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Fidelity Research FR-1 Mk3 Cartridge + RS-141 Headshell

2 Comments / Turntables & Vinyl, Upgrades / / 12 December 2023

I’ve been ‘secretly’ acquiring some vinyl goodies including a mint Fidelity Research FR-1 Mk3 moving coil cartridge… I followed that up with a matching Fidelity Research RS-141 one-piece milled aluminium headshell. These wonderful pieces of Japanese analog engineering partner up with my Jelco SA-750D tonearm, Kenwood KD-600 direct-drive turntable and (of course) Fidelity Research XF-1 […]

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Pioneer PL-514 Turntable Service & Review

36 Comments / Service, Reviews, Turntables & Vinyl / / 7 January 2024

The Pioneer PL-514 belt-drive turntable is an absolute classic. Let’s find out why. The Pioneer PL-514 is a high-quality, great-sounding belt-drive deck from one of the big Japanese manufacturers. In terms of build and performance, like so much other Japanese gear, it puts many other belt-drive decks to shame. The motor alone is far better

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Another JVC QL-F4 Direct-Drive Turntable Repair

11 Comments / Turntables & Vinyl, Repair / / 21 February 2023

This is the second JVC QL-F4 direct-drive turntable with speed control issues I’ve repaired recently. Come with me as I resolve the problem. The JVC QL-F4 is a great direct-drive deck, perfect for someone stepping up from a belt-drive or lower-tier DD. They actually have stellar wow and flutter figures, really low for an affordable

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Yamaha MX-1 Statement Power Amplifier Repair

28 Comments / Repair, Amplifiers, Service / / 12 April 2024

I’ve just finished repairing an amazing Yamaha MX-1 power amplifier. Read on for more about this stunning, heavyweight amplifier. It’s fair to say that Yamaha, along with Sony, soldiered on with high-end consumer hi-fi gear for longer than many others and this beautiful Yamaha MX-1 power amplifier proves it. The Yamaha MX-1 was the best

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Quad 405/405-2 Power Amplifier Review

50 Comments / Reviews, Amplifiers / / 7 January 2024

In this second of my Quad 405 series, I review the legendary Quad 405-2. Find out why there is so much love for these amazing little amplifiers and why you should buy one. The Quad 405 and Quad 405-2 are incredible amplifiers, even now, some 40+ years after they were introduced to the world. This

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Quad 405-2 Power Amplifier Restoration

19 Comments / Restoration & Overhaul, Amplifiers, Service / / 26 February 2023

Come along as I overhaul and upgrade a beautiful British classic, the Quad 405-2 power amplifier. The Quad 405-2 is still revered, some 40 years after its release. These are truly special amplifiers, don’t let the understated English looks fool you. What almost all of them need however is work, so come along for this

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Kenwood KD-600 Turntable Service & Setup

2 Comments / Turntables & Vinyl, DIY, Service, Videos / / 21 February 2023

In this video, I explain some considerations when correctly setting up a turntable like the legendary Kenwood KD-600. This particular KD-600 came to me very poorly set-up. The deck’s owner received some very bad advice from, of all people, Ortofon! I’m a big fan of Ortofon cartridges, but clearly not everyone there knows what they

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