Tag Archives: amplifier

“Won’t that ruin the vintage sound?”

Posted on March 16, 2016 by jwk

Audio as a hobby sits in an interesting place in the world. There are hard numbers and objective measurements made with lab equipment on one end, and on the other end you have the subjective and variable linguistic descriptions assigned … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Commentary, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Neat Little 60FX5 Stereo Single-Ended Tube Amplifier

Posted on March 6, 2016 by jwk

While digging around, I came across a really simple circuit in the RCA Receiving Tube Manual describing a 1WPC stereo amplifier using only two tubes, the 60FX5 power pentodes, and a single silicon diode. The 60FX5s have high enough gain … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, DIY, Projects, Stereo | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Totem Acoustic ARC Digital HD Amplifier on Kickstarter

Posted on November 16, 2015 by jwk

Totem Acoustic sent me some information about a very interesting new hifi amplifier they’re launching on Kickstarter. Based out of Montreal, they’re an established brand making hifi speakers optimized for desktop and streaming applications, and are coming out with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Commentary, Electronics, Gadgets, Hi-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

1950s Motorola Modded Standalone Tube Amplifier Measurements

Posted on July 6, 2015 by jwk

Cross-posted from the Rain City Audio Repair Blog: Rain City Audio had an unusual project through the shop recently. It’s a Magnavox tube amp from the late 1950s. The owner brought it in reporting he’d purchased the amplifier, pulled from … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, DIY, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Yamaha B-2X Check-Up and Adjustment

Posted on May 13, 2015 by jwk

Cross-posted from the Rain City Audio Repair Blog: I recently had this Yamaha B-2X through the shop. It’s a massive beast of a power amplifier from the late ’80s, delivering up  to 170W per channel with 0.002% THD. Being somewhat … Continue reading →

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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 →

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

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

VD-1221 Replacement Substitute Diodes

Posted on November 25, 2014 by jwk

We’re lucky that these days you don’t need to stock very many diodes in the parts drawers for refurbishing most vintage gear – pretty much everything except for the main power supply rectifiers can usually be replaced with some combination … Continue reading →

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Harman/Kardon Control Amplifier A-401 Restoration

Posted on November 19, 2014 by jwk

This little Harman/Kardon Control Amplifier, model A-401, just came through the shop for a full overhaul. It was in a pretty sorry state to begin with – one channel distorted, one barely gasping for air, and a world of scratchy … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Projects, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Sony TA-4650 VFET Stereo Amplifier Inspection and Upgrade

Posted on November 11, 2014 by jwk

This Sony TA-4650 was shipped to me from Canada for a shop visit on its way to its ultimate owner in California, who just bought it on eBay. He had it sent to my shop for an inspection and a … Continue reading →

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