sound practices reading club /7

Kicking off our ‘big picture’ topic is Vinny Gallo, from sound practices issue 3: Forgetabout Amps! Colourful as usual, Vinny starts off by playing up his movie carrier and slagging off Joe Roberts, all in good jest. After that he gets to the point: amps are not that important in a hi-fi system, when you make a couple of sensible choices. Which means triodes, either single ended or push pull, vintage or build-it-yourself.

teaser quote: ‘Audio was the last thing on my mind. Sad because my usual neurotic obsession with Hi-FI helps me kill some of my spare time. Maybe I should get a friend? Anyway, why wasn’t I out with some chick celebrating? Why can’t I enjoy the whole thing instead of worrying over and over again how much Meryl Streep will hate me?’

my take

I will probably write this every episode for this ‘big picture’ topic: don’t take this article too literal (especially if you felt yourself somehow disagreeing with it). Although I do agree with the main message, there are also nuggets of gold between the lines.

There is insight into the crazy brand-fetishism (Marantz, Western Electric), originating in Japan, then back to the US again. Walt Bender has a cameo, see the article from our first episode for his pivotal role. There is the sane advice not to design or build around parts that collectors must have too (bonus tip: also stay away from what guitar amp nuts must have). It is the linearity of the design and the quality of the construction that counts for new old stock tubes/caps/iron/resistors, not the right name or number.

There is the magic match between low power triode amps and high efficiency speakers: it all starts with getting the right speakers.

It is aggravating to read that in 1993 real-deal 300Bs could be had for $275, but that is the internet for you. It connected ultra-fi nuts around the world, spread information; inspiration and the movement. You were no longer the only one you knew with this hobby. It made finding parts a breeze. But is also created a global market for a dwindling supply of good stuff, leading to universally high prices for hit items.

Defeating the purpose of the article, here are some schematics of the amps mentioned: Marantz model 2 and model 9. WE 43; 142A; 124A and 86A. Just checking those out would have been much harder in 1993.

Now go and read the article, see you next week.

ps: oh, check out Vinny’s vintage studio…