AT reader Paul Athens sent us his stereo component/furniture mashup, which combines several different decades of components into an entertainment system with a small footprint and a handsome aesthetic presence:
"With recognition to the problem of audio and video equipment mucking up ones spaces with lab-like entertainment centers of the 90's, I came up with something for the person who's not ready to simply opt for a Bose-iPod dock. I took the idea of the old 50's stereo system integrated with a piece of furniture in the form of a console. Remember the credenza with the tweed covered speakers built in and the top that opened to reveal a record player? Thats were I've come from..."
"Anyway, I wanted to get away from the current bright flashy lights and black plastic faces of modern receivers, I started with a Marantz receiver from 1975, perfectly symmetrical knobs, and a soft blue dial."
"The second part is an old laptop thats dedicated to running iTunes. I put it together inside a modern teak cabinet that works in contrast with stark whites. The best part is the elimination of all but the most essential wires: one for power, two for speakers."
"I built the whole thing in my apartment, from scratch with the help of Lumber Boys who cut most of the pieces for me. The teak is actually a veneer thin enough to cut and trim with a razor blade. The base is for a table I bought in the restaurant supply district on Bowery. The top is glass, with the border painted."
Dope. Love merging retro and cutting edge (as it were) technology. Nice repurpose on the laptop, too.
view mr.O's profile
Very nice.
view jennifer in sf's profile
This is great.
view trush's profile
Awesome! Looks great! I have a laptop hooked up to a Marantz (Model 26) also! Your setup must be good for parties where people can walk up to it and queue up their song selections.
My receiver was my dad's and is in dire need of a cleaning (it crackles if you touch any nobs).
view Chris M's profile
stunning.....I once had a similar receiver from Sansui back in the day. Top of the line, 8 channels of pure surround sound bliss.
view hdtex's profile