JLH 1969 amplifier - classic John Linsley - Hood rocking hard in 2024 (55 years now!)

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  • Опубліковано 14 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 92

  • @sginfdfw
    @sginfdfw Місяць тому +5

    I've been an avid follower of your channel and have thoroughly enjoyed your videos on high-value audio clones. Based on your recommendations, I've purchased the C245, D5Pro, and the newly reviewed Cary SLP-90-all of which have significantly enhanced my audio setup.
    Your recent review of the Class A amplifier got me thinking about the PASS ALEPH-5 clone, a 60W per channel Class A amplifier. I was wondering if you have any plans to review this clone? If so, I'd love to know when we might expect to see it featured on your channel.
    Your insights are always greatly appreciated. Keep up the fantastic work!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +2

      @@sginfdfw Thanks! I got one of the Alephs on my list, I think it was 5, but recently I've f the viewers warned be about Aleph 3. This is obviously a different amp but I will be careful, I'll do some research before getting one

    • @sginfdfw
      @sginfdfw Місяць тому +1

      @@k4syx I too have read on many threads that the ALEPH 3 was not good. I wish there was someway of accelerating the burn-in process. It takes sooo long

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@sginfdfw yes it takes ages, that's why I try to do fists look videos, because then it's like two weeks (at least) before the full review
      But it's worth it, definetely, as I've learned over the years. Better to do it once at the begging and leave it behind enjoying the music later

  • @RonaldHeal-j6f
    @RonaldHeal-j6f Місяць тому +5

    Another great review. Lucky you saved yourself answering a ton of comments by mentioning the A1 comparison😂

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      I kinda felt it coming :)

  • @AlanFenick
    @AlanFenick 24 дні тому

    Thanks! Keep up the good work! Really appreciate your reviews and it has helped with some decisions on purchases! I have not been let down.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  24 дні тому

      @@AlanFenick Thank you!

  • @Uraim
    @Uraim Місяць тому +2

    My pioneer SA7800 NSA amplifier became 45year old at March of 2024, Serviced and rebuilt after its birthday! :D

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@Uraim kudos for loving and caring for your equipment!

  • @thelowprofile9767
    @thelowprofile9767 Місяць тому +6

    Among those you have reviewed so far, which one is your favorite?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +3

      I hate that question! Why one? Why choose? :D
      I honestly cant tell you anything because I love all of them so far, for different reasons and for different music genres (sometimes) :D

  • @brandonburr4900
    @brandonburr4900 Місяць тому

    First thing I will say is this is a classic amp,offer design. It has gotten good praise over the years for good reason. I have some of the JLH 1969 kit board pairs you can get from eBay. I bought some out of curiosity along with a large heavy a.aluminum heat sink and a big linear power supply. I wired this up hooked up to some small Anthony Gallo due speakers I had laying arou d and was really surprised at the sound. It very much matches yoir description minus the bass as these need to be powered with a subwoofer. But they just disappeared and got better when using better dacs and source gear. And one day just out of curiosity I hooked them up to my large b&w matrix 802 seriws 3 floor speakers. I wasn't expecting much but I was again shocked how this little amp could power them! Like you said the bass wasn't about quantity but quality and these speakers showed that. I'm not in a huge room and was surprised how loud I could get them. Louder than I need or want in my setting. It's hard to make these big speakers in this room disappear and this little amp had me shaking my head. Makes me want to pull it back put and put it all into one convinient chassis. The sound has put many far more expensive receiver and other amps I have had to shame. And yes it runs hot for a class a design. One thing to keep in mind is those class a watts, though low, in some designs can sound more powerful than comparable class ab designs. I have a one of those gain clone amplifiers that were all the rage and controversial back in the day. While powerful they tend to sound lifeless and without soul. Not the case with JLH 1969 designs. Perh!ps gain clone would be better match with a tube preamp. I have lost sou t of how many times I have wanted to get out my amp kit but it has wires everywhere or just buy one of these 😀

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@brandonburr4900 from what I've learned so far it's not always about the output power. My Tuya power measurements usually show that to get deaf, 15W per channel is more than enough.
      It's more about the current delivery capabilities and damping factor, so 2x15w can be excellent, unless combined with very low sensitivity or/and very heavy load (like 2? Ohms) speakers
      Love your comment, thanks for sharing!

  • @MasterofPlay7
    @MasterofPlay7 Місяць тому +5

    I thought this was a push and pull design. I find it to be very fast and dynamic, the sound pressure is quite insane pairing with the klipsch rp600m ii, it's like tower speakers, given I swapped the power cable. The midrange sounds little bit lean and not as sweet compares to FM300a, but man that bass is something else

    • @yellow_noise3
      @yellow_noise3 Місяць тому +1

      no this is class A design. All sound can change with your adjustments. Go to original article from JL Hood and websites around this build and you will understand that adjusting power voltage and quiescent current you may have totally different sound! this amp especially changes the sound due to operational current.

    • @MasterofPlay7
      @MasterofPlay7 Місяць тому

      @@yellow_noise3 class a can have push pull too

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@MasterofPlay7 I wouldn't go as far as to call them lean, but not fm300a sweet level definitely

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@yellow_noise3 yes I've read that too! Makes you wanna experiment with pots and voltage meter!

    • @MasterofPlay7
      @MasterofPlay7 Місяць тому +1

      @@k4syx I'm surprised that with the price it holds up really well to something double the price like fm300a and in some aspects beat it

  • @helmut3356
    @helmut3356 Місяць тому +1

    I hope the transistors on the front panel don't get hot. The capacitors might not like that.
    Cat inspection 🙂

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@helmut3356 No they don't, cat said she measured it with my laser meter and to her (and mine) surprise it was just 35C on the cap side facing transistors. Perfectly safe!

  • @mddawson1
    @mddawson1 Місяць тому +8

    Avoid the unbranded 'Upgraded Version Hood1969 Gold Seal Power Tube Class A 18W *2 Finished Amplifier' sold by 'SENGTERBELLE HIFISOU STORE'. The dodgy version lacks the VU meters of the amp above and does not have a recess on the facia for a brand label like many others. I only got mine to sound OK by replacing several capacitors (wrong values and poor quality) and a couple of trim pots (wrong values) then correctly adjusting the mid-point voltage. It is a very disappointing amp.

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 Місяць тому

      Oh no .. I bought my jc2 clone from them .. the others were out .. I owned MFa1 before ..everybody said it is the best entry amp.. warm sound and etc.. but it was ok too .. well might be the speaker just Mission cheap cheap speakers .. just normal otc interconnection rca cable and speaker wire and Philips 850 mark 2 or a DVD player .. might not be able to full utilize the amp .... Lost $30 and sold it

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@richardlui8914 The Missions were bottle neck here. This shop is ok, the amp may be a dud, thats I always try to do as much reearch on any given device I can, before the order

  • @marcinwasilewski5414
    @marcinwasilewski5414 Місяць тому +2

    These Epcos caps are current production. I guess you like Burmester 933 more, right? As far as power concerned, I use 20W class A to wall shaking levels ;)

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +2

      Burmester got me by surprise, its raw. 1969 is delicate, smooth and airy, excellent for female vocals. You do not want these served raw, and you do not necessarily want to have your hard rock smooth and delicate :D

  • @Yakena1
    @Yakena1 Місяць тому

    I was looking at this on AE, and I came across your buyers review of the C-2860 Plus. Is this review coming?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      Yes it is! I have it lined up

  • @mddawson1
    @mddawson1 Місяць тому +7

    Do all your amplifiers get a "cat scan"?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      These one was apparently suspicious enough to get catray :D

    • @MasterofPlay7
      @MasterofPlay7 Місяць тому +2

      @@k4syx i think the cat likes it, it's cat approved :D

    • @karilindis
      @karilindis Місяць тому

      @@k4syx 😂

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@MasterofPlay7 looks like it:)
      That was the first one that got so much attention, she usually sniffs them during burn in but with little to no interest. This time she saw me doing something with it so she just HAD to check what's up:)

  • @liangsek8243
    @liangsek8243 Місяць тому

    it’s a pity there aren’t relay or speaker protection built in

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@liangsek8243 yes it's a very simple, uncomplicated and cheap (or rather value) build

  • @rvaillant
    @rvaillant Місяць тому

    What would be the best sounding aliexpress amps that you know about? Any links? Thanks.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@rvaillant check my other video reviews, I'd say that this stuff is my specialty by now :D

  • @galeazzosanvitale6202
    @galeazzosanvitale6202 Місяць тому

    think this might drive my SoundArtist LS3%A ? they are 15Ohms impedance and not exactly high sensitivity, but they are used in a desktop environment... and i love the sound of those BBC shoeboxes

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 Місяць тому +1

      Had a mf a1 before .. not enough to drive 3/5a or may not be able to full utilize 3/5a.

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 Місяць тому +1

      Ps MFA1000 worked well with 3/5a and audioquest midnight blue but beautiful midrange but prepare that bass and soundstage may not be the best ..anyway 3/5a is a challenge for the amps .. if I were you I would try the d5pro or some good tubes( may be a killer midrange that may be the reason a lot of tube amps demonstration using 3/5a before ..)

