New B&W speakers for vintage Technics setup (or new amp)?

[awkwardsilence]

First post here so please go easy on me…

I’ve owned an all Technics setup from new (bought in 2001) and I’m looking at replacing the speakers but am also wondering if I should upgrade my amp, as things have moved on a lot in 24 years.

My system is based around the Technics SE-A909S power amp (with the illuminated VU meters) and SU-C909U pre amp controller coupled with a pair of SB-CA21 floorstanding speakers. These were considered amongst the best Technics components at the time, and everything sounds okay but modern amps and speakers owned by friends sound much more alive and detailed. I also have a pair of small Denon SC-F102 speakers and they sound livelier than the big Technics 21s.

I’m looking at getting a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers as I really like how they sound and they’re not too expensive... Would they noticeably improve and liven the Technics setup?

I’ve also read mixed comments on the vintage two piece Technics amps like the 909 set that I’ve got. Some people really rate them and others think they sound very average these days. So I’m also wondering if I should update the amp too, to something like a Denon PMA600NE, Marantz PM6007 or Cambridge CXA81, which all seem to have good reviews. I only really want to do this if there’s going to be a really worthwhile improvement overall.

I listen to electronic, quiet ambient and noisy underground guitar based music, mainly on vinyl with a trusty Technics SL-1200 Mk2 turntable together with a Technics SL-PD8 CD player and RS-TR474 twin cassette deck. I don’t stream or listen to mp3s etc at home.

I’m totally out of the loop with modern hi-fi (you can probably tell!). Any advice or thoughts, especially from anyone familiar with these old Technics amps and modern speakers, or who has upgraded from vintage Technics to something modern and reasonably priced would be really appreciated.

 

[jjbomber]

modern amps and speakers owned by friends sound much more alive and detailed.

I’m looking at getting a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers as I really like how they sound and they’re not too expensive... Would they noticeably improve and liven the Technics setup?

Yes is the very short answer. Best solution is a bit more detailed. Find out what makes of hi-fi your friends have that you like the most. Start with their speakers and add the 606 S3 to the list. Then it's a question of finding a local hi-fi shop that has these brands and go to audition the equipment. Even better, see if you can try them at home. they'll normally swipe your credit card in case you don't come back!

 

[awkwardsilence]

Thanks for this. Friends have fairly standard but nice sounding Marantz and Denon amps. The Denon is a complete setup with Denon speakers. The one with the Marantz has recently bought the B&W 606 S3 speakers and I was really impressed by them. We listened to a lot of different things that we know well, and everything sounded very fresh with a lot of space and intricate detail with excellent bass on very standard settings. He’s also someone who works in music, writes songs and has a very good ear for a well rounded but detailed sound and spent quite a while choosing the speakers.
I think I’m fairly set on the 606 S3 speakers and thinking on it more I’m wondering if it’s worth getting a pair of these initially and trying them with my Technics setup, and then replacing the Technics amp if I think it can be vastly improved upon.

I guess if I went to a shop I could demo the 606 S3s with a shortlist of 2 or 3 amps that would be the potential replacement with some music I know really well and see if it’s worth a full upgrade once I get them home. I could possibly borrow some from a shop too, as you suggest (I didn’t know that was an option, but I guess it makes sense if they’ve got your card details).

It’s surprising how flat the Technics speakers sound. I’m the original owner and they’ve had an easy life. At the time I was focussed on having an all Technics setup so didn’t consider other options and I realise theiy maybe weren’t anything special but they now seem very bland by comparison to modern speakers. This is them: https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/technics_sb_ca21.html