Q) Between the Symetrix 522 and a pair of 501s, which would be better for vocals, guitars, and bass guitar? Why such a wide price range for the 501s you have for sale? Can the 501s you have for sale be master-slaved for stereo?
A) These compressors are almost the same but the 501 will have more adjustment controls and range over the 522. Although sharing the same VCA, the 522 does not have as sophisticated RMS circuit (which looks at the incoming audio). The better audio detection circuit in the 501 (often call somewhat erroneously RMS detector) can allow a wider range of dynamics to be recognized and more carefully tracked or "voiced" to control the VCA, (voltage control amplifier, which affects compression of audio dynamics)....Read Full Article
Q) I am running an old solid state receiver an older turntable have been playing much more acoustic music in the last year. A friend who is a real high-end tube nut says if I want to hear vinyl played back well, I need to consider at least running a tube pre-amp. He had a couple of recommendations of pre's that he believes are well designed for turntables. As I found, there is a 'pre-amp in' input pair on the back of the receiver, so it can be done. But can it make much difference if the pre-amp sends its signal into the same old solid state receiver? I am included to spend that money on turntable maintenance and more music....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleQ) I have a real thing for the sound of vintage, tube stereos. I first had the experiece of hearing my favorite blue note and verve lps played on a friend's father's system. He's gone now, but I remember being blown away by the warm, lush sound. All I can remember is him saying that he revered the dynaco st-70 as the best thing going-- and one of the cheapest.
A) The vintage Dynaco tube amps were a great amp and certainly have their characteristics. They have a thick sound because of the under damped bass and velvety midrange sound due to audio transformer used as output to speakers. The use of output transformers creates inter-modulation distortion and phase shift which smears transients. When the amp is in proper running condition this effect can be pleasant though. However, most people own out of calibration versions with old tubes, bad capacitors, etc. They sound poor but many "audiophiles" don't realize the severe sound quality deterioration and the sound will be "fuzzy". The important thing to do is fix them up properly with fresh parts. These amps desperately need the fix up. Real working ones with good tubes......Read Full Article
Q) Would like to hear your best price on the American R331 microphone you have listed.
A) Actually, I don't have any left in stock now but had many previously here. Be aware now so many better, correct, lower noise, working ribbon microphones for less money now exist. I would not recommend the R331 now for quality of performance, although I do have some original boxes for vintage collectors who indeed pay a serious premium for a rare item. Truth is they were quite low in output and very susceptible to even 120VAC noise pickup. They look great but...Read Full Article
Q) What mods do you do to the Behringer EX1000 and Edison? What is the main differences between the ex1000 and ex1200? I used to own the ex1000 an am interested in getting one or the 1200. Thank you in advance for answering this.
A) I modify the EX1, to be honest I seldom see the EX1000 or 1200, but I must assume it's a similar machine with similar mod requirements. It's a good design except the LED and it's circuits which run them create RFI switch hash into the audio....Read Full Article
Q) Hello, I too have one of these DBX DX5's. I love it but did not know it had so much value. I see a lot of recording studios seem to have these. Why are they considered to be so valuable?
A) I try to answer all questions. Obviously our website info makes it clear I am a no nonsense kinda guy (to the best of my abilities) but have a passion for music, sound and what and how it is created and transmitted....Read Full Article
Q) Would opting for different tubes enhance the mods you make on the Behringer T1952 (Tube Compressor) and which tubes would you recommend?
A) Different tubes changing the sound? Yes and no. Yes a 12AT7 or AU7 would perform differently, but my research (after changing, modifying, listening, testing) shows that the circuit changes greatly over shadow any subtle changes by exchanging the tube and then recalibrating....Read Full Article
Q) I recently bought a vintage Scott 388-B receiver that plays very well except for the FM I can't get the multiplex board to light the stereo light. The voltages seem ok at the test points on the board. Can you help? Thanks.
A) The unit needs a real, complete service. Unfortunately, units of this age will require many capacitors throughout the unit to be replaced, this is a certainty, and with a proper tuner alignment may solve the problem....Read Full Article
Q) First: I like your web site and I like that it is important to you that you express yourself. When running my own video production biz, once upon a time, I had many of the same feelings about quality and customer relations, etc.. I wish I was the guy who could work with you. I recently puchased a used Odyssey Khatago ampifier. Got a very nice deal. This replaced an Adcom 535. My current Speakers are old (re-edged) Boston Acoustics A-100 series II, and my preamp is a Carver c-1. I am a vinyl fan. With the new amp I hear a wonderful new clarity and presence in my CDs, but I do not consistently hear quite the improvement from the records. So I am questioning the Carver's phono stage. Could the C-1 be the issue?...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleI have a love/hate relationship with these Nakamichi models. These units unfortunately suffer in performance with age and use. They use a sophisticated and complicated power supply and computer chip, but the audio circuitry is very basic, standard Japanese design used in many better quality designs like Adcom, Rotel, JVC, Denon, and Yamaha. Some people are under the impression that it's a special class A design or STASIS circuitry....Read Full Article
Read Full Article