Monthly Archives: November 2014

Boxed Kit Amps’ Gobo Stereo Amplifier Build and Review

Posted on November 26, 2014 by jwk

If you’re a subscriber to Nuts and Volts Magazine, check out my article in the December 2014 issue where I build, test and review the Boxed Kit Amps Gobo Stereo Amplifier, a great little desktop reference amp for any skill … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Commentary, DIY, Electronics, Gadgets, Hi-Fi, Projects, Stereo | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

VD-1221 Replacement Substitute Diodes

Posted on November 25, 2014 by jwk

We’re lucky that these days you don’t need to stock very many diodes in the parts drawers for refurbishing most vintage gear – pretty much everything except for the main power supply rectifiers can usually be replaced with some combination … Continue reading →

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Vintage Schematic Mistakes

Posted on November 21, 2014 by jwk

Every once in a while, you run into places where a drafting tech made some mistakes on the schematics. This one was a Philco 42-360 radio, which has the wrong tube called out in the tube line-up vs. the schematic. The … Continue reading →

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Harman/Kardon Control Amplifier A-401 Restoration

Posted on November 19, 2014 by jwk

This little Harman/Kardon Control Amplifier, model A-401, just came through the shop for a full overhaul. It was in a pretty sorry state to begin with – one channel distorted, one barely gasping for air, and a world of scratchy … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Projects, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Stay Safe Out There [IT Safety and Security Practices]

Posted on November 17, 2014 by jwk

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, every single credit and debit card I own is being re-issued by the banks due to data breaches at retailers across the country. It’s my fault, really, for shopping at massive retailers … Continue reading →

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Electronics, Meet Music

Posted on November 13, 2014 by jwk

I got a chance to spend some hands-on time with a fascinating fusion of media produced by Tristan Perich, the 1-Bit Symphony. This project from the composer is unlike anything I’ve seen before. This fusion of music, electronics and traditional CD presentation … Continue reading →

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Sony TA-4650 VFET Stereo Amplifier Inspection and Upgrade

Posted on November 11, 2014 by jwk

This Sony TA-4650 was shipped to me from Canada for a shop visit on its way to its ultimate owner in California, who just bought it on eBay. He had it sent to my shop for an inspection and a … Continue reading →

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EICO Stereophonic Integrated Amplifier HF-81 Repair

Posted on November 7, 2014 by jwk

From the late ’50s, I had this nice example of an EICO HF-81 amplifier come through my shop. These are nice little stereo amplifiers with a built-in phono pre-amp and RIAA equalization and feature about 14W of power output per … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Hi-Fi, Projects, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Destroying Hard Drives with a Drill Press

Posted on November 5, 2014 by jwk

I’ve had this stack of old hard drives lying around for a few years as drives become unreliable or I upgrade. There’s a 160GB, 320GB, two 400GB and a 1TB that failed recently. Most of them have never been even … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers, DIY | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Boes 901 Series IV Active Equalizer #241792 Refurbishment

Posted on November 3, 2014 by jwk

Bose® 901 Series IV Active Equalizers are getting up there in years now, too, so more and more are coming up for repair. This one came in with a flickering power supply in need of an overhaul. Series IV was … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Bose, Hi-Fi, Projects, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment