B&W DM2 mk2 pictures.

The new speakers are here.

  Coral CX-77s & B&W DM2 mk2s. Lots of fun awaits.
  The Corals are the ones that left much too quickly when I had them in the spring of 2009. I've heard a lot of speakers since then, and am excited to hear them again with better amplification and sources.
  The B&Ws are beautiful 3 way 8 inch systems with integral (bolt on) stands. I expected that they would be similar in size to the DM14s & DM1400s that I've had before. They're taller, deeper and heavier. They sound really inefficient compared to the Corals, but I've got the amplification to handle that. I'm going to enjoy getting to know them.

First post of the month.

Not good that it's 9 days in. Things have been really good musically, but fairly static, equipmentwise. The Marantz 1200 has taken it's place at the heart of my system, often driving the Mission Argonauts or Spendor BCIIs, when not driving something new (like a just refoamed pair of Sound Dynamics 500 Concert Monitors) or what I feel like (right now the upgraded Mission 710s). The Spendors sound beautiful, but are the epitome, to me, of what is meant by 'politeness' when talking about British speakers. So this week I'm saying goodbye to them, and welcoming some new speakers, a set I've never had or heard before, and one of the best I've ever heard here, that left far too soon the last time. That won't happen this time. Stay tuned, I'll have them soon.

The Marantz 1200 is back and fantastic.

I've never had an amp restored this thoroughly. It's dead quiet and sounds gorgeous. This is my amp for the foreseeable future.

Marantz 1200 transformer status update.

The new transformer is quiet! It's being installed and bench tested as I write, and will be back tomorrow!

Forgive me for addressing politics, but it's a really good day to live in Toronto. Rob Ford is not the mayor anymore.

Coming soon. Mission Cyrus Tuner!

Joe wasn't answering his phone today. The new transformer isn't in my Marantz 1200 yet. The SAE 3022 has been tiding me over nicely, but I can't wait to hear the Marantz as it was meant to sound.

My Marantz transformer has arrived in Toronto!

UPDATE: The transformer is on my table!

Marantz 1200 Update

  When I got the Marantz 1200, both channels played through headphones, but only one through speakers. I had it fixed (never mind by who), and started to listen. The overall gain of the unit seemed low, and the whole unit hummed like crazy until the relay clicked in, after which things seemed to be pretty good. Then I got the Technics SL-1401, and mounted the SAE cartridge on it. Anxious to listen with a lower ambient noise level in the room, I shut down my computer, achieving dead silence, and making a residual hum from the Marantz glaringly obvious.
  Enter Joe. He's the new owner of an old school repair shop that I'd visited and written off as not into vintage audio. Joe doesn't feel that way, and set upon the 1200 with enthusiasm. I've known repair guys who don't want to work on equipment until it's not making sound. Joe tested each component, replaced many (with correct parts)and had it sounding great, and the really clicked in right away. The transformer continued to hum.

  I did some research, and know that the transformer was assembled using shellac, that dries and cracks with age (and use, especially improper use, like when capacitors start to fail). This allows the metal plates to move. Tightening all the assembly bolts often solves the problem. It didn't in this case. The transformer is failing.I just bought an exact replacement on eBay, and can't wait to hear my beautiful Marantz in all it's glory.
  Apparently Bullock Magnetics, the manufacturer, is still in business in California, and I may be able to have the faulty transformer reconditioned.

Thursday Update.

  I haven't been idle, just busy with my work.
  When I indicated that the SAE  1000E high output moving coil phono cartridge was making me happy (it was), I didn't say that it needs about 40 hours of break in time. It sounded pretty good, with perhaps too much 'detail', but my vinyl deprived ears were ok with that at first. After a few hours they weren't ok at all, and I stopped listening for a few days. I let the next 20 hours of break-in happen unheard (playing a record with no amp), and as the 40 hours dwindle down, I'm very, very happy. All harshness is gone, leaving a beautifully balanced presentation that sounds a lot like music.

  Here's a link from the Vintage Knob.
  This is my third attempt to check out a vintage quadraphonic receiver, after the Marantz 4400 (Vladimir wasn't enthusiastic about trying to fix it), and more recently, the Harman Kardon 900+ (way too problematic and expensive to fix). I knew it powered up, but bought this beauty as is, and so far there's only weak sound in one channel. It's next for repair. I'll keep you posted.   It did clean up nicely, though.

My Current Bliss

This is really, really sweet.