tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33951210024881012452012-01-26T08:55:40.104-05:00Cheaptubeaudio has had a long history of advocating reasonably priced but excellent tube gears, particularly Singled-Ended Triodes. I believe SET and horns together bring about the best in music. This Blog however covers a lot more that SET, and is not exclusively tube-related. Cheaptubeaudio prioritizes coverage of unusual and rare gears on which there are little info on the internet.doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comBlogger2241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-48355009967627998322012-01-20T19:14:00.007-05:002012-01-20T21:00:49.563-05:00

pic: traditional Paper Cut of traditional Dragon Dance during the New Year.Happy Year of The DragonThe coming Monday is the Chinese New Year It comes rather early this year. Why, we need more time to pay tribute to the mighty Dragon!Human Saga The New Year is not quite party time, but a time for family gathering. For many, it is the only holiday they get all year. Transportation is over-stressed

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-77858066249897574802012-01-17T03:58:00.015-05:002012-01-19T21:15:04.449-05:00

Click pics to enlarge.Western Electric, Mount EverestIn the audio pantheon, Western Electric (WE) not only has a place, it occupies the highest ground. Well, WE is God, or worshiped like one. Nothing in audio is more sought after, or increases in value faster.The Western Electric ExplosionUp to the eighties, aside from a few in the know or in the business, nobody in the West knew much about WE,

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-67787019038976940882012-01-10T20:30:00.024-05:002012-01-15T20:20:35.266-05:00

pic of cheap metal steaming rack akin to the ones I used; call me insane.CAS Talk: My New Desktop SystemMy Corner: My Study - Two SystemsReview: Dared 膽藝高 MP-5Review: Pioneer S-A4SPT-PMReview: Yamaha NS-10MTweak Talk: Steaming Rack As you may have guessed, I spend a huge amount of time on the main computer in my study typing away. While writing or surfing, I always listen to music, mostly stuff

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-46825075962200093082012-01-06T18:41:00.012-05:002012-01-14T21:35:36.168-05:00

Editor's Note: 2011 in RetrospectiveBrief Reviews Manley Magico Shindo Fosgate M-AudioLast revised 13/01/2012 (on the Shindo entry)This year's retrospective is different in that some of the stuff I cite have not been written up by myself yet, so I offer some brief reviews here. I have been a little busy lately and I hope in the next week I shall catch up with more of the backlog. Stay tuned!

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-6867489710257904452012-01-05T23:14:00.010-05:002012-01-15T01:13:16.972-05:00

Talk Tweak: Isolation Devices on the Cheap Part INormally, I avoid isolation devices like the plague. Most alter the sound in one way or another, but at the expense of the natural flow of music. In general, many cones sharpen the sound but introduce an unnatural leanness, while wood deaden and smear the sound and roller blocks restrict dynamics. Even the best composite material have sounds of

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-11132869069875859702011-12-30T18:54:00.008-05:002012-01-03T20:54:44.769-05:00

Review: YBA WD202 DACOverview: YBAI shall not mince words. This is a wonderful DAC with a quite distinctive sound. I think I can pick it out from a crowd.Status of YBAAccording to the web, Chinese manufacturer Shanling (a good company in my book), said to have long been majority shareholder of YBA, bought the remaining shares in early 2010, but have retained the service of Monsieur Andre.The

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-70347934802561304622011-12-30T17:04:00.004-05:002011-12-30T18:45:21.468-05:00

CD Recommendation: PopularFor this audiophile, it seems something nice always happens at the end of the year. Yesterday I borrowed several items from the local library, and I am happy to report that I have discovered two wonderful singers and re-visited two old favorites.Stunning New VoicesRemember the early years of "fusion", "one world" and "New Age"? Well, I have to say towards that end some

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-1763124633930408242011-12-29T21:12:00.005-05:002011-12-29T23:31:55.193-05:00

Review: Belden 8471Official SpecI have long been a fan of Belden cables (not their power cables though) and it is always a pleasure to try out a different model. Recently I got to try out some Belden loudspeaker cables. I highly recommend the cheap Belden 8471 (16 AWG stranded (19x29) tinned copper conductors, PVC insulation, twisted pair, PVC jacket).You may remember that the Belden 9497 (

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-497131075692131522011-12-25T19:26:00.004-05:002011-12-25T20:29:07.941-05:00

In Memory of Those We Loved and LostThis article is dedicated to our friend feikeung《大圈仔》《旗兵》之由來The Yumcha Diary: December 24th, 2011Backlogged, seriously backlogged. There are so many articles in the mental pipeline, but so little time for execution, particularly at this time of the year. I console myself that I can allow myself to be backlogged in my writing, but not in meeting with friends. On

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-37320650747270085042011-12-23T21:08:00.006-05:002011-12-24T22:53:53.564-05:00

Editor's Note: Season's Greetings 2011To start on a grim note. Two days ago the Chinese celebrated Dongzhi, the Chinese Winter Solstice (if you are interested, here's a wikipedia entry). In Hong Kong, this day is as important as Thanksgiving in the US, and, instead of turkey, a chicken on the table, preferably freshly slaughtered, is almost a must. But this year no live chicken was to be had.

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-44830532772291118332011-11-23T08:40:00.010-05:002011-12-01T19:58:13.312-05:00

Letter from NYC 2011 (21): A Movable FeastA Day with Old TimersRevised December 2nd, 2011I ask, how often are you unconditionally offered two full meals a day by your fellow hobbyists? Well, thanks to my friend AL, whose best-of-2010 system you may recall, that was exactly what I got the other day.Aside from the royal treatment and the conviviality, what impress me the most is the undiminished

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-66645250353618612572011-11-21T09:58:00.004-05:002011-11-23T06:07:10.386-05:00

pics of E/III: R, original stylus; L: replacementLetter from NYC 2011 (20): State of the EmpireVinyl Talk: Empire 2000E/II and 2000ZIntroduction 物極必反The Chinese saying loosely means "Order shall unravel itself when it has reached Extreme". And so it proves in most arena of human activity. Audio is no exception.Audio has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. While some (like CAS) are

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-86458835513022249942011-11-20T09:50:00.009-05:002011-11-23T06:19:25.496-05:00

Letter from NYC 2011 (19): ThanksgivingReorganization and ConsolidationMy Corner: My Listening Stations (III) Day-to-DayYL Acoustics 4-way Horn Part IThis article is dedicated to my friend Gingers, who recently suffered the devastating loss of one of his sons. As one who had lost his sister to an accident and watched his mother gravely grieve, I can comprehend the pain. May closure arrive for him

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-1974893469617980482011-11-02T07:23:00.021-04:002011-12-23T21:39:54.055-05:00

Above Photo Courtesy of JCR33Letter from NYC 2011 (19): Days of Wine and CheeseVinyl Talk: Lenco Heaven, Phono HellVinyl Talk: Denon DL-102 Mono and Decca cartridgeVinyl Talk: Lehmann Black Cube vs Ray Samuels Nighthawk Editor's Note: Readers not acquainted with the personalities involved here are advised to skip the Part I, which is of a more private nature. This article is a prelude to my own

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-8428791342535133512011-10-30T11:38:00.009-04:002011-11-02T06:34:51.957-04:00

Divertimento: Change, In the Sky and on the GroundAnd so, time to fly again. Though some may enjoy it, I have always thought human beings are not meant to be moving around so much, if at all. Are we supposed to conquer nature, conquer other nations, wreak havoc on economies all over the world under the banner of "globalisation"? And who are the beneficiaries of mobility - the majority or the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-77718981878220932382011-10-23T19:23:00.016-04:002011-10-24T19:49:42.522-04:00

Click pic to enlarge.Review: Verity Audio Rienzi III1, 2, 3, Go! Softone ICLOK, I admit it, part of the reason for the revisit was for the fantastic and wholesome breakfast: eggs, sausage, fresh carrots and cabbage, and home-made bread! Thanks and thanks again! How am I going to do without today! :-(Before and during breakfast, we had round 1, which used the resident ASR Emitter I Exclusive.

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-74551734486200209872011-10-23T18:53:00.005-04:002011-10-23T20:23:10.259-04:00

Click pic to enlarge; note new Wavac monoblocks on top of cabinetThe Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 24-10-11 Tannoy WavacOverview: Wavac Part IIII am severely backlogged!We have heard so much in the past 2 months, but I am dragging my reporter feet. One of the reason is the beautiful weather lately, making me want to do other things than sitting in front of the computer. Another is my recent effort on

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-15095996071984390012011-10-10T21:21:00.005-04:002011-10-24T19:16:37.676-04:00

Click pic for CD detailsCD Recommendation: Music for a Rainy Day, Sadness in the SoulThis little article is dedicated to my friend Karma, whose spiritual learning and leaning has entertained, moved and enriched me.For a while now, successive tropical storms had coursed around us. One day it was cool, the next muggy Indian summer. Finally, yesterday afternoon catharsis came in the form of a heavy

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-12383379962385711642011-10-09T23:34:00.004-04:002012-01-09T23:04:45.695-05:00

Review: SinoVT Raphaelite TP-215AI Part IAnd now for yet some more cheaptubeaudio...Now, don't say I don't review Chinese products! :-)Taken in dim light. Click to enlarge.One Night in TaipeiRewind to 2009. I was in Taipei, staying at my uncle's place in 復興崗, near 北投, an old and humble residential neighborhood. Imagine my surprise when I accidentally chanced upon a tube audio shop on the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-26585910775825491412011-10-03T19:41:00.005-04:002011-10-04T19:24:51.235-04:00

Cassette Revival?I case you do not know. the humble cassette is miraculously creating a niche for its survival.Apparently, the pop music underground and indie groups employ the medium for cheap production of their music. In NYC, where there is a large music industry and aspiring musicians are on every street corner and subway platform, it is a common sight to see street musicians selling their

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-35183906779326284872011-09-30T06:08:00.006-04:002011-09-30T07:23:19.384-04:00

CD Recommendation: Spanish and Oldies This article is dedicated to davwong, a gentleman pure-at-heart."Spanish" is a dangerous word. Mix in a little hot rhythm and things become Spanish? What about the difference between Spain and its former colonies? Between various countries of the Caribbean, Central and South America? Never mind.Believe me, I have listened to a lot of authentic Spanish albums,

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-27500981442334509012011-09-28T19:12:00.010-04:002011-09-29T19:35:07.875-04:00

Typhoon HourWe have just been surprised. Although not among the most mighty, after flooding Manila, where it even breached the thought-to-be impregnable US embassy, Typhoon Nesat sneaked up and launched a Blitzkrieg attack on us. It came as quickly as the stock market downturn and caught many off-guard. In HK now, it is Signal 8, hoisted only when the gale has reached the greatest strength.

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-43121604882680046042011-09-22T18:52:00.005-04:002011-09-24T22:39:19.276-04:00

pics courtesy of Andy To (his blog)Home Visit: Two is Better than One When JBL Meets AltecVinyl Talk: When Garrard Meets Well-TemperedSerendipity! Sweet cheaptubeaudio! Only 2 days after the wonderful encounter with Bastanis my jaded ears scaled new heights with a horn system, no, make that a 2-horn system!The host, Mr Ng, is a very friendly and humble man. The spacious loft in an industrial

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-62214078967604321722011-09-19T20:01:00.007-04:002011-09-20T22:20:38.754-04:00

L: official version.R: welborne's take, click to enlarge (photo by 唐吉訶德).Audition: Bastanis Atlas MandalaBastanis reduxI have always had interest in "full-range" (or wideband) drivers. Years ago I had hugely enjoyed the Loth-X (BS-1, Amaze), Lowther (I still have the TP-1), Altec and the popular Goodmans Axiom 201, less so the usually unsuccessful variants (like Lamhorn/AER) . Perhaps one day I

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-79163281449164366302011-09-08T19:01:00.005-04:002011-09-24T22:37:47.599-04:00

Vinyl Talk: K&K LL1678 + Audio Note Kit Phono amp, Part IIFor Part I, click hereRound 6, comparing K&K gain optionsPreviously, for the LL1678 I chose the 24db gain option (others are 18 and 30db). The impedance ratio thus is spec'ed at 256 and so the loading of the MC would be roughly 183 ohm, theoretically therefore likely more optimal for Denon than my Ortofon's.And listening revealed

