As a younger person in this hobby, I really appreciate what Devon is doing in the “audiophile” world even if it’s not to everyone’s tastes. We need more people in this space with a unique point of view and a different approach to what is considered the norm in audiophile circles. The fact that so much of what he uses is vintage goes to show that old technology still has a place in today’s world even if everyone is chasing the next big thing.
Exactly! Love this comment. OJAS is an innovative take, inspired by tech of the past. He’s introduced many of us “youths” to things that were invented and used heavily prior to even our parents. Also, he’s inspired at least a few of us to do some DIY experimentation. It’s lots of fun to watch what he’s doing.
@@fakeklg OJAS? What is that? Now Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6 1/2" Bookshelf Speakers with AMT Tweeter, is a pair of $70 speakers specially custom engineered for the $220 Dayton Audio HTA-100 tube amplifier and it's the product of the century. It's one of these sets that will be a legend some day and should be bought for its future resale potential. People will freeze wrap these for 50 years from now.
@@keplermissionoh ok. Then, do the parts express thing that you just spewed out, I suppose. 🙄 No one is forcing you to like it or buy OJAS. Do you. Devon will do him.
@@fakeklg OJAS is a pen-name for Devon Turnbull and his parts express. We're not talkin' parts express, we're talking Chinese State-Of-The-Art custom-engineered know-how in matching amplifier to speaker, all the Back e.m.f. and you know motor power, inertia hurdle, D.F., voice, everything is covered, very opposite of parts express. Dayton Audio matched Hi-Fi Audio tube amplifier and speakers for $300. Look nowhere else, BUY a set NOW whilst stocks last!
Great video! As a Japanese man of more than 40 years fan of audio, I really enjoyed the contents you deliver. Just for your information, vintage audio shops are plenty in suburbs now. For example, Kichijoji Hard Off is the must visit shop. It is less than 1hour from Akihabara by the local train.
Yeah but you know ... been there, done that, doing it tomorrow. No.1 thing about Radio Shack and Sansui Super-Compo was custom-engineered speakers. So don't hook Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6 1/2" with anything but ... Dayton Audio HTA-100, they don't have the same Quality to compete so don't bore us by saying they sound like $50 speakers with your other amplifier. Now take my Realistic STA-2000 and Optimus X-100 ... wow, I mean wow! It's just so awesome that you listen and just fall asleep for hours. I know that vintage stuff from Leak and Tannoy and you can keep it.
Just saw some of their speakers at a dealer in Los Angeles, Common Wave Audio. Went there to see if DeVore's 096s would work in my small room (I think they're too big, so will be back to look at O Babys) and was pleased to see they had several of Devon's models on display too. They looked better in real life than on YT.
Thanks Steve for these interviews with DT. It has been both informative and nostalgic. I mention nostalgic because I had the good pleasure, several years ago, to visit Fi HiFi [at 30 Watt Street, lol] and meet both Don Garber and JC Morrison there. That was a terrific experience. I encourage Devon to pursue the English versions of both MJ and Stereo Sound articles; I for one, would be happy to see that. One day, as time and energy permit, I plan to see Devon at his new OJAS shop in NYC. I think, while probably twice his age, I could share a few fun reminiscences that would enhance his views on audio in the good old days. Keep up the fine work!
That page at the start of the video you know, 'Devon's Big Idea' reminds me of a You Tube cartoon named Pierre and Cottage Cheese. There are all these you know, fake big ideas that are tried out in vain and at the end of the cartoon, the real mastermind shows up and gets chased away.
It's great to keep this alive. Somethings are to expensive for me but you save up nd upgrade when you can. Even if it takes 20yrs to get what you really want. But that's what makes it enjoyable because while upgrading slowly you get to know nd experience many things audio. Also you can really define what you have affordable to you to kind of make it the best you can at your price. Alot of people think you need the best of everything for it to be an enjoyable experience which is not true. Even people with the money want to upgrade nd switch around components. And even if someone has a high end audio system it might not be the sound you like; Everyone's experience is different and you can find what best suits you with your price point.....All in all it's about fun, the experience of sound nd music. The enjoyment of talking audio with another, reading about audio and just to relax nd listen. Just with this video it makes me want to buy a tube Amp I might have to save but that's part of it....Enjoy your day and enjoy the universal sound of music
Great coverage! I wish there was a community of hifi amp builders in the US getting together somewhere near me. A meetup sharing and comparing builds would be awesome! Too bad the US base tube magazines died out. Flipping through MJ is a treat if you enjoy reading schematics and seeing what audiophiles on the other side of the world are up to.
Excellent 2 part video! Really brings back good memories of the New York Triode Mafia and TAS's Peter B who bought them to us tin ears and flat earth'ers in Philly back in the '90's. So awesome to see Devon carry the torch :) Thank you Devon and Steve
Thanks so much Steve for this. I will visit NY in March (after many years) and will definitely see Devon's place - I will try to hit Saturday, as recommended in your video. I will also visit Jeffrey's place (High Water Audio). You are most welcome to write some other HiFi places that I simply must see. All the best from Copenhagen
Hey Steve, I just finished watching Part 1 and couldn't resist contacting my cousin about the OJAS store. It struck me as a modern-day echo of Fi on Watt St. I've recommended he check it out this Saturday. In Part 2, your conversation with Devon about Fi really brought back memories. Fi wasn't just a store; it felt more like an art gallery. Remember the storefront window? It showcased that stunning amplifier with its copper chassis and the parallel 2A3s, all built around the Tango U-808 transformer. Speaking of memories, I had the chance to chat with Don Garber and Nori Komura back then. The store was a treasure trove of handcrafted amps and speakers, especially those from JC Morrison. By the way, I think it would be fantastic if you could arrange an interview with Joe Roberts of Sound Practice fame. In my view, he was the catalyst for the Triode Movement here in the U.S. On a side note, do you recall the Sound Practice ads featuring Eddy Electric? That company was a gem, importing Tango Transformers from Japan at very reasonable prices. I remember buying schematics from them. What was incredible was when the owner, I believe you know him as Herb, called me personally. We had an extensive talk about transformers and tubes. It's my understanding that he's the one who built that 2A3 amp using the U-808 showcased in Fi. Keep up the good work Steve !
I went to Akhihabra in 1996-2000 and it was full of small shops with many high end components : tubes , capacitors , transformers , connectors , cables , loudspeakers ( Fostex , JBL , etc.. ) horns , TAD loudspeakers and prices were very good . In 2018 i went back and visisted Akhihabara and it has changed a lot - not the same with less shops related to HiFI . sad
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Anybody remember Sydney Greenstreet from the movie Casablanca? How about Peter Lorre and Vincent Price in the wine tasting scene? I liked that wine-tasting scene, worth seeing on You Tube.
Steve: I think Devon might give you a run for your money, fashion wise. 😂 Both of you lovely nerds have a serious fashion sense! (And a good ear for audio as well)
Loved every vid of you’ve done with Devon, a big inspiration! Although I might correct that the DC series in MJ has been run by Prof. Akihiko Kaneta (“Kaneda”) and Kinoshita runs Rey Audio.
Thanks for this, Steve.. Does Devon use his own Crossover components for the Artbook Shelf 8” JBL Coaxials? Or does he use the stock ones JBL provides? Does Devon also have the Loading Caps removed that usually come stock with the Altec/GPA compression drivers (like the lower tier 902) that OEM for him? Thank you..
We build our own crossovers for everything except the Artbook Shelf. For cost / value reasons we use the JBL crossover on the Artbook Shelf, but we’re considering offering an upgrade crossover in the near future.
I used to get both MJ | Stereo Sounds during the early 90s, from Tower Records in Ann Arbor, Michigan | being that I was stationed in Japan between 1976-1984 got to learn enough Japanese to read them. Those were the days of becoming awakened.
Hey Devon, saw you said you were keeping an eye on the comments so I’m giving it a try : What do you see in the future of vintage audio repair ? I am 24 and have been repairing things for several years but just started professionally last year. The co-op I have is closing for unrelated reasons, but we have lots of clients and business . I’m going to be attempting to take on the clientele as freelance. I love the work but have my reasons to be nervous. Id love any recommendations. There doesn’t seem to be many vintage audio repair techs out there I appreciate what your doing for audio and music , and your dreams of accessibility. Is it possible that the next generation of audiophiles is exclusively DIY? That’s how I see it. Also, how do you feel about the klipsch heresy speaker ? Just curious
Well ... Miguel you know had one of these uh ... Alibaba, Taobao or Newbecca advertised amplifiers that uses a 'look-a-like' WE 211 tube, you know smaller than Devon's 212, and featured on one of Steve's videos some 4 years ago. (Wow ... is it that long ago?) He never played it but hey it looked the part and all the viewers thought he was a member of what Trump called 'the elite'. We get fake Ferrari and fake Audio Note Ongaku and you know ... they look just as good as the real thing. But ...
you should try to contact Jean Hiraga a french japanese personn ( living in France ) who use to run the magazine L Audiophile in France and who is having a extremy strong knowledge about Jpanse Hi FI : Tube amplifier , kaneda amplifiers , etc..
That shelving system reminds of the Dexion Speedfame modular system I used in the 80-90s to build turntable and amp tables. Parts were available in black or Matt silver 19mm or 25mm square steel tubing with various lug connectors. Wish they were still available and in the US. I bought my parts near Wembley stadium UK from a classmate from Mountview high school, Harrow...Hello Nutan N! 😊 Very interesting looking (fetish) equipment and culture guys. I'll have to check out the number one installment to see if you mention sound quality or music....
As a young person , and the same would apply for someone on a low income, being an audiophile is not really something that is possible. We can afford SOME clone type gear, but apart from that it is really only for fairly wealthy people. Having lots of knowledge about electronics will help but looking at Devon's stuff is just window shopping for us.
I disagree, it isn't the gear that defines someone as an audiophile, it's their approach to listening to music. It's not background, music is the focus. And the appreciation of the sound of a recording, which can be done on pretty much anything. A set of $50 headphones will do nicely. Years ago I put together less than $100 system for my CNET Audiophiliac blog. A very listenable system. I am 100% serious about this.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Well the DAYTON AUDIO HTA 100 has got the silky sound of certain Chinese Car Audio systems of yore. The Lanzar 6x9 are an obvious DIY choice but it's an amazing amplifier. Best speakers are Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6 1/2" Bookshelf Speakers with AMT Tweeter, wow an Air Motion Transformer speaker and there is just one You Tube demo now.
This guy is really great for our hobby. Yet there’s so many haters that can’t deal for some reason. I realize it’s just their own personal issue, and all. But isn’t this exactly what we need in our hobby guys? Young people. People moving things forward, or at least in different directions? I’m sure he’s not everyone’s style of audiophile. But I for one, see differences as a positive. Of course, I’m not insecure, and in need of therapy. Nor is my mind closed like so many other people. So maybe that’s why. 😉 ✌️
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you Steve. I love your interviews, and this was one of the best IMO. He’s chock full of unique audio information. And you’re such a great interviewer. Much appreciated. 👍✌️
Well ... I just looked up Dayton Audio on an internet place and crikey if there aren't just loads of their products for not many dollars. Back in the late 1970s AMSTRAD was a United Kingdom maker of similar stuff but China is up there with modern day equivalents. Imagine using tubes in the controller stage just like a Luxman LV-105 but for only $220! For DIY the Lanzar 6 x 9 VX693 does down to 41Hz and is 4-ohm nominal but the Dayton stuff will sound good enough for most using the HTA-100B.
Fantastic! Amazing stereo stuff, but in all fairness it should be revealed that USM Haller tubular furniture is more expensive than original Louis XVX Versailles furniture. And the sound of these stereo systems are deeply vintage, it has nothing to do with contemporary music reproduction but rather a mirror of the beautiful and romantic past, extremely expensive exquisite nostalgia, for super rich old men that miss their youth.
Yes, and if you’re not 80, just listen for yourself, i went to two shows of his and was really disappointed at the slow ilky and saggy sound, it’s old school cooking, some people love that, it’s called mama cooking with 2lbs of butter in every dish, the Americans call it comfort food, lets call it comfort sound@@razisn
Well uh ... Devon shouldn't have touched the vacuum tube glass envelope with his bare fingers, especially not on a very hot 'Class A output tube'. That action says Devon is no seasoned tube amplifier user from the classic camp he'd probably like us to see him as belonging to but we should see an entrepreneur and you know Steve doesn't do negative reviews, so we have to leave it there.
@@generalcurtis3lemay180 That's a myth. Vacuum tubes are not like high pressure halogen light bulbs, and there is no problem with handling them with bare hands.
