Author Archives: jwk

Sony TA-5650 Full Re-Cap and Adjustment

Posted on March 4, 2015 by jwk

I recently got to work on another of the Sony VFET line of integrated amplifiers, the Sony TA-5650. I’ve had one through the shop previously, and this one came in for the same service. It came in running fine – … Continue reading →

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Fun with the HP 3585A Spectrum Analyzer

Posted on March 2, 2015 by jwk

I spent some time playing around with one of my HP 3585A spectrum analyzers over the weekend to get a feel for its capabilities. While it’s only good from 20 Hz – 40 MHz, it’s a very capable tool within … Continue reading →

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1960 Grundig SO191 Stereo Hi-Fi Console Repair

Posted on February 27, 2015 by jwk

This stunning piece of late mid-century modern German engineering, the iconic Grundig SO 191, recently came through the shop. It’s owner picked it up from an antique shop in nearly pristine cosmetic condition, but with a few electrical issues to … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Hi-Fi, Projects, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 28 Comments

Bose® 901 Series VI Active Equalizer #199732 Repaired

Posted on February 20, 2015 by jwk

A first for my shop, I recently worked on a Bose® 901 Series VI Active Equalizer! These are considerably newer than the Series I-IV that typically come through the shop, although they’re still getting to be 25+ years old at … Continue reading →

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Vintage Engineering is Beautiful [’70s TV]

Posted on January 30, 2015 by jwk

’70s Industrial Modern Television in Custom Enclosure

Posted in Collections, Electronics | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Screenshots from HP 3585A Spectrum Analyzer via GPIB?

Posted on January 24, 2015 by jwk

I’m wondering if anyone reading this might have some experience and could chime in. I’m trying to make my HP 3585A spectrum analyzer talk to my Windows XP laptop over GPIB (488.1) with a National Instruments PCMCIA-GPIB card. I’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers, DIY, Electronics, Test Equipment | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Philco 39-45 Retrofit to 40-201 Cabinet Vintage Radio Repair

Posted on January 16, 2015 by jwk

A neighbor approached me with his family’s Philco 40-201 vintage radio to be restored back to working condition. It had sat for several decades, very well preserved, but ultimately needed some service after the years. Very unfortunately, however, the original … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Harman-Kardon Citation 12 Deluxe Professional Power Amplifier Refurbishment

Posted on January 12, 2015 by jwk

Matching the Harman-Kardon Citation 17S professional pre-amplifier shown previously, this Citation 12 Deluxe power amplifier is its 120W per channel companion. It came to the shop for a preventive rebuild after serving for quite a few years. The owner had the … Continue reading →

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Sherwood S2000-III Tube FM Tuner Repair

Posted on January 8, 2015 by jwk

Sherwood made some excellent hi-fi FM tuners back in the day, and this S2000-III is no exception. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of documentation about this model available, but that didn’t stop it from getting an overhaul and alignment. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Radio, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Harman-Kardon Citation 17S Pre-Amplifier Refurbishing

Posted on January 2, 2015 by jwk

I recently got to work on a Harman-Kardon Citation 17S pre-amplifier. Vintage HK gear is some of my favorite to work on: it’s robust, reliable, and built to be easy to service. The Citation 17 pre-amplifier is the companion for … Continue reading →

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