Pair 6" RCA MI-6234-B Speakers In Original RCA Cabinets

This is my spare Pair of 6" RCA MI-6234-B full range speakers in original RCA Cabinets. I got these as a "test" before my purchase of the WE 755a as I would like to know if the fullrange speakers are suitable to my taste.

In the end, I finally bought a pair of WE755a...

Cheers

Rogers Gold badge 金牌仔: Initial listening

Last evening, I have finally managed to have a proper listening of my newly acquired Rogers.

Having been listening to big speakers and fullrange speakers for a while, it took me awhile to get used to teh LS3/5a sound.

Listening to Tong Li with Rogers is really nice...No wonder my friend Ginger love it so much!..

The LS3/5a may not be the best speakers on Earth but it is unique. Given the severe space constraints in Hong Kong, the LS3/5a is able to live up to its name and do some wonderful magic.

For me, the 3 speakers that I liked are Tannoy Canterbury, the Western Electric 755a and the Rogers Gold badge LS3/5a. If there is a 4th, my guess would be the AR1..isn't it?

Roger Gold Tag internal 2

My pair of Rogers Gold Badge is NOT Serial nos 99/100! The 99/100 belongs to my friend's pair..

Rogers Gold badge 金牌仔 Internal

My pair of Rogers Gold Tag belongs to the second generation after the first 100 set of gold tag using brown coloured grill. My friend Richard has one set of first generation Gold badge with nice serial nos 99-100.

My pair of Gold Rogers Is Not the serial nos 99/100. I have to specify this to avoid any confusion as there may be sellers who make the wrong references using my blog as reference.

Instead, My pair internal boards are blue in colour using Phlips Zebra capacitors.

Rogers LS3/5a series:

• Rogers Gold badge : Brown grill examples: 099 & 100, 153 & 154
• Rogers Gold badge : Black grill SM serial nos SM 691 AB
• Rogers Gold Badge: Black grill with SO serial nos; e.g. ROGERS SO2500A & B
• Rogers Black badge, ROGERS SO6400A & B, SO16000A & B
• Rogers White Belly, 白牌仔/小膠字 "白肚池" 如 SO19000A & B, 029000A & B, 等等
• 30997 ~ 15 ohm
• 31220 ~ 11 ohm (Pseudo 15 ohm)

The LS3/5a dream & dilemma

The Rogers LS3/5a gold tag must be my 8th pair of LS3/5a that I have owned or once owned. Previously, I have the dream of collecting all the different LS3/5a speakers.

I started with a Harbeth gold LS3/5a, Rogers 11ohms, followed by a Rogers 15 ohms black tag, 15 ohms white belly, Rogers pusedo 15 ohms, Chartwell LS3/5a, Audiomaster LS3/5a. With the acquisition of the Tannoy and the 755a, I have practically sold all my other LS3/5a as I have found that the bigger speakers such as Tannoy has the advantage of having a wider soundstage and are more versatile in reproducing music such as the Orchestra and multiple instruments.

With the Tannoy Cantebury and WE 755a, the thought of having the ultimate LS3/5a, i.e The Gold Tag has always been at the back of my mind. I was lucky to be able to audition Richard's Gold tag and his other LS3/5a and the music from the Gold tag has left a very deep impression. There were two occasions where I was almost own the gold tag. Once I was offereed a $25,000 gold tag at R33 and last week Percy offered me a pair at $30,000, which I find it too expensive.

The LS3/5a will always be a love hate relationship. Using the performance vs. price ratio, the price for LS3/5a is raelly irrational and abit rediculous. At $12,000 (normal 15 ohms) to $17000 (Chartwell) to a Rogers Gold Tag ($25,000-30,000), the prices are no longer rational. At that price ranges, one could easily get a pair of large speakers such as Tannoy Chartwoth or Lancaster, JBL 4310, Cora Beta 8 with original cabinets etc...

However, LS3/5a being a legendary speakers with an amazing sound plus the increasing demand from China, it is no wonder that the prices of these babies are on a continuous upward trend. In conclusion, I would think that one would need a pair of large speakers such as the Tannoy, Altec, JBL for lisening of large sound stage, a 755a for listening of vocal and violin plus a reference speakers LS3/5a. With the acquisition of the Gold Tag, my hunt for the LS3/5a speakers has come to an end : )

However, the hunter is yet to retire as there is one more pair of speakers to hunt in the hifi jungle, The legendary AR1..

