Great thread. I was into vintage audio before I recently started getting interested in C&V bikes (although I was riding a '74 Super Course MkII for years, so maybe that's not really true.) I've been through a lot of gear in different setups and combinations over the years, and have taught myself how to do basic maintenance/repairs. My system right now is pretty stable, haven't felt the need to upgrade for quite a while:

Hitachi HA-610 Integrated Amp
Kenwood KA-7300 tuner
Sony PSX70 Turntable
Akai GXC-709D tape deck
Sony-DVP-NC875V DVD player for CD and SACD playback
and a big honkin' pair of University Classic Dual 12 speakers

Like a lot of people here, I really enjoy good analog sound; it's just better to my ears. Plus, it's been possible to find great vintage gear for very little through thrift shops and CL, which has helped me, as my wife points out, assemble the sytereo I couldn't possibly afford when I was a teenager in the 70s.

BTW, (going back to the OP, although it's probably moot now) refoaming speakers is not hard at all, and considerably cheaper than having someone do it. There are plenty of places online where you can find instructions and supplies.