (Dent on the tweeter dome diaphragm)

As of right now I am hoping to keep the Peachtree Nova Amp, the Modulus M3B Preamp, the turntables, at least one of the Nakamichi 600s, the Vinyl Record Cleaner, and the Jolida JD100. I am on the fence on the Krell, but I know how well regarded it is amongst collectors. Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.
 
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Hello,

We had a recent death in the family, my father was a collector of all things HI-FI, and out of myself and my two other sisters, I am the only one that inherited this trait, and I want to follow the passion in his memory. My sisters would rather the items be sold and the money divided, but I would like to hold on to some of the vintage items, have them appraised, and pay their respective portion to my sisters, as is their right. Are there any of the items here that you would all deem I definitely not let go of?

  1. Krell KSA-100 MK-2 Class A Power Amp
  2. Peachtree Nova 125SE Tube Amplifier
  3. Counterpoint Systems SA-3 Preamplifier
  4. Linn Sonder LP 12 Turntable x 2
  5. Nakamichi BX-300 Cassette Deck
  6. Sony 550ES AM/FM Tuner
  7. Audible Illusions Modulus M3B Preamplifier
  8. Rega Planar 3 Turntable
  9. Hafler XL 280 Power Amp
  10. Acoustat Trans Nova Twin 200 Amplifier
  11. Pioneer TX 9500 Tuner
  12. Denon TU-600 Reference AM-FM Tuner
  13. VPI Vinyl Record Cleaner
  14. Jolida JD100 CD Player
  15. Nakamichi 600 Cassette Deck x 3
  16. Acoustat 2+2 Electrostatic Loudspeaker (Repairs Needed)
  17. Bowers & Wilkins CM9 Floor Speakers (Dent on the tweeter dome diaphragm)

As of right now I am hoping to keep the Peachtree Nova Amp, the Modulus M3B Preamp, the turntables, at least one of the Nakamichi 600s, the Vinyl Record Cleaner, and the Jolida JD100. I am on the fence on the Krell, but I know how well regarded it is amongst collectors. Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.
Can I ask why you are keeping anything, do you intend to make a system out of it?
If purely for appraisal I would suggest most items on your list can easily be priced up and the only thing your really need to appraise is whether everything is working, which you appear to have done.
By not letting go of do you mean for sentimental reasons or value? Nothing there is likely to go up in price.
And my condolences the way.
 
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This all comes down to whether you wish to build a system, and if you do, what sources do you need/want. Do you have a music collection on vinyl, CD, cassette or one of the above?

If you have or want to have an LP collection, one of the Sondeks would be my choice, but you'd be best getting a specialist to check them both out and select which is the better of the two. I would then get that one serviced, and sell the other. Cymbiosis in Leicestershire would be a great place to visit, and they might even buy the one that isn't selected from you - maybe even in contribution to servicing costs on the one you retain. Just be careful - never move any turntable with the platter in place or it will destroy the bearings.

The record cleaner is very much worth hanging onto if you want to pursue the vinyl route.

If you want to include a cassette source, one of the Nakamichi ones would be my choice . Again, see if you can get a specialist to pick the best one, and sell the others. A service may be a good idea in order to bring it up to spec (belts, proper head and capstan cleaning, solder checks etc.). If you have a collection of cassettes and/or blank cassettes, then great. If you don't, consider whether you have any interest in building one. There are plenty of second hand pre-recorded cassettes out there if you choose carefully, and blank tapes are still available although apart from basic Maxell ferrics, it's mostly a case of buying 'new old stock' AGFA, BASF, TDK, Sony etc. and the prices aren't exactly low. That's particularly the case if you look at chrome (Type II) tapes. I'm about to add a vintage cassette deck to my system, but it's a nostalgia thing, revisiting my childhood. I'm almost certain it won't sound as good as my turntable, CD player or streamer. If none of this is for you, sell the Naks on.