Let the hunt begin!

Rogers Gold Tag

I have been searching for a pair of vintage Rogers Gold tag LS3/5a for a long period of time. I have sold away all my Rogers 11ohm, Rogers black tag, Rogers white belly and Chartwell LS3/5a with the intention of keeping only the most representative LS3/5a, i.e. the Rogers Gold Tag LS3/5a.

I was lucky to be able to find a pair of serial nos 961 early version gold tag at a good price and condition. With the acquisition of the Gold tag, there is only one AR1 left in my wish list for speakers..ha ha When there is a will, there is a way!

Happy listening!

Beautiful pre amp

Some of my audiophile friends have been advocating using modern pre amp to match with vintage power amplifiers as the background will be quieter.

There are two modern preamplifiers which has captured my attention namely the Swiss made Nagra PLP(HK$55,000) and the Japanese Leben RS-28CX Premium Pre Amplifier (HK$36,000). Originally, I was keen to explore the 27M but it seems that I ahve nver got the chance to audition it.

Since the investment is also quite huge for these preamplifiers, I will have to think and consider many times to see if these are the one that I would want... but the look is fantastic : )

Leben Hifi Japan

While the currrent fever in vintage amplifiers: the Beam Echo and Audiomaster, my attention has been taken away by these new toys.

I have always been fascinated with Japanese tube amplifiers as their workmanship and dedication to the work of art is beyond word can describe.

One of the great Japanese hifi company was Audio Note (later Kondo). However, the high prices of the Japanese Audio Note (and Kondo) has made me think twice.
Another of my favourite was the Yamamoto. However, the price is not cheap (around HK$19,800 for a A08s using 45 tubes of 2A3) with power of about 8 watts. In addition, the Yamamoto requires the use of a pre amplifier.

Last week end, I have finally seen the much talked about Leben CS 300 integrated 12 watts amplifier (hand made in Japan). It was priced at HK$13,800 with normal sovtek tubes. The Leben CS300X is a 15 watts integrated amplifier with upgraded parts as well as 4 Mullards tubes (costing $19,800.)

I was very tempted to get the Leben CS300 as the size is quite compact (about the size of the normal Philips CD player). Previously, I was using started with modern tube amplifier such as the Mini Houston 1998, Unison Research Simply 4, 300B amplifier etc and I was converted to vinatge amplifiers when I came to Hong Kong. IS it crazy to move to modern Japanese newly made amplifier??? The advantage of vintage amplifier is that one would not lose much money when one sells them..How about newly made one?

The CS600 is a bigger version at 32 watts, with the advantage of being able to use EL34 tubes or 6L6GC tubes buts costing around HK$38,000. In addition, I have heard from my friend that the Leben RS-28CX Premium Preamplifier which costs about $36,000 is excellent as well!

So many interesting toys! Life is great!
http://www.lebenhifi.com/products/cs300.html

AR3 left home : )

On Wednesday evening, my AR3 speakers have finally left home with its young owner.` I was feeling a little sad for a while as my hifi collection seems to shrink at a very fast speed.. : (

On the other hand, I am glad that my lovely gears have all managed to find a nice home. Now, my apartment seems to look bigger. Even though, I have changed my mind with regards to moving to Shanghai as I still like Hong Kong as well as my regional traveling, I have no great desire to increase my size of my current set up. The golden rule of "One in One out" still apply...

Currently, I still have one pair of spare RCA 6 inch fullrange speakers as well as a spare set of cabinets for any 8 inch fullrange speakers. Hopefully, I can find some good home for them soon. In my future search list, I hope to find a pair of AR1 & the Roger Gold tag LS3/5a. With these, my hifi life would be great!

Less & Less equipement & more and more time for music

I am letting go for my AR3 speakers this coming Wednesday as I have found out that to drive the AR3 to its optimum, there is a need for higher power amplifiers. Currently, my Leak 12.1, WE124b are only 12 Watts while my Pye Mozart is only 8 watts power, which is insuuficient power in driving the AR3.

