Which should I buy? A new build console or retrofit?

We're all about Stereo Consoles - The look, the sound, the functionality.  Here, we're not trying to convince you to get one, we're trying to help you decide between WHICH console - a retrofit console in a vintage cabinet or a new build console like the Relikcs Timbre or Kirby Furniture Console.

If it's from us, the audio solution for the Vintage retrofit consoles as well as the new build Relikcs Timbre consoles is the same.  3 way carbon speakers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Optical In.  Great sound tuned to the cabinet.  So what is the difference?

The most meaningful differences between the vintage retrofit consoles and the new build consoles are storage, build quality, and serviceability.

Storage - Vintage stereo consoles most often did not have storage capabilities.  You could store about 10 records or so on the flip up vinyl pocket, but other than that, you need an alternative storage solution your vinyl records beyond the dozen or so.  

For the Relikcs Timbre, it was very important to us that we design the console with storage. Our 72" unit can store well over 100 records, while our 48" unit can still hold about 50.  

Build Quality - Compared to contemporary mass-produced furniture, the factory-made furniture from the 50's and 60's was exceptional quality. The veneers used were thicker, the finishes looked better, and there was more time invested.  However, they still used veneer, (thin strips of real wood over a plywood core).  When we restore a console cabinet, we sand down the veneer very carefully, take off all of the finish, then stain, vinyl seal, tone, and lacquer the cabinet once again so it looks like new.  The downside is that since the veneer is so thin, you can really only refinish once  If the console were to be chipped or water-damaged, the cabinet would have to undergo re-veneering or far-more extensive repair.

The Timbre console is made of solid-wood on all surfaces you'd touch.  We built them with the idea that they'd be around for decades.  

Serviceability - The Vintage Retrofit Consoles are by their nature custom-solutions.  We wire everything through the original control panel, and even within the same model, the solution can be different depending on the year and options.  With a custom solution comes a custom repair if anything is ever needed, and this means we more than likely need to be in front of the console to repair it.  

With the Relikcs Timbre, we engineered as much as we could in to the main head unit.  This head-unit can be disconnected from the rest of the console and shipped to us to be repaired or replaced.  We use parts that are easy for us to source, in order to maximize serviceability.  

So why would anyone want a vintage retrofit console?  Because they are COOL and have genuine style, history, and panache.  There is no duplicating the Drexel x-300 by Motorola, the RCA Annapolis, or many of the other exceptionally beautiful vintage cabinets.  

At the end of the day, buy what you LOVE.  Just make sure you trust who is doing the work!  

-Dan Posch