Service articles are focussed on servicing hi-fi equipment to restore functionality. Articles may also contain repair elements, as they often go together.
I'm reluctant to use the word 'sexy' when it comes to hi-fi gear because it's weird. If I were to use it though, it would definitely apply to this baby Sony TA-4650 VFET amplifier! What can one say after working one of these stunning Sony TA-4650 VFET integrated amplifiers? I…
I get to work on some beautiful gear at Liquid Audio. A great example is this stunning Luxman SQ-202 integrated amplifier that I've just repaired and serviced. The Luxman SQ-202 integrated amplifier is a model dating right back to the early '70s. In fact, it was released 1970 and produced…
A very quick update to welcome in 2018, and to share this stunning piece of vintage hi-fi gear. I think we can all agree, it's pieces like this beautiful Philips RH 750 receiver, with its warm tones and smile-inducing vintage aura, that make classic 70's gear so desirable. The Philips…
Here's a closer look at a Denon DP-30L direct-drive turntable and a reminder of why turntables need expert attention. This particular Denon DP-30L direct-drive turntable came in having just been fitted with an Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge and new audio cable. You'd think she be good to go,…
I’ve just serviced a Quad 44 preamplifier. In this article, I'll show you what the Quad 44 looks like inside and explain some of its features. Along with a Quad 405 power amplifier, I recently serviced this Quad 44 preamplifier, both owned by the same customer. I'm told he purchased…
Readers will know how much I like the Quad 405 amplifier. In this article, I look at the Quad 405 amplifier service process and what's involved when a 405 visits Liquid Audio. Talk about great-sounding amps, this particular Quad 405 is completely original, with its original capacitors and connectors. The…
The Pioneer PL-514 belt-drive turntable is an absolute classic. There's really not much more to add, so come and 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,…
I recently restored a lovely Quad 405-2 power amplifier. Come along as I overhaul and upgrade this beautiful British classic. 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…
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…
I recently serviced this lovely Denon DP-30L direct-drive turntable and want to spread the word about this great deck. The Denon DP-30L is an excellent turntable with a good feature-set, quality motor, solid chassis and excellent speed control circuitry. The DP-30L weighs in at just under 10kg, much more than…