6L6GA tubes

I have started to hunt for NOS 6L6G tubes for my KS16608 and I was lucky to be able to get one set of NOS National Union and another set of made in UK, 6L6GA tubes by B.T.R.W at reasonable price for my Western Electric KS16608. Currently, the KS16608 is using vintage Brimar tubes and the sound is exceptionally sweet.

The good thing is that the Western Electric 124 can also use the same 6L6 tubes!

Western Electric 124 - Another look

The Western Electric 124 is really my dream amplifier. I have been dreaming of it for many months. During these months, I have also tried to "force" myself to give up the idea of wanting to own WE124 amplifiers owing to the high costs as well as the need for constant maintainance for these vintage amplifiers.

After much deliberation, I have finally decided to put the Western Electric as the ultimate power amplifiers that I will try to find for 2006/7. The costs of the WE 124 is about HK$100,000 or more depending on condition which is really alot of $$ to pay for... : (

But I am sure the joy of listening to it will compensate for the investment we put : ) Moreover, WE is a true vintage amplifiers with very good reputation and collector value. Since I am a collector of vintage fountain pen and watches, having the Western Electric 124 will complete my little dream plan of owning the best (In my view) and focusing on Quality amp that matches well with my speakers and my taste of music.

After much searching, I have managed to hunt down three set. There is one set available in Hong Kong, one set in Guangzhou and another set in Taiwan. One of the set is Western Electric 124a, another 124B and the 3rd set 124C. Which is better sound is the key qesution and answer I need.

I am hoping to learn as much as possible and see which set is in better condition and better sound and try to save $$$$ to get one of these nice amplifiers! This is going to be an interesting chase....I am enjoying the journey of searching as I can feel my adrenaline and blood flowing very fast even when I am writing......

Good Vocal CD recommendation

This is a good vocal CD with from Taiwan. All the songs are in Hakka dialects with guitar as the main instrument.

Many of the songs are full of emotion and feeling. Even though one may not understand much of the lerics, the emotional expression of the songs will totally touch the heart of the listeners.

Listen to his emotional expression of the songs..especially during quiet night and you will be touched! It will also be a god test of your vocal representation in your hi fi system.

A nice CD!

Plan for 2007

For my hifi system, I have more or less confirmed with the following arrangement and direction:

• Singapore's set : Western Electric KS16608 + Marantz 7 + LS3/5a 15 ohms (while belly) (may upgrade to Rogers Gold Badge, if I can find in 2007)
• Hong Kong Bed room : Pye Mozart HF10 mono block + Western Electric 755a
• Hong Kong's Living room : Set (A) Leak 12.1 + Fisher 400CX + Tannoy Cantebury
• For the study room : Set (B) Radio Craftsmen (In the future Western Electric 124.. still cannot forget..) + Fisher 50C + Phase Fullrange speakers

I have come to realise the cruel fact of "playing with hifi". If one wants to "play", one would have to constantly listen and try the different amp and different combination of set up in order to know the system. Playing with hifi is the same when my son plays with his gameboy. One minute he is playing with gameboy, the next with Xbox, then followed by PSP. I have often asked him why can't he just choose one (i.e PSP or Gameboy) and play with teh various hgames.Upon sharing with him, I then realised that for the video game industries, such as PSP, Xbox, Netendo, all three has different charateistics of game and types of games.

For hifi, the combination is even greater i.e by countries (UK, US, German made), by tubes type, by circuit (Single ended,troide, etc) and not forgeting different pre amplifiers + different types of speakers.

Hifi system I am eager to try : WE KS16575, Yamamoto (my friend is buying one set so I may get a chance to try them with my 755a), Dynatron L58

Spares for sale to raise $$ for WE124 : Mcintosh MC240 ($28,000) / Radio Craftsmen C500a ($18,000). need to raise $100,000 : (

With this goal, it will make the hifi journey an enjoyable one as once in a while, I can dream a little..., hunt alot..and continue to explore new toys..

聽過就可以了, 無須事事擁抱

聽過就可以了, 無須事事擁抱..

I have been trying to listen to as many amplifiers as I could. To really understand the charateristics of the amplifiers, one would need to actually bring them home and matches them with the other equipments and listen to them in a "home environment".

Very often, when I travelled along the hifi path, I have to rely on my friends' advices and the forum to start. After much audition, one can then truly understand what one needs. At one time, I have wanted to collect all the top five 6LL6 amplifiers namely Quad II, Leak 12.1, Radio Craftsmen C500, Mcintosh MC240 and the Western Electric 124. I have almost managed to complete collecting all 5 amplifiers but the journey of collecting has been a very tiring one both in term of time, efforts and resources.

One of my first priority is to find the amplifiers in as pristine conditions as possible as I believe in QUALITY rather then quantities. For the Westren Electric KS 16608, I have to find two pairs in order to get one pair in near mint condition. Similarly, I have to buy 3 set of Leaks TL12.1, two units of Marantz 7, two units of Pye mozart in order to get one perfect set respectively. Fortnately, for the Mcintosh MC240 and Fisher 400CX, there are in such good condition that they became truly a collectors items.

With the constant changing of gears, many of the audiophiles could not understand what I was trying to do which is fine as hifi is a very personal hobby as the only condiseration is one should be happy with one's game.

Now, I have more or less found my true love in Pye mozart HF10 (using EL34 tubes) with Western Electric 755a; Tannoy Canterbury & RogersLs3/5a 15 ohms with WE KS16608 (using 6L6 tubes) & Leak 12.1 (using KT66 tubes) with Marantz 7 & Fishers 400CX or Fisher 50c.

I have sold many nice equipements away such as Siemens & Lafayatte single ended amplifiers, Coral Beta 8 speakers, Quad II, Pye Mozart HF20s, Rogers 11ohms, pusedo 15 ohms, Rogers Black badge, Tannoy Chartsworth, RCA & Telefunken full range speakers, leak 10,..as like what they say, 聽過就可以了, 無須事事擁抱..

However, rather then collecting all the 6L6 amplifiers, I do wish I could create more space to find ampifiers using EL84 tubes, and some ballons tubes amplifiers..

