Sony 3120a Amplifier

Just Arrived is this rare and collectable Sony amplifier. This is the "a" model which offers a response of 180Khz compared to the 3120 which has a 100Khz response. It also boasted improved THD specs.

The cosmetic difference? There is no "safety" LED on the front next the power light on the "a" model. I have, as regular readers know, the Sony TA2000 preamplifier which is considered as pure as they came in 1967 and still today holds its own against many Solid State units. This 3120a was one that was paired with the TA2000. At 50wpc and a THD of less than 0.03% it literally jumps my vinyl out of the speakers. I recommend this setup for anyone collecting rare solid state. It is a pleasure to listen to it's pure Sony Vintage Sound.

Jeff Conrad Project LP

Here is a great addition to your collection. Mirage is Jeff Conrad's solo project after leaving the LA band Big City Rock. This out of print and very rare is an audiophile eclectic pressing that presents Moog Synth fusion and Jazz for a great listening experience. Top shelf rare recording that's a pleasure to listen to. If you can find a clean copy add it!

I advanced Masked LP - Andy Summers/Robert Fripp

Here is one to add to your vinyl collection. Released in 1982 by the Police and King Crimson guitarists this progressive all guitar intstrumental album is a spectacular blend of the two talents. Very impressive recording that is a pleasure to hear over and over. One of two collaborative LP's they did together. Andy Summers and Robert Fripp. Vintage Sound!

Magnaeplanar Mini Maggies

 Really? 3 way Ribbon speaker for your computer? Perhaps a vintage mini system would be a better fit with some true vintage output power...
No question that the innovation of the Maggies in the 70's set them at the top of this new speaker technology.

the original beasts

Mini Maggies

I don't know what to say...compressed digitized sound released to an innovative desktop ribbon tweeter technology. Isn't that like putting a Mercedes emblem on your Mazda??
I guess I will never really know as this analog reviewer won't be shelling $1300 a pair!

through the grill Ribbon

 If any of the readers has an experience with these please post your comments. I love the company's vintage gear and by all accounts these house the technology that set them apart though the 70's and 80's gear.

Mini Maggie System
Description	3-Way, True Ribbon/Planar-Magnetic
Freq. Resp.	40 - 40 kHz
Rec Power	Read
Sensitivity	86dB / 500Hz / 2.83v
Impedance	4 Ohm
Dimensions	14 H x 9.5 W x 1.25 D
Available in cherry, natural or black solid oak trim with off-white, grey or black fabric.

Steely Dan - Gaucho LP

My favorite pressing to spin is the original Japanese issue. Dead silent vinyl and great true to original mix. Truly an Audiophile Staple and excellent tracks for reviewing vintage audio gear!
Released in 1980.

Vintage Vinyl Saturday - Brenda Holloway

Here I showcase this rare original pressing of Brenda Holloway, Every Little Bit Hurts LP. Released by Tamla Records 257, the first of Berry Gordy Jr's record companies. The second being non other than Motown records, named of course after it's home of Detroit, the Motor City. Released in 1964 this highly collectible LP features Brenda's mature vocals beyond her years. It's surprising that this super talent didn't reach mega star status. 

Very cool Tamla label with the record and Globe.
Truly an incredibly well produced album with crisp detail and full vocals. An artist with great improvisational skills and a wonderful ability to weave through a song effortlessly.
If your starting a LP collection this is one not to miss!

Stars with their LP's

Record Collectors like myself are usually intrigued by other individuals collections and the equipment that they listen to them on. Here is an eclectic group of Vintage Sound lovers enjoying their own collections. Thanks for the tip C.

Monday Night Album

Playing Sniff'n' the Tears - Fickle Heart LP














 

Nakamichi BX-1 Deck

When it comes to analog signals I prefer to run vinyl over tape simply because of the superiority of turntable equipment that I have. Until... I set up this Nak deck and gave it a run through various music genres.

I was blown away at the dynamics of this simple two head system and really enjoyed the tapes that I have collecting dust. A great music lover friend walked in on a playing of the Aja album from Steely Dan and said "nice tunes". I told him it was a cassette and he was shocked. "you gotta be kidding" he said, "that's incredible quality". We had a nice discussion on the history of the Nakamichi's of yesterday and went through quite a few cassettes in the process. I have many 2 head decks that cost much more in their day then the BX-1 but this is truly a wonderful unit. The BX-1 is on the lower scale of decks they put out in 1982 but compared to some others this had to be a steal at an MSRP of $299.00
This particular deck is in fantastic shape and looks like it was rarely used or was treated as I would have.

Simonetta Transistor Vintage Radio

My passion for sharing is usually the late 60's through 80's components but I really enjoy acquiring interesting radios as well. I did a write-up on a nice vintage Sony radio back in August and had some great emails about it.

Just arrived is this great condition Simonetta built in 1969. These were German built with wave bands of broadcasts, short wave, long wave and also FM. The loudspeakers are moving coil and has an output of 0.9Watt. This unit is leather wrapped and has held up over time. The antenna configures quite differently as it stores horizontally and extends to a 3.5ft height. Crystal clear reception and great power. I need to locate another tuning knob but other than that it cleaned up to original condition beautifully.
Watch for another transistor gem coming in from Denmark...Yes a B&O!

Philips Full Range Loudspeakers

Hi Again Audio buffs, sorry for the lengthy absence! Sometimes our lives are just well...busy!
Here is a fine set of Holland made Philips 4 ways that I was quite happy to acquire.
An 8 inch passive and woofer bring the low end through and the Philips tweeters (which are quite respected from this era) have a very musical and precise tone to them. Keep in mind that they are 4 ohm impedance so I let loose the Pioneer A-70 on them.
I love the old cloth and in this shape they are hard to find. The curved sleek euro look set these apart.
I haven't come across a pair of these until now and really like the euro design and performance.

There is great attention to detail in the construction of these speakers. To be expected from the great Northern Europe manufacturers. Simply beautiful and rare.

The Royal Ballet LP's - Vinyl Collector's Treasure

I picked up not one but two Vintage box sets of these uber rare collections of Swan lake performances from the 60's. The sets have the most amazing books with them. The print quality is awesome and includes fly sheets with full song list and credits.
This is a magnificent (2 LP) album, that should be in every record collection. In effect, it is the "highlights" of all the most famous Romantic ballets in a leather bound spine with a canvass cover. Exceptional!!!
The sound is exceptional in every way, and particularly outstanding in outer detail and dynamic qualities. The sound is also BIG, and the instruments actually seem as large as they are in real life.
A rare, original pressing of this album sold on eBay last month for $1,000

I guess a phenomenal catch!!!