PHASS Fullrange speakers

The past week has been a very hectic one as I have to travel overseas for work.

This evening, I finally managed to find some time to visit a "new" speaker cabinet makers near my office.

While waiting for the arrival of my 755C speaker units, I have decided to start searching for cabinet for the pair of 755c. Upon arrival to the shop, my attention immediately was captured by a pair of 4 inch full range alnico speakers in beautifully handcrafted Spruce wood (often called "piano" wood in Asia)! Even though the speakers is very small insize, the sound reproduction for Mid is excellent as well as has strong bass and high!

This pair of PHASS speakers units were made in Japan using Alnico magnets from South Africa while the speakers cabinet is made by a famous cabinet makers Feis audio in Hong Kong using the expensive wood that is used for the making of piano or violin. Spruce is the wood responsible for resonance and sound. Therefore it´s used in violin making for the tables with the sound-holes (ff-holes), bassbars, soundposts and reinforcements such as linings and blocks.

The size of the speakers are slightly smaller then the LS3/5a. I like the LS3/5a but I feel that we should open up our heart and mind and accept "new" product that is good. One example is the Chi Ping 3 1/2 inch full range speakers and another IMHO is this PHASS speakers. From the workmanship point of view, the cabinet is excellent and the sound is fantastic. It is espcially suitable for small bedroom or small areas. It is very user friendly as one could just placed it near the wall. The Chi Ping speakers sounded bright and open. The PHASS speakers having the Piano wood cabinet and bigger alnico magnet has the advantage of more refinement and depth.

The unit that I bought is the last prototype sample. Hopefully, the PHASS speakers could be massed produced soon so that more people could enjoy it!

While waiting for my 755C and my WE124, I will continue to listen to my Tannoy Cantebury and this PHASS speakers. Once the WE124 arrive, i will then bring one set of amplifiers, Pre amplifiers and speakers back to Singapore as it was really tough not having any system back home to listen..

Pye PF91

After much waiting, my vintage Pye PF91 finally came back home.

The sound of it is really wonderful. The Pye PF 91 is really a user friendly amps as it can be used for both 110v or 220v without the need for any step down transformer.

The master has carfully cleaned the amplifiers and changed a few leaky capacitors and kept most of the amplifiers as original as possible.

The Pye PF91 KT66 is a push pull amp, with the KT66s triode connected, so the amp gives about 12W (same as the Leak TL12.1). There is another Pye HF25 (blue in colour ) which is a KT66 push pull monoblock power amplifier made in 1950s which give 25W (similar to the Leak TL25a).

Vintage Electro Voice T35

While waiting for the arrival of the Pye PF91 KT66 amp, I have decided to play around with the vinatge Electro voice T35 high frequecies units.

Initially I have only intended to get some tubes but the owner of the vintage hifi shop Mr.Chen has strongly advised me to get this pair of 1950s alnico high frequecies speakers. The size of the magnet is huge (the diameter of the magnet is 6cm)

After attaching the Electro voice T35 to the Chi Ping speakers, the sound stage became wider . If one does a blind test, one would not suspect that the sound was from a 3 inch full range speakers at all! What an amazing change!

I have told Mr Chen that I should perhaps buy a cheap high frequecies tweeter but he was against the idea saying that it would be better off not having the cheap high frequencies tweeter at all as the improvement would not be there. He has told me the it is rare for such high frequecies tweeters as these have to be detached from a pair of working condition EV speakers.

The hifi journey is one of non stop discovery..Cheers

CD Player recoomendation:Bang & Olufsen CD player

I have just returned from a business trip from Taipei. During my business trip, I have managed to get a quad set of KT66, Quad set of 7027a (specially good for Mcintosh MC240) and quad set of GE 6L6WGB plus a pair of Electro Voice T35 high frequency units (for my Chi Peng full range speakers)

To match my current vintage system, I have recenty used a vintage Bang & Olufsen CD player. Even though it was produced in the 1980s, the look and feel of the Bang & Olufsen CD player looks very modern and the sound quality of it is perfect in fitting with the rest of my vinatge gears!

From the functional point of view, it has to use a step down transformer as it is in 117v. Other then that, the touch screen function gives the CD player a very high standard and modern feel. The costs of the B & O CD is smiliar to the Philips CD 100. I used to own the Philips 100 CD player. However, the Philips CD 100 tend to be "over heated" after long hours of play and one has to take care of the ventilation in order to ensure its longivity. Not wanting to be "stressed" up when using the CD player, I have decided to sell away the Philips CD players to a Hong Kong collectors who owns a large collection of various CD players.

I shall be collecting my vintage Pye PF91 tomorrow back from servicing and I will be posting more pictures soon! I will have to do it soon as I will be away for business trip again from Thursday onwards...

One more amplifier to complete the picture

Out of my 5 dream amplifiers, I have managed to find 4 namely

1. Leak 12.1,
2. Radio craftsmen C500a,
3. Mcintosh MC240 and
4. Quad II.
5. The serach for the WE 124 is now on...( temporary substituted by the model after WE124, the later model WE KS 16608)

Hopefully, I can complete the dream amplifiers picture before Christmas this year. While it is important to find the numbers, Quality in term of appearance is also an important factor to consider. There are so many good amplifiers out there but my personal view is that one should set an objective and path to follow as resource is limited but wants are not.

Quad II - 3rd time lucky

This is my 3rd pair of Quad II. The first was sold as the capacitors were replaced. The second sets were sold as I was having two sets of Leak 12.1 then. Today, I have managed to find a 3rd units of Leak 12.1 ,220v in its original condition.

