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!

DIY Speakers cabinet

I was impressed by the RCA full range speakers which reproduces excellent vocal !

This has prompted me to find a pair of 1950s full range 8 inch Telefuken spekares units and try to DIY a open baffle speakers cabinet.

I was fotunate to be able to find a open baffle plan from a fellow R33 audiophiles.

Next is to serach for the materials and cutting the wood according to the plan size.

After several days of hard work, it was finally completed. Tonight, the last bit was to paint them with wood colour.

Finally, everything was done and the satisfaction is beyond words can describe.

The muisc from the speakers in the open baffle cabinet is nice and the speakers are standing in front of the Tannoy!

Next target is to look for WE 755a?

Resistors as spares for Leal 12.1

As part of my learning of DIY , I have stocked up some vintage Allen Bradley resistors for future usage in addition to the NOS TCC capacitors.

The serach for these are time consuming but I am glad I have the help of a fellow audiophiles JK, who is helpful in teaching as well as sharing his expperiences.

The hifi journey has been an exciting. one There are some audiophiles who are very helpful and nice while there are those who are out to make money...

Leak 12.1 : Changing of capacitors & resistors

After listening to my 12.1 for a while, I began to realize that there are some hum sound coming from my Tannoy Canterbury, a pair of sensitive speakers, when the muisc CD stopped playing. Some has said that it was due to the nature of the sensitive speakers. When used with the LS3/5a, the hum sound dissappeared.

Being a perfectionist, this "hum" sound has promted me to to try to "fix" the issues. I have tried sending these to the hifi repair shops at Ap Liu street Sifu but after adding an extra capacitor (quite an ugly site), and paying much $$$ the hum sound still exists.

Next, I have tried another Sifu to fix the hum sound, which resulted in changing of 3 resistors. The Sifu has managed to get rid of the hum sound which was quite a joyful thing. When I invited my friend JK to my house for audition, he has realised that even though the set was very quiet, the sound from the 12.1 has been modified and musch details has been surpressed. Upon checking, we realized that the 3 resistors replaced were not excatly according to the values set by the schematics. Thus, a third round of restoration process has started again. Lessons learnt the hard way.. My body must be getting fitter after carrying more than 30kg of hifi equipments up and down the apartments...

Finally, with all the 3 resistors being replaced with the correct values, the leak 12.1 is back to its original sound with much more warmness, soundstage and details.

From then on, I have bought the neccessary meters and tools for DIY. I was able to find 4 units of NOS 25uf TCC capacitors and this time, I have managed to change the capacitors myself.

Now the 12.1 is singing beautifully! I have recently found 3 more 0.25 uf TCC super metal packs capacitoirs and 7 more is on its way. I hope they could arrive soon as I would love to use the 1st May holiday to DIY both my set of 12.1...

The joy of listening to the music is nice and the DIY restoration process is also a nice way of relax and de-stress after a hard days work!

Pye HF S20 Mozart Pre amplifier

The Pys Mozart amplifier comes with its own pre amplifier.

The pre amplifier has a very attractive bronze mirror like front plate. It uses the 2 ECC83 tubes and is very small in size.

Set up is easy as it has two code which connect the pre-amplifier and the ppwer amplifier.

The next step is to DIY the woden boxes this week end!

Pye HF S20 Mozart EL34 single-ended amp

April 2006:

To find a suitable amplifier for my new RCA full range speakers, I have started the search once again.

I was told that the full range RCA speakers will be best driven by a 300B amplifier or a 2A3. Unforunatley, the vintage Western electric 300B amplifiers are expensive and the 2A3 amplifiers are hard to find.

Without much option, I have decided to try a single ended amplifier - the HF S20. It is a stereo version of the HF10M, using one power transformer to power both the left and right channels. The amplifier looks odd, as the EL34s are mounted horizontally rather than the normal vertical arrangement. This is the firts time I am using the single ended amplifiers as my previous amsp were push-pull.

The amplifier is in its original condition which needs a thorough cleaning... This will be my project for the night....

RCA full range speakers

March 2006:

I have recently bought a pair of 1950s RCA vintage full range speakers. The shape of the speakers has captured my attention as it has very nice curve.

The sound from the 6 inch full range speakers is limited but it is excellent for vocal repoduction. I was using my Leak 12.1 to push the speakers but I was told that smaller amp is much better for it.