Items for sales

Hifi is about matching. Following months of matching and trying, I am streamlining my items and letting go the following as part of my year end cleaning:

• Radio craftsmen C500a mono block amplifiers in fully restored condition HKG$18,000 without tubes. - SOLD!
• Phass 4 inch fullrange speakers HKG$4000
• Mcintosh MC 240 with complete original box, papers, certificates, test results $28,000
• Sound Master integrated amplifer HK$2000

Like what they say, 聽過就可以了, 無須事事擁抱. :)

Great CD - A BING Er Hu

This is the second traditional Chinese instruments Er Hu CD that I like. It differs from the first one as the former was the horse head Erhu, while this one is the traditional Erhu.

A Bing (1893-1950) was a talented musicians who life was hard and he was blind at a later stage. However, his blindness has not stopped him from performing not in the concert hall but in the streets. I can imagine life must be tough going through the foreign invasion of China, Revolution and the endning of the Ching Dynasty, the Japanese occupation and the internal civil wars..

The music from his composition reflected the hardship and sadness that surrounded A Bing..

Using the Fisher 50C preamplifiers, the emotional sadness is really strong..

Pye HF 10m monoblock amplifiers

I have always regretted selling my Pye HFS20 single ended amplifiers. This weekend, I have managed to find a nice pair of Pye Mozart in a mono version called Pye HF 10M . It uses one ECC83 as the driver for a single EL34 to give 8W. I have seen a pair in a hifi shop at Central but the condition was not very good.



The condition of this pair is very good as it comes with the original cage as well as the metal frame. The internal conditions are also good making it one of the best buy for the sound! These pair has been carefully selected by its previous owner Micheal, and he has managed to pair them up from 5 other units of Pye HF10 to ensure that these selected are the best of the best.

I have tried using 5W Lafayatte single ended amplifiers for my Western Electric 755a but I find the sound sounded slightly "weak" compare with these 8W mono block Pye amplifiers. Pye amplifiers are not as well known as the Rogers, Marmat, Mcintosh, Fishers. However, Pye was responsible for many military equipements for the British government in the early days making them very reliable and good sound. There are not many affordable and good single ended amplifiers and I must say the Pye HF 10M is exceptional!

There are three versions of the Pye Mozart and their estimated prices depending on conditions are:

1. Integrated version with separate power HF20; Price range between HKG$9000-10,000


2. Mono Block version of HF10; HKG$9000-13,500


3. Later All in one Integrated version HF20 HKG $9000-$10,000

The Mono block HF10 is slightly more costly as the sound is much nicer then the HF20 as it has one additional output ( 2 each while the HF20 has 3 output being shared by both). The prices of these are getting higher and higher as there are many DIY who buy the amplifiers but stripped off the amp for the output transformers as valuable parts for their DIY.

Thus, for those who has high effeciencies speakers and looking for nice single ended amplifiers (at affordable price), the made in UK Pye should be your top selection!

KLH Radio

The KLH radio was a legend. The most famous model is the Model 8 tube radio. The reception from the KLH Model 8 is really remarkable!

In 1960 KLH introduced a high fidelity vacuum tube FM table radio. The speaker was sold with the radio and was specially matched to the radio's output amplifier. The KLH 8 might best be described as a cross between a hi-fi receiver and a table radio. It was designed by the late Henry Kloss and set a standard that may other companies have tried to match.

The KLH Eight was designed to work with a stereo adapter before a multiplex standard was adopted. When a standard was chosen, the KLH Model 13 transistorized adapter was introduced. The KLH 8 and KLH 13 are shown here side-by-side.

For detail of these KLH radio, please visit:

http://www.somerset.net/arm/fm_only_klh_8.html

http://www.antiqueradio.com/Jun05_Hayden_KLH.html

Tak Fak Mongkok

For audiophiles visitors visiting Hong Kong, one of the must visit place is Tak Fak Mongkok

Tak Fak shops selling hifi used to be a very hot and popular place. One of the most friendly and reliable shop is Wei Lee with chen Sifu. He has many Fishers pre amplifiers including the Fisher 50C, 400CX. For Mcintosh lovers, he has the MC275, for Marnartz lovers, he has the rare Marantz 5, 8b; In addition, he has the rare Acxiom 80 speakres, Altec amp, Lafayatte pre amp, etc

The number of visitors have reduced as much as 70%. In the past, at around 7pm, many professionals lawyers, doctors and executive will be waiting to get into the shops. Now, the place is so quiet around 7pm.

The reduction in number opf people may be due to competition from the world largest hifi shop - EBAY! Much of the business have been taken away from ebay which may and may not be a good thing as there are risks involved when buying from ebay.

In addition, some of the other shops owners' attitude really frustrate any potential buyers as unless they are very sure you are keen to buy, they would not be interested to entertain you. Nevertheless, for audiophiles tourist visiting Hong Kong, this will be a good area to visit as you may be able to find interesting vintage stuff...but one must be prepared to pay and bargain..

Fisher 50C mono bloc pre amplifiers

According to the Fisher expert Alan: "The goody of Fisher 50-C included very sweet, natural and realistic tone, it has outstanding mid-high and high, but rich of harmonic extension but also extension of both end. The disadvantage of Fisher 50-C is slightly lack of solidity of bass, the harmonic extension is too long so it slightly affect the detail but mid range is slightly laid back if compared to later period product. However..this preamp has very outstanding flexibility of emotional expression, but very pure and emotional tone...!"

I have always been struggling on whether I should take another chance on the mono block pre amplifiers. However, having read so many positive review on the famous Fisher 50C amplifiers, I decided to take a chance on these rare amplifiers. The search for these amplifiers has been a difficult one as it involved some small misunderstanding, which fortunately has been resolved in a win-win happy ending!

The Fisher 50C was sold as mono pre amplifiers during the 1950s. As such, there are variations in the colours of cainet and the type of RCA sockets at the back of the amplifiers. Other then that, the amplifiers were prefectly matched internally as well as in sound reproduction. Comparing to the Fisher400Cx, the Fisher 50C sounded less hifi and smoother.. What a nice pair of Fishers!

The next question is whether I should get a carpenter sifu to restore the colours of the cabinets? or should I just leave it alone?

