Month: August 2020

Recording studios and broadcast post production require all sorts of sound shaping tools. Try and beat this one. Typically EQ’s are dogged with phase distortion and filter-to-filter bleed over, not this. However even the best studio outboard requires to go back into the workshop for a tube balance check up.

Two brothers (Kasuga) had been working at the Trio/Kenwood factory and splintered away in 1972 to form Kensonic later renamed Accuphase. They wanted to focus a business on the very best sound quality rather than mass production. Their debut models are highly sought after by audiophiles today. Keeping them maintained needs to be regular but is fairly straight forward as they kept their designs engineer friendly. The performance of even their first products surpass a lot of what is produced today.

Full name is Akai Denki Kabushiki Kaisha formed in 1946 by Masukichi Akai. It began with reel to reel recorders. An expensive format that attracted audiophiles. Often these units will come in for service requiring work to the brakes, timing on solenoids and tensioners. Heads are still available for some.

Art have kept recording producer interest for years by introducing new ideas into accessible, easy to uses systems. Also made easy for electronic engineers to service and maintain.

The audiophile world began reviewing their products in 1991. Audio Note were market changers, designing and building to specifications that were way beyond what was available. Not only do they make the end product, but also make their own custom components available. Ensuring their tube/valve amplifier is working as it should with anode and grid current checks, to make sure they balance. Often problems arise when third party tubes/valves are found to be installed, when AN’s original balanced pairs should be sought.

The A60 integrated amplifier set a new reference standard in it class in 1976/77 These amplifiers are sought after. The switch bank has a habit of showing its age. We have the original schematics and it’s a delight to restore both electronics and the wood surround to sound and look new.

Began as Cambridge Consultants they designed and produced a distinctive, sharp uncluttered look we wish was emulated today… I have their R50’s because the front grille is cat proof. The P series amplifiers tended to have thermal issues. New heat treating can save these amplifiers from revisits to the workshop and increase reliability.

The story behind Leo Fender needs no repeat here. There is a lot of aged Fender gear in need of help. Many studios put tube amps in storage which is not good for them, they stay fresh by being used. Refurbishing these is fairly easy to do but requires time and diligence.

Began by designer David Reeves the amplifiers embody that big, rich sound that 4 matched EL34s distinctively deliver.

The story behind Jim Marshall needs no repeat here. There is a lot of aged Marshall gear in need of help. Many studios put tube amps in storage which is not good for them, they stay fresh by being used. Refurbishing these is fairly easy to do but requires time and diligence.