Skylabs Vintage Audio Podcast

Hosted by kevin moll

Technology Interviews

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Latest episode

Apr 2024

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About the show

All things vintage stereo and more! We talk turntables, receivers, speakers and how to get the most out of your vintage gear. This podcast is an audio version of our weekly YouTube video. Enjoy!

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41 recent

April 24, 202417 min

Vintage Stereo: 6 Things I Had Completely Wrong!

In this episode, Kevin goes over some major ideas he was wrong about. Live and learn. There are aspects of vintage audio that he has changed his mind about over the years. Both through experience in owning a vintage stereo shop and advances in technology, Kevin has done a complete 180 on his opinion of over the last few years. What are they? You'll have to listen to the podcast! Kevin goes over his new thoughts on audio cables, digital music, Radio Shack, and vintage turntables. We all grow and learn as we gain more experiences in life. Let us know some Vintage hi-fi opinions that have changed for you. We love reading the comments. Please, as always, keep it friendly. These are still just opinions. Enjoy! Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop Good news for our international viewers! You can now order a few of our items on our eBay store. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/5fs7wmke Join this channel to get access to the perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkefBAR_BBXW_2z37-ozuw/join Join our Discord. It's free! https://discord.gg/aarHd3tXd5 We just started a Patreon page. You can check that out here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=79064906 We should have our first Patreon video up later this week! ___________________________________________ Some product links below are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Grado Phono Cartridges, Record Cleaner, and more- available at https://skylabsaudio.com/shop/ Speaker wire Voltive 14/2 Speaker Wire https://amzn.to/3vNPdCa RCA cables Audiophile 2RCA Male to 2RCA Male Stereo Audio Cable,Gold Plated | 4N Oxgen-Free Copper Core (3 Feet (1M))https://amzn.to/3Jlm4RV

April 10, 202415 min

How To Sell And Price Your Vintage Stereo Equipment

In this episode, Kevin answers the most asked question he gets at the shop, "How much is it worth?". People bring in their vintage pieces all the time asking what we would pay for them, or where they can sell it to get the most money without getting ripped off.Kevin goes over the pros and cons of selling on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and specialty second-hand stores like Skylabs.Are you thinking of selling a vintage stereo that you no longer need or that is taking up too much space? You have come to the right place! Find out how you can get the most for your gear.Find out if you are asking too much for it, or why your Pioneer receiver is sitting on eBay without any bids. Do you need to sell it at a lower price just to get it out of the house? There are positives and negatives to all of the methods. It all depends on YOU.Let us know your experience in selling your stuff. Have you been scammed? Did you get as much for your speakers as you wanted?Enjoy!Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop

April 3, 202413 min

These 5 Vintage "Stereo" Systems Changed My Life!

In this episode, Kevin goes over the stereo or hi-fi systems that changed his life. From a Jukebox to car audio to a cheap 80s stereo and beyond. Take a look into Kevin's history in audio and find out what led him to what he's up to today. We are sure you have a piece of hi-fi history that started you off and changed your life forever. What were they? We'd love to read some of the stories behind how your passion for this hobby started. Let us know in the comments! Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop Good news for our international viewers! You can now order a few of our items on our eBay store. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/5fs7wmke Join our Discord. It's free! / discord

February 7, 202416 min

Turntable Buyers Guide - Everything YOU NEED to Know!

In this week's episode, Kevin goes over all you need to know so you are not intimidated when you are looking to buy your first turntable. It's a big step and can be a confusing experience.Learn the difference between belt and direct-drive turntables. Should I get a Crosley? Is it a needle or a stylus? What is a cartridge? Is operating a turntable difficult? Looking for the easiest way to get started spinning vinyl and sound like you know what you're talking about? What to look for when shopping online? Shop with confidence! Enjoy!Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! https://skylabsaudio.com/shopJoin our Discord. It's free! https://discord.gg/aarHd3tXd5

January 31, 202412 min

Is McIntosh The Best Deal In Vintage Hi-Fi Right Now?