I know I should have controlled my "buying" desire but these fishes are so tempting that I have to catch them. To follow my "One in One out" policy, I have managed to cut love my spare Western Electric KS 16608 to a fellow audiophiles......

Wish lists 2006/7

Even though I have tried to restrict myself on buying "new" old toys, the desire keeps growing day after day.

I still cannot forget the sound from Western Electric 124 and 142 as well as Brooks 12A. I like amplifiers using 6L6 tubes as the sound is great! Moreover, vintage 6L6 tubes are relatively cheaper and easy to find! (when compare to the much demand KT66, EL34 and KT88 tubes)

Another item that I like is Dynatron LF59B but I was told that the tubes are relatively expensive and difficult to find.. plus the Dynatron amplifiers is so rare that it would be expensive.

Brooks 12A and Yamamoto amplifier using 2A3 is something very exciting! I have never owned any 2A3 amplifiers and I am so tempted to try...In addition, I am also keen to try again the Mono block pre amp..this time the Fisher 50C perhaps..

My new web page

I have finally managed to build a hifi web page. Enjoy!

http://www.vintage-hifi.2itb.com/

German Amplifiers

Recently there are quite a lot of interest on German amplifiers owing to some magazine write up. Brands such as Klangfilm, Siemens were recently being chased by "collectors".

I have a brief experience with the Siemens projector amplifiers. The pros for the ampplifiers are very well built & good sound. The cons are that the watts are very small around 5 watts, which work well with high efficient speakers. For those of you who is thinking of jumping into the world of German amplifiers, please take note of the following. The Siemens projectors amplifiers watts are small.

Those bigger Klangflim ones have very huge power (50 watts and above) meaning that unless you have a big house, you may find the amplifiers too BIG for comfort. Talking about BIG, the size of the many V69 models for example are really huge. It will be like having two huge "fish tanks" of amplifiers sitting in your living room. As mentioned by one expert in Hong Kong, these amplifiers were meant for cinema usage, normal home pre amplifiers may not be suitable for some of the power amplifiers. Moreover, look of the amplifiers (being able to see through the capacitors, resistors may not be too appealing to the female Boss at home). Moreover, the costs of these amplifiers are NOT cheap now and the resale values will be questionable as currently it is only limited to the few audiophiles.

I have started with Mcintosh MC240 with a power of 35-40 watts which I think is already good enough for low sensitive speakers such as the LS3/5a (some says that it is the best for LS3/5a). Imagine having German cinema amplifiers with power watts over 100 (we are talking about tube amplifers power watts). The gain in power would indirecly mean the loss in smoothness.

Thus, while it is interesting to play wit the German amplifiers, unlike the Marantz, Mcintosh, Fishers, Quad etc who were meant for home use, one has to think properly before jumping into the black hole of German amplifiers.

If I have excess cash and have a huge living room plus a desire for huge power amplifier, I may try. However, now bearing in mind my Tannoy Speakers and Western Electric 755a speakers with ideal power watts of below 20 watts, I would rather save my money for a Western Electric 124 or 142, or Brooks 10, or Dynatron...all small power watts amplifiers I am afraid.

Some expert says that when one play with power amplifiers, one will start with huge power (such as Mcintosh MC275, Marantz 9) and later to small watts then to single ended....

Let's see how each of us evolve in our hifi journey...but remember the starting point is what kind of music you like and what speakers you like..


For details, please see:

http://klangfilm.free.fr/index.php?lng=0&music=&type=0&frame=1&item=&title=&dir=&num=

http://www.tube-classics.de/TC/Klangfilm/2000amps/2000amps.htm

Simple setup in Singapore

I have finally managed to bring one set of my Western Electric KS 16608 back to Singapore for a simple set up in my study room. The music from the KS16608 + my Rogers LS3/5a 15ohms sounded great!

It was a great feeling to be able to listen to your favourite music whereever you are! I hope to bring back my leak 12.1 back during the next trip or should I ship back the tannoy?

Interesting article & good friend!

One of good friend was interviewed by the Tube World monthly. John has a fantastics collection of Ls3/5a and Leaks amplifiers (including the rare 12.1 (2 sets of 12.1) and 25a) plus a range of other amplifiers.

He is often known as a the Chairman of Leak. I think he should be the chairman of both LS3/5a and Leak.

I have always enjoyed his company as he is always sincere, helpful and honest! When I was having problems with my 12.1, he was the first and only friend who came forward to help!

One of the happiest thing that I have done is to be able to help John pair up his second pair of 12.1! That was really a nice feeling..to be able to help a true friend in return for all his help!

His friendly personality and his enthuasium in vintage hifi really gave me the motivation to join in the lovely world of vintage amplifier! For those who want to get into the world of vintage amplifier and speakers, you must really get to know this great person - Ginger!

CD recoomendation: Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole CD

"The World of Nat King Cole" provides the listener with nearly 80 minutes of the very best that this beloved and legendary performer has to offer. It provides the listener an outstanding overview of a recording career at Capitol that spanned nearly a quarter century and hits includes "Straighten Up and Fly Right", "Nature Boy" and "Route 66","Ramblin' Rose", "Too Young", "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" and so many others. In addition, the inclusion of some of the best material from his LP's, Let There Be Love", a "Live At The Sands" LP and three upbeat numbers backed by the swingin' Billy May Orchestra, as well as the 1991 recording of "Unforgettable" with his daughter Natalie Cole made this CD as must for all Nat King Cole's fans. Nat King Cole's voice will sound sweet in every and any amplifier system especially those with tubes amplifiers.

Frank Sinatra on this double Cd goes over some of his most romantic songs he has recorded. Theres some real gems here like "Strangers In the Night","They Cant take that away from Me","Misty", "All The Way" (w/Celione Dion) and all these songs just make you realize how important this man really was. In addition, it contains some very hard to find songs from hard to find and out-of-print Reprise albums. Unfortunatley, the songs My Way and New York New York are not included in these CDs

Listening to these vocal CDs with the 755a is a real enjoyment when one wants strong and precise vocal!

Good CD Louis Armstrong

To better understand Louis Armstrong, please visit:

http://www.satchmo.net/bio/

Great CD - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong II

Some nice CDs from Elle Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Great CD recommendation - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

After months of mixitng and matching my various amplifiers, pre amplifiers and speakers system, I have finally managed to settle down with my current set of system and have more time dedicated to active listening.

