Author Archives: retrovoltage

The Speaker Spotter — May 22, 2026

Posted on May 22, 2026 by retrovoltage

A recurring feature curating interesting speakers for sale on Craigslist from around the Pacific Northwest. Links to Craigslist postings might go down at any time if they’re sold or pulled from sale. Pair of Vintage Bose StudioCraft Tower Speakers $200 … Continue reading →

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The Speaker Spotter — May 15, 2026

Posted on May 15, 2026 by retrovoltage

A recurring feature curating interesting speakers for sale on Craigslist from around the Pacific Northwest. Links to Craigslist postings might go down at any time if they’re sold or pulled from sale. JBL L65 “Jubal” — $1,800 (Kennewick, WA) JBL’s … Continue reading →

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Returning from Hiatus – 2026

Posted on May 14, 2026 by retrovoltage

It’s been a few years since I stepped away from electronics repair, but I’m excited to announce that Retrovoltage is once again back in action and working on projects. I don’t expect to take direct customer work any time soon … Continue reading →

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HH Scott HHS-20 “Scotsman” Receiver Overhaul

Posted on January 27, 2017 by retrovoltage

A local repeat customer recently brought in his old HH Scott HHS-20 receiver for an overhaul. It worked a few years ago when he put it away, although not without a few issues of its own, and when he dug … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Projects, Stereo, Vintage | 3 Comments

A Surprise in a Re-Stuffed Capacitor

Posted on October 18, 2016 by retrovoltage

I was recently re-stuffing some capacitors for a radio. It’s not something I do often, but I’ve accumulated a pile of pulled vintage caps over the years so I have some on hand if a customer requests the most detailed … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Music Minder Automatic Power Controller for Hi-Fi Systems

Posted on August 24, 2016 by retrovoltage

Mixed in with some other gear I’m servicing, I found this old Music Minder power box. It’s not all that obvious what it’s for at first glance! Some digging around found an explanation in the June 1958 issue of Popular … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Gadgets, Hi-Fi, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reviewing the Gemtune APPJ PA1501A 6AD10 Stereo Tube Amplifier

Posted on August 17, 2016 by retrovoltage

I recently picked up an interesting little tube amp via a group buy on Massdrop, the Gemtune APPJ PA1501A stereo tube amplifier. Try saying that three times fast! It’s a cute little single-ended stereo tube amp using a pair of 6AD10 … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Commentary, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Stereo, Toys | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Would you look at that!

Posted on August 9, 2016 by retrovoltage

It’s pretty, but this 12BA6 tube has amplified for the last time. Vacuum failure has led to a gas intruding into the vacuum, and it makes a great light show when it’s being tested! As cool as it looks, this would cause … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Bad Caps in Everything

Posted on July 20, 2016 by retrovoltage

I just had a bit of a scare with my Audio Precision analyzer. The 2004-era Dell OptiPlex GX270 which drives the AP hardware decided it would refuse to power up – just flashing the “ON” light for a fraction of … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers, DIY, Electronics, Test Equipment | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

DBX SFX-10

Posted on May 31, 2016 by retrovoltage

I saw this interesting set of speakers on Craigslist, but they sold quickly before I could investigate. They’re the DBX SFX-10s. There’s a very interesting article about their design in the May 1990 issue of The BAS Speaker, the publication … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics | 6 Comments