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-29933304648583464022011-09-06T23:34:00.006-04:002011-09-08T19:00:27.120-04:00

pic from Audio Asylum: RS-100 on top of RS-28CXReview: Leben RS-28CX and RS-100 PreamplifiersVinyl Talk: Leben vs AN Kit vs Softone/ICLAs you know, because of my preference for SET, I have always been interested in boutique Japanese tube manufacturers. Even after the pinnacle of Kondo, now my reference, my interest in other manufacturers remain.I have to admit that my interest in Leben

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-75477351888088939772011-09-04T19:40:00.017-04:002011-09-24T22:40:09.267-04:00

Vinyl Talk: 2 phono amps + 2 step-up transformersSoftone/ICL Model 4 vs Audio Note Kit Phono amp, Part IDenon AU-1000 vs K&K LL1678, Part ILast revised Sept 7, 2011 (round 5 of K&K added)For round 6 of K&K (change to 30 db gain option), see Part IIBehind this article is a lot of work I have done recently. I am on a roll with my current vinyl gigs, and it has been fun experimenting with everything

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-9109256357238872042011-09-02T21:44:00.002-04:002011-09-02T22:48:04.848-04:00

Marilyn Monroe on HiFi I was looking up Marilyn Monroe and chanced upon her quotes. With no editing, they apply to audiophiles! On hifi advertisements, tall claims and swindlers: "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-12217571364654018592011-09-01T20:08:00.006-04:002011-09-02T04:59:15.594-04:00

Review: 3 Superb CD players Talk Digital: Older, but better I am in the process of setting up multiple stations in my room, and take the opportunity to run my large collection of idling CD players a little, or else they will go bust in the humidity here (I learned from mistakes!). For my last LFD exercise I tried out these three and found none wanting. Revox/Studer C221 (1991) This has

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-21122118043171430962011-08-31T01:02:00.009-04:002011-09-13T19:20:37.331-04:00

click pics to enlarge. R, LFD on top of Leben and Kondo.Review: LFD Zero Integrated Mk III LEReview: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand SEReview: Leben RS-28 preamp Part IWhy integrated ampOf course I am a die-hard fan of tubes, SET and horns, and that will never change. But I have always had a great interest in integrated amps, enough so that I wrote an overview on integrated amps. I am proud to

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-5100816672150687842011-08-29T23:13:00.006-04:002011-09-02T20:58:12.009-04:00

pic: click to enlarge. Note stacked 4312A as well as back of 2 bridged Rotel amps. Review: JBL 4312A The day before last, in anticipation of removal, I took out my borrowed pair of JBL 4312A and tested it with the LFD integrated amp. I haven't used it in 6 years, yet it sounded simply wonderful. Before I write my LFD review, I'd like to tell you about my previous experience with this wonderful

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-11026512817717580382011-08-29T21:46:00.005-04:002011-08-29T23:21:38.989-04:00

The day before last, in anticipation of removal, I took out my borrowed pair of JBL 4312A and tested it with the LFD integrated amp. I haven't used it in 6 years, yet it sounded simply wonderful. Before I write my LFD review, I'd like to tell you about my previous experience with this wonderful and under-rated loudspeaker. But first, let me introduce you to of this unassuming vintage stereo

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-75517819099632273432011-08-27T17:34:00.012-04:002011-08-28T19:41:09.105-04:00

click pics to enlarge Welcome back Robin, we'll be missing you! The Yumcha Diary: 27-08-11 Talk Vinyl: Thomas Schick, Garrard 301, Ortofon As-212S Some good news. My friend, make that our friend, Robin the hairy Scot, just got back to Hong Kong and is to stay for a week or so. I met him yesterday after yumcha. As you can see from the pic, Robin had lost some weight, but is still robust. His

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-27254744158156648052011-08-22T20:59:00.006-04:002011-08-27T19:57:33.548-04:00

click pic to enlarge The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 20-08-11 Part II. Tannoy Black A Living Voice, from the Past At BoyLah's place, I suddenly recalled that we were in the neighborhood of our yumcha friend k.c. I wanted Karma, now a Tannoy user, to listen to k.c.'s system, so we got here in no time. Our friend k.c. is an audiophile for whom I have the greatest admiration. He is a user of the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-72751891918046133962011-08-20T21:00:00.018-04:002011-08-23T20:12:15.736-04:00

The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 20-08-11 Part I Living with Different Voices Living Voices This jam-packed day was organized around three users of UK's Living Voice loudspeakers (I am surprised there are so many in HK). agentsmittie and BoyLah are both Karma's friends, and I met the former when Karma came with him to my house to audition the Canterbury. Living Voice is the sister company of Definitive

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-880031768347470932011-08-19T19:38:00.008-04:002011-08-20T20:45:30.768-04:00

pic: Two Denon DL-103's on the baseboard; L, Midas; R, stock; in front is the Midas Touch. Click pic to enlarge. Review: Kuzma Stabi S/Stogi S Part I Vinyl Talk: To Midas or not? The Denon DL-103 Vinyl Talk: Ortofon Kontrapunkt C Kuzma Stabi S + Stogi S An instant classic. Read The Absolute Sound review (also as a hi-res pdf file). It was recipient of the Golden Ear Award. You may also want to

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-9099225461122529242011-08-13T19:47:00.017-04:002011-08-18T21:17:51.836-04:00

Tannoy Canterbury and Karma कर्म A few brief words before we dig into the meat. If you don't already realize, there is a recent spate of activities on the Tannoy Canterbury front that occurred almost synchronously and suddenly, leading me to ponder that it must be karma, that one action leads to another... You see, for the longest time I only knew my pair of Canterbury HE (

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-38748663743861084012011-08-05T18:59:00.030-04:002011-08-08T20:08:04.495-04:00

Sometimes it's better to remain silent. Show Report: 2011 Hong Kong High End Audio Visual Show 香港高級視聽展 (August 5, 2011) Attention: -click all pics to enlarge 點擊照片就會放大 -Revision 1 (Aug 6): This is mostly it. I shall make a few additions in the next revision. General Observations As usual, I could almost reprint last year's show report (click here for 2010 my show report) for this year's. Year

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-60372056613314684152011-07-26T19:23:00.011-04:002011-07-30T23:36:08.082-04:00

Overview: Elekit Part IReview: Elekit TU-875 TU-823o TU-8300cnamusic (Elekit HK dealer)Elekit official websiteFinally, I am getting to it. Let me start to wrap up my Elekit journey. This article is mainly a formal review of the TU-875 preamp and the TU-8230 amp.TU-875 full function PreamplifierOfficial InfoGreat Japanese website showing assembly香港代理 cna 網頁資料發燒音響 1， 2 Like the TU-870 (ECL82/6BM8)

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-71455647506990972082011-07-23T20:56:00.012-04:002011-07-26T19:17:46.114-04:00

Girl (I mean pic) borrowed from 普洛影音網Taiwan International Hi-End Audio Show 2011TAA臺灣第21屆國際Hi-End Hi-Fi音響大展No, unfortunately I did not personally attend this show, but I shall refer you to this Taiwanese website for unbelievably extensive coverage. Even if you don't read Chinese you shall recognize all the brand and model names. Each floor receives separate coverage; the tabs near the top

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-53697319083288287232011-07-22T20:43:00.011-04:002011-07-23T20:00:03.540-04:00

click on pic to enlargeOverview: Wavac Part IIReview: Wavac PR-T1, MD-805 and MD-811Wavac Overview Part IBelatedly, here is Part II of my Wavac experience. To pick up where we left off in Part I, after Danz heard my Wavac combo, he decided to acquire a set. I loaned him my set but he continued to source for Wavac on the internet. In a surprisingly short time, Danz made the decision to go for the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-2369138416553972152011-07-21T20:00:00.003-04:002011-07-22T20:09:37.318-04:00

CD Recommendations: Concierto de AranjuezThe blind composer Rodrigo wrote one masterpiece, the Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra. For more info on this piece, read the wikipedia entry, which is lively and informative, though far from complete. I am sure you already know much of the music. If you think you don't, listen to the youtube clips supplied below and you shall realize you

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-54747455289121399872011-07-07T20:18:00.005-04:002011-07-15T21:21:07.364-04:00

Review: Musical Fidelity M1 DACRevised and expanded July 16, 2011While I am quite settled into my SET world and don't look much beyond in terms of amplification, I have retained quite an interest in digital products. One of the heartening things these days is that good digital products can be had quite on the cheap, and there is no better example than the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC.This very

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-20593873028292771032011-07-01T21:03:00.009-04:002011-07-06T20:11:11.527-04:00

pic: YS Audio's humble showroom; Solo2Overview: YS Audio (aka Audio Experience)Review: YS Audio Balanced A2 + Sonata KT88The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 25-06-11 Spendor SP100 History of YS Audio (official website)YS Audio took its name from its founder YS Chui, a known tube designer in HK. In the heydays of the early 90's, they had a store in a Kowloon shopping mall 聯合廣場, near Prince Edward MTR.

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-20371187100436575742011-06-29T20:05:00.004-04:002011-06-30T19:25:55.789-04:00

Talk SACDMarantz DV-6001Sony SCD-1/SCD-777ESAs you may have noticed, I have added an SACD corner to the right-hand column. The reason is, there are many wonderful SACDs available in the library and I have been playing them recently with great pleasure.At the start I must state I am not an SACD expert; far from it, as I have just too many LPs and CDs, I have never really "seriously" taken up the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-5917042021135016182011-06-26T19:41:00.005-04:002011-06-27T19:15:42.972-04:00

Editor's Note: Audiophiles in Illness - Music as TherapyWhy do we listen to music?For RobinWhen I recently came back from NYC, I called my friend Robin the Scot. We chatted about audio for a while, when he said "...by the way, I am in Queen Mary Hospital..."Robin was besieged by what has only now been confirmed to be a serious illness. I'd not expound too much on that, what I want to examine is

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-35165701542588934572011-06-26T00:19:00.009-04:002011-08-18T02:41:15.490-04:00

Battle of the Fisher Integrated Amps The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 18-06-11 Tannoy Canterbury SE (one more!) Be it serendipity or pure chance, things are buzzing on the Tannoy Canterbury front! When I first visited new Canterbury user SG (report here) I was told just a day before, in the company of limage, he was visited by a fellow who had expressed interest in the loudspeakers. By chance later I

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-40785262436953399672011-06-25T20:25:00.009-04:002011-07-26T19:10:41.458-04:00

2 views of the PhoenixThe Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 11-06-11The Sonus faber FeniceJadis JP800 JA800Boulder 2008Linn LP12 with Akiva and UrikaI just got back from NYC when I received a surprise call and from our dear 鄔 Sir Sir, and an invitation to re-visit 盧華煇, aka ML. I had long gotten wind that shortly after our last visit, his system had undergone several major changes. After yumcha, I went alone

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-34371994723760284592011-06-24T21:19:00.000-04:002011-06-24T21:20:57.099-04:00

Overview: Sonus faberI made the acquaintance of Sonus faber as soon as I came to HK in 1992. A good colleague has a pair of Electa Amator I, and I like it and started to pay attention to the brand. But it took me two decades to learn to not capitalize the second word.This overview is about older Sf products only, for reasons mentioned below.Sonus faber = Franco Serblin, for me at leastI

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-60104230322230823522011-06-24T18:56:00.004-04:002011-06-24T19:01:01.956-04:00

Recommendation: ClassicalCDs from the LibraryNew IssuesSince I already have more CDs than I can consume in more than a life time, I don't buy many new CDs, but every year I buy the newest set of EMI Lugano. Martha Argerich plays some of the pieces but mostly the performances are from her motivated friends, and what a trove of treasury! This year's offerings are among the strongest ever.Lola

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-62135333320544572092011-06-22T18:16:00.002-04:002011-06-22T18:21:01.028-04:00

Letter from NYC 2011 (18): NYC HiFi Tour Written in HKThis is an article that should have been written a long time ago. I thank Paul for making all this possible.Recently, in NYC, by chance I made some new audiophile friends. It came by in the most unlikely way, via my mother! You see, mother exercises (tai chi) every morning in nearby parks, including the Queens Botanical Garden. One of her

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-28525365937401000902011-06-21T12:50:00.003-04:002011-06-21T21:14:46.828-04:00

Overview: JadisAujourd'hui, Demain...mais Hiers?Although I cannot be said to be a Jadis fan, I do have a fair amount of experience with the brand, having owned a few and heard many. This Overview is in preparation for a coming article that includes the newest, and most expensive, JP-800 preamp, matched with the mammoth JA-250.BackgroundAs with most French hifi companies, Jadis is more popular

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-49449400801698074742011-06-19T21:19:00.004-04:002011-06-20T20:02:43.999-04:00

Editor's Note: New Features and Your FeedbackThank you readers from around the world for reading this Blog. I'd like you to know of some new features (mostly in the right-hand column). Hope you enjoy them!Although this is not an open forum, I have tried to search for ways for readers' comments and questions to reach me, and for ways for me to get back to you efficiently. I have instigated a new

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-27220867204577062312011-06-17T21:43:00.015-04:002011-06-19T05:57:23.836-04:00

Overview: WAVAC Part IWavac MD-300B and PR-X2Overview: 300B ampsAs you may have known, I am a Wavac fan, but I have never directly written on the subject. Recently, my ever-expanding SET inner circle is moving so fast that I must catch up. But it is best to start from the beginning. There is so much going on, I just hope I have the time and means to do this brand justice.History of Direct Heated

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-37428937966052778002011-06-14T19:53:00.003-04:002011-06-17T05:17:36.698-04:00

Editor's Note: Simple JoyRecently, I have been listening to this cheap Naxos Handel recording. Since I am not really an opera buff, of all Handel's music, the Water Music and Royal Fireworks, both written for festive occasions and often paired on records, are my favorites. This performance conveys great joy and led me to much thinking.First, kudos to the composer for showing us how simple can

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-6452501224592537232011-06-11T23:31:00.007-04:002011-09-03T18:37:35.426-04:00

I have quite a few Shirley Horn albums, but this is is surely the most satisfying all around and with all the star guests a must-have. Pristine sound. A wonderful late album of the great Lou Reed. Surprisingly full-bodied sound and a good wake-up call. Click to read the Christgau review. While I enjoyed the danceable Franz Ferdinand (try the groovy Track 5), I find KT Tunstall even

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-45763320789049907602011-06-08T22:32:00.014-04:002011-08-18T02:30:05.514-04:00

click on pics to enlarge Tannoy Canterbury Vinyl Talk: SME, Kondo, TW Acustic Raven, mono replay Audio Note M8 vs Kondo M7 The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 04/06/11 June 4th, a date we shall never forget. In view of recent events in the Arab world, perhaps it is even more poignant. How lucky it is to be alive and well, having dim sum with good friends! On this date, JC is around town and we welcomed

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-9815491660941169572011-06-05T00:31:00.007-04:002011-06-08T19:12:50.471-04:00

Kondo Part IKondo KSL-M7, KSL-M7 phono, KSL SF-Z and Ongaku買了二手 Kondo Ongaku 已有一段日子，最近有個難逢的機會，痛定思痛下，購入了整套二手 Kondo KSL-M7。有人會說我瘋了，但我不介意，因爲聲音實在沒話説。在今天這個滿天叫價，每天都有山雞變鳳凰的時代，是個少有地具有獨門功夫，有真價值的品牌，非一般所謂名牌可比。我會慢慢開始寫我的 Kondo 體驗，但這篇是介紹一些其它我覺得不錯的文章。Kondo 雖然有名，但有關文章卻不多，我也希望在不久的將來我也貢獻一點。臺灣的音響共和國是個有水準的網頁, 下面一些文章有全面的介紹及寶貴的技術上的資料:日本 Kondo KSL-M7 前級Kondo與Wavac初體驗Kondo華麗銀之聲（一）Factory Tour 1 Kondo華麗銀之聲（二）Factory Tour

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-19770924161151136562011-06-02T23:07:00.013-04:002011-07-01T21:15:49.039-04:00

Group Review: 8 PhonoampsARC PH-1 and SP-9, AQVOX 2CI mkII, PS Audio GCPH, Musical Surroundings Phonomena II, YS Audio Solo 2, Linn Kairn, Elekit TU-875Vinyl Talk: Phono pre-preamplifiersVinyl Talk: How good are outboard phonoamps?In this age of the line preamplifier, many people actually prefer outboard phono units. For people like me though, who have held on to vinyl through the birth, middle

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-44842390111101903152011-06-02T19:03:00.004-04:002011-06-02T22:30:08.888-04:00

Brief Review: Meier Corda Swing By chance in NYC I saw a friend's Meier Audio (Corda) Eartube, a long discontinued German headphone amp manufactured by Audio Valve. I was quite taken by its look, and did some research.Meier Audio (Corda) has gotten quite a reputation, though it doesn't have a tubed model now (whereas Audio Valve does).By chance I saw this budget model named Swing (official info)

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-56744902267923154212011-05-23T08:49:00.007-04:002011-05-28T20:27:32.641-04:00

Brief Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES and BDP-S5000ESI have long been a fan of certain Sony digital products. Many of their 16-bit and even some higher bit CD players certainly belong to the digital hall of fame. But these days we don't see Sony producing too many good audio products, so it is gratifying to encounter these two. Both I got very recently, so this is more a preview rather than review (

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-82910359221387521752011-05-23T08:40:00.006-04:002011-05-24T09:04:02.549-04:00

W3H1: Where can you buy that connector?In hifi we sometimes are frustrated by unusual connectors. RCA and XLR are common and adaptors are easy to get (if not always of best quality), but we sometimes have unusual connectors for subs, various mini-XLR's, professional connectors for umbilical cord links, not to say firewire etc. It is often difficult to source these.Indeed most often we don't

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-19610682310377056162011-04-24T10:40:00.018-04:002011-11-23T06:17:07.157-05:00

click on all pics to enlargeLetter from NYC 2011 (16): Setting Up (II), An All-Swiss Affair!My Corner: My Listening Setups in NYC (II) - First! And Foremost?Talk Vinyl - The Incredible Thorens TD-124After telling you about my humble Casual Listening Station, let me make a leap to tell you about the early setup stage of my Reference Setup. Allow me to postpone till later my Day-to-Day Setups (

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-65985330864186119182011-04-23T09:09:00.017-04:002011-11-23T06:13:20.127-05:00

click on pic to enlargeLetter from NYC 2011 (15): Setting Up (I)My Corner: My Listening Stations in NYC (I) - Casual ListeningTalk Tuner: The wonderful McIntosh MR-71Martin Logan Source reduxThe Many Stations of LifeLast time I left NYC after we had just moved into our new apartment. I did the rudimentary setup of my dedicated listening room, dictated mostly by the large horns. I bought some

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-20418302947217162252011-04-11T09:31:00.004-04:002011-04-23T09:09:10.625-04:00

click on pics (Panasonic LX-1) to enlargeDivertimento 半日閒: Cherry BlossomDespite my apparent untidiness, I am rather compulsive at classification. Hence, when I started my Blogs, I created several in order to keep them apart. However, over time I have to admit I have limited time to substantially populate them all. As I focus mostly on audio and classical music, perhaps I should try to integrate

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-10247508992421517922011-04-05T08:00:00.005-04:002011-04-24T10:43:28.556-04:00

Letter from NYC 2011 (14): Infinity IRS Beta reduxClose on the heels of my visits to MW came a re-visit to AL's magnificent palace. You will remember him as the man whose system I heard on a previous visit earned my nomination for best sound of 2010.AL is a meticulous man. A look at the facade of his nice house will tell you something. This time I walked in to find a recently acquired EMT 930 in

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-36757477000467802272011-03-31T07:19:00.017-04:002011-04-05T07:16:12.828-04:00

L: Note the M&A preamp up front; R: DIY table for EMT 930 using pipes! (click to enlarge) Letter from NYC 2011 (13): Genesis V, MBL, EAR, Michaelson & Austin Among my hifi friends MW in LI must count as one of the craziest; perhaps even insane. I have previously reported on his Western Electric setup. It has been barely 2 years and yet his system (including the room) has undergone so many

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-44414586888820055872011-03-26T06:52:00.006-04:002011-04-23T09:08:15.974-04:00

Q and A: AES, Sonus faber, Clearaudio, VPI, Chinese made productsPeriodically I receive emails from readers on various topics. A few I answer right away because the questions are simple and easy. A few requests, like the circuit diagram on the extinct AES SE-1, took some time to satisfy. But there are many on which I procratinate; I hesitate not because I don't want to, but because I don't know

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-29341136853713231802011-03-26T05:09:00.006-04:002011-03-29T06:04:55.672-04:00

Return of the prodigal son. Click on pic to enlarge.Talk Vinyl: Garrard 301 Reborn Part ITalk Vinyl: Technics SP-10 MkII Part IIThe Yumcha Diaries: 12-03-11It was always a delight to have the company of feikeung, who is one of the rare people who has a view of the Internet that is close to mine. After yumcha, he and davwong (a fellow Garrard user) went with me to Robin's place to pick up my

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-3201136209633013832011-03-24T06:21:00.008-04:002011-03-24T08:24:30.133-04:00

click on pic to enlargeLetter from NYC 2011 (12): The Wonder of Nagra PLPOn the second day (should I say middle of the night) I hooked up a system for a little music:Digital: Rega ApolloPreamp: Nagra PLPAmp: McIntosh 2200Speakers: Magnepan MG 1.7Earphones: Audio Technica ATH-AD700Read my other articles on the Nagra PL-PNuance AplentyEven at very low volume through the Maggies, playing a Mozart

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-68740546690432803842011-03-24T05:40:00.005-04:002011-03-24T06:21:04.822-04:00

HiFi Letter from NYC 2011 (11): Through a Glass, DarklyCD Recommendation: ClassicalWaking up in the middle of the night, it was dark all around me. I stole into the kitchen to make some coffee. A while later, sipping it in my hifi room I started to come around the jet lag - not physically, but spiritually.4:00 am, too early to play music. By 5:30 I felt the urgent need and turned on the system

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-32400563741550655392011-03-13T20:59:00.007-04:002011-05-05T08:51:04.297-04:00

Full Metal Jacket. Click on pic to enlarge.Talk Vinyl: Technics SP10MkII, Benz Micro Gold, T-9 Lukaschek PP1Mellow Gold and Bright SilverBefore proceeding with my Garrad, let me tell you I had just come off a period of listening to my recently acquired Technics SP-10 MkII. This legendary direct-drive turntable is equipped with an all decked-out RB250 (Michell mod and Incognito sliver wiring). It

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-88186734518089015902011-02-23T00:01:00.004-05:002011-03-07T20:05:21.486-05:00

HiFi 天碟 Golden Discs (4): Pop IIIs this Pop? Well, it certainly WAS.Every hifi enthusiast in the 60's-70's probably owns an LP or two of Command Classics' Persuasive Percussion (info on wikipedia). There were several volumes but 1 and 2 were the best known. These LPs, and even the original CD issues now command good money on the second-hand market. Watch my word, one day the LP will likely be

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-54265185309357244912011-02-11T20:45:00.013-05:002011-06-18T23:07:33.181-04:00

Overview: JC VerdierJC Verdier Control B, 220 MkII, 2300B LuxeThis article is unusual for me in its coverage of mostly my own equipment! This leads me to reflect a little. While my blog covers all sorts of things encountered in my hifi "life", I really have neglected coverage of most of my gears, particularly those which remain central to my experience. In truth, aside from occasional audition of

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-34855757686228330622011-02-09T20:00:00.005-05:002011-02-10T22:29:36.646-05:00

Talk R2R: How to Describe the Sound of R2R?As I had struggled to describe the sound of R2R, I was astonished by what Robin wrote in an email to me. More than waxing lyrics, its eloquence is so heart-felt! It encapsulates the perfect listening experience:"...I was so happy to read your Yumcha Diary entry on our get-together last Saturday! I feel awed, but delighted of course, that you liked the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-42152844429661278662011-02-07T00:03:00.006-05:002011-02-09T19:41:31.726-05:00