These are two great CDs that everyone should get!

The magic started in August 1956 in Los Angeles when these six musicians worked together to produce this fantsatic records. Ella and Louis are the vocalists, Louis alternating on trumpet. The Oscar Peterson Trio and Buddy Rich, drums, complete the sextet.

Rather then joining the "Hong Kong hifi rat race" in competing who has the most gear, I have set my self the task of "active listening" and appreciation of good music. The tracks from the 2 CDs are all perennial favorites at the time and are ensured of immortality by this recording. All tracks has the vintage sound charateristcs but such is the buoyant, easy rhythm music that these artists set and you will find the effect is wonderfully invigorating. The unique features of the CD are the great contrast between two voices between Ella and Louis. Ella's silky and smooth voice versus Louis' rough and tumble.

Both artists had such huge successes singing on their own and have such distinct styles, that you would think that their voices would conflict with each other but instead there is a convergence without compromise and a good mixture of high and low, smooth and rough, like the ying and the yang working in perfect harmony.

Even though Louis' trumpet with tone may sound "loud" at time, the two voices that play off of each other, complementing each other's features, and yet nothing is lost in each's distinctness. They both bring everything they have to the table, and magically somehow, the table is big enough to fit everything.

When listening to the CDs using my Western Electric 755a fullrange speakers, I could hear very clearly the positiong of both Louis and Ella! The 755a really stands the test of vocals with trumpet and other instruments. When listening to the same CD using mini combo system, the sound is too messy and congested for anyone to appreciate the true vocal of the two great talents! Sometimes, you will need a good pair of speakers to bring out the essence in the music...
My favourite tracks are : cheek to cheek; Moonlight in Vermont with the soft piano playing side by side with Elle at the start of the music; Isn't it a lovely day...Yes, it is with Ella and Louis singing : ) singing cheek to cheek..

Hifi matching

Hifi is about matching. I have tried matching the various amplifiers with different speakers and pre amplifiers. These mixing and matching has been a very interesting exercise. Different combination will ahve different kind of sound reproduction.

In the hifi journey, one's direction is very important as it will determine what type of hifi equipments one should acquire. I have gone through a fast crashed course in "playing" with the various vintage hifi equipements.

Brands that I like includes Marantz, Mcintosh, Radio Craftsmen, Leak, Western Electric, Fishers, Quad, Rogers, Tannoys. One of the friend has asked me why I didnt try brand like Eico, Heathkit or Dynaco?

The reason is perhaps due to its re-sale values. Since in the hifi journey, when one is searching for one's "ideal" set up, there will be many incidents where one has to "dispose" off "unwanted" or unsuitable equipements. As such, going for the "first tier" amplifiers such as Marantz, Mcintosh etc are a safer and more secured bets as their resale values are higher as there are constant demand and at the same time limited supply. Like what one of my hifi friend in Shenzhen always say, if millions of Americans during the 1940s-60s did NOT consider the EXXX brand to be tier one brand, how is it possible that one in Hong Kong can suddenly "discovered" it to be a tier one brand? What an interesting and philosophical obesrvation, I must say...

During the course of my hifi path, I have realised that unknown brands such as Leaks & Brooks has attracted me a great deal. For me, the ideal power watts ranges from 5 watts to not more than 15 watts since my favourate speakers are highly sensitive one.. Thus, one should start one hifi journey with what music one listen followed by the selection of speakers basing on the listening environment. Follwing which, one can then decide which power amplifiers one need to find.

There was some very good advice from a guru in Malaysia which I have found from a forum highlighted by KM Ng:

1) Start your hi fi quest backwards - always begin with your room and its dimensions. Get a correct sized speaker in relation to the room size (car and engine). Then get the correct and matching amp in terms of power and control to drive the speaker (engine and gear box). For the rest front end, the choice is yours but neutrality, low noise and high resolution are recommended.

2) Buy the best recordings to play in your system - the results will transform the system to another level or show faults for corrective action. Lots of audiophiles buy expensive equipment but stint on good recordings which is pretty unbelievable! You can buy the best equipment anytime, but the best recordings are much more difficult to get.

3) In the absolute best set up, you can sit anywhere in the room and you'll not hear any sound coming from the speakers (playing a good recording). In fact, even if you're 2 feet in front of the speaker, you'll not hear it!

4) Every component and accessory in your system counts, down to the how you place the cones under your components (materials, size and weight, tip up or down, how close or far apart, etc).

Project down size

It has been a difficult task when one needs to downsize the many lovely amplifiers. Following my listening session on Saturday on the Western Electric 142 amplifiers (6L6) and the Brooks 12A (2A3) with the Western Electric 755a and Westminster speakers, I have came a step closer in knowing what type of sound & music I like.

Basing on my own evlauation and my personal taste, I will keep the following combination:

• Leak 12.1 + Fisher 400CX + Tannoy Cantebury (Living room)
• Western Electric 755a speakers (bedroom)
• Western Electric KS16608 + marant 7 + LS3/5a 15 ohms speakers + foundation stand as reference (Singapore)

Even though many audiophiles have "looked down" on the Western Electric KS16608 amplifiers (that were produced by Dukane and others...like an illegitimate son... : ( , I personally loved it so much that I have bought another better condition set for keeping. Perhaps, those who commented do not have the opportunity to audition a "fully restored" or in good working condition KS16608 when making such prejudice statements or they are plain narrow minded..

Not wanting to be caught up with the "competition" among some audiophiles; plus I have given up the idea of owning the top 5 types of 6L6 amplifiers (as they sounded very close) I have started a project down sizing with the following:

• Quad II - cut love to a good friend
• My first set of WE KS16608 mono bloc power amplifiers - cut love to a good friend
• Radio Craftsmen C500a mono bloc power amplifiers - cut love to a good friend
• Mcintosh MC240 power amplifiers - only to a serious collector who appreciates complete set of papers, original box and test results.
• Phass full range speakers - spare set

There are audiophiles who has "remarked" that I sell away my amplfiers too fast. Owing to space constraints, one has to stremline in order to make the living room "liveable". ..its just a hobby..