I have known that my friend JK is in need for his 4th unit of Leak 12.1 in order to pair them up. Upon getting the single unit of 12.1, I immediatley called JK to see if he is keen to pair up his 12.1

In reciprocate my efforts in helping him to pair up his 12.1, he offered his lovely set of Quad II in exchange for the single unit. It was a true "win win" situation where we both were happy. I have been in my quest for my dream "top 5 6L6/KT66" amplifiers namely, Leak TL12.1, Radio craftsmen C500s, Mcintosh MC240, Quad II & the Western Electric 124.

With this acquisition of Quad II, my last amplifier to complete my dream is the Western Electric 124. Temporary, the Western Electric KS16608 is acting as a good subsititute until the main cast arrive. Dreaming of the WE124 again.. : )

email me at maxbliss@nevigator.com if you have any interesting hifi equipments to sell or exchange.

Hifi summary July 2006

July 2006, Hong Kong - This evening, I have taken out all my hifi sets for some simple cleaning. Every unit bring me some fond memories. The Tannoy speakers reminds me of the raining day during Valentine's night, The Mcintosh reminded me when I first came to Hong Kong in June 2005, The 12.1 reminded me of my quest for a pair of 12.1; the Marantz 7 reminded me of the night after my company D & D rushing to view the M7; while the WE 16608 reminds me of the streets in Singapore...

Every unit tells a story...

Rogers LS3/5a 15 ohms

I have realized that I have mentioned very little about the LS3/5a speakers. I used to own 4 pairs of LS3/5a...all of them are Rogers namely:

• - 15 ohms black badge
• - 15 ohms with white belly
• - Transitional model from 15 ohms to 11 ohms (pseudo 15 ohms)
• - 11 ohms

Initially, I have intended to collect all the LS3/5a, all brands and makes. However, after much A/B compariosn, I have realised that while there are some differences in the various LS3/5a, the differences are so little that it would be so insignificant to really create an impact.

The strength of the LS3/5a is in its reproduction of vocal and playing of solo instrument. However, it has its limitation as there is very little base and very little high ..only strong mid. When using the LS3/5a to reproduce Orchestra musics, it sounded "rush and messy".

With the limitation, I have decided to try out the larger speakers which can reproduce the Orchestra music better. One of the my first large speakers was a pair of Altec 604E 15 inch speakers. It will reproduce strong base and sounded great for rock and Orchestra music. However, it sounded too "metallic" for my preference which as prompted to change for a pair of Tannoy Chartsworth 12 inch gold monitor. I like the British sound much better. The 12 inch Tannoy has the combination of the sweetness of the LS3/5a mid plus having the extension of base as well as high. Immediately, I know that Tannoy is THE speakers that will satisfy most of my hifi needs. I was lucky enough to upgrade to a pair of Tannoy Canterbury with monitor Red which is my all time favourite. ( very relex sound)

Thus, the LS3/5a is a pair of very good speakers but is not without its limitation. Firstly, it needed very good speakers stand (such as the foundation designer stand) to bring out the best in its potential. Secondly, don't expect too much base or high when playiung with this little pair of speakers. Thirdly, the escalating prices of the LS3/5a has made the equation between price versus performance to an unaccetable level. A good pair of LS3/5a in 15 ohms is around HK$11,000 + $5000 (for a pair of Foundation stands) = HK$16,000. With these amount of money, one can buy a pair of Tannoy 12 inch monitor gold Lanchester or Chartsworth. In addition, there are so many "modified" or fake LS3/5a which make one nervous in buying one. Lastly, the LS3/5a needs bigger power amplifiers to push and / or sounded good with tube amplifiers.

Some think that the LS3/5a is "suitable for small home" as it will not take much space. However, the reality of it is that in order to bring out the sound from these speakers, one has to bring it out 2- 3 feet away from the wall. Thus, when one take into consideration the speakers and its stand, plus the need to be away from the wall by 2-3 feet, the LS3/5a actually requires a larget space then say a Tannoy or Altec who can be placed near the wall. Small in this sense is actually a myth..

In the end, I have sold off 3 pairs of the LS3/5a and keep only one pair for reference (plus the fact that I could free up some cash to get the larger speakers since resources are limited but wanst are unlimited).

The LS3/5a is the King for vocal reproduction. However, in order not to miss out on other music details, I would think that one would need 3 pairs of speakers namely one large speakers, one LS3/5a and a full range speakers in order to have the speakers to cater for all music. However, this is just my personal opinion. Music and hifi is so personal that it is like colours or food preference...it all depends on your needs....

If you can afford, having a wall of LS3/5a with all brands and all models is also a very lovely sight : )

I have a few close hifi friends who has their great wall of LS3/5a and they look lovely! Well, in Chinese they say: 知足常樂 meaning to be content is to be Happy, and we should always count our blessings!

For more information on the LS3/5a, please read:

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/rogersls35a.html

Price of Radio Craftsmen C500a

The suggested retail price of a Radio CraftsmenC500a in 1953 was US$99. Thus, to play it in stereo mode (those days mainly in mono mode), would have costs US$198 for a pair.

US$198 must be alot of money during the 1950s. The average wages in the 1950s were US$249. A pair of the Radio Craftsmen C500a would have costs almost a months salary of an average men!

6L6 / KT66 amplifiers

Following much listening and comparison, I have realized that I have a strong inclination for 6L6/Kt66 amplifiers. The EL34 tubes amplifiers has more force and power but it sounded a bit rough in my ears. The EL84 has very sweet sound but it lacks the power when needed.

Currently, my 6L6 / KT 66 amps consists of the the following:

1. Leak TL12.1 (KT66) - the BEst KT66 amplifiers so far!
2. Radio craftsmen C500a (KT66) - great work by the famous Sid Smith!
3. Pye PF91 (KT66) - another great British amp that is rare!
4. Western Electric KS16608 (6L6) - real value for money amp!
5. Mcintosh MC240 (6L6) - One of the best advant guarde design and good power without the harshness!

Very soon, some ( or many) of the above will dissappear like water vapour in the air : ( whern the WE 124 appears..

Others interesting amps using KT66 are:

• RCA (my friend called it Big Quad II)
• Quad II
• Pilotone 901 (i think)

Given the strong inclination towards the KT66 & 6L6 tubes amplifiers, I have decided to down size and let go my Siemens amplifiers using EL84 tubes. The Siemens are great amplifiers with great details. However, since I have no wish to "collect", I have decided to focus on playing with the KT66/6L6 tubes families. By doing so, it would help me to save up resources, $$, time and space to hunt for the WE124... My wife will killme if she knows how much the WE 124 is going to cost! he he he!

Klangfilm speakers wires

In my efforts to improve the quality of the sound from my current hifi system, I have replaced my ealier interconnect with the Artist made interconnect cables linking my Pre-Amp (1.8 Metres) to Amp & from CD to Pre Amp (1.5 metres)

For the speakers cables, I have used the Audio note silver cables and Western Electric cables. This afternoon, I have managed to get a pair of fully "burn in" 50 years old Klangfilm wires.

Similar to the Artist hifi interconnect, these wires were previously used in recording studios.

Great sound! I guess was due to the 50 years of continous usage as well as the purity of the copper!

Selling Marantz 7 & Mcintosh MC240 ?

In my desire and quest to find the Western Electric 124, I have decided to sell off my Marantz 7 & Mcintosh MC240. Both the items are in excellent conditions internally and externally.

Is this a right move?

Desire for Western Electric 124

After much consideration, I have set myself a simple goal of getting a pair of Western Electric 124 power amplifiers using the 6L6 tubes by end of 2006 (Christmas)

In order to do that, I will have to cut love and streamline quite a few of my current collections in order to generate enough cash.

Even though it is going to be a very difficult decision to make, I will have to let go the following step by step. The first to go will be the Siemens Smfv4 mono blocks, followed by the Mcintosh MC240 & Marantz 7. Upon getting the WE124, I will then let go the fully restored Western Electric KS16608.

With these exercise, I will be left with the Leak 12.1, Radio Craftsmen C500a and WE124 (hopefully) & Fishers 400CX preamplifier.

Pic of WE124 don't belong to me.... : (
What a dilemma......

Leal 12.1 & Radio Craftsmen C500a

Trying to understand my amplifiers better, I performed a A/B test between the 12.1 and the Radio Craftsmen C500a.

The similarity between the two is its sweet vocal
tone. the key differences are that the Leak TL12.1 has more open and wider and deeper soundstage. The Radio Craftsman 500a has a slightly narrower one but yet still managed to have fine details, and sweet tone.

Unless there is an immediate AB comparion, the differences may not be so clear. I would say that the Radio Craftsmen C500a sounded 90% close to the 12.1

When the 2 power amplifiers matched with the Marantz 7 and Fishers 400CX, it has different sound reproduction with the Marantz having more transparent and clear tone with emphasis on the mid; while the Fishers has a more muiscal tone and emphasis on the Mid and mid high!

The Radio Craftsmen was from the 1950s but its design (using the shining steel chassis) is so advant guarde that it is ahead of its times. It is a beauty to look at when listening. The Leak 12.1 , on the other hand, looks like a solid castle ..solid looking and under stated. The differences in looks clearly reflect the national charateristics between the American and the British!

Some facts from Alan on the RC:
RC500 has 10 watt output,
RC500A has 15 watts output and
RC550 has 30 watt output but operated in ultra-linear instead of triode
RC500 and RC500A was licence under Western Electric but RC550 was not..
RC500 and RC500A was designed by Sidney Smith, but RC550 was design by Bob Grodinski

From the "collector" point of view, the Radio craftmens is a good buy as it is relatively cheaper but rarer plus the fact that it is like a uncut diamonds waiting for further exploration by the audiophiles as it is currently only known to a few...

Key characteristics of amplifiers

According to my friend Alan, good quality hi-fi gear should have outstanding characteristic of sound and emotion.

• Leak TL12.1 has sweet, open, wide, clear and transparent tone but slightly thin in body.
• Quad II have warm, mellow and rich body of mid.
• McIntosh MC-240 has outstanding authority tone, big sound stage, rich of bass and thick body.
• Radio Craftsman 500 has fine details, clear and sweet tone, but slightly narrow in sound stage if compared to Leak TL12.1.
• Western Electric KS-16608 has outstanding mid range, natural, emotional, warm and smooth tone but slightly lack of extension at both ends
• Western Electric 124 - the selling point of WE124 is also not the details and extension of both end, but nature, pure and emotional tone in mid and mid-high range

True essence of hifi!

After many months of serching and upgrdating, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to learn the true essence of hifi from fellow audiophiles.

According to an audiophile: "upgrade is not just our gear but our skill, knowledge, understanding of ourselves and understanding the emotion behind music. If the purpose of hi-fi is reproduce music (not just the sound), than the purpose of music is represent emotion of human".

How true! Many of us have gone through the path of buying an equiment, then upgrading , then selling and buying again...

The process of upgrading and changing has allowed us the opportunities to experience the different hifi characteristics and soul of the equipments. However, if not properly guided, the continuous search will be like chasing an illusive dream....

Thanks to my friend Alan for pointing the essence of hifi to me..

志平 3吋 Fullrange speakers

I have always been fascinated with the 志平3吋小喇叭全音域單元. The production of these speakers has ceased and the only way to get them now is via Artist hifi or through the web.

Having listened to the speakers at Artists hifi, I am deeply impressed by the finishing of the speakers, its nice curve workmanship as well as the repoduction of sound from the mere 3 inch full range speakers.

Having done some simple study, the reason for its wonderul sound was due to its Alnico magnet and "元發聲擴散之音箱邊緣用手工打磨成圓角，形成一種號角效應".

For me, another great attraction is its handmade (人手製造) feature. I have tried some DIY cabinet myself, and I know how difficult the process is and it will be totally impossible for me to achieve such nice finshing result.

In the end, I have finally bought one pair for my bedroom usage together with my Siemens amplifiers. These are certainly another value for money item even though many audiophiles might not find these their cup of tea.

I have done some AB testing between these and the LS3/5A. The sound from the 志平 is much open and bright while the LS3/5a is much more detailed and confined. Both sound nice in its own ways!

Branding in Hifi

There are many famous brands in Hifi such as the Western Electric, Leak, Marantz, Mcintosh, Fishers, Siemens, Tannoy, Rogers, etc. Many of these great names were gone as a result of the passage of time, changing consumer's taste, technology innovation replacement etc.

However, when one look at the brands and see why are they were so successful and so great, the key success factors can be listed down as the following:

1. Good product that were built to last - examples Leak 12.1; Mcintosh MC225,240,275; Marantz 1,7,9,10b, Fishers 50c, 80C, 400CX, 400CXII, Western Electric 86, 91, 124, 755; Tannoy GRF, York, Canterbury; Rogers LS3/5a etc

2. Good leadership quality and good chief engineer & good -較聲工作: Marantz, Sid Smith, Fisher, etc

3. Good distribution net work

4. Focus on brand building.

There are many talented Sifu in Asia especially in Hong Kong. However, their products could never reach the same level as that of the famous and legendary hifi as many were lacking in its brand building aspect of the business.

Very often, the positioning of the brand is not clearly defined and there is no clear brand strategy involved in their launch of the products. Many would opt for the easy way of buying advertising space as well as advertorial space thinking that these are "marketing" and these actions constitutes brand building.....which of course is over simplifying and is not the case.

It will be naive to think that by having a superior products will naturally led to great sales and the building of brand. Very often, these Sifus would focus their energy on the products and missed out the other elements of marketing mix such as positioning, pricing, placement and promotion.

Being a hifi lovers as well as markerteer, I was so tempted to want help some of the local Sifu in launching their products properly. The success of any big brand requires vision! It also require a team of dedicated professional in order to help create the correct brand vision and positioning and targeting at the right group of consumers.

Hopefully, one of these days, the Asian audiophiles and sifu could look beyong their capablities and learnt to look for profeesional help in their launch of products ......that is if they seriously want to compete Globally and not locally.

They must have the desire to be and dream BIG like the Marantz, Mcintosh, Western Electric, Fisher in the past or like the modern days Audionote..

Otherwise, they would continue to be a "big" fish in a very, very small pond...

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

In the hifi arena, you can see categories of hifi people. I have met the Good, i.e people who are willing to share their knowledge, share their hobby and passion as well as provide help in many ways. My hifi friend John Keong, KY belong to the first Good group.

In addition, there are the Bad who oftens criticise and impose their views onto other. In addition, they tend to be overly dominating and they have the characteristics of wanting to win all the time, and always think they are right. In addition, they are those bad sifu who uses their "magic hand" to change the original componenets when they were paid to service their clients hifi. They often "worshipped" certain sifu in order to gain recognition for the restoration works.

The 3rd categopry refers to the Ugly, people who tends to have a severe sense of jeolousy of others & their equipments. In addition, when the have failed to get a hifi equipment either in ebay or other places, they will also have the "sour grape" approach of criticising the item which they have failed to get.

In the end, many tend to forget that Hifi is a hobby and the various hifi equipments are to reproduce the music for enjoyment and it is not a world cup soccer event where there is the element of winning or losing.

Let's enjoy muisc and our hifi!

Wild Wild Western Electric 124 dream

The desire to own a pair of WE124 has grown so rapidly that I was so tempted to sell away my MC240,Radio Craftsmen, WE KS16608, Siemens SmfV4b, Fisher 400CX in order to liquidate some cash to buy the WE124!

If that process happens, I will only be left with the 12.1, Marantz 7, Tannoy Canterbury and the WE124. Is this a wise move?I don't know?

One thing is for sure, it will be very difficult to find back a near mint condition MC240 (with all box and guarantee cards, test reports, etc) plus a pair of fully restored Radio Craftsmen C500a, nice Fisher 400CX with original wooden box and the rest in such nice conditions....

A real dilemma when cash is limited and wants are unlimited!

Fishers mono block pre-amplifiers

I used to own a pair of Fishers 80C mono blocks pre amplifiers. As I was new to the vintage gears at that time, I could not handle the volume channels management. Following which, I have switched to the Fisher 400CX and Marantz 7 which are more user friendly.

Lately, the thoughts of looking for a pair of monoblock Fisher preamplifiers came back and I am tempted to start the new process of using a mono block pre-amplifiers in addition to the single units. One of the model that came to my mind is the Fishers 50C pre-amplifers. Need to do some research on these now...Can I handle the mono block pre-amplifiers versus the user friendly Fisher 400CX and Marant 7?

Tannoy Canterbury red monitor

After playing with the LS3/5a, the Telefunken & Coral full range speakers, I must say that the Tannoy speakers are one of the most user friendly speakers who need little attention and pampering.

The Tannoy is like a good friend. It will be there to play your favourite music to help you relax without the need for much pampering, adjustment, placement, or any special attention). It sounds is so relax that it serve its sole purpose of reproducing music to let one listen to one's favourite music, absolutely stress free. There is no need to worry about positioning of speakers, matching of right amplifiers, etc...absolutely hassel free : )

After a hard day's work, just turn on the CD, the pre-amp and amplifier, the music just flow smoothly like a quiet river...

