Finally found a combination that gets me past my longing for my vacuum tube FM radio -- with its warm silky sound quality -- which was part of the 1952 Sylvania TV/radio/phonograph (third photo below).

I used that radio back in the 1960s and early 1970s. (The TV, radio and phonograph long ago died. The 12" speaker is all that's left, and it's in perfect condition.)



My new treasured combination is my solid state Marantz amplifier, model 2215 of 1970s vintage, 100 watts per channel, coupled with a silent laptop (no fan motor) from which I can play my music library:




I'm right back in the past, where I want to be.

The Marantz provides all the silky warmth in sound quality one could ask for. The speakers are the best AIWA ever produced, from the 1990s.

By providing myself with a dark screen for both the desktop of the laptop and for the media player, and by displaying the media player at a compact size, I have something quietly elegant to look at.

The receiver is not working on the Marantz. That is what the little Sony FM radio is doing sitting on the shelf next to the Marantz. I run the output from that into the Marantz as well and let the Marantz do most of the amplifying, creating a deep rich sound.

That is my basement setup. Upstairs, I use my late model Sony receiver/amplifier with a different laptop hooked up along with my 1970s Genesis II speakers. As good of a sound as my basement setup.

Ella Fitzgerald is one example of a classic fit for all this. I have a lot of her on 33 rpm vinyl. I play CDs and vinyl through both systems, as well as Internet Accu Radio's 1950s jazz station.



My upstairs system:




Below:

The Sylvania which my parents purchased new in 1952,
the components of which long ago died.

I've placed an old CRT monitor where the original
TV cathode ray picture tube had been, and placed a
computer in the left side of the cabinet where the
radio and phonograph had been. I thus play old
television shows and movies on the screen using the
original 12" speaker. Can't tell it from the original
experience. Below is the "after" picture: