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Celebrity System

Marvin Gaye


Marvin Gaye was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and producer, often referred to as the “Prince of Motown” for his significant contributions to the Motown sound in the 1960s and 1970s. He began his career as a session drummer before becoming a star with hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Ain’t That Peculiar,” and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You).”

Marvin Gaye

His music evolved beyond Motown’s traditional pop, embracing more personal and socially conscious themes, particularly with his 1971 landmark album *What’s Going On*, which addressed issues like poverty, war, and racial inequality. Gaye’s smooth voice and fusion of soul, R&B, and funk influenced generations of musicians. His life was tragically cut short when he was fatally shot by his father in 1984, but his music and legacy continue to resonate globally.

Marvin Gaye

Here’s a photo of Marvin Gaye, likely taken around 1969, listening to music on a fantastic home Hi-Fi system. On the top left, you can see a Thorens TD-125 turntable equipped with an SME 3009 tonearm and a Stanton 681 cartridge. Below that are a pair of McIntosh amplifiers, a C26 preamplifier and a MC2505 power amplifier. To the right is a TEAC A-6010 reel to reel tape recorder, and Marvin is wearing a pair of KOSS ESP-6 headphones.

Marvin Gaye with his home Hi-Fi system around 1969
Marvin Gaye with his home Hi-Fi system around 1969

Marvin Gaye’s Hi-Fi System

The Thorens TD-125 is a classic turntable known for its robust construction and reliable performance. It features a suspended chassis and a three-point suspension system that isolates the turntable from vibrations.

Thorens TD-125 Turntable
Thorens TD-125 Turntable

The SME 3009 tonearm is a legendary component in the world of audiophile vinyl playback. Known for its precision and accuracy, the 3009 features a gimbal mounted design and a robust construction. The 3009’s reputation for reliability and sonic performance has solidified its status as a classic tonearm.

SME 3009 Tonearm
SME 3009 Tonearm

The Stanton 681 phono cartridge was a popular choice for vintage audio enthusiasts. Known for its warm, smooth sound, it employed a moving magnet design and had a distinctive brush to sweep dust off the record.

Stanton 681EEE-S phono cartridge
Stanton 681EEE-S phono cartridge

The McIntosh C26 preamplifier is a vintage solid state stereo preamplifier known for its warm, rich sound and iconic McIntosh design. Produced from 1968 to 1978, the C26 features a sleek black glass front panel with blue meters and the signature McIntosh logo.

McIntosh C26 Preamplifier
McIntosh C26 Preamplifier

The McIntosh MC2505 power amplifier delivers a massive 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms, providing ample power to drive demanding speakers.

McIntosh MC2505 Stereo Power Amplifier
McIntosh MC2505 Stereo Power Amplifier

The TEAC A-6010 reel to reel tape recorder was a superb machine with three heads and automatic reverse capability.

Advertisement for the TEAC A-6010U Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck
Advertisement for the TEAC A-6010U Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck

The KOSS ESP-6 is a classic electrostatic headphone known for its exceptional detail, clarity, and open soundstage. It features a unique design that uses a thin electrostatic diaphragm suspended between two charged plates. This design allows for a highly accurate and transparent sound reproduction.

KOSS ESP-6 Electrostatic Headphones
KOSS ESP-6 Electrostatic Headphones