Category Archives: Vintage

Telefunken Bajazzo Sport 201 Transistor Radio

Posted on March 30, 2015 by jwk

I don’t typically service portable transistor radios, but I make an occasional exception for something especially unique or interesting. The Telefunken Bajazzo Sport 201 is no exception – it’s a high end piece of German engineering, a great performer with … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Projects, Radio, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

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 →

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

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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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 →

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 →

Posted in Audio, Projects, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Merry Christmas from Retrovoltage!

Posted on December 25, 2014 by jwk

Season’s Greetings!

Posted in Collections, Commentary, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

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