Category Archives: Audio

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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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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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 →

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

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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Watch a McIntosh Tube Amp Come to Life

Posted on December 27, 2014 by jwk

Discovery’s How It’s Made shows us how a McIntosh vacuum tube audio amplifier comes to life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HgS6gvokEI Definitely worth watching!

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Sony TA-5650 VFET Integrated Stereo Amplifier Overhaul

Posted on December 18, 2014 by jwk

Cross-posted from the Rain City Audio Repair Blog: I recently got to work on a very interesting piece of vintage stereo gear from the golden age of hi-fi in the ’70s, the Sony TA-5650 VFET Integrated Stereo Amplifier. It’s a … Continue reading →

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How Speakers Make Sound

Posted on December 3, 2014 by jwk

If you’re looking for a great visual primer on how speakers convert electricity into the music you hear, check out this fantastic animated infographic by Jacob O’Neil at Animagraffs  How Speakers Make Sound

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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