@@gotham61 Well you know ... a 'Class A' power tube? Wow it gets hot, we smell the dust burning on the surface and if we touched it, the envelope heats unevenly and causes the filament in the heater to fail, as running the tube too hot. Now running a vacuum tube too hot is an interesting story, as the American Crown amplifier used to run EL37, they were some of the hottest power tubes of all time and gotham61 never even heard of them. Teaching his granny how to suck eggs, that's what he's doing.
I fell in love with the sound of a custom made tube preamplifier but I'm having trouble finding more information about tubes. What are the reference guides in tube preamplification?
The reference guides are either the Luxman LV-105 or Dayton Audio HTA-100 and they both use tube 'preamplification' but have the other stages all sorted out to sound best. Dayton Audio also make some custom made speakers for the HTA-100 but Luxman use the Zachry EM-6 (and you know, you HAVE TO use that, it's about getting the right speaker tone for the amplifier output stage).
You know ... the internet is FULL of tube data-book stuff. You're making one of those comments that Steve gets. I mean a tube 'preamplifier' it's just a gain stage and you should quote the Tube Line Up and what kind of power supply it runs. I suspect it is just one of these 'see my comment' things.
@keplermission The internet is full of everything. This isn't the first place I've asked and yet no one seems to have an answer. In our FB audiophile groups, when new members ask where they can read up on the hobby, I usually recommend the McGowan, Harley and Toole guides, in that order since they're progressively more complex in technical terms. Do you have an actual book or publication you can suggest to me or are you here to make snippy comments about how as a laymen in tubes, I didn't mark down the tube or power supply types that one time I had a tube preamp on loan. I now own an Auris Euterpe, but I'm still not that knowledgeable about tubes. So let's dial down the commenting about my comment and let's actually share sources on tubes. Thanks.
Weird question- has there ever been a phono cartridge with a down facing laser pointer activated by the tone arm lever so that you can easily cue and play a track?
The concept of designing a turntable specifically around a tonearm is not far fetched. I'm doing exactly this around a Roksan Nima tonearm as well as a Pro-ject Acryl-it platter and bearing assy :)
I know what black gate Rubycon caps, clone WE300B's, clone WE274b rectifiers can do together! The word is the TA-300B Takatsuki is the best 300B triode you can buy, better than Western Electric 300B new old stocks. I couldn't imagine my hifi journey without the Sony, Onkyo, JVC, products of yesteryear. I felt sad when Onkyo filed for bankruptcy in 2022. Anyway Japan has lots of hifi cult classics, two that I like are the Mitsubishi Diatone P-610 speakers and the Sony Playstation1, if I had to describe the spiritual essence of Japanese hifi in two words in would be the word romance and the word jazz. P.S. if I could afford to hoard 300B & 274b triodes today it would be the Takatsuki's I would stockpile in a nuclear bunker
Well ... Carver MXR-150 had Rubycon caps and so did old Sanyo of the 1970s. Wow ... no the Sanyo JA-220 was a seriously Hi-Fi product for a LOW price but today ... after I told everybody on Steve's video? Well we won't be buying a JA-220 but we might still get a cheap JA-240, it has a Sanken output, so more of a Sansui sound there than the Toshiba one of Carver MXR.
My 2 cents: I like what you're doing. You're seeking out passionate Hi-Fi companies in your country. It also happens that the founders of Schiit, OJAS, Tekton, Wilson, Zu, DeVore and so on... are pretty comfortable with the camera and charismatic. I say this because there are many small boutique manufacturers from Poland, the UK and France with innovative and exciting products. But they're not very charismatic. Closer Acoustics should be on everyone's radar. They specialize in open baffle subwoofers, tube electronics and single driver speakers. The little OGY speakers over perform. But it's just a shame that Closer Acoustics aren't as comfortable with interviews as DeVore Fidelity. English isn't their first language and it shows.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I own the OGY speakers since late 2021. I have to say that I am still blown away to this day. It's the most transparent speaker for the money. I recently auditioned the KEF LS50 Wireless II and KEF LS60 and the OGY just sounded more clear and lifelike. However, the OGY doesn't have the deepest bass. So I use a sub.
Devon really needs to ‘come to Jesus’ and decide what he wants to do/be. If he wants to sell audio components, he should setup a proper store. Most of what he is showing you IS NOT AVAILABLE to buy. He occasionally does (very small) drops of one speaker model, and that’s it. If he wants to design for himself (and his friends), that’s obviously his call; but then do not market yourself as an audio company!