FM is certainly around until 2030 now, so if you enjoy radio and like the more analogue sound, it's certainly worth keeping one of the tuners. My own choice would be the Denon, but they're all good models. The Pioneer is likely to need some alignment/servicing because of its age, but it's a nice piece of kit, and most Sony ES components are very good. Again, I would choose one and sell the rest.

Amplifier-wise, the Peachtree Nova is a good one to keep, although they can be troublesome.

If it were me, I would sell the speakers and look for something suitable for my room and music preferences.

Hope this helps, and sorry to hear of your sad loss. I know that when the time comes for me it will be very painful.
 
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Hello,

We had a recent death in the family, my father was a collector of all things HI-FI, and out of myself and my two other sisters, I am the only one that inherited this trait, and I want to follow the passion in his memory. My sisters would rather the items be sold and the money divided, but I would like to hold on to some of the vintage items, have them appraised, and pay their respective portion to my sisters, as is their right. Are there any of the items here that you would all deem I definitely not let go of?

  1. Krell KSA-100 MK-2 Class A Power Amp
  2. Peachtree Nova 125SE Tube Amplifier
  3. Counterpoint Systems SA-3 Preamplifier
  4. Linn Sonder LP 12 Turntable x 2
  5. Nakamichi BX-300 Cassette Deck
  6. Sony 550ES AM/FM Tuner
  7. Audible Illusions Modulus M3B Preamplifier
  8. Rega Planar 3 Turntable
  9. Hafler XL 280 Power Amp
  10. Acoustat Trans Nova Twin 200 Amplifier
  11. Pioneer TX 9500 Tuner
  12. Denon TU-600 Reference AM-FM Tuner
  13. VPI Vinyl Record Cleaner
  14. Jolida JD100 CD Player
  15. Nakamichi 600 Cassette Deck x 3
  16. Acoustat 2+2 Electrostatic Loudspeaker (Repairs Needed)
  17. Bowers & Wilkins CM9 Floor Speakers (Dent on the tweeter dome diaphragm)

As of right now I am hoping to keep the Peachtree Nova Amp, the Modulus M3B Preamp, the turntables, at least one of the Nakamichi 600s, the Vinyl Record Cleaner, and the Jolida JD100. I am on the fence on the Krell, but I know how well regarded it is amongst collectors. Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.
My condolence for your loss. I understand this goes deeper than HiFi, it's your fathers legacy and retaining some of the HiFi is a nice way to cherish his memory.
Best of luck
 
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Sorry to hear of your loss, it is a difficult time and it is a reminder to me that I should prepare to sell all of my stuff off in good time.

I agree with others here, as much as it is 'nice' to have collectable item like a Nakamichi for instance, if you don't intend to use it I would sell it.
 
Sorry to hear of your loss, it is a difficult time and it is a reminder to me that I should prepare to sell all of my stuff off in good time.

I agree with others here, as much as it is 'nice' to have collectable item like a Nakamichi for instance, if you don't intend to use it I would sell it.
I would agree, at some point I might have tell my wife what it's really worth......
But seriously, I am not entirely sure what the OP is asking nor why.
Has he been inherited all of these items, is he an executor of decreased persons will??
Hopefully he will return and offer up some clarification.
 
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My wife sees my HiFi as space abusers, so when I roll up my mortal coil, I will *ask my two other male siblings to share the spoils amongst them and what's left, donate to charity.
My last HiFi I gave to local hospice.

*well can't really ask I'm dead, 😏
 
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Condolences on your loss.

Those are some real thoroughbreds of hi-fi history there. Your dad certainly knew his stuff. Linn Sondek LP12, Nakamichi, Krell, Peachtree, Jolida. All belong in the Hall of Fame.

Hopefully there is a will and that will state the executors. The duty of the executors is to dispose of assets and distribute the monies in accordance with the will. The items will need to be valued for Grant of Probate anyway, so that's the first stage. After that, you can make an offer to the executors. Remember you are buying with your heart while your sisters are selling with their head.
 
