There's a reason we're fixated on classic McIntosh gear: the aesthetic is timeless. Here's a superb C26 preamplifier, introduced around the late 1960s.
Just look at those connectivity options! Two phono inputs, five AC courtesy outlets, two tape inputs, and even a center-channel output.
Note the tone controls for each channel. From The Audio Classics Collection, photos by Howard Kneller.
A gem of an integrated amp: a circa-1955 Grommes "Little Jewel" Model LJ6 mono amplifier from Precision Electronics Inc. It delivered about 15 watts per channel and has a mysterious setting for "old LP!" Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Joe Haupt.
Whoever created this 1940s Philips ad deserves a graphic design award.
And you thought you were a serious gear collector! Radio and Television News, November 1950.
Howard Kneller’s audiophile adventures are documented on his YouTube channel (The Listening Chair with Howard Kneller) and on Instagram (@howardkneller). His art and photography can also be found on Instagram (@howardkneller.photog). Finally, he posts a bit of everything on Facebook (@howardkneller).
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