Princeton University Art Museum

There are moments when I just want to revel in silence and let my eyes feast on beautiful architecture and artwork. Fortunately, the Princeton University Art Museum is only a half hour's drive away. So here’s a slide show of photographs I took at the museum, set to the music of Brahms with yours truly playing the violin solo. 🎻 🎶

Audio-Technica AT30E + Fidelity Research MC-44 + Ortofon MC10 Super

Up until 2008, I used to drive over 20,000 miles a year in pursuit of freelance performing and adjunct teaching opportunities. In between rehearsals and studio classes, I'd hit the flea markets, record stores, and HiFi/Radio/Electronic establishments. That's how I acquired these NOS low-output MC phono cartridges.

Jensen G610Bs in Jake’s Music Room

Earlier this summer, Tish and I drove to New England to visit friends and relatives. One of the highlights of our trip was a sumptuous dinner hosted by Jake and his wife, Edie. Other guests included Angela, Andrea, and Charles - all music lovers. After dinner, we retreated to Jake’s music room to enjoy music and sample fine bourbon whiskey courtesy of Angela. The room was filled with over a thousand LPs. It was also the first time I ever heard Jensen G610B speakers and was quite impressed!👍

After I took pictures, I asked Jake if he was willing to provide a virtual tour for this blog on how his personally curated Hi-Fi setup evolved. Thankfully, he obliged!🙏

Eminence Delta Lite 2512 vs. Pioneer PW-302A

Old vs. New

Measuring Output Transformer Primary Z with the FNIRSI LC1020E LCR Meter

For years I had been measuring output transformer primary impedance using an arduous old-school procedure similar to Uncle Doug's and Skunkie Design Electronic's videos. Recently, this video from Mr. Carlson's Lab popped up in my YouTube feed - a significantly simpler process!

Denon DL103 + TEAC TC15 aka Fidelity Research FR1 MkII + Wooden Headshells

These two MC phono cartridges have gone through the skillful hands of Joseph Long, aka Groovetickler. Highlighting his fine craftsmanship in this blog is long overdue!

Mono Hi-Fi Update: 6AH4GT + Altec 15095A line stage

My plate-choke loaded/triode-connected 6C6 + paralleled 6SN7 K'follower line stage is a fine-sounding circuit. However, in the context of my mono hifi setup, it has too much gain. So I thought of combining the sonic virtues of the 6AH4GT triode and Altec 15095A transformer.

Western Electric 124-style PP 6V6 mono amp

!!!ADDENDUM!!!

Another Western Electric-inspired push-pull amplifier.😊

Altec 755C + Super Tweeters - Altec 3000H, Realistic 40-1375 and Peerless MT225

L > R: Peerless MT225, Altec 3000H and Realistic 40-1375

Although I prefer listening to my Altec 755As neat like a double shot of fine aged single malt, for certain well-recorded music, I hanker for richer harmonic overtones from the better spec'd Altec 755Cs.

Western Electric 131A/133A Inspired Amp - Mono

 

While I was relishing a pair of Altec 32C horns in the attic during the late aughts, unbeknownst to me, my stateside audio comrades, Dave V. and Joe Roberts, were praising the same horn's virtues in audio forums. When these veteran audio hobbyists consider the Western Electric 124 one of the finest-sounding amps they've ever heard, I listen. 

See Dave's (@Salectric) WE124 amp project and WECo 133A clone thread started by another 32 horn adherent (@gilmorneau) at Hifi Haven.

Stereo Sound Tube Kingdom - Finale!

 This sad news flew under my radar. 😔

Autumn 2025 = Final issue!

Bonsai SE Amps: 6BQ5 & 6V6 in Triode

It's been an unusually bitter cold winter. Typically, I could build a chassis or do simple woodworking in the garage but the frigid temperatures this season were prohibitive. So I postponed a stereo amp project and decided to revisit the 5687 and WE396A. These are tubes which have a loyal following but failed to excite me musically in the past.