Hello,

We had a recent death in the family, my father was a collector of all things HI-FI, and out of myself and my two other sisters, I am the only one that inherited this trait, and I want to follow the passion in his memory. My sisters would rather the items be sold and the money divided, but I would like to hold on to some of the vintage items, have them appraised, and pay their respective portion to my sisters, as is their right. Are there any of the items here that you would all deem I definitely not let go of?

  1. Krell KSA-100 MK-2 Class A Power Amp
  2. Peachtree Nova 125SE Tube Amplifier
  3. Counterpoint Systems SA-3 Preamplifier
  4. Linn Sonder LP 12 Turntable x 2
  5. Nakamichi BX-300 Cassette Deck
  6. Sony 550ES AM/FM Tuner
  7. Audible Illusions Modulus M3B Preamplifier
  8. Rega Planar 3 Turntable
  9. Hafler XL 280 Power Amp
  10. Acoustat Trans Nova Twin 200 Amplifier
  11. Pioneer TX 9500 Tuner
  12. Denon TU-600 Reference AM-FM Tuner
  13. VPI Vinyl Record Cleaner
  14. Jolida JD100 CD Player
  15. Nakamichi 600 Cassette Deck x 3
  16. Acoustat 2+2 Electrostatic Loudspeaker (Repairs Needed)
  17. Bowers & Wilkins CM9 Floor Speakers (Dent on the tweeter dome diaphragm)

As of right now I am hoping to keep the Peachtree Nova Amp, the Modulus M3B Preamp, the turntables, at least one of the Nakamichi 600s, the Vinyl Record Cleaner, and the Jolida JD100. I am on the fence on the Krell, but I know how well regarded it is amongst collectors. Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.

It depends what you want. There are multiple systems here, do you have room for them, and will you listen to them? There are several thousand pounds worth of amps, and possibly even more in turntables. Personally I would price everything up, pick the components to make one good system.
 
There are a few choice items here, and some I would be interested in were I in your shoes. But, and it’s a big but, it depends so much on the condition. And for any you want to sell, original packing widens your opportunity to market them and adds to the value.

I know many of the older items as they were significant in their time. But, having recently spent a small fortune getting my Nakamichi restored by one of the few experts around, it’s a costly business.

Tuners and cassette decks in particular are the past, sadly, much as I treasured mine. I daresay each of us might be keen on certain items, but I suspect that will largely be influenced by what we already own.

Welcome to the forum, and please accept my sympathies over the death of your father.
 
I would agree, at some point I might have tell my wife what it's really worth......
But seriously, I am not entirely sure what the OP is asking nor why.
Has he been inherited all of these items, is he an executor of decreased persons will??
Hopefully he will return and offer up some clarification.
Oh, so "her in doors" doesn't know how much you've been splashing out on your hi-fi over the years eh?
Ha, ha, very funny. Good luck when you finally have to break it to her.
I can just picture it.....the final confessions of an audiophile.
 
Oh, so "her in doors" doesn't know how much you've been splashing out on your hi-fi over the years eh?
Ha, ha, very funny. Good luck when you finally have to break it to her.
I can just picture it.....the final confessions of an audiophile.
Fortunately she is understanding and I actually had most of my kit before I met her.
You know, back when you're single and actually have disposable income. 🙂
Unfortunately the OP never did return.....
 
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Oh, so "her in doors" doesn't know how much you've been splashing out on your hi-fi over the years eh?
Ha, ha, very funny. Good luck when you finally have to break it to her.
I can just picture it.....the final confessions of an audiophile.
Oh God, if my wife knew, I'll be toast.
How much?
Ah, got it very cheap from a sale!

Yesterday I sent the PDF instruction manual of my new Nikon camera to my wife on WhatsApp

She asked

What's this about?
I replied
Just in case I kick the bucket, you'll know how to use the camera.

She said.
Don't worry, I'll sell your camera and all the HiFi and get back all the MONEY!

Yep, women think differently 🙂
 
Fortunately she is understanding and I actually had most of my kit before I met her.
You know, back when you're single and actually have disposable income. 🙂
Unfortunately the OP never did return.....

I will demand to be buried with my hifi. NO ONE will get it, least of all ungrateful relatives 😎.

The only problem I can see is how to get it all in.
Easy, dig a bigger hole.
 
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Fortunately she is understanding and I actually had most of my kit before I met her.
You know, back when you're single and actually have disposable income. 🙂
Unfortunately the OP never did return.....
That's nice to know. Existance can be very pleasant when one's better half is understanding.
Fortunately she is understanding and I actually had most of my kit before I met her.
You know, back when you're single and actually have disposable income. 🙂
Unfortunately the OP never did return.....
That was a bit cheeky of me. It's nice to know that "your better half" is understanding, it certainly makes life pleasant when that's the case. Which is more than I can say for my last partner who was......erm, very unpredictable, ha ha.
 
My father passed away almost 5 years ago, he made me caught the bug, i´m a hoarder of hi-fi components colector(more fancy), never had problems with all my better halfs , i think i´m a pentagon!

but whenever someone used to go to my home, they would be crazy wanting this or that and like heaven for a music enthusiast, either than my old home office with shelfs all around it ´till the ceiling filled,

boxes and now the hallways and entrance room of both my house and my mothers house are filled, all those expensive components are all mine, my brother and sister don´t want nothing old ,

and had a real nice house, it took me 5 years to put it good and that´s when all the litle birds leave the nest, no sense in having a big house for two persons and when my father died instead of changing all to my home,

i change myself and my 5th better half for my fathers home was easier and it´s a big 60´s home (where i grew up), l sold mine to have profit and give part of it to my brother and sister,

now i have listening rooms, the Revox system, the Pioneer Exclusive system, the Accuphase system, the Phase Linear system, the 80´s room, the 70´s room and 50´s to 60´s room, also the records room and the cds room which include cassettes, reels, minidisc and DAT cassettes,

My father was also crazy about cars and so did i ,but we were for 35 years without talking to each other ,recently we were talking again, he converted the pool and yard to a 40 cars garage,

and a home studio ,but that already existed when i lived there, microphones, instruments,including some nice electronic keyboards such as hammond,

have a church organ(i call it that) a B-3 but the mk II, Melotron, Moog, Juno, etc. mixing boards, tape recorders, from mono to 4 track stereo to 32 tracks and bigger section tape, next to the table speakers and huge studio speakers, i´m happy now but i have wasted my years of life,

even if i live all the years possible i´ll never time to play with everything.

Only sold all Nakamichi components he had ,to buy a 2016 maseratti sport car with 70´s look, v8 engine and powerfull, i watched all my life my father buying Nakamichi stuff,

i have to admit the 1000 and the 700 (70´s) are really good cassette recorders if in perfect condition, all after 1980 is Garbage, they are good but more time being repaired than at home,

or start to have failures very soon compared to all other brands except Carver, but Carver was really good while it worked, the Phase Linear system is really good, a series two, it´s an adiction ,i had other adictions but now is only about music ,cars and tabaco(smoking)

when i made 50 i stopped all others except smoking, they say alcohol is hard to leave, i see it in movies or sitcoms,

groups of people talking about wanting to forget alcohol ,i was drunk a big part of my life ,from 14 to 50 but not all days of the week, well from 18 to 35 was all days of the week but in summer i stopped, except when girls were drinking too ,at night while camping and stopped drinking from one day to another so what is the problem with others,

the same i can say about other stuff which is more hurtfull, without any help,

but music is another adiction i pass by a record store says there 180 grams remixed etc., i know i have a good copy at home, but it´s easier to buy other record than look for the other or others i have at home, the other day i bought a double album of kind of Blue ,having one perfect copy at home but had a extra record,

i have it on cd lot´s of bits and remastered , horrible sound, the record is okay but i think it is as good as many others and some are really better,

To end ,compromise, not expect to be in a point of no return to talk about this or that, that´s when things start to go wrong, and it will be forgoten soon? resentment ,only increases with time ,no cure for that
 

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