After continuos listening and matching with the different combinations, one will be able to know what one likes. Owing to the constraints of space, I will only keep the very best and the one I like most. I prefers to go for "Quality" rather then "Quantities". During the process, I have learnt a great deals about the different charateristics of the different gears and most importnat, I had great fun too! especically during the "search" process!

Once I have completed the process, I will either look for the Yamamoto 2 watts amplifiers or the Brooks 10C or 12A using 2A3 tubes or the Dynatron using the ballon tubes or another single ended amplifier, just to hear the difference sound. Enjoy!

Western Electric KS 16608 amplifiers X 2

I love the sound from the Western Electric amplifiers so much that when I came across an original condition Western Electric KS16608, I could not resist but to acquire them.

The newly "found" set was manaufactured by Dukane for Western Electric.

Learn something new today from a fellow audiophile Grey: KS 'means' Kearney Specification and means in compliance with a contract for acceptance purposes. They were built 'for' western electric.

Both of the mono amplifier come with the original cage and bottom plate. Both the units has the same inspection nos of 26555 and were perfectly matched pair with extremely clean interior!

It sounded as good as my first pair of the Western Electric KS16608. These were most probably produced in the 1960s. When matched with vintage speakers such as the Tannoy or the Western Electric 755a, the sound is superb! These were the more affordable amplifiers when compared to the very expensive Western Electric 124 or 142 etc. These cheaper amplifiers are good enough for me! : ) In such prestine condition, who can complain?

Cheers

Radio Craftsmen amplifier

Hifi is so personal. It is like some men food is the other men's poison.

So far, I have been using the Radio craftsmen in rotation with the Leak 12.1 and the Western Electric KS 16608. The sound of Radio craftsmen is very close to the Leak 12.1 (even though there are people who keep saying that it is miles behind the 12.1 and can never win the Leak 12.1). I am often puzzle by such statement. Win? How to win? How can I hifi power amp win the other?

It is about personal choice and taste preference. If any audiophiles like to win, he should just join the 100 metres ran or join the tennis team and go out there and compete!

In the word of hifi, its about music reproduction. Its about mixing and matching in order to achieve the sound that one desires!

Good CD - Modern Folk Music Horse head Instrument

This CD recording using the horseheaded instrument is simply exceptional!

Even though this is a folk music CD using the horseheaded instrument, there are elemnents of modern interpretation of its music. In addition to the horse headed instruments, there were also guitars, Er Hu, and other instruments as well.

Listening to the CD, one can experience and "visualise"the placements of instruments and feel the sound stage. In addition, one could also achieve the state of "Zen" and achieve inner peace...

I have listened to the same CD using the Tannoy Canterbury and the 755a. The former portrays a wide soundstage of empcompassing and surround and details. The 755a, however, brings out the inner elements of emotion that could draw strong affcetion when listen to the music..

Music & the joy of hifi

Having 3 different kind of speakers (Tannoy Canterbury, Rogers LS3/5a 15 ohms and WE 755a) has enabled me the opportunity to ABC test the reproduction of music.

The Tannoy being the larger speakers demonstrate music with the most wide soundstage and yet relaxed sound. When playing the full orchestra music "Butterfly lovers", one can easily hear the placement of different instruments as well as detail sound of the various musical instruments. Given the wide soundstage, one generally enjoy a "wider" Emperor seat (should be called Emperor bench) as at least 2 - 3 persons can enjoy the music with sharp focal point instead of one. Moreover, one can always read the newspaper and listen to the music the same time as the music would just surround you and at ease with your ears and the environment. Really love the Tannoy!

The Westen Electric 755a fullrange, on the other hand, demonstrates its strong emotional ability and its smoothness in vocal and "live" like realism for violin and light instruments such as the "Er Hu". After using the 755a, I would say that its vocal reproduction is smoother then the LS3/5a as the sound need not be force out of the mouth of the singer. This, of course is subjected to personal taste and preference as I still own and like the LS3/5a.

According to one full range speakers lover, the sound from the LS3/5a is a bit "tense" and listening to the LS3/5a require some elements of "attention and concentration". Having said that, with proper placement of speakers, the LS3/5a with its small cabinet has the ability to project strong vocal. When driven by good powered amplifier such as the Mcintosh MC240, the LS3/5a is a class on its own.

In the end, in my view, the three speakers represent the 3 pillars of music representation ranging from full sound stage to focussed music with detail. The joy of music listening is that it helps to eliminate stress and take your mind to a state of calmness and peace. Whether the music comes from a large speakers or small ones, the emotional expression may be different but the end result is fulfilment of joy..

LP sound - Matisse conductor

I have always wanted to achieve LP sound using the CD players for my system and one of my friend recommended me to use the Matisse Conductor.

Acording to Matiise: "The original purpose for designing the Conductor was to provide isolated grounds for HiFi equipment. Isolated grounding systems are important because conventional earth from the wall outlet is very heavily contaminated by interference generated by electrical appliances. A looping effect may also occur when all equipment in a system are sharing the same earth. The Conductor is a passive unit with a circuit that functions to greatly reduce the interference from ultra high frequency noise generated from all digital equipment (i.e.CD players, CD Transport, D/A Converters etc.)".

Please visit: http://www.paulsen.co.uk/rod/matissecon.html

After using the Conductor for a period, I can hear that the sound stage became clearer and quieter.

Really amazing..Science and hifi as the Conductor was designed by Matisse and based on research of an American physicist working for the U.S. Military.

Hifi scene in Hong Kong

I was reading through the few threads in Review 33 and I can't help but realise that there are many small little groups existing in the forum. Some of the group exert more peer pressures then others, while some are more informative and liberal then others.

There are also audiophiles with motives of promoting certain amplifiers and tubes. There are instances also when quarrel and disgreement occurred thereby affecting the mood of the forum.

In the past, I have been very active in the forum. However, recently, I have been more "selective" in choosing the threads to participate to avoid stepping into the foot of certain members with "vested interest".