To fully utilised the AR3, there will be a need for me to get another higher power amplifier. Originally, I have thought of getting the Marantz 8b (with 35 watts power) but I was told that the performance will not be as good as the Marantz 9 (which is costing over HK$100,000) which is beyond my intended budget. As such, to set up another power & pre amplifier for the AR3 would be too costly and time consuming. Rather then trying to fix the AR3 by adding in more gears, the best solution is to cut love to others who need them.

With the departure of the AR3, I am left with only 2 set of speakers in HK (i.e WE speakers and the RCA full range speakers) which are relatively easy to drive with my WE 124b + WE120a. My current set up is as follows:

Singapore:

• Leak TL12.1 + Marantz 7 + WE 755a & LS3/5a speakers
• Pye Mozart + Tannoy Cantebury speakers

Hong Kong:

• Western Electric 120a + WE 124b + WE speakers & RCA full range speakers
  

Less & Less equipement & more and more time for music

Hifi speaker placement

I have switched my AR3 speakers with my WE speakers this afternoon. Upon listening, the music representation became different as a result of the switch in speakers.

To ensure good sound stage, I have tried various speaker placement position...

Hifi want list

I have been very quiet with my hifi lately owing to my decision to focus on my work. With my recent down sizing, I have managed to keep only minimal set for my leisure listening pleasure. Looking at my past experiences, I am glad that I have finally found my hifi path i.e listening to music rather then accumulation of vintage hifi gears..

Happy listening!

My favourite singer: Shinji Tanimura

JBL Aquarius IV leaving home : )

This evening, another newly met audiophile came over to my place and took home my pair of JBL Aquarius IV speakers.

I was very happy to see fellow audiophiles being happy with what they have found. I have stopped buying for a while and I have been busy doing various AB listening with my existing gears.

Contentment! I am very glad to be out of the hifi "rat race" where audiophiles keep incresing their number of gears.

Of all the speakers that I have bought, my favourite goes to Tannoy Cantebury, WE 755a, LS3/5a, AR3 and WE 1o inch speakers. I hope to find a pair of Gold tag LS3/5a one day.

Pilot 216a

This is the Pilot 216a pre amplifiers. It is excellent especially for male voice. When using with my WE124b, the sound is more dynamic while the WE120a has a more natural sound....which I have much preferred..which is why hifi is ultimately a personal choice..

This morning, someone who appreciate the Pilot pre amplifier more has taken it home!

Happy Listening...

The Joy of music

This evening, I have finally managed to find some time to properly listen to my new Shinji tanimura & Julio CDs.

With only one set of system here is HKG, I can really take my time to listen to the music without having the worries of switching gears..

There are time when I was tempted to get new gears but thank goodness, I have managed to control my desire to own more. Now, listening to the set and exploring the full potential of my geras became my sore objective..

In the end, like what they say, hifi equipement is the means while enjoyment of music is the end! Enjoy!

Julio Iglesias CD

I have also love Julio Iglesias deep vocal...especially the song, To all the girls I love before.

The new album of Julio Iglesias, written and composed by Pascal Obispo, David Gategno and Didier Barbelivien. It includes the titles «Donner», «Partir quand même» (a duet with Françoise Hardy), and «Quelque chose de France».

The artist who has sold more than 250 million albums, and who has more than 1500 gold and platinum records, returns with a new French album. A tribute to a country, France, which has given him so much, this disc will surprise with the quality and timeliness of its songs, («Donner», «De vous à moi»), the elegance of its texts, («Quelque chose de France»), and the participation of Françoise Hardy («Partir quand même»). For detail, please visit:

http://www.julioiglesias.com/mainen.htm

Music for enjoyment

I have not write much on my hifi blog lately owing to the frequent business trips. In addition, the quetsion of career switch has also been occupying my mind lately. Currently, I am deliberating on the possibilities of working in Beijing or Shanghai, Guangzhou, back to Singapore or remain in Hong Kong?

The economy within Asia Pacific is good and thereby the growth in career opportunities. It is not very easy to uproot yourself when you have much hifi equipments to bring along as packing and shipping will alsways be an issue.

Given the current stage, my desire to look for new vintage hifi items has dropped to the rock bottom which, in turn, may not be a bad thing as it has given me the opportunities to spend more time listening to music and enjoy my current set up to its optimum.

Back in Singapore, the property prices have been on a steep upward thrend. This has prompted my intention to sell away my smaller apartment which is currently being rented out. Hopefully, the small condo unit would eb sold soon as the latest marklet transacted price is S$550,000 and my targeted price is between $610,000- 650,000.

With the issues of career switching & relocation, thought of selling my second property, my mind has been very active and busy. Luckily, when I reached home at the end of the day, I could just turn on my vintage WE grears and let the music sings...and bring my mind to the music land

My favourite Japanese singer : Shinji Tanimura new CD

After much waiting, Shinji Tanimura, my favourite Japanese singer has finally released his latest CD. The CD is not available in Hong Kong. Thus, I will have to order from HMV Japan.

Really eagerly waiting for it to arrive!

Speakers placement made easy

For those of you keen to learn the art of speakers placement, please visit:

http://www.audiophysic.de/aufstellung/beispiel_e.html

Great CD: Janice

This is a great CD. Janice's singing ability is great!

My visit to Guangzhou

After 2 years living in Hong Kong, I have finally taken the trip to visit the famous hifi site at Guanzhou Sin Tao Yuen. After taking almost 2 hours of train ride, I took a cab to visit the famous site for audiophiles.

There are many DIY stuff there as well as finished goods imported or localy produced. There are more hifi shops in these building then in Hong Kong, reflecting a growing in wealth as well as interest in finer things in life among the population. However, most of the imported items are more expensive then in Hong Kong.

One of the best shop I visited was the Chi Ping (志平) store - he is one of the most suceesful DIYer who has managed to curve our a niche market and reputation. So, those who intend to produce their own range of products should learn from him. I liked his Chi Ping speakers alot as it could really compare with those International ones with superb finishing and made.

In addition, he has DIY many famous Western Electric items as well using vinatge or DIY parts. Talking of WE, I am really glad that I ahve managed to take the right decision to chase after a pair of vintage Western Electric rather then accumulating so many others. I was once lost in the desire of collecting many set of vinatge amplifiers. At one stage, I have managed to collect 2 set of leak TL12, 10.1, Quad II, Mcintosh MC240, Pye HF91, Siemens amplifiers, Fisher 400CX, 2 Marantz 7c, 2 set of Fisher 50C, etc etc. which has become a burden in term of space and time for enjoyment of music.

When I was sitting at Chi Ping's store, I could listen to very fine, detail, and musical music from his Chi Ping speakers and We replicas, which has made me wonder the essence of music. I have stopped being "active" in the forum as they are more "quarrels" then "genuine sharing" nowadays. In addition, I can also see many audiophiles slowly drwan in the circle of "collecting" massive collections of vintage gears.

Why do we need so many gears since the ultimate purpose of the gears are to reproduce music? I don't know. Perhaps it is our desire to upgrade the sound and music..which can be much fun too! Anyway, Enjoy what you like to do as you only live once!

Cheers and be happy!

Leak TL12.1

After matching my Leak TL12.1 with many pre amplifiers, I like the Marantz 7 + Leak 12.1 combo the most.

I have a friend who is keen to sell his Leak TL12.1 (220V) in very good condition at HKG$40,000 excluding tubes. Let me know if anyone is keen.

The prices of Leak TL12.1 has been on an upward trend. It seems that the prices in China has excceded HK$50,000.

Given the strong economic growth in China and the growing wealth, it is not surprising that prices of vintage gears have increased so much. Previously, Mr. Huang who sold me the pair of Western Electric 124 has 10 sets in his collection for me to choose. Recently, owing to the growing interest in WE, he has only 4 set left of which 3 set will not be sale as he has planned to keep one set for himself and the other two for his 2 sons!

So, with one more set to go, interested parties better be quick! ha ha

I have been quite busy lately with my constant traveling to Malaysia, Singapore, Shanghai and Taiwan. In addition, with the recent purchase of AR3, I have managed to stop buying any more new items...

Cabinet for 755a - New

My specially ordered cabinet for the 755a have finally arrived. The dimension is about 450mm X 510mm using the vintage design from Western Electric. The Western Electric classic design is only 50% of the size, which has imposed limitation on the bass and low.

With almost 2 cubit feet in size as well as the slanted side and curve, it should be able to bring out the full potential of the 755a.

Unfortunately, I have sold my spare 755a drivers and my tight traveling schedules have prevented me from continuing the DIY project further...

CD - Burning In

Great CD: Chinese Orchestra music

I have been traveling to Malaysia and Shangahi lately and my current hectic travels have taken away time for music.

Luckily over the weekend, I am able to take advantage of the HK 10th anniversary celebration for some serious music listening!

這張專輯邀請了戲曲音樂界最具盛名的作曲家孟慶華擔任音樂編配，整體風格上力求達到“形神兼備”的境界，即在完美展現戲劇曲名段的旋律美感的同時，創新性地以管弦化的手法和現代音樂語彙加以補充和昇華，將難以言傳的古典意境韻味和青銅質感表現得豐潤玲瓏而富有層次，令人不由感歎。同時2了再現民族文化瑰寶，特意精選出十個劇種各自最膾炙人口亦最由代表性的劇目唱段，將熟系動聽的旋律以充滿新意的方式驚喜演繹。京昆川粵冀豫皖滬越，富有地域特色的音樂元素使得專輯中的樂曲非但豪不冗長，而且深具獨特個性。創造性地保留原創劇種的特色主奏樂器，並且類比人聲唱念，當真是千人百面，趣致逼真，聲口情態都能令人著迷。中西結合，國樂交響化的整體編曲配器風格，使得原本單薄幼細的唱腔外觀呈現出恢宏景致。像越劇《紅樓夢》裏生動的二胡模仿者寶玉的好奇與一見鍾情，清泉潺潺的古箏則描摹出黛玉的秀妍和微微頷首的姿態，板鼓聲聲清脆的敲擊令人心神具震，暗喻愛情的輩情的悲劇結局。

曲目：

01：越劇《紅樓夢》生動的二胡模仿著寶玉的好奇與一見鍾情，清泉潺潺的古箏則描摹出黛玉的秀妍和微微頷首的姿態，板聲聲清脆的敲擊聲令人心神俱震，暗喻愛情的悲劇結局。

02：豫劇《花木蘭》秀氣婉轉的琵琶與深沈厚重的大提琴交替奏出主題，一聲脆響的板胡精氣神十足，大鼓和絃樂隊勾畫出遼闊的北方天空。

03：昆曲《牡丹亭》古琴撥開傳奇的輕紗，芒鑼洞穿時光的惶惑。洞蕭如人聲幽咽婉轉。一支“皂羅袍”在工尺譜調間複生明代光景的煙絲醉軟，燕語如剪。

04：粵劇《蝴蝶夫人》木魚叩一板三眼，南梆子空殼問闌，輕擊碰鈴似點滴琉璃清冷，拂動音樹如串串珠玉歎息。高胡萬般雍容華貴現身，琵琶千回百轉應和。

05：黃梅戲，《天仙配》大提琴低沈的背景上，秀美的琵琶婉轉而倔強地吐露出繞指柔情。清麗的竹笛和寬厚的大提琴唱和問答，弦樂如和煦的暖陽柔美照拂。

06：川劇《荊釵記》竹相訇然，尺八蕭瑟，板鼓逗出了二胡委婉 迂回。溫厚真摯的弦樂，索回的卻是那般隱忍的蒼涼激越。

07：評劇《花2媒》二胡抑揚頓挫宛如生旦相謔，竹笛輕盈幼脆，大方持重的柳琴串珠疊玉，鑼兒‘鈸兒’鼓兒們亦嘈嘈喳喳地來歡喜幫腔。

08：河北梆子《大登殿》大鑼威嚴開道，大鼓開天動地，管鍾的回響震落雕梁棟上的每一寸灰塵。管子惟妙惟俏的學著喜氣洋洋的人聲。

09：滬劇《羅漢錢》音樹清冷拂過，琴竹起落紛飛，弦樂柔和明媚，串鈴波光粼粼。二胡頓挫的聲口似吳儂軟語，吟來那支無人不曉的紫竹調。

10：京劇《霸王別姬 蘇三起解》板鼓輕敲，鐃鈸緊跟，旦角吊足嗓子的咿咿呀呀裏，鑼鼓點有條不絮德搖晃著它四平八穩了一百年的節奏。一道京胡拉出了旋律，也拉出了夜色深沈的弦樂背景