Western Electric 124 Vs Leak TL12.1 amplifiers

Last week end, a few audiophiles high hand came over to my place for the listening session on the WE 124 & Leak TL12.1

The set up are as follows:

• Leak TL12.1 (using GEC KT66)+ Fisher 50C + Tannoy mini + B & O CD player
• WE 124 (Using WE 350B tubes) + Fisher 50C + Tannoy mini + B & O CD player

Richard has worded it nicely with the following comments:

Compared with the TL/12.1, 124B is more like a very bosom young lady, probably in her late twenties, who had inmaturely declined a number handsome, wealthy young men including 李家誠 and had a lot sorrows and happiness to tell. Her listeners would be attracted to pour out all from their pockets and to spend the rest of their life to study her! You feel warm and peace.

Before the WE124B, TL/12.1 appeared actually like a 18歲 扑扑趣 whom you want to enjoy (more than her look). The TL/12.1 is so energetic and playful that you might even worry yourselves that you can't chase and follow her tightly. But you would still cling to her, using up all your energy without regret.

With 2 pair of amplifiers, comparison between the two in term of performance is inevitable. However, given the variables factors such as different tubes used and circuits, an A B comparison will be difficuilt. Using the analogy of the motor vehicle, perhaps the WE124 is like the Mercedes, elegance and smooth while the Leak TL12.1 is like the BMW with much more energy, force and punch. Both the Mercedes and BMW will ultimately bring you to the destination but the experience of the ride will be different indeed..

In the end, I think I would try my best to enjoy hearing the Music in the special way each system presents it..as hifi equipements' obejective is to help us to reproduce the music to our ears..for enjoyment!

With the lisetning session last weekend and the acqusition of the Chartwell LS3/5a, I have more or less complete my hunt for the equipments. Having to manage 2 sets of amplifiers plus 3 set of speakers will really sufficient to keep one busy. Thus, I have made up my mind in not wanting to acquire the Brooks 12A using the 2A3 tubes as it will be like moving into another arena again. Instead, my aim is to focus my time on listening and improve the soudn from the exisiting system by trying outdifferent tubes and different combinations in order to bring out the best in its system.