In this week's episode, Kevin lets you in on a little secret. With vintage Japanese stereo components from the 70s like Pioneer, Sansei, Yamaha, and Marantz fetching astronomical prices these days, Kevin goes over some surprising prices on vintage McIntosh gear. McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment headquartered in Binghamton, New York. The company was co-founded in 1949 by Frank H. McIntosh & Gordon Gow. McIntosh Labs designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and various other audio products. Although solid-state components are a large segment of the McIntosh line, audio enthusiasts most revere the warm sound of the company's tube amplifiers. Some of their tube amplifiers rank among the finest ever created for home audio and theater use. Let us know in the comments if you have found any bargains in the McIntosh world. Enjoy! _________________________________________________________ New Discord channel! Join the conversation!   / discord   Good news for our international viewers! You can now order a few of our items on our eBay store. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/5fs7wmke Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop

January 24, 202411 min

Do's and Don'ts When Taking Your Vintage Stereo in for Repair

In this week's video, Kevin goes over some do's and don'ts when you need to take your vintage equipment in for service. Know what to say, and not to say, so you and your tech are on the same page. It could save you time AND money. If you're dealing with a vintage audio tech for the first time, Kevin lets you know what to expect. How long the repair could take, and why. Your best strategy before you even bring it in. All that and much more. Let us know your experience in getting vintage audio repaired. Maybe your story will help someone else! Enjoy! _________________________________________________________ Good news for our international viewers! You can now order a few of our items on our eBay store. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/5fs7wmke Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! Free shipping on orders over $99! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop

January 17, 202417 min

Most Wanted Vintage Stereo Pieces at Skylabs

In this week's video, Kevin goes over the most wanted pieces of vintage audio that we get from our customers, from receivers to speakers. Did any of your most desired vintage stereo items make the list? Good news for our international viewers! You can now order a few of our items on our eBay store. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/5fs7wmke _________________________________________________________ Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! Free shipping on orders over $99! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop

January 10, 202417 min

What it's Like Owning a Vintage Stereo Store in 2024!

In this video, Kevin gets into the nitty gritty of owning a vintage stereo store in 2024. You will hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ever wonder if you'd like to start a business in vintage stereo, or start a business that revolves around your passion? It may just be the best job in the world! It also may not be all it's cracked up to be. We think you will really enjoy this week's video. Let us know your thoughts and comments below. Also, please subscribe, like, and share! It really helps our channel continue to grow. It's gonna be a fun one! _______________________________________ Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records and more! Free shipping on orders over $99! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop

January 3, 202411 min

Unbeatable at Under $200?! Our Nobsound B100 Hi-Fi Amplifier Review!

Looking for an inexpensive amplifier with good sound and plenty of inputs? The Nobsound B100 might be just right for that small office system you've always wanted or it makes a great gift that looks awesome and won't break the bank! In this video, Kevin goes over our experience putting this little "tube" amplifier through the paces. We try it on a wide variety of vintage and new speakers. We even have some of our customers sit down and compare it with some pretty heavy hitters. We were surprised at some of our findings. Watch this week's video and find out our final verdict. It's gonna be another fun one!__________________________________________________Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission.We have owned and used every product we recommendNobsound B100: https://amzn.to/3ujwFIONobsoound B100 Replacement Tubes: https://amzn.to/3MM9QnARecommended Subwoofers with high-level speaker inputs: $100 6” Acoustic Audio (with speaker level) https://amzn.to/3d0YVaRRecommended Bookshelf Speakers:Klipsch B100 bookshelf speakers https://amzn.to/3xk9dd6Elac Debut 2.0 speakers https://amzn.to/3LeI4y4 Recommended Turntables: Audio Technica LP60 Great entry-level “fully automatic” turntable for under $150 https://amzn.to/3eAPC1B U-turn Orbit Plus- Skylabs favorite new turntable with a 3 year warranty for under $350 https://amzn.to/3delM2H Recommended Phono Cartridges: Grado 3 series- Made in Brooklyn NY since 1953 https://amzn.to/3L9t8B7 Ortofon 2M Blue https://amzn.to/3d9fBNw Recommended Phono Preamps: U-turn Pluto- awesome little preamp for under $100 https://amzn.to/3RHm01k Kinter Phono Preamp https://amzn.to/3T1sZCm

December 20, 202320 min

Is Reel-to-Reel the Ultimate Playback Format?

In this video, Kevin shares his thoughts on the top formats for listening to recorded music and his experience of listening to a reel-to-reel copy of Elephant by The White Stripes. He covers various formats, including hi-res streaming and audiophile record pressings, before finally dipping his toes into the world of brand-new reel-to-reel tapes from Analogue Productions. However, preparing his vintage Teac A-3300SX reel-to-reel tape deck required the help of experts in the field. But it was all worth the time and effort as he finally got to listen to one of his favorite albums on the Ultra Tape reel-to-reel copy. If you're looking for the best format to listen to your favorite music, this video is a must-watch. Kevin's insights and experience will help you make an informed decision. Don't forget to hit the like button and share the video with your friends. Here are the links listed or mentioned in the video: https://www.woodsongaudio.com https://www.jrfmagnetics.com https://travissav.com https://store.acousticsounds.com https://thirdmanrecords.com _______________________________________Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records and more! Free shipping on orders over $99! https://skylabsaudio.com/shop