Author Archives: retrovoltage

The Speaker Spotter – November 6th, 2015

Posted on November 6, 2015 by retrovoltage

Today’s Speaker Spotter showing the most interesting speakers for sale on the local Craigslist has a number of rare, unusual, and high-end speakers you’re not likely to find anywhere else. As always, I’m not affiliated with any of these sellers, … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Collections, Commentary, Hi-Fi, Speakers | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mailbag: What’s the best multitester for vintage radios?

Posted on November 2, 2015 by retrovoltage

I recently got this question in the mailbag, and it seemed like a good one to answer: What’s the best multitester for vintage radio repair? That’s actually a tougher question than it seems. The short answer? Well…it depends a bit, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, DIY, Electronics, Gadgets, Test Equipment | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

1937 Zenith 5-S-126 Tune-Up

Posted on October 30, 2015 by retrovoltage

This very nice Zenith 5-S-126 came through the shop a little while ago. It was originally purchased by a local collector from eBay already restored and playing, and served well for a couple of years, until it started having some … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Bose, Projects | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Antenna Distribution for AM Radios

Posted on October 24, 2015 by retrovoltage

I’ve had a few questions come my way about antenna distribution systems for AM radios, specifically to connect something like a large attic antenna to multiple radios at once. There’s a lot out there designed for VHF/UHF or CATV signals, … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Gadgets, Radio, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Hands On with the FLIR One for Android

Posted on October 9, 2015 by retrovoltage

Several months ago I ordered a FLIR One for Android, a small attachment which adds infrared thermal vision capabilities to most Android smartphones and tablets. After the backlog of pre-orders finally cleared out, I got my hands on mine today! … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Gadgets, Technology, Test Equipment | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Speaker Spotter – September 30th, 2015

Posted on September 30, 2015 by retrovoltage

It’s back! Another installment in this occasional series, “The Speaker Spotter”, picking out the most interesting speakers available on my local Craigslist. Today’s Speaker Spotter focuses on bookshelf speakers for the best sound possible in a small package. As always, … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Collections, Commentary, Hi-Fi, Speakers | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sherwood S3000-V Stereo FM Tuner Repair

Posted on September 28, 2015 by retrovoltage

This Sherwood FM Stereo tuner came into the shop recently. It’s owner successfully completed a re-cap of the unit, but the specialized tools for performing an accurate FM Stereo alignment are beyond the reach of most hobbyists, and so he … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Creek 4140 S2 Overhaul and Voltage Conversion

Posted on August 23, 2015 by retrovoltage

This Creek 4140 S2 amplifier is a bit newer than most through the shop, although it’s getting up there. This particular one was constructed in 1989, and came via eBay from the UK configured for 220V power. The owner wanted … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Projects | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

New Test Equipment Day!

Posted on August 19, 2015 by retrovoltage

I’ve added a new analysis system to my stereo bench…the Audio Precision System One. Amplifier measurements just got a whole lot more precise.

Posted in Commentary, Test Equipment, Tools, Toys | Leave a comment

1963 Fisher FM-100-B Stereo FM Tuner Overhaul

Posted on August 9, 2015 by retrovoltage

Something a bit unusual came through the shop recently, an old tube-type Fisher FM-100-B Stereo FM tuner. Anyone who knows classic tube audio knows Fisher, and the FM-100-B sure lives up to the name. It’s a 12-tube FM/MPX Only tuner with … Continue reading →

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