Please view : http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/tannoyspeakers.html

http://www.hilberink.nl/codehans/tannoy52.htm

Radio craftsmen C500a

The Radio craftsmen sounded very close (about 90%) to the Leak 12.1 sound. However, in term of sound stage and detail, I must say that the 12.1 is slightly ahead with slightly wider stage as well as depth. In term of looks, with its shining chassis, the Radio craftsmen is ahead of its time.

For those of you who do not wished to pay HKD$45,000 or more for a pair of Leak12.1 and still want the lovely sound from the nice KT66 amp, could look for the Radio craftmen C500 series as alternatives instead (at half the price) ....but a hifi shop at Tak Fak Mongkok is selling the same pair of Radio Craftsmen C500 with Chinamade KT66 at $38,000 though : 0 ...

I have tried matching the RC500a with both Fisher 400Cx and Marantz 7 and both sounded nice. To make a choice between the two, I would say that Marant 7 seemed to be the perfect match for the Radio Craftsmen. Perhaps, it is due to the fact that both Marantz 7 and the Radio craftsmen C500a were both delevloped by the famous Sid Smith. Look at the size of the various transformers! They are giants! Good sound!

To know more about the great Sid Smith Please see : http://www.stereophile.com/news/10884/

: )

Radio crftmen C500a amplifiers

After 4 months of waiting, I have finally managed to find a fully restored Radio craftmen C500a amplifiers to accompany my 12.1, MC240 & WE KS16604.

Some backbround information on the RC500 from Alan (Pilotrol) at R33 net:

Radio Craftsman founded by John Cashman in47. John Cashman worked in Hallicrafters Radio Company before he founded Radio Craftsman. Radio Craftsman was mainly focusing on development of home audio and television from late 40 to late 50's.

Ed Miller and Sid Smith were two major engineers to work for Radio Craftsman during early 40's - mid 50's. Actually, Ed Miller is the founder of Sherwood and who leave Radio Craftsman before 1953 (This year he founded Sherwood and mainly focused on integrate amp and receiver). Sid Smith later left Radio Craftsman and joined Marantz as chief engineer in 1954.

The major audio products from Radio Craftsman actually was not completely developed by Radio Craftsman, but mainly licensed by RCA and Western Electric!

Most of the Radio Craftsman gear sound fast, clear and very transparent with fine body (thin but not thick and mellow body).No question that the most popular Radio Craftsman amp in the family must be the C500 series.

The first two generations of C500 was mostly worked by Sid Smith and licensed by Western Electric. The first generation C500 was introduced in 1951, it comes with a smooth corner Stancor output transformer. In 1952, smooth corner version replaced by the sharp corner version output. Radio Craftsman C500 is based on Williamson design which operated with 2 x KT66 output tube in triode but pure class A operation with 10 watt output. It has very natural sweet, clear and transparent tone. However, it has very clear, natural, realistic and transparent tone than many vintage and modern hi-fi amp.

The Radio Craftsman C500 was replaced by C500A in 1953 and the same years Sid Smith left Radio Craftsman. I believe the Radio C500A is the final work of Sid Smith. The different between Radio Craftsman C500A is it has much higher plate voltage in triode class AB and the output increase to 15 watts per channel. It also has much large size choke than C500, it also licensed by Western Electric as well. The rectifier tube also changed to 5U4G instead of 5V4G.

The final version is Radio Craftsman C550 and it replaced Radio Craftsman C500A in 1954. Honestly, the sound of Radio Craftsman C550 sounds slightly different than C500 and C550A, it has better body but not as transparent sweet and natural than C500 and C500A. The reason is simple, the C550 is operated in Ultra-linear instead of triode operation, the output also increase to 30 watt instead of 15 watts. The amplifier also used a B+ delayed turn-on via a slow warm-up, it required 60 seconds to preserve the cathodes on the KT-66s. FYI, Radio Craftsman C550 was not designed by Sid Smith, but actually designed by Bob Grodinski, this guy took over Sid smith work as Smith already left the company and joined Marantz in summer of 1954...!

Even though, my intention is not to "collect" vintage tube amplifiers for the sake of collecting, I have subsconsciously been poisoned by the music reproduction from these KT66 amps.

Out of the 5 amplifiers mentioned, I have managed to find 3 & 1/2 namely:

1. Leak12.1
2. Radio craften C500
3. Mcintosh MC240
4. WE KS16608 (the model after the highly priced WE 124) -- just joking! : )

Hopefully, I can find the WE 124 to replace the WE KS16608 soon!

Top five best sounding 6L6 power amplifier

According to a Hong Kong tube amplifiers magazine, these are the 5 best sounding 6L6 vintage power amplifiers.

Even though the various opinions are very subjective, I have the opportunity to listen to (1) to (4) namely : 12.1, Mcintosh MC240, Quad II & Radio Craftmen C500 and there are indeed nice sounding power amplifiers using 6L6 or KT66.

With the exception of 5) Western Electric WE124 (as I have not have the opportunity to audition), my ranking of the 4 amplifiers are as follows:

Ranking (from top) Best match pre-amplifiers using my current M7 or Fisher 400CX:
1. Leak 12.1 - warm sound, good soundstage, detail and full of "inner enegrgy". Best match with Fisher 400 Cx pre-amplifier
2. Radio Craftman C500 - smooth sound, good soundstage, sound slightly faster, good balance. Best match with Marant 7 pre-amplifier
3. Mcintosh MC240 - good for representing music with energy, good power and yet still able to maintain its warm smooth sound. Best match with Marantz 7 pre amplifier
4. Quad II - overall warm and balance amplifier, soundstage not as large, power may not be enough for low sensitive speakers. Best match with its own Quad pre-amplifier.