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 Місяць тому

      How much is your 3/5a.? Good sound ?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      With 15 Ohms I wouldnt gamble here :)

  • @eugenefudge3685
    @eugenefudge3685 Місяць тому +2

    What pre amp did you use with the hood amp

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@eugenefudge3685 none, pure DAC output to have it as simple as possible

  • @D1N02
    @D1N02 Місяць тому

    May be a good one for my small room. Now it has a Sansui 331.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      for reasonable listetning levels, with bookshelf speakers its perfectly fine

    • @D1N02
      @D1N02 Місяць тому +1

      @@k4syx The 331 is 12 watts and has no problem driving my bookshelves.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@D1N02 yes for efficient bookshelves this is probably excellent choice as this is so small it will be ok as real desktop amp

  • @scornflake
    @scornflake Місяць тому

    Did I understand you correctly that the capacitor temp nearest the power transistor was 55C? My hands are definitely not 55C.

    • @scornflake
      @scornflake Місяць тому

      nevermind, I see the intent was "35 C", below.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@scornflake yes - 35, which surprised me, I was syre it will be higher but apparently 1cm of air makes wonders

  • @Sammelwuetiger
    @Sammelwuetiger Місяць тому +7

    I own both the A1 and the A100. These are my impressions and thoughts on these two amplifiers.
    The A1 needs a lot of burn-in time. At first I never thought the A1 could keep up with the warm sound of the A100. But after 3-4 months and around 500 hours of running time for each amplifier, switching both between my two systems several times, the A1 has now made the race.
    There are a few things I don't like about the A100. Tom Waits' version of Waltzing Mathilda, for example. There are some frequencies in Tom Waits' voice that the A100 has trouble with, and which, when played through it, are painful for my ears. It also has problems reproducing sibilance on some quieter CDs. A Christy Moore CD in particular is practically inaudible on the A100 as a result.
    But only on the A100. The A1, on the other hand, can reproduce both CDs very well.
    Bass, midrange and treble are on point on both amps. I like the transparent, light and open music reproduction of both.
    The A1 again leads in one of my more important categories. Its large soundstage far exceeds its size, power and price, and here it beats the A100 in every way.
    I think I'll buy a second A1 for horizontal bi-amping. One for the low frequencies, the other for the rest.

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 Місяць тому +1

      @@Sammelwuetiger I think depends on the speakers ..may be your speakers are high sensitive ones .. in a system I like, sansui x0x0 series .. the 5050 is better among 8080 .. 6060, 5050..5050 with a lower power rating ..another reason may be the capacitors inside some amp are dry .. but the best one will stay at the audio rack right? Haha
      . Our ears are picky !

  • @majtextwriter1794
    @majtextwriter1794 Місяць тому +2

    Hi Zone Man. We have agreed about a tube amp on general and especially in some modes can sound as dopamine/narcotis boost in the system.
    So, regarding this I can not understad why this and some other transistor amps has a tube like sound?
    Why even to be compared to it in this case?
    Other even less powerful version of JLH1969 amp (which I have) has nothing to do at all with tube amp sound in general. Even if you put some more like neutral- cold, claer sounding tubes in it, such amp would never have a speed - macro and micro dynamisc as JLH amp has.
    But great how you described a shape of a sound stage. I could go along with such impression. But it depends on speakers and how much are they from a front wall, wall treatments and such...

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +3

      Hi! Some but not all pure tube amps will give us those dopamine shots. But thats not tube sound that every single tube amp will have, just the best. In this case I was talking about this smoothness and delicacy tubes usually provide, so tube like sound - but not to the Cayin level. But with better 3d here :)

    • @majtextwriter1794
      @majtextwriter1794 Місяць тому

      @@k4syx Ahaa... ok :)

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@majtextwriter1794 kinda hard to explain with words only (at least to me). I have this idea to get these maybe to some local diyaudio gathering for guys to listen to them. Just an idea at this stage!

    • @majtextwriter1794
      @majtextwriter1794 Місяць тому

      @@k4syx I know.
      Good idea.
      I also performed some blind A-B tests with some my audio friends or even by my self.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@majtextwriter1794 these are quite easy if you know your setup by heart and you've chosen tracks with specific passages that you've heard a thousand times.
      And I'm a cheater using electrostats, there's that too :D

  • @michaelbooth6007
    @michaelbooth6007 Місяць тому +1

    Yes, the JLH 1969 seems to run at a similar temp as my JLH Zero Zone mono's. The mono's are rated at 20w though. As you found sensitive speakers are needed with these JLH designs. My Dartzeel FM300 clones are a better match for my Cambridge Aeromax 6 floorstanders. Wonder which speakers you used for your review?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@michaelbooth6007 I think it's in the video description. This time I haven't even tried the electrostats, but the rest was the same as usual: Martin Logan Motion 35XTi and 15, Dali Ikon and Opticon