So I have bought a Pilot 232 and the sound is excellent.

Does anybody has more history on the speakers as I could not find much information on the net?

Leak TL12.1 family re-union

End February/Early March 2006:
After much searching, my friend has finally helped to find my 4th Leak and now, the family of Leaks are finally united!

2 units are from the US (being 110v), one unit from UK (220) and the other is from Netherland (220v) : )

To make space for the 4th Leak, I will have to let go my Quad II set as the apartment is getting too crowded : (

However, I was very excited for being able to pair up two wonderful pair of 1950s Leak TL12.1. Now I have started a slow journey of restoring the Leak to its glorious days!

I have found a couple of NOS capacitors and resistors. Will wait for a good time to change them.

The search for Leak 220v continues

I have lost a couple of ebay bidding during the search of a 220v Leak TL12.1. However, my serach for its partner continues...slowly but surely..

I am looking forward to the day when I could pair up the lonely 220v Tl12.1.

: )

Romancing the Leak

I was searching for a pair of Leak TL12.1 for a period of time. After much searching, I was lucky to find one pair of Leak TL12.1 My leak was made for the US market with 110v. To use it in Asia, there is a need to use a step down transformer from 220v to 110v.

Thus, I have decided to search for a pair of Leak in 220 v for easy usage. So the hunt begins. I was able to find one unit of 220v in excellent condition. Now, the challenge now is to find another 220v unit to match it...

Getting another Leak is only phase one. Phase two is to ensure that the equipment is properly checked with faulty parts replaced. One of the main problem for Leak was its leaky TCC capacitors and resistors. Through Alan's help, I have managed to find 2 packs of TCC new old stocks capacitors vaccum seal in a pack that marks July 1971 (25 years ago).

Now, the capacitors are ready, the waiting process continues...and the hunt for its mate continues..

Upgrading Leak TL12.1

This morning, I went to Richard's place to upgrade my current vintage TCC capacitors to TCC supermetal pack. Even though the costs is much higher, the supermetal packs will ensure stronger reliability and longer lifespan. Even though Richard was busy with his dissertation and his other projects, I was glad that he has taken the time to find the capacitors; change the capacitors as well as give my Leak a "medical check up". The medical report on the health of my Leak TL12.1 was excellent! : ) Even though the weight of the amplifiers were so heavy, I did not feel the weight as the joy of bringing something nice home is simply sensational! I suddenly felt like I am 18 year old again! Bringing home a "toy" and waiting to play with it.

After streamlining my current collection, I am beginning to spend more time to refine my current sysem and focuses more on the reproduction of music and arrangement of my speakers position as well as listening environment, plus selection of CDs with nicer recording.

To better understand Leaks amplifiers, please visit: http://werple.net.au/~kiewavly/Leak.html

My Hi fi "Spring cleaning" experience

Recently, I did a thorough hifi "Spring cleaning" exercise before the arrival of my wife and son. Many of the fellow audiophiles in HKG may think that I was crazy and too quick in the changing of gears. Yes, I admit to a ceratin degree. The problem with Hifi equipment is that you will need to have a continuous listening period before you realize whether you like the system or not. This is, in my personal opinion, the main reason why so many of us keep changing our sets as our taste changes as well as the listening condition is different from that from the shop where we audition.
I have sold my LS3/5A as I have decided to keep one set (I have several in the past) for reference as I have decided to try out large speakers. I tried the Altec 604E but it was too "sharp, and metal" for my taste. Thus, the search for Tannoy has began. After searching for a long period of time with many sleeples nights, I finally found one Tannoy Chartsworth 12 inch gold monitor in original cabinet which sound beautifully.

"Unfortunatle", one week later, I was offered another vintage Tannoy...this time a Tannoy Canterbury in corner unit with red monitor. It was an offered I could not resist as one could not find such speakers in such good condition often. I was happy doing a AB comparison with the Chartsworth having more "energy yet relaxed while the Canterbury having a "more relxed feel and romantic mood". Knowing that space is my concern, I have decided to put the Chartsworth on R33 secondhand sales section "to try" to sell. In my mind, my plan was: if the speakers was not sold within 3 days, I will keep both set and send one set back to my Singapore home. I could therefore, tell my wife that I have "tried selling" but was not successful. Unfortunately, it was sold on the same day that I have advertised, which has reflected the strong brand image of vintage Tannoy and its strong demand in the market!