Simple set up

After my spring cleaning, these are my current system. My dream amplifier now is the Western Electric 124 . However, the price of it is so high (HKG$100,000 - 140,000) is making think twice. : (

Hopefully, I will be able to find one pair one day.

Tubes and wires upgrade

I have been concentrating on the search of the hifi equipements for a while and I have finally settled with the one I like namely: Leak 12.1, WE KS16608 and Mcintosh which uses the 6L6 or KT66 tubes with Marant7 & Fisher 400CX as preamplifiers. Both the Pye Mozart & RCA speakers were sold to other audiophiles.

Now, my next move is to look at improving the other areas such as the changing of tubes and getting proper cables to further enhance the sound.

Yesterday, I have managed to get a Quad set of vintage Brimar 6L6G tubes to replace the previous Groove 6l6GE and the 5881 in my Western electric KS16608. Immediately, the sound became much more smoother and filled the soundstage with more details when using the Cora Beta 8 full range speakers..

Knowing the important of the speakers cables, i have ordered a pair of Artist speakers cables to replace my existing one.

Perhaps less is more as I could concentate on my improving my current set up... : )

My current hifi collections

I have not intended to start a collection of vintage amplifiers as my intention is to use the equipements to reproduce the music that i want to listen. However, my hifi journey and my various exploration has led to a proliferation of hifi equipments as follows. I feel quite priviledge to be in Hong Kong - the heaven of vinatge hifi and having the opportunities to audiyion various types of brands and its different music reproduction.

As music is about personal preference, there is no such thing as teh perfect or best amplifier. Only the "best" in term of personal taste. There are occasions, however, a certain hifi that could capture more audiences attention and preference such as the WE, Marant 7, Leak 12.1, fisher 400Cx, Mcintosh MC240 etc.

• Power amplifiers
• Leak 12.1 (using KT66 tubes) - my favourite and most loved amp as it took much efforts to pair them up & restore. To keep for life!
• Mcintosh MC240 (using 6L6GC tubes) - my first serious vintage amp!
• Western Electric KS16608 (using 6L6 tubes) - found in Singapore & restored in Hong Kong ! One of the best sound after restoration to its original condition!
• Siemens Smf4vb (using El84 tubes) - 5 watts single ended amp to match my Cora Beta 8 full range speakers

• Pre amplifier
• Marantz 7 - One of the best preamp to keep!
• Fisher 400 CX - Second best preamp to keep!
• Speakers
• Tannoy Canterbury monitor red - Most relaxed speakers!
• Rogers LS3/5a - one of the must have classic!
• Coral 8 Beta fullrange speakers - most detailed speakers!

Coming soon: Pye PF91 (to buy or not to buy?) & Radio Craftmen C500 using KT66 tubes

I hope to do some spring cleaning in July 06 and further streamline my collection to a more manageable level as I am running out of space in my Hong Kong apartment. After much listening, I have sold the following to other audiophiles collectors:

• Pye Mozart using EL34 tubes
• RCA full range speakers

Do write to me at maxbliss888@yahoo.com.sg should you find any interest in my hifi collection.

Fully restored Western Electric KS 16608

I have just received my restored Western Electric KS16608 amplifiers. It sounds fantastics!

My Western Electric amplifier is restored by 毅德音響 ARTIST HI FI CO Sifu Mr. 梁文光 Marco. For detail, please see :

http://www.wowhififever.com/KS_16608/WE_KS_16608.htm

The Western Electric KS 16608 (KS = Kearny Specification, a New Jersey subsidiary which supplied replacement parts for WE) was the model after the Western Electric 124. The KS16608, in my opinion, has been seriously under rated. Even though the price is very affordable and cheap, the sound is fantastic! Some so called "experts" has looked down and condamned on these amplifiers. However, the key questions are: Have they audition a perfectly working set of amplifiers or a non performing ones to judge? Have the amplifiers been properly matched with the proper pre-amplifiers and speakers?

They are many reasons why the WE KS16608 is such a wonderful amp to "play".
1. 以價錢論聲可算超值到難以置信。
2. The 6L6 tubes are very resonably priced when comparing with the Kt66, KT88, El34 tubes.
3. The KS 16608 is the model after the WE124 and is 按西電的要求特性交由其他廠代造 (Contract manaufactured)

Siemens single ended SmfV4b amplifiers

Siemens 5 watts power amp together with my Marantz 7. The Siemen amplifiers are very well built, with solid chassis and very neat internal circuit and wiring. However, there is a need for some by-passing of the pre amplifiers in order for it to sound good.

My friend David, therefore, went to consult his DIY friend in Germany. Within days, a set of simple instruction was sent. After performing a" by pass" operation (sound like real life operation), the sound from the 5 watts Siemens are exceptionally good! What a change!

For a mere 5 watts power amplifier, see how big the output transformer is! This big output transformer may be the secret as to why the sound of Siemens amp is so good....even with the difficult to drive, low sensitivity LS3/5a speakers!

The Siemens amplifiers with its low watts output is able to work very well with high siensitive speakers such as the Tannoy. the clearity of music and the ability to reproduce real life music really differentiates these amplifiers from the other low powered amplifiers!

For an understanding of German amplifiers, please visit: http://www.tube-classics.de/TC/Klangfilm/Klangfilm.htm

Pilot SA232 & Siemens SmfV4b amplifiers

The Pilot SA232 has always been an odd one out among my hifi equipments.

My Leak12.1 matches very well with my Fishers 400CX + Tannoy Canterbury. My MC240 + Marantz 7 + LS3/5a combo is another perfect match, In the bedroom, my Pye Mozart keeps my RCA full range speakers company.