In term of the vintage hifi shopes, competition from ebay has made it very tough for business as well. Having travelled to the Greater China region ( Taiwan, China, Hong Kong) and South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia and Cambodia), Hong Kong has one of the largest collection and availability of vintage amplifiers. Even then, many shop keepers have feedback that buisness is only 30-40% compared to 5 years ago. Now, most of the attention is on the China market as the mainland Chinese ( the high income group) has most of the disposables income on vintage hifi. Moreover, with the MP3 and the mobile phone with MP3 function and many computer related internet based activities and multi media, the traditional "hifi" hobby is walking towards the sunset industry...unless the whole industry could attract teh attention of adult under 30 years of age into the hobby. Looking at the last Hifi show, nearly 80% of the peolple are age 35 years and above and the trend seems unlikely..

To make matter most, many of the shop keepers are not customer oriented and with a certain " attitude"! It is also real difficult to find a real Sifu for Hifi repair in HKG. Thus, my approach is to find full time Sifu who charges according to the level of work rather then depending on those who need you to beg or please in order to help.

Hifi as a hobby should be simple: enjoyment of music and fellow audiophiles should be friendly as a result of sharing of common hobby. However, the reality are far from that. Competition and hidden agenda seems to be quite rampant though.

Perhaps, one should just turn on the hifi and let music take away the stress and worry of the day. I have been listening to my WE 755a these few nights and I must agree that it is not the best speakers in the world as it lacks high and base musics. However, when coming to the mid and vocal part of the music, it is the Champion!

When I take a glance at all my CDs, almost 80% consist of vocal musics while the remaining 15% on light instruments and 5% on Orchestra music. Given such a ratio, I believe I have made the right decision to buy the Western Electric 755a. In addition to the vocal, the violin reproducton is so real that it makes 755a such a lovely pair of speakers to own..

Yamamoto "45" Single stereo amplifier A-08S

In my quest for lower watt vintage amps, it seems that the options are limited to vintage Dynatron LF59 and Brooks 10c. However, since these vintage amplifiers are so rare and limited in quantities, I have decided to search for low power tube amplifies, instead of only vintage amplifiers.

While browing through the web, I came across a very attractive modern low watts amplifier using vintage 45 tubes - the Yamamoto A08s! Looking at the review, One can truly appraciates much efforts have been put in the design and building of this very nice amplifier. Moreover, another unique selling proposition from the company is that everything is built "In house" in order to ensure top qualities are maintained!

I must say this is one of the best looking power amplifiers I have come across with its nice mixture of wood and steel design as well as its "Zen" minimalist approach!

With 2 watts power, I am curious to test it with my Western Electric 755a!

For details, please see:
http://www2.117.ne.jp/~y-s/A-08S-NEW-eng.html

For review of the Yamamoto "45" Single ended stereo amplifiers A-08s, please see:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/yamamoto2/45.html

Feedback on Western Electric 755a

I was listening to the Western Electric 755a for a few days and I must say that the Mid especially for vocal is exceptionally good!

However, the CD recording standard played a great part too as when I inserted a low quality recording, the sound reproduction is exactly like a mirror image reflecting a low production of voice. The WE 755a, in my opinion, has a much natural and smoother vocal when compared to the LS3/5a.

Over the weekend, I have managed to audition a Japan made cabinet with Western Electric 755a drivers in Tak Fak 3rd floor and I must say the sound is good with great base. The cabinet is about 3 feet in height and looked very nice with a dark brown cabinet finishing. The owner has told me that he has 4 pairs of LS3/5a and ever since listening to the 755a, he intends to sell away 2 sets and keep 2 for reference as he listended to the 755a more than the other speakers now. Will update more when i have the time! Cheers

Brook 10C & Dynatron LF59

Upon my acquiring of the Western Electric 755a, I was told my some audiophiles that for highly sensitive speakers such as the 755a & even Tannoy Canterbury, one of the best amplifiers to drive them are the 10 watts Brook 10C using 2A3 tubes or the Dynatron ( less than 9 watts) amplifiers. However, the down side of the Dynatron amplifiers is that the PX vintage tubes are very rare and very costly..

I have not have the opportunity to see or hear the amplifiers and maybe I should just have an open mind and explore...

Hifi project downsizing

Following my acquisition of the Western Electric 755a full range speakers, I have come to realised that when one starts in the hifi journey, it is essential to have a very clear direction in order to avoid buying the "wrong" hifi equipments for the matching of speakers.

Perhaps, one should start with the speakers first (and determine what sound or music one likes) and then look for amplifiers that matches well with the speakers. From my recent listening, I have also realised that I listened to the Tannoy Canterbury (for Orchestra & multiple instrumental music) and uses the fullrange speakers for vocal and light instruments more. Since both the Tannoy and the WE755a are highly sensitive speakers, there is no requirements for high power amplifiers.

Moreover, with my decision of NOT wanting to COLLECT all the five KT66/6L6 amplifiers anymore (i.e WE124, Leak 12.1, MC240, Quad II, Radio craftsmen C500), I will began a series of downsizing.

I will most probably keep the following combination and downsize the rest:

• Leak 12.1 + Fisher400CX + Tannoy Canterbury (in HKG Living room)
• WE KS16608 + Marantz 7 + Western Electric 755a (in bedroom HKG)
• Rogers 15 ohms LS3/5a + Foundation stand (in Singapore)

With that in mind, I hope to down size the following to lovers of vintage amplifiers:

• Mcinstosh MC240 (near mint condition, with original box, papers,etc)
• Radio Craftsmen C500a (fully restored by professional, matched pair)
• Phass fullrange speakers (brand new and sounded very nice)

Anyone who is keen, can write to me at maxbliss888@yahoo.com.sg or maxbliss@netvigator.com

Once the process is complete, I am no longer a collector of vintage amplifiers and just someone who love music.. : ) Last night, my wife and son Keith came to visit me from Singapore. We have had a short session listening to the 755a and it was a great experience and a nice warm feeling : )

Western electric ad

Western Electric 755a fullrange speakers

Since there are so little information on the Western electric 755a speakers, I have decided to post more pictures for those who wants to know more about the speakers.

According to an expert JE Labs, This 8" full range driver has achieved "cult status" amongst audio aficionados. The most desirable version are the ones branded with the Western Electric logo with the frame in smooth silver or textured charcoal greyish brown finish. The mounting gasket always had 5 - 8 quality control stamps showing the tight tolerance procedures excercised in their manufacture. The later Altec branded 755As only had 1 or 2 stamps but essentially looked the same and came finished in either textured charcoal greyish brown or silver hammertone.