    • @EvenHarmonics
      @EvenHarmonics Місяць тому

      He has a) Dali ikon 1 mk2 and b) Dali Opticon 1 speakers both of which are 86db sensitivity, as well as c) Martin Logan Motion 15i and d) 35XTi speakers which are 92db sensitive. Now he can tell us most easily which ones were used and he can spend his time buying more stuff!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@EvenHarmonics yes thank you and both ikons and opticons have modified crossovers (better caps) and they are significantly clearer and more transparent than stock ones

    • @EvenHarmonics
      @EvenHarmonics Місяць тому +1

      @@k4syx hey, I also thought I saw you modified the crossover of your Ascents (which you didn’t use in this test as they need more power to sing). What did you modify there? Just Caps . (Maybe I saw a vid of your crossover but w no description). Thx ☺️

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@EvenHarmonics yes exactly :D
      Just the crossover, just the caps so far, I want to do resistors too but I need to find some that can be mounted using screws like stock ones. Haven't seen anything like that yet, but I wasn't looking to hard, delaying that to some lazy autumn or winter afternoon :)

  • @matytinman
    @matytinman Місяць тому +1

    Musical Fidelity A1 clone by WEILIANG AUDIO (Pure Class A) versus EMOTIVA UPA-500 (Class A/B)
    [Sound demo] Class A vs Class A/B | DOUK AUDIO One Little Bear Switch of acoustics and amplifiers
    ua-cam.com/video/rygf47_QLsM/v-deo.html

  • @eugenefudge3685
    @eugenefudge3685 Місяць тому +1

    How long do you burn in the amplifier before doing listening tests. And does it really make a difference.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      Two weeks usually, sometimes longer, if I dont have the time for the review I'll just leave the amp playing. Yes it does change things, especially during first half of first week. Some devices will change more, some less. As I try to review them in their best possible state (and check for reliability) I try to keep this 2 weeks time as bare minimum.

  • @AlanKelly-fe4yk
    @AlanKelly-fe4yk Місяць тому

    Fact Check: Normal body temperature is approximately 37° C. This is way less than the measured 55°C.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@AlanKelly-fe4yk Yes, that's correct. Here where I reside 36.6 is considered sweet spot, but 37 is perfectly fine too, and actually proper temp for children (they tend to run a bit hotter than grownups ;) )

    • @AlanKelly-fe4yk
      @AlanKelly-fe4yk Місяць тому

      @@k4syx What temperature does the reviewer state that he measures on the capacitor at 8:55 minutes? I heard it as 55­°C, am I mistaken?

    • @JošJedan-j2y
      @JošJedan-j2y Місяць тому

      ​It sounded a bit clumsy, but apparently he meant 35°C, because he goes on to explain that if he had held it in his hand, it would have been warmer.@@AlanKelly-fe4yk

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      @@AlanKelly-fe4yk nope it was 35C, I may not always speak with my best, clearest English when I'm a bit tired :D
      Sorry about that. :)

  • @onnonugteren2935
    @onnonugteren2935 Місяць тому

    haha haha. 🙂 How could you concentrate ? 🙂

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@onnonugteren2935 24/7 training!

  • @ConorHanley
    @ConorHanley Місяць тому +2

    Just the aesthetics, I'd prefer the chassis if it was all that lovely red and without the VU meters. I expect their not accurate anyway.

    • @xabieznetic
      @xabieznetic Місяць тому

      I know aesthetic are a subjective thing but VU meters are always nice to have! Cases look boring without them

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому +1

      Yes, these are nice for aesthetic purposes but I wouldnt even try to read anything there, just look at these fancy dancing needles :)

  • @raynerstuelgalid
    @raynerstuelgalid Місяць тому

    Ferrari red, nice!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@raynerstuelgalid yes I absolutely love the color and how it matches the gold front. I know, I know, I have cheap taste, I like shiny things and some bling :D

  • @wim1983
    @wim1983 Місяць тому

    Is it me or your voice seem louder at left channel some parts?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  Місяць тому

      @@wim1983 that's possible, I have stereo mics in my phone camera and I'm sitting behind tripod, but not always in the center. I'm moving around now and then. Good ears!

    • @wim1983
      @wim1983 Місяць тому

      @@k4syx I see

  • @tommusikauswahl1066
    @tommusikauswahl1066 Місяць тому

    To small, to weak. Maybe for a small kitchen-Radio it is sufficient. Or you have a birdcage.wideband-Speaker with a single 20w chassis in it.

    • @xabieznetic
      @xabieznetic Місяць тому +4

      I am surprised no one ever mentions Bi-Amping with these. You can enjoy the sweet class A sound on the mid-high range and put a powerful class D or AB amp for the bass.

    • @Trafo888
      @Trafo888 Місяць тому +4

      Dude, I'm using 2x5W tube amplifier i built myself with cheap floor standing speakers with only 86db sensitivity. Still plenty loud for home listening.