For the pre amp, I have used a pair of Fisher 80c monoblock pre amp for a while. When I was at my fellow audiophiles (should be master Sifu) John's house, I was immdiately captured by the sound from his Fisher CXII. This has prompted me to search for a Fisher 400 CX or 400CXII. Searching for the "Fish" was not an easy task as such Fish are so rare that one has to find it by chance. For those who do fishing will definitely understand what it mean to be fishing. I was at another friend's (another Master Sifu) Richard place to listen to his Fisher CX and the sound was fantastic. I was very tempted to take it straight away. However, his own invention 27M was even better which has prompted me to wait for his product to be launched later this year.

However, as mentioned in my previous blog, yesterday was a strange night where the Fish just swam quietly straight into my home.....

Fisher 400CX pre amplifier

This evening was a strange one. I was on my way home after work and the temperature was around 15 degree . Walking on the street alone could be a lonely experience especially during this cold night. After walking for a while, I have decided to take the MTR to MongKok where there are a huge crowds walking.

When I was in Mongkok, as I was walking, I suddenly walked towards the famous Tak Fak building where there are lots of hifi shop. I remebered there is a very good conditionFisher 400CX. Previously, when I asked the price, it was much higher than I had anticipated. Without having the intention to buy, I decided to stand there at a distance to watch the pre amplifier and hopefully, the shop keeper would by chance play it. The shop keeper "General Lee" was very friendly and kind and he has decided to take it out for audition as he was using the marantz 7 at that time. Wow, I was totally captured by its reproduction of music. i must have stood there for more than 30 minutes. When I was about to leave, I give the Fisher another look and the next minutes, I was examing the cabinet and the inner circuits. ...With very soft bargaining skill, I proposed to him my price and we came to a very friendly "Win Win" deal.
Carrying the heavy Fisher 400Cx home was a very unique experience as suddenly, all the loneliness in the cold night were gone. The Fisher 400CX has accompanied me home...

It is now playing & singing together with the Leak TL12.1 and the music is just so smooth, so refined and so romantic...how I wish today is Friday evening so that I could enjoy the music till 2am....

My hifi journey continues

Recently, I have conducted a "spring cleaning" with my hifi equipments by streamlining my collection. There are many great collectors of hifi in Hong Kong with one who specilaises with Leak and the other in Eico.

Looking at my current collection, I have decided to focus on KT66/6L6 power amplifiers namely Leak TL12.1, Quad II. As for pre amplifier, I will continue to stay with my Marantz 7 and I will search for a DIY pre amp using vintage NOS large tube.

For speakers, I will stay with my Rogers LS3/5a 15 ohms and my beloved Tannoy Canterbury. So, the next stage is refinement with focuses on getting the right music and enjoying the music from the system. In the end, all equipments are to serve one single purpose, i.e. reproduction of the music to our ears...Enjoy!

My Quad II

This is my second set of Quad II. I have sold off my first set as its conditions were nice but not up to my expectation.

After months of serching, Alan has finally helped me find one complete set with Quad 22 Preamp, FM radio, AM radio as well as the monoblocks power amplifiers. The sound from Quad II is very warm.

The serial numbers are very nice and considered lucky with nos ending with "22" & "33" (which in cantonese means 22 (Easy) & "33" (Growth).

Many audiophiles have condamned the Quad 22 pre amplifiers saying that it was rubbish and bad. Upon various audition, I strongly feel that the pre amp fits very well with the Quad II. If the sound wasnot right, it was most probably due to the fault in the set (bad capacitors, tubest etc) rather than bad design.

These Quad II were most likely produced the same time as I, during the 1960s. I am glad that these hifi equipments still produces beautiful sound. In a way, listening to vintage amplifiers help to protect the environment as we reduce wastge and recycle. It seems that in the past, hifi equipments were made to last for generation after generation. With modern technology, it seems that it could only last perhaps a few years...what happened? Aren't science and technology advancement supposed to make things better ?...Perhaps, with modern standard of efficiency and productivity...there is less "heart & soul" being used and nothing is made to last....

When using the Quad II, one has to be esxtra careful not to overload its transformer as it has the tendency to be overheated and burnt!