Vintage Stereo

I know this is not vintage subject matter, but I just got this small amplifier from China for a about 30$ US, including shipping. I was wondering while I waited for it to arrive from China if such a small amplifier could handle my Large Advent speakers and what the big deal was about..  Je sais bien que nous ne sommes plus dans le « vintage » ici, mais j'ai reçu ce petit ampli de Chine pour un coût  dérisoire,  je devais partager mon enthousiasme .  Pourtant, je me suis demandé en attendant son arrivée de Chine comment il se comporterait face à mes enceintes Large Advents . Well, I was impressed, the sound is very, very good and there's plenty of power for my small apartment... plenty. Good separation and very nice solid sound. For the price what do you want... Well, you get a lot for the money in the sound department with this tiny amplifier. There are controls for Bass and Treble, most similar amps don't have these. I also got a...

I made a diagram for those of you who want to stack 4 "large" Advent speakers and create the "wall of sound". Any post can be used as negative or positive behind the speakers as long as they are all connected the same way

My current turntable: the Akai AP-100C Auto-return Turntable in black. Curved arm This is a belt-driven turntable. It is particular in that you have to move the "up-down" lever to the down position, position the arm over the vinyl, then press the "start-cut" knob to release the arm (the arm only comes down when that knob is turned). The turntable starts turning when the arm is hand-positioned over the record area. To end playback, just turn the "start-cut" knob again, the arm automatically returns home. There is also a lock mechanism for the arm. The cover comes off by pulling, the hinges release the plastic cover, simple. Original stylus and cartridge

Just got an Akai GX-4000D. This deck is small and well-made. It has 2 speeds 3 3/4 and 7 1/2, the speed is changed by installing a "speed sleeve" (see my post for more info). The motor is a little noisy and the tape, or reel(?), is rubbing.... Plays well but will need a little TLC to bring it up to specs. Overall, a nice deck.

The GX-4000D speed sleeve explained and illustrated!   Here are a few photos showing the infamous GX-4000D speed sleeve. This sleeve is actually 2 pieces, the sleeve itself and the screw that holds it in position. I had to clean it a little as it was difficult to pull out of its "resting post" inside the head cover. These parts allow you, when installed to change speeds on the GX from 3 3/4 to 7 1/2. Without these parts, the machine can only run on the slower speed setting. They are stored on a special post inside the head cover, when you want to change speeds it is taken off that post and installed on the guide post of the tape as shown in the photo. Photos: VINTAGE STEREO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED