John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged restoration · everything

www.gearpatrol.com

Two Vintage-Audio Professionals Pick Their Go-To Stereo Receivers

Vintage stereo receivers and amplifiers remain highly sought-after for their aesthetic appeal and warm, analog sound quality, though they typically require expensive restoration since many original parts are no longer manufactured. Audio experts highlight the most desirable models, including the Marantz 2270 receiver and 1060 integrated amp from the early 1970s, the Fisher 500C and 800C tube receivers from the 1960s, Pioneer's powerful SX-series receivers, and the highly-regarded McIntosh line, with more affordable options like the Dynaco ST-70 also attracting enthusiasts. The appeal lies partly in the "thrill of the hunt" combined with superior sonic characteristics—particularly the warm, full-bodied sound of tube amplifiers that modern equipment cannot replicate.

Permalink gearaudiovintagerestoration

www.dwell.com

3 Years and Over $2 Million: What It Costs to Restore a Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Frank Lloyd Wright's homes are beloved by admirers but notoriously difficult and expensive to maintain, with owners facing structural issues like weak foundations, leaky roofs, and deteriorating materials that require substantial investment to address. The article documents several case studies of Wright home restorations, from the Ditmer family spending roughly $300,000 in the first year on a 2,900-square-foot Wisconsin home to the $2 million renovation of Indiana's Samara between 2019 and 2022, showing that costs vary widely depending on the home's condition, intended use, and the meticulous standards owners choose to maintain. These restorations reveal that while preserving Wright's original design vision is possible, it demands significant financial resources, specialized craftspeople, and long-term commitment from owners who are often underestimating the true costs of stewardship.

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kottke.org

A "new" Leonardo painting

A Leonardo da Vinci painting lost for centuries has been authenticated by scholars at the Metropolitan Museum of Art after a collector named Simon acquired it at auction and brought it in for examination. The work had been heavily damaged by centuries of poor restoration attempts, including overpaint and artificial resin coatings that obscured Leonardo's original delicate brushwork underneath. Once conservators carefully removed these layers of damage, the painting's authenticity became clear to all the experts involved.

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