Aside from those quality control procedures and alnico magnet, what sets the 755A apart from the later 755C and 755E is the chemistry of the cone material. The procedure was very intensive, involving a "vacuum formed" process to produce a cone that contained silk and cotton components. This cone material is also found in original examples of WE/Altec 756A, 754A and 728B. Perhaps this is the reason why the 755A has that beguiling and lifelike midrange quality that eludes the later "pancake" versions.

For more details, please visit : http://members.myactv.net/~je245/755survey.htm

According to another expert Alan: " Western Electric 755A has three versions, the earliest period is zinc colour plating (as per the pictures enclosed), the later version with gray colour navy plating. Western Electric KS-14703 was the final period and produced by Altec at around 1950 - 1953. Altec 755A also has two versions, the early version started to produce in 1954 in 4 Ohm and later period at very late 50? - early 60 in 8 Ohm".

For those who are keen to find a pair, according to Alan: "The estimate price of Western Electric 755a is around HKD30,000.00 - 38,000.00 in Hong Kong and around YEN 550,000.00 - 650,000.00 in Japan (More expensive than a pair of 15" Tannoy red monitor). Altec 755A is around HKD14,000.00 - 18,000.00 depending on the condition and version. "

When buying the WE 755a, Alan has pointed out that: "the impedence matching and db matching is one of major problem when you selecting 755A. The Western Electric and early period Altec 755A is sold in mono, but not in stereo, In fact, +/- 10% impedeance of speaker is acceptable. If you looking for perfectly matching pair 755A than the price will be much higher.

I will listen to them for a while before I give my little comment on the WE755a!

Cheers

WE & Altec 755ace series speakers

After months of searching and hunting, I have finally managed to find a pair of early Western Electric 755a fullrange speakers in the Paino wood (Spruce wood) cabinets! Many has told me that it will be a mission impossible and one can only find it in Japan.

Initially, I have wanted to settle for a pair of Altec 755C and continue my search for the 755a. I have even bought a pair of original 8 inch Altec cabinets for the 755c ( as the 755c needs cabinet with ventilation). I have advertised in R33 seeking for 755a but not a single respond.

Finally, its a dream come true! Dream do come true for those believe!

According to Alan (an expert in WE amps) there are differences in the WE 755a vis-a-vis the Altec 755a speakers. For detail, please see below extract written by Alan..

WE755A was introduced by Western Electric in 1947. It is an 8 inches full range speaker with frequency range from 70 – 13,000 Hz with maximum capacity of 8 watt at 4 ohm in voice coil impendence. It only has very narrow angle distribution at 70 degrees (I believe this is reason of concentration on tone) and Western Electric suggests user to apply 2 cu ft closed speaker enclosure for this driver.

The Western Electric 755A is designed for PA and monitor purpose. The early version is in zinc plating at silver colour and the later period with gray navy painting. During late 40 – early 50’s, they were usually equipped on train, train station, business building, record studio and radio station as broadcasting monitor. During late 40’s, the major competitors of full range speaker on PA market included Altec 400A and Jensen P8P.

Honestly speaking, WE755A has much better construction than both models included special curve design of paper cone, large size U shaped Alnico magnet and much bigger voice coil construction…! Since the Western Electric sound equipment department was forced to close down by US Goverment in 1949, the production was passed on to Altec in 1950. The early period Western Electric KS-14073 was actually produced by Altec from 1950 – 1953, this version has silver colour painting also with same specs as 755A.

In 1954, Altec first introduced the Altec 755A to the market, the early version with glossy gray navy colour, but late period with brown navy colour. I believe the early period from 1954 – late 50’s should be in 8 Ohm and late period until early 60’s is 4 Ohm.

In very early 60’s, the Altec introduced Western Electric 755B with blue colour painting at 8 Ohm, but this model did not last long than it replaced by the Altec 755C “pancake” speaker in slightly later period of early 60’s with metallic green colour at 8 Ohm. If you look at the front, there is almost no different than 755A version, but if you look at the back than you can see this model no longer using Alnico magnet but replaced by flat ceramic magnet (Indox V) just look like a pancake.

Even Altec claimed 755C has better extension of both end from 40 – 15,000 HZ, but the guess dropped to 9,000 guess if compared to 755A above 10,000 guess. You can easily tell that the mid-range of 755C is not concentrated and transparent as 755A, the tone balance step down to be much thicker and lower bass than 755A but not as clear and open up as 755A…! Believe the angle distribution changed from 90 instead of 70 degree also affect the concentration as well…!

I would say that Altec 755C cannot be claimed as a full range speaker but it is a very good mid/mid-low range speaker in my limited understanding. The final version is Altec 755E introduced in 1968, it is very similar as 755C but the painting changed to white and gray, but also have different construction of wire connector. The sound characteristic of this model is very much the same as 755C, but the bass sound slightly solid and slightly upward than 755C and it still does not have clear and balancing tone as 755A

For those of you who are keen to know about the diferences in the 755 series speakers, please view another Western Electric expert web page:

http://members.myactv.net/~je245/755survey.htm
Please note the picture showing the Altec 755a,c, e speakers are not mine.. I have finally concluded my search for the hardwares and now is the time for the enjoyment of music! For those who are seraching for your dream set up, wishing you Good Luck! : )

Final item for the year - 755a speakers

There are 3 speakers which I have desired namely a large pair of speakers for the living room, i.e Tannoy Canterbury, a pair of 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5a as a music reference and a pair of full range speakers.

For the full range speakers, I have started with the small RCA and a pair of Telefunken with a DIY open baffle. It was my first 2 pair of full range speakers. I have sold my 6 inch RCA spakers as the 8 inch was the ideal size. I was immediately captured by the sound of the 8 inch full range speakers. However, my DIY speakers were so ugly that my wife objected to it straight away.