Audition: Tannoy Edinburgh HE, Quicksilver, Phase TechDespite cancellation of yumcha, Saturday turned out to be a fruitful day for me, with a totally unexpected audition that pleased me immensely.It was one of those R33 transactions. In the afternoon I went to the large and tastefully adorned working loft of Carl, a professional photographer, to pick up something. As soon as I walked in I caught

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-3396102186478096692011-02-03T22:18:00.008-05:002011-03-15T23:09:17.287-04:00

The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 29-01-11Talk Vinyl: Restoration of Garrard 301 Part IIITalk R2R: Otari Restored!Best Sound of 2011 (so soon?)!No mincing of words here. Mark my words, what we heard on this day SHALL be the BEST SOUND OF 2011!. I know, it's just the start of the year, but this ain't no hyperbole. I simply don't expect to hear better sound in the next 11 months ! I'd love to be proven

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-79339109012060005662011-02-02T19:15:00.007-05:002011-02-03T18:29:58.223-05:00

Traditonal Paper CutToday is Chinese New Year, one of few holidays taken by hard-working Chinese. Billions in China don't get any days off during the year except during this period (and the National Day). It is traditional to employ a lot of red color in the celebrations.This year is Year of the Rabbit, which some say may be a little rockier than usual.The world is plagued by finicky weather,

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-24523250575158909582011-01-30T00:16:00.007-05:002011-01-30T19:48:48.809-05:00

Ron Arad, Concrete Stereo, 1983Talk Vinyl: Analog is Chic!Analogue has always been chic, but the digital people, particularly the hi-res CAS people, don't know what is chic at all. Artists do, however, and there are more and more artworks on Analogue themes.Witness this exhibition, referred to me by by audiophile/photographer friend Leong Ka Tai:Art Show titled Analog at Riflemaker (a gallery)

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-75152407912232985512011-01-27T04:31:00.002-05:002011-03-15T23:11:12.529-04:00

Talk Vinyl: Restoration of Garrard 301 Part IIIn Part I of this report, I showed you the sorrowful state of my second Garrard 301. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to my good old friend Robin the Scot for restoring it for me!!! And doing it while he had his hands full with his own Otari reel-to-reel restoration project! Robin sent me several emails regarding the progress and they make a

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-31493072978402808342011-01-27T02:22:00.012-05:002011-02-22T03:00:09.270-05:00

CD (DVD) Recommendations (4)I cannot begin to tell you how the 2 sets I am recommending today have delighted and stunned me. All I can say is grab them!Classy, Classic and ClassicalClassically trained Cecil Taylor is a grossly under-valued jazz pianist. This issue is by the curiously named Real Gone Jazz/Music Melon, part of the ubiquitous mcps group, one of those re-issue labels that proliferate

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-69117071016646171042011-01-25T20:33:00.010-05:002011-01-26T18:58:40.841-05:00

The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 15/22-01-11 (Maggie's x 2)15-01-11, Long Time No See, Grandma Maggie!After the Tannoy Kingdom Royal, we were delighted that we were able to squeeze in a short visit to limage on short notice (thanks!), to both listen to his system and catch a last glimpse of his wonderful house before he moves. I had also not heard his 27D preamp. Equipment used:Analogue: Technics

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-35980785581655637182011-01-18T20:37:00.013-05:002011-02-22T22:58:54.428-05:00

The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 08/15-01-11 (SP-100, Tannoy Kingdom Royal)08-01-11, SP100 Works its Magic againThose who have known me know that I have been a Spendor fan for the longest time (those who don't can read about my experience in my Spendor Overview). I have owned the SP-100 for more than 10 years and had only recently sold it to a friend. This bulky yet non-floor standing speaker is old

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-78962398930199130622011-01-13T02:04:00.004-05:002011-03-24T05:40:25.592-04:00

Letter from NYC 2010 (10): Home Visit Infinity IRS Beta, Quad ESL, Futterman and moreTalk Vinyl: Versa Dynamics galore, Garrard, Ikeda and more(article completed in HK)Click on pics to enlargeHouse-guardsJust before I left NYC recently I was fortunate to have made the acquaintance of a new friend, AL. Andy is a vinyl connoisseur, said to own more than 20 turntables. I didn't see quite that

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-69944490653021563602011-01-10T22:24:00.007-05:002011-02-22T02:59:21.947-05:00

CD Recommendations (3)It's been frustrating that due to family affairs I have not attended even a single concert in almost 3 months. Hopefully that should be rectified soon.Fortunately there is still home listening. And some CDs I recently borrowed from the library have been exceptional.Foremost have been 2 Mahler recordings issued by the superb RCO Live label. These Dutch recordings are

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-66860622702648761922011-01-04T06:16:00.002-05:002011-01-04T06:59:56.326-05:00

pic: Elekit TU-8230 2A3 ampSecond Site Visit: cnamusic (Elekit TU-8230) cna (Elekit)Elekit official websiteJust before I went back to NYC I visited cna, now distributor for Japan's Elekit. That time I bought the TU-8300 300B amp (see recent article). I also ordered a TU-875 preamp kit, which has arrived and this time I went to pick it up.Ulterior Motive: TU-8230Actually my visit had another

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-58004001878650597582011-01-04T01:54:00.001-05:002011-01-04T01:55:47.662-05:00

Talk Vinyl: Air Tight PC-1, Ortofon MC-5000 (and MC3000MkII)HiFi Letter from NYC 2010 (9): Magnepan 1.7 ReduxClearaudio Concept Part IVRight before I left NYC, I invited newly acquainted AL, a vinyl expert, to listen to my new cartridges (he had expressed interest in the Ortofon MC-5000). He brought a friend and my friends Mark and princetonsound also came. I barely had time to set up 2

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-46850927708794427562011-01-03T00:21:00.000-05:002011-01-03T00:22:38.053-05:00

Editor's Note: 2010 in RetrospectiveJust a few thoughts to tie up 2010, a relatively eventful year in terms of hifi for me.Most Important Acquisitions1. New hifi room in NYC. Heading this year's list shall not be any hardware, but rather my new room, which makes every speaker I have sound splendid. Discovery of the benefits of thick wall-to-wall carpeting was also enlightening.2. Air Tight PC-1

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-26186429337126222502011-01-01T23:58:00.009-05:002011-02-22T22:58:19.251-05:00

(L) 2 Verdier amps (R) Elekit TU-8300Review: Elekit TU-8300 amplifier(reviewed by Danz, with minor edits by DJ)Editor's Note:At the end of September, 2010 I wrote briefly about my visit to cna music, HK dealer of Elekit. What I didn't tell you then was that I actually bought a TU-8300 300B amp!In early November I lent my virtually new Elekit 8300 amp to my friend Danz (and let him do all the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-40671330514244051832010-12-31T18:15:00.005-05:002011-01-01T22:33:35.081-05:00

Two Faces of Our Lovely WorldEditor's Note: Happy New Year!W3H1: Why I have installed the Flag Counter; What have I learned; Where are the Readers from; How many Countries?The year 2010 left quietly. My hifi was not on. SZTV was showing the Buddhist Bell-Ringing Ceremony led by high monk 印顺大和尚, and I was falling asleep. How uneventful, but is that not a blessing, considering the millions in the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-36128605365312911562010-12-28T19:20:00.013-05:002011-01-02T23:55:01.171-05:00

Talk Vinyl: Pro-Ject RPM1.3 (Genie 3) + Speedbox IIClearaudio Concept Part IIIOrtofon Kontrapunkt C/H Part IIOverview: Pro-JectMickey Mouse BusinessCall me a child. About 2 years ago I saw the first version of this TT, then simply called Genie, in What HiFi and I immediately wanted one. I know I have better TTs around, quite a few of them, but I still wanted one...It was not because I am a fan of

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-50823335877422227752010-12-27T19:35:00.008-05:002010-12-29T05:09:45.796-05:00

Overview: B&WReview: B&W CM1IntroductionB&W is still one of the world's largest (and best) speaker companies, with a legion of fans, but even their fans seem sometimes to prefer the brand for the wrong reasons.B&W is a dichotomy. While their flagships, in particular the legendary Matrix 801 in all its incarnations, have long been references in all the important recording studios, their "

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-45679543731167629082010-11-24T08:49:00.017-05:002010-12-28T04:51:27.988-05:00

HiFi Letter from NYC 2010 (8): Rare Langevin Preamp, Emergency Kit, Sony DVP-SR200P, DVP-PR50P, Martin Logan Source and Linn Kan reduxBargain Basement Emergency kitActually this picture is no longer update, but that's really not important. What's important is the my continuous astonishment by the sound of my new room. Even a cursory setup of bargain basement gears necessitated by household

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-42113987734936961612010-11-21T09:42:00.009-05:002010-11-21T10:23:53.605-05:00

Home Visit: ARC + Magnepan(Written mostly at the Incheon airport when I was returning to the US, but finished in NYC)You shall remember sowk, whose nice setup I visited sometime ago. Just recently, he became interested in a pair of Adams speakers and we talked. I said if he likes ribbon tweeters why not consider Magnepan, cheaper and most likely better? Imagine my surprise why hardly a week

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-27007049899304771452010-11-12T15:57:00.008-05:002011-02-08T02:09:01.688-05:00

HiFi Letter from NYC 2010 (7): My New Dedicated Audio Room IA Room with A SoundToday marks the eighth day in NYC but, unusually for me, only the second time I am on the computer (via the free WiFi in the public library).Almost from the moment I arrived I got busy with mother's new apartment in the same building, moving and packing things and never got out much. It is one more bedroom, but the

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-78059431295233001362010-10-27T21:01:00.016-04:002011-03-15T23:18:21.609-04:00

Talk Vinyl: Restoration of Garrard 301 Part IAs you know, I am very fond of Garrard 301 and have long regarded it as the best of turntables (see my previous Vinyl Talk article). I have TWO of them and, interestingly, both were acquired around the same time in the pre-R33 era and under somewhat unusual circumstances.From Malaysia with LoveThe first one was a mint cream-colored version I acquired

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-33763253090370611542010-10-11T22:25:00.011-04:002010-12-28T23:07:55.946-05:00

The Yumcha Diaries 飲茶後記: 09-10-10Showroom Audition: Ernest Audio HiFi 德Talk Vinyl: VPI Classic vs AriesA Classic is bornI was chatting one day with my friend Keung and we talked about VPI turntables. He expressed some interest in the Scoutmaster, and I was interested in the newer Classic. Spontaneously I called 阿明 of HiFi 德 and arranged an audition on this day after yumcha.A little more on VPI

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-7988735654798112332010-10-06T00:49:00.003-04:002010-10-07T22:42:34.232-04:00

News: Closure of Sound by SingerEvery audiophile in NYC knows Sound by Singer, which is like ten of our hi-end dealers in HK combined, so gigantic it was. That was where I heard the Duntech's first and even small speakers like the Focal 705V. Read the following links:Audiogon threadWhat really happened (maybe)Exorbitant rent seems the culprit, at least superficially.

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-40092629349684940772010-10-04T23:52:00.006-04:002010-10-05T01:21:00.111-04:00

W3H1: WHAT is vintage tube sound? Editor's Note: This is the start of a new feature. Rest assured, W3H1 is not the newest virus, it's about the Why's, What's, Where's and How's of HiFi. Each capsule is short and addresses one specific issue. Stay tuned, and I hope you enjoy it.Stereophile and MeAlthough I have had this idea for a long time, the impetus for implementation came today when I read a

doctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-16764207740206829742010-10-02T21:27:00.011-04:002011-02-07T00:00:43.598-05:00

Home Visits: Saba + Lenco +CASHighly recommended: Vash's own Blog; Lenco HeavenOne fine day recently I called Vash and spontaneously arranged to visit him, primarily to listen to the Saba speaker and Lenco TT and Decca cartridge. Vash is a naughty fellow who experiments with all sorts of gears and DIY at a high level. This time the gears have changed a lot from my previous visit, and luckily I

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