The Pilot Sa232, therefore, is like a spare waiter at a wedding banquet trying to find a role to play. This has prompted me to put in on sale at R33.

Upon getting the Coral 8 inch Beta speakers, I immediately plugged in the Siemens SmfV4b (without by-passing the pre amp ) and the hum sound has prevented me from enjoying the Cora.

Without much choice, I have to hook it up with the Pilot SA232 and immediately I was surprised by the very nice vocal reproduction together with the Marantz 7! The Pilot has finally found a plane to fly!

In Hong Kong, the hifi circle is very small and yet can be very political at times. Very often, conflicts arises as a result of competition for the same equipments or when one wants to impose one's views upon others. Sometimes, conflicts also arises out of envy and the inner desire of wanting to win, all the time.

I have my fair share of exchanges in the forum. These has prompted me to keep a low profile in the forum and let the various "opinion leader" continue to dominate the various threads and "blow water" for their own ego or vested interest. However, there are some nice fellow audiophiles such as JK who is always willing to teach and help!

In the end, listening to hifi is the enjoyement of music. The various equipments basically help to reproduce the sound that suits the individual taste.

The night is quiet..and the music is singing softly from the coral and the Pilot. Enjoy music : )

Artist hand made interconnect cable

Having been working in the brand building business for a long period of time has made me developed a liking for well established brands with consistent quality as well as clearly defined image and brand positioning.

In my journey of hifi, my main concentration has been on acquring quality vintage items and restoring it with the original, NOS,or best parts availables. Very little attention has been given to the quality of the tubes and the various interconnect cables.

I was planning to buy a few pair of audionote or some other braned interconnects for my hifi but the prices are so high that it often made think more than twice.

Yesterday evening, while I was sending my Western Electric 16608 for servicing and restoration at 毅德音響 ARTIST HI FI CO , I came across a " not so attractive looking" and non branded interconnect. Out of curiosity, I have asked Sifu 梁文光 Marco what is so special about the cable. To my surprise, Sifu mentioned: 訊號線就是選用了德國錄音室所用的純銅線芯為線材，RCA插頭亦係採用德國古老製品. Since the pure copper wiring is old stocks of wiring cables being used in the studio in Germany, the quality must be exception. Moreover, the sifu also offered a return policy of less 10% if the results is not satisfactory. So, I bought a 1.2 metres cables at HK$1500.

Immediately, when I reached home, I pugged in the interconnect and awaited anxiously to listen to the reproduction of sound. Yes, this "not so good looking cables" actually managed to lift up the sound of my exisiting system by threefold ! It is really a value for money cables! I am sure the interconnect will be even better after 10-20 hours of running in. No wonder there is a saying: Never judge a bok by its cover! In this instance, never judge a cable by its look! Ha ha ha!

When I am back at the shop to collect back my restored WE, one month later : ( ...yes it takes one month, I am going to get another pair of the Artsist hand made cables!

Cheers

Western Electric Dream

I have managed to get some information on the WE over a forum by Alan (Pilotrol):

When Western Electric was forced to break up in late 40, some of the production license of Western Electric had been sold or assigned to Altec, Langavin and IPC. Western Electric has been designed many amp for lab, PA or telephone use during 50's, but they were no longer produced the amplifier for own use.

During mid and late 50’s, Dukane and McIntosh were assigned to produced WE design amplifier for Western Electric. In fact, The Western Electric KS-16608-L1 is a 12 watt output mono amp with 6L6 PP design by Western Electric but produced by Dukane Corporation in 1958. Large amount of KS-16608-L1 had been produced during late 50’s to early 60’s. The KS 16608s are the major model to replaced the WE124 for PA or Line amp during this period. FYI, Dukane also has produce KS-16617-L1 (6V6 pp at 8 watts) and KS-16610 (6550 PPP at 75 watts?) during this period.

One of my KS 16608 was produced by Dukane in Illinois & the other one by Mutiplex West Poplar Montana. Since I could not afford or find the more famous and expensive WE 89 & 91, the WE KS 16608 is a good substitute to satisfy my desires for a pair of vintage Western Electric amplifiers!

According to some so called "expert", the sound from this KS 16608 is horrible but I disagree totally! Good music not neccessary comes from only the WE 89 or 91. If this set is horrible why should the Japanese audiophiles continue to pay to own this?

Nevertheless, to ensure perfect sound and to bring the amplifier back to its glorious days, I have sent my pair of WE KS16608 to the famous Hong kong hifi writer and 毅德音響 梁文光 Sifu for restoration and changing of capacitors, resistors and wiring this evening as I could not find the schematic. I am now anxiously waiting for the return of my WE 16608 and the start of the Western Elecric dream!

: ) Be Happy!

Western Electric amplifier 16608L1

The WE amplifier is so rare and expansive than I have never dare to dream of finding or owning a pair.

During my trip back to Singapore, I was fortunate to have met up with Ace who has told me that there is one pair at a junk(old) hifi shop near Sungei road in Singapore.

It was raining very heavily that day and it took me a long time to find the shop. Unfortunaley, the shop was closed as the owner Mr.Lim was out. I have waited for more than one hour and the owner still has not returned. Without much choice, I have decided to go back to try my luck after dinner.

After dinner with my family, I have decided to go back to the junk hifi shop to try my luck. This time, the owner was in. Initially, the owner was reluctant to bring the set out as it was "buried" deep in his shop as his shop was packed with old hifi & speakers. After much persuasion, he has finally agreed to bring it out. I was so eager that I have helped him to bring it out and by this time, he was more willing to show them to me and even decided to let me audition the set.

Both the set were in working condition and I was so delighted that I quickly went to the ATM machine to draw cash and paid him immediately. My next task is to bring them back to Hong Kong for cleaning and tidying the interior wiring system.

Sometimes, when you are least expected, some nice thing appear! The Western Electric amplifier is now sitting nicely at the shelf. It was a real pleasant surprise. Morover, the set was using the 6L6 tubes similar to my Mcintosh MC240. I believe the sound will be even better when it is being played with my Fisher 400CX pre-amplifier (as during testing it was played direct without any pre-amplifer) : )

I have wanted to learn more about the amplifiers that i own. Thus, I have started a Western Electric KS 16608 forum hoping to get more information on the amp. In fact, I get more then what I have asked. Some "audiophiles" were so critical that they started criticising the amplifiers just because it was not the famous WE 89 or 91 models....

How sad! Just because it is not the most sought after WE amplifiers will be branded as not a good amplifiers? For me, I like the amp alot as after so many years (from 1960s) it is still singing beautifully was a USP itself. Moreover, it is found in Singapore, my home town. According to the seller, he has owned the amplifiers for more than 15 years..which is a long time, in my opinion.

Perhaps, the world will be more peaceful if one can be more tolerance and appreciates things from a different angles and a bigger heart to accept differences in taste and preference.. instead of wanting to win all the times and imposing views and opinion onto others...

: )

Next KT66 amplifiers

After listening to my favourite Leak 12.1 using the KT66 tubes, I was totally poisoned by the wonderful sound reproduced using the magical KT66. These has promted me to search for another amplifiers using the KT66. Immediately, the Quad II came into my mind. However, after having experiencing 2 set of Quad II, I realised that Quad II has very nice sound. However, after AB comparison, I have always found that Quad II has some small limitation which is difficult to describe.

Thus, my next amplifiers will have the following characteristics:

1. Made in UK
2. Mono Block having about 12w -15W
3. Using KT66 tubes.

Given the above characteristics, the options available is Pye PF91. Very little information is available on the Pye PF91. Pye PF91 is a KT66 push pull amp. There is another Pye HF 25 but the Pye PF91 KT66s are triode connected, so the amp gives about 12W while the Pye HF25 is 25 watts.

Higher watts power is not something I am chasing. Some experts have mentioned that the Pye PF91 does not sound as good as the Leak12.1 and I am curious to do am AB test and find out. I was told that Pye company was formely producing equipments for military use. Given the high standard required for military commissioned equipments, I am quite confidence that the Pye PF91 will be of a high standard.

In my wish list, I hope one day I can build a power amplifiers collection consisting of 1.) Mcintosh MC240, 2) Leak 12.1, 3)Pye Pf91, 4)Radio Craftmen C500, Western Electric amp using 6L6. I have geard that Tannoy and Roger Williamson made very good KT66 amplifiers but I have yet to hear them. Thus, the search is now on..

Best Hifi combination

"Playing" with Hifi can be a very sentimental and emotional hobby. Very often, we can see much arguments and quarrel over the various hifi forum owing to personal views and perceptions plus the fact that there are many monetary factors involved.

For me, it is only a hobby. I have change my hifi equipemnt very often. During these peiod, I have let go Elekit iintegrated amplifier, Fisher 80c, Leak 10, Quad II twice, Thorens TD124, Thorens TD160, Altec 604E speakers.

Why? The reason is not because the items are no good but due to personal taste preference. I like Leak 12.1 alot owing to its great warm sound, great sound stage as well as details plus the KT66 tubes.

For me the best combination A consists of Leak 12.1 + Fisher 400CX + Tannoy Canterbury.
In addition, I like Mcintosh MC240 + Marantz 7 + Rogers LS3/5A
For bed room, I think the Pye HF20 Single ended with the full range speakers are the ideal combination.

There are many hifi collectors in Hong Kong. Some specilaised in Marantz & Mcintosh, some in Leak, some in Eico. For me, since space is a constraint, I am very happy and contented with the above set that I have. The Pilot SA232 using the EL84 suddenly become a lonely child as I could not find a pre-amplifier to match it.

In fact, I have listened to my Leak 12.1 + Fisher 400CX + Tannoy so often that the rets are on the shelf over the past months.

If anyone ask me for my opinion, I would advice one to go for "one" very best set rather than having so many "average" sets. Moroever, my preference is not to have too many set of the same or similar items which is why I sold off 3 set of LS3/5A and kept one for reference and use. IMHO, all the LS3/5A has very coomon characteristics (i.e Good mid) ireegardless of the brands.

Thus, since wants are unlimited and resources are limited, rather than spending all the budget on one kind of speaker and one kind of sound, my prefernce is to go for one large speakers (12 inch & above) ; one LS3/5A for pure vocal listening and one full range speakers.

By having these 3 kinds of speakers, we can enjoy full Orchestra music with the large speakers, light jazz and vocal for LS3/5A and use the full range for pure vocal and pure violin or one instrument.

Hifi, is means for the reproduction of actual music to our ears. Since there is no one single speakers that can satisfy all our requirements, one has to know what type of music one likes. Like what they say, one man's food is another man's poison.

Enjoy your music!

Further restoration

I was quite free during the Easter holiday period as I was alone in Hong Kong. With so much freetime, it has prompted me to further upgrade my 220 v Leaks 12.1 set.

With the spares resistors and capacitors, I was able to get into the restoration quite quickly.

To ensure that the set is properly restored, I always make sure I use the other set as reference so that the correct position.

It is important to make sure that the TCC capacitors does not leak as it does, it will send in extra current towards the tubes which will shorthen the life span of the tubes.

The 12.1 is relatively maintainance friednly as the British made amplifiers tend to have very neat schmatics positioning.

With the help of JK, I have managed to learn do some basic maintanance works which help to keep the amplifiers in its prestine condition. Thanks John!