My new Toy Marantz 8B Power Amplifier

I have tried listening for hours last night till some time 2 in the morning... I am listening this morning till now...The Amp is barely warm on the top of the transformer... meaning that they have over deigned the transformer, Transformers, Power, Output and Choke are the soul of the tube amplifier. As for the Mullard EL34 tubes, it does not matter caring the life. I will use it till I can find Telefunken or a NOS Mullard. As Mullard EL34 is smoother, Tele El34 is flat and wider in response...from the nature of the nations England and Germany. There is a clever facility to adjust the bias current through 4 trim pots and a Current meter. so that we can tune to the best we can for the working cross point of the output tubes.. This is important for best sonic reproduction. I will go to the market to find some good tubes.. See if I can find it. Yes.. I am using $0.2 a yards loudspeaker. Not damper for tubes and the Amp at all, it will be treated later stage... I am going to find the front tubes., 6CQ7 and 6BH6 from better makers. Oh ,there are a lot of thing to play.. The Bass is deeper and richer...than the WE300B... but the mid range is still lack of the magnetic voice of WE300B... Let me try to pull them closer... That is the fun of Hi Fi...the Fun of Tune-up! WE 300B is like Petrus 1989 whereas 8B is like Angelus 1989!

HK Snob

Marantz 8B

This is a new toy that I bought from Mr. Tsang from Tak Flat building yesterday, I am listenting to it whilst I am blogging...I am using Mullard EL34 X4 Tubes to drive my Harbeth HL-34 Loudspeaker. Sound is some What more even than WE300B, more power, balanced performance and is quite transparent. But of course the Vocal of WE300B is a magic. That is the only thing this Marantz is laking of. Well, preliminary test result is that it has a better punch than my WE300B.Marantz 8B is a compact, optimized cost with performance power amplifier. Opened th cover to reviel those Beautifully arrange manual soldering works of the American Manufacturing in the 60's.This is not just an amplifier, it is a piece of Art. if you buy 8B, pay higher for a perfect one as the price of it will apprecaite with days, 8B was selling USD$300 in 1966. Now my one I bought it from Mr. Tsang was HKD$30,000.00. The Four Mullard EL34 Tubes was HKD$6,000.00 I am seeking achance to buy some Telefunken EL34, That may cost HKD$10,000.00. HK Snob

Modified Vendetta Research SCP1 Pre-Pre-amp.

The White Tape is some kind of High Temperature heat sealant tape (it can stand up up Temp 300 Degrees C. Just to hold the heavy Golden Jensen Capacitors in Position. These two round metal can is the Dual FET that was the magic of this John Curl 's Golden Box. I have been modifying the Vendetta Research SCP1 Pre-Pre amp for optimized performance.
I had discussed with the Designer John Curl. I can changed for better performance by the followings:
1. Modify the Rectifier diode to fast recovery type
2. Add additional Power smoothing capacitor to 20,000 MFD.
3. Change a better S/N logic IC.
4. He asked me not to touch the Rel-cap 0.1 400V X4
I changed the Output Capacitor from Rel-Cap to Jensen Oil Cap 0.1MFD 400V.
That was about HKD$1,500 a piece.. the four capacitors cost me HKD$6,000.00.
Now the sound is more powerful, very quiet.. and It has been running more than 1 year already., some one told me that Jensen Capacitors is easily go for leakage as it can not be performing in stable condition when itis hot.. But I had not noticed any degradation of the four Gold Capacitors...
I put a few pieces of Ebony on top. It works like magic and the amplifier is even quieter than before.
HK Snob

Upgraded version of Audio Space 3.1 All Tubes Pre Amplifier

This is Audio Space 3.1 that I bought some 10 years ago. handled by Andy and Jason Leung. There is special Arrangement on the preamp Use The Tara Lab 6N copper strands for interconnection Use Black Gate Capacitors for power supply Multicap PPMFX 4.0 400V Coupler capacitors Servo driver control on the Main Amplifier stage, there are 4 transistors and some trim pot and resistance chain. Tubes Telefunken ECC803S X2 Telefunken 6211 X2 PriceBasic Amplifier cost HKD$9,000.00 Upgrade material cost HKD$7,000.00 (note that the Black Gate Capacitor is no more in production) NOS Black gate 100MFD+100MFD 400V is about HKD$1,800 min. a price!if you can find one! Today’s NOS Telefunken ECC803 with box sealed is about HKD$18,000.00 a pair. NOS 6211 is about HKD$7,000 a pair Performance Quiet, detail, rather high resolution, musical and warm…I rate it as 8/10 overall. I will not think of another upgrade as it may cost too much for a faction of audition difference I believe. I will stay relaxed enjoying the music rather for the coming years. Ps. All Hi Fi Audiophile lovers say like what I have just said when he has no money.... Once he got the money, he will feel itchy for consideraing a better amplifier...for Sure! HK Snob

Transfiguration Axia Cartridge

This is Axia from Transfiguration which has 85% performance of the Orpheus in terms of Musical, Warmness, Analytical power and clarity.
Friend of mine has tested it out with all three Sprit, Axia and Orpheus, he rates Of course Orpheus the best amongst all following with Axia and Sprit.
When budget does not allowed, go for an Axia!
Orpheus is selling RM15,000.00.
Axia is RM 4,500
Sprit is RM7,000


I am asking from this Famous Audiophile guru Da Meng about the the comparison with clearaudio Golden finger VC 2 Diamond now, Only he has the chance listenign to all these four Cartridges.

HK Snob

Transfiguration Orpheus Cartridge

This is a Yokeless design MC cartridge Tansfiguration Orpheus. Ths top of the class, valued HKD$32,000.00.
Well, we have to ask the new Cartridge owner Da Meng to give an Audtion report with the new precious cartidge on his Holfi Turntable, Amplifier and Loudspeaker. I have to wait with patient.

HK Snob

The Legendary John Curl masterpiece Blowtorch Line Amplifier

This Blowtorch line amplifier was designed and hand made by John Curl. The have the similar circuit designs of SCP2 Phono Amplifier. I can not read from the picture but it seems that the dual FET was made by sticking two P and N channel FET transistor back to back with Epoxy. That is what I guess only because I have not seen the actual amplifier myself. I have talked with John Curl that he has no stock on hand, his dealer has stock for sales .It is USD$10,000.00. The wires are all extremely expensive Silver single strand wire. A perfect layout, separate power supply. I am afraid that is the world quietest Phono Amplifier.
If you have a tight budget, try this Halo JC3

Parasound the Halo Series JC 3

John Curl - Parasound's chief amplifier circuit designer - has created several truly exceptional products. His Vendetta Research SCP2B is still considered among the very best phono preamps ever brought to market. His latest masterpiece - the Halo JC 3 - is a dual mono phono preamp built with ultra high quality parts and the typical built-like-a-tank Parasound construction.

Each channel on the JC 3 is housed in its own extruded aluminum enclosure, isolated from the power supply with 3/8-inch-thick low carbon mild steel partitions. Ya think they went the extra mile to ensure a black-as-night background?

As Parasound President Richard Schram told The Absolute Sound: "Curl's Vendetta was so good that it was almost magical, but each one was essentially hand made, and would probably cost over $8,000 to build today. Now, Parasound has a new design that draws from the same creative genius while offering amazingly high performance from each piece we produce."
How's about these for some impressive specs and features:
- Designed by legendary John Curl - renowned designer of Vendetta Research phono preamp.- Unbalanced inputs and outputs use Vampire RCA jacks; balanced outputs are Neutrix XLR jacks

- MM 47 k Ω, MC 100 Ω or 47 k Ω; (47 k Ω is also ideal for Statement Series Grado moving iron cartridges)

- S/N 83 dB MM; 73 dB MC

- RIAA accurate within 0.2 dB

- Audio path resistors are exclusively Vishay-Dale

- Triple shielding; low carbon mild steel partitions isolate the power supplies & AC wires

- Dual mono design; each channel is separately enclosed in its own extruded aluminum enclosure
- Separate high speed-soft recovery rectifiers, filter caps and voltage regulators for each channel
- Low emission R-core power transformer

- Mono can be selected to improve sound of mono or older recordings

- Built-in AC line conditioner to prevent AC noise from entering the set

- AC polarity reverse switch can reduce hum in many systems

- Non-magnetic aluminum rear panel for purest sound

- Turn On Options switch: manual or auto with 12v trigger input

Halo3 is selling on line at US$2,350.00!

HK Snob

The Best Turntable from UK?

This is Garrard 301, the best Turn Table using rubber idler as a machanical rotation transfer from the motor to the heavy platter. The one on top belongs to Andre Sim of Penang, and the one below will be likely be purchased by Friend of mine Alf in UK... I am still wondering if that is better than LP12.. I think we have to worth spending  one day or two to use the same Cartridge and make a comparison...
I hope that One day I can tell which design is better, Idler or Rubbter Belt!??

HK Snob

Sony Professional Walkman Three Musketeers WM-D6C, DD and DC2

While almost everyone is enjoying his fast food music through his Handphone connected to their iPod, iPhone or iPad or any MP3 Players. Wearing a high tech ear piece that claims to have a frequency response from 20 Hz to 18Khz +/-4 db.. I admit that the MP3 could product quite rather good music and it is true very convenient.
I am thinking that the best sound reproduction by hand held player is this Sony Three Musketeers...especiallt the WM-D6C. of CD 2.
The Sony Walkman WM-D6C and DC2 is basically similar, D6C can record and Play whilst DC 2 can go "Play" only. Both model provide the quartz servo capstan, speed control, Dolby NR with B-type and C-type control, tape selection on Normal, CrO2 and Metal...
The DC2 might be the best music player for outdoor application as it is smaller, but it is quite heavy with its size.
I am looking for a brand new Dc2...through eBay now.
The Panasonics Ear piece was a 2-ways design, produced in 1980, I bought it at Victory Electronics Shop at Mongkok, I still remember that was selling at HKD$600.00 that is about HKD$6,000 in today money!
The Sound is Superb, tight good deep bass, accurate Treble... and mellow Mid-range!
The best combination would be WM-D6C, Alkaline Battery cell, TDK MA-XG metal tape and the Panasonics 2-way Ear piece...Can beat most of the System available in the market now...
I have been recording the best of my LP including Teresa Tang through Koetsu Rosewood Signature II Cartridge, LP-12 Table and Ittok III Tone Arm. Vendetta SCP1 Pre-pre-amp, Anthem Pre-1P phono amp and Audio Space 3-1 Preamp onto this Professional Walkman WM-D6C.....
I am carrying it to work, I am sure that is a heavy weight Walkman but the sound is very nice.... Only listen would tell...
HK Snob

Hong Kong Hi Fi Show 2010

Annual Hi Fi Show was held in Hong Kong Convention Centre this year, there are a lot AV equipment companies to join in as to penetrate into the younger consumers. Of course there are some Hong Kong' best Hi End Audio Maker Like Audio Space to participate. The Lenmo culture has been launched into the Hi Fi Show, as we could see there are a lot of Camera man holding their SLF or Handset to aim at those sweeties young model. Here is some of them.

HK Snob