Later on, I have moved on to a pair of Cora Beta 8 inch high sensitive speakers which is so detail and clear that even the signal noise from my vintage amplifiers could be easily picked up by the Coral. The Coral will be a perfect match for a modern (& quiet) preamplifiers. As I am not willing to change my vintage pre-amlifiers speakers, I have decided to cut love to a friend who can appreciates it more then me. In addition, the huge speakers cabinets also took up too much space in my living room making it difficult to walk. As a result, I have also let go my Siemens amplifiers (as it was too big taking too much space as well).

I have always have in mind a pair of legendary Western Electric full range 755a. However, despite much searching, I have only managed to find a pair of Altec 755e (costs about HK$8000 with a pair of DIY cabinets) and 2 pair of 755c (one with DIY cabinets asking for HK$10,000, and the other without cabinet asking for HK$7800) in Hong Kong.

The recent transaction at ebay for a pair of Altec 755a was about US$1826+ US$100 shipping = HK$14500. However, the fear of buying from ebay is that there is always a risk of non matching pair as well as non arrival of items.

After much consideration, I have decided not to pursue my Western Electric 124 dream as the costs is way too high (HKG$110,000). In addition, I have been advised by many of my hifi friends that the maintainance of the We124 is and will be a constant issues as many of the components are too old!

In addition, for the Western Electric amplifiers, there is always a dilemma of whether to change the capacitors & resistors or not with the Western Electric amplifiers. To change the capacitors or resistors would affect the values and originality of the WE124. Not changing the capacitors on the other hand will affect the qaulity of sound reproduction. Moreover, the WE also needs its Western electric 350 tubes in order to have the pure and "true" Western Electric sound!

Given the various strings of "attachments" and limitations, I have decided that it is not worth the trouble and the investmen in the search for the WE124 as hifi is supposed to give "pleasure" and not "pressures". My recent constant visits to the Hifi master for repairs have tired my eagerness to pursue a vintage amplifiers that needs constant consultation to the hifi "doctor"

With that in mind, my search for a pair of Western Electric 755a speakers has began (as speakers are relatively maintainance free). With the clear direction in mind, I have made up my mind to go for the real Western Electric 755a and not the Altec 755a or 755c or 755e as this will be the last item for the year! Too tired to search and I want to spend more time listening and enjoying the music! Since I cannot find a Western Electric amplifiers, at least i could be compensated with an all original Western Electric speakers!

cheers : )

Two more items: WE124 & 755a

During these period, I have concentrated much efforts in trying to set up my ideal hifi system as well as trying to learn about vintage hifi.

In the process, I have met up with many fellow audiophiles, some good and some are very dissapointing.

Now, there are two more items which I have desired namely Western Electric 124 & 755a full range speakers to complement my current set up. I must say the hifi journey has been an interesting one despite some set back.. : )

Following which, I intend to stop my vintage amplifier search and go back to my vintage watch and fountain pen collections which is a more "peaceful" form of hobby as there will be less "sarcastics remarks" from people and less "red eye or white eye" treatments. In addition, the main challenges in collecting of vintage amplifiers system are the issue of maintainance and space.

With my current set up, I am quite contented with them as my original intention is not to collect for the sake of collection but to use them in the living room, and bedroom for the enjoyment of music. The process of refinement and streamlining has helped me fine tuned what I like and intend to keep.

Two more items seems to collect so little and easy but it also seems so far to reach..

Please see my small collection at watch & pen blog:

http://vintage-watch.blogspot.com/

http://vintagepen.blogspot.com/

Hifi for the bedroom

Space is always an issue in the bedroom. As such, for the bedroom system,I will have to find smaller size items in order to fit them in nicely while ensuring quality sound.

For the speakers set, I have brought in the Phass speakers with the EV35 tweeter (in a DIY wood holders) + Philips 634 player. The most difficult part is the amplifier system as they are too huge for the room. As I like KT66 and 6L6 amplifiers, there are very few vintage amp that is small. In the end, I have to find a new KT66/6L6 amplifier : Sound Master No 36 which is small enough to fit into my small bedroom. The Sound Master No36 is a Hong Kong made amplifier with auto bias for either KT66/6L6 or EL34 tubes. It also has a scoket with USB port for use with ipod.

Quite an enjoyable sound stage with this little set up!

Cabinets for 755c full range speakers

I was searching for the cabinet for the 755c full range speakers.

In Hong Kong there is one company who can custom made cabinet for 755 speakers using the Spruce wood but the cost is very high. Luckily, I have managed to find a pair of NOS metal cabinet for the 755 speakers and I am now eagerly waiting for the arrival of the speakers units to be fitted into the cabinets. What I like most is the size of the cabinet..nice and compact. Moreover, with the see through hole, the conecpet of the cabinets are similar to the open baffle concept. Like what the expert in JE LAbs says: "one cannot expect ultimate bass extension with an open baffle but the lack of cabinet colorations gives purity to the sound that many will find very appealing"

It will be used for listening of vocal!

For details on the various 755s speakers, please read:

http://members.myactv.net/~je245/755survey.htm

Cheers

Hi fi path

In my hifi journey, I have met many adiophiles along the way. Many of those I know are big time collectors of either vintage amplifiers or LS3/5a speakers.

For me, I change my gears very regularly. Why? I believe, one should only keep those that one like. Otherwise, we will need a large warehouse to store all the gears. Moreover, the unfortunate thing about hifi is that you will have to bring them home for continuos listening before you can tell whether you like it or not. Since I have just started the vintage hifi journey while many of my fellow audiophile have spent numerous years on it, I will have to move faster in order to set up my "dream set".

After much seraching, buying and then cutting love, I have realised that I like KT66 & 6L6tubes sound most. EL34 for me sounded too fast and a bit rough.EL84 tubes is very sweet but lacks the power and soundstage when played in the hall. As such, I have stramlined my other EL34, EL84 amps and keep only the few that I played everyday. Since I have limitaion on space and $$ plus I do not have the intention to rent an office to display the amplifers, I will have to follow strictly the "one in then one out policy" which I ahve promosed my wife. As I tended to get gear in very good condition, I have very little problem in selling them as like what they always say "good items are always in demand, and rubbish will always be rubbish".

I will rotate two amplifers per night, one using the Tannoy Canterbury and the other use the Phass fullrange speakers. I am hoping that the 755c and the WE124 will be my last pursuits but my friend has said that it is impossible....