@@razisn oh wow, you can form an opinion. Wrong, but Interesting. It’s more of an accusation, but you’re getting closer to that goal of having something to contribute, I suppose. It’s cute you’re trying though. One day, you’ll realize your existence is negative, boring, and counterproductive. Keep trying and one day you’ll dig yourself out of your little negativity grave you seem to be stuck in and find something more positive to do than be the first sad-ass comment on Steve’s videos. Best of luck.
As a younger person in this hobby, I really appreciate what Devon is doing in the “audiophile” world even if it’s not to everyone’s tastes. We need more people in this space with a unique point of view and a different approach to what is considered the norm in audiophile circles. The fact that so much of what he uses is vintage goes to show that old technology still has a place in today’s world even if everyone is chasing the next big thing.
Exactly! Love this comment.
OJAS is an innovative take, inspired by tech of the past. He’s introduced many of us “youths” to things that were invented and used heavily prior to even our parents. Also, he’s inspired at least a few of us to do some DIY experimentation. It’s lots of fun to watch what he’s doing.
@@fakeklg OJAS? What is that? Now Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6 1/2" Bookshelf Speakers with AMT Tweeter, is a pair of $70 speakers specially custom engineered for the $220 Dayton Audio HTA-100 tube amplifier and it's the product of the century. It's one of these sets that will be a legend some day and should be bought for its future resale potential. People will freeze wrap these for 50 years from now.
@@keplermissionoh ok. Then, do the parts express thing that you just spewed out, I suppose. 🙄
No one is forcing you to like it or buy OJAS. Do you. Devon will do him.
@@fakeklg OJAS is a pen-name for Devon Turnbull and his parts express. We're not talkin' parts express, we're talking Chinese State-Of-The-Art custom-engineered know-how in matching amplifier to speaker, all the Back e.m.f. and you know motor power, inertia hurdle, D.F., voice, everything is covered, very opposite of parts express. Dayton Audio matched Hi-Fi Audio tube amplifier and speakers for $300. Look nowhere else, BUY a set NOW whilst stocks last!
@@keplermission oh ok, uh huh, sure sure, oh you betcha, yep yep, sounds good. 🙄
Great video! As a Japanese man of more than 40 years fan of audio, I really enjoyed the contents you deliver. Just for your information, vintage audio shops are plenty in suburbs now. For example, Kichijoji Hard Off is the must visit shop. It is less than 1hour from Akihabara by the local train.
interesting!
Yeah but you know ... been there, done that, doing it tomorrow. No.1 thing about Radio Shack and Sansui Super-Compo was custom-engineered speakers. So don't hook Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6 1/2" with anything but ... Dayton Audio HTA-100, they don't have the same Quality to compete so don't bore us by saying they sound like $50 speakers with your other amplifier. Now take my Realistic STA-2000 and Optimus X-100 ... wow, I mean wow! It's just so awesome that you listen and just fall asleep for hours. I know that vintage stuff from Leak and Tannoy and you can keep it.
@@keplermission I hope I get to sit next to you at the next party
@@keplermission can you get realistic and just go away
Steve and Devon Thank you for posting.
Just saw some of their speakers at a dealer in Los Angeles, Common Wave Audio. Went there to see if DeVore's 096s would work in my small room (I think they're too big, so will be back to look at O Babys) and was pleased to see they had several of Devon's models on display too. They looked better in real life than on YT.
"A one-on-one human connection with their customers." Couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks, Steve!
What Devon is doing is quite inspiring.
It's like going back in time...just for the passion of it,for the love of analog sound !...
It's so cool that Devon is keeping this kind of equipment alive and showing it to a new generation. Bravo!
Thanks Steve for these interviews with DT. It has been both informative and nostalgic. I mention nostalgic because I had the good pleasure, several years ago, to visit Fi HiFi [at 30 Watt Street, lol] and meet both Don Garber and JC Morrison there. That was a terrific experience. I encourage Devon to pursue the English versions of both MJ and Stereo Sound articles; I for one, would be happy to see that. One day, as time and energy permit, I plan to see Devon at his new OJAS shop in NYC. I think, while probably twice his age, I could share a few fun reminiscences that would enhance his views on audio in the good old days. Keep up the fine work!
That page at the start of the video you know, 'Devon's Big Idea' reminds me of a You Tube cartoon named Pierre and Cottage Cheese. There are all these you know, fake big ideas that are tried out in vain and at the end of the cartoon, the real mastermind shows up and gets chased away.
I'm in N.J….i just made plans with my buddy in Hoboken for a February Sat…to head on in to Greene Street… Thanks so much for this, Steve and Devon!
What an awesome piece! Will most definitely check this joint out when I can! Great stuff!
Great insight in the development of tube & vintage audio. Plenty of ideas and options to consider in the never ending exploration of sound. Thanks!
Thanks Steve! Fascinating interview! Refreshing…Truly. 👍🏼😀
A wonderful and uplifting two part interview with Devon. So great to have people like you, Devon, Herb et al here in NYC.
Very inspiring, thanks Steve & Devon. I'm going to have to get my hands on a few back issues of Stereo Sound now...
It's great to keep this alive. Somethings are to expensive for me but you save up nd upgrade when you can. Even if it takes 20yrs to get what you really want. But that's what makes it enjoyable because while upgrading slowly you get to know nd experience many things audio. Also you can really define what you have affordable to you to kind of make it the best you can at your price. Alot of people think you need the best of everything for it to be an enjoyable experience which is not true. Even people with the money want to upgrade nd switch around components. And even if someone has a high end audio system it might not be the sound you like; Everyone's experience is different and you can find what best suits you with your price point.....All in all it's about fun, the experience of sound nd music. The enjoyment of talking audio with another, reading about audio and just to relax nd listen. Just with this video it makes me want to buy a tube Amp I might have to save but that's part of it....Enjoy your day and enjoy the universal sound of music
I'm really appreciating Devon and his perspective and taste.
Japan is a fascinating country on so many aspects. Love Devon's enthusiasm.
Great coverage! I wish there was a community of hifi amp builders in the US getting together somewhere near me. A meetup sharing and comparing builds would be awesome! Too bad the US base tube magazines died out. Flipping through MJ is a treat if you enjoy reading schematics and seeing what audiophiles on the other side of the world are up to.
The Japanese audio culture Devon discussed is fascinating. Adds context to his work. Thanks for this.
Excellent 2 part video! Really brings back good memories of the New York Triode Mafia and TAS's Peter B who bought them to us tin ears and flat earth'ers in Philly back in the '90's. So awesome to see Devon carry the torch :) Thank you Devon and Steve
I’ve honestly enjoyed this!!
Thanks for watching!
The Audiphiliac Audio Archeology episode.
Thanks so much Steve for this.
I will visit NY in March (after many years) and will definitely see Devon's place - I will try to hit Saturday, as recommended in your video.
I will also visit Jeffrey's place (High Water Audio).
You are most welcome to write some other HiFi places that I simply must see.
All the best from Copenhagen
Hey Steve,
I just finished watching Part 1 and couldn't resist contacting my cousin about the OJAS store. It struck me as a modern-day echo of Fi on Watt St. I've recommended he check it out this Saturday.
In Part 2, your conversation with Devon about Fi really brought back memories. Fi wasn't just a store; it felt more like an art gallery. Remember the storefront window? It showcased that stunning amplifier with its copper chassis and the parallel 2A3s, all built around the Tango U-808 transformer.
Speaking of memories, I had the chance to chat with Don Garber and Nori Komura back then. The store was a treasure trove of handcrafted amps and speakers, especially those from JC Morrison.
By the way, I think it would be fantastic if you could arrange an interview with Joe Roberts of Sound Practice fame. In my view, he was the catalyst for the Triode Movement here in the U.S.
On a side note, do you recall the Sound Practice ads featuring Eddy Electric? That company was a gem, importing Tango Transformers from Japan at very reasonable prices. I remember buying schematics from them. What was incredible was when the owner, I believe you know him as Herb, called me personally. We had an extensive talk about transformers and tubes. It's my understanding that he's the one who built that 2A3 amp using the U-808 showcased in Fi.
Keep up the good work Steve !
I would love a pair of them prototype speakers, shown in pt1 Hope they manage to get them to market
Enjoying Devon’s playlist on Spotify right now! Great taste in music, I think:)
I went to Akhihabra in 1996-2000 and it was full of small shops with many high end components : tubes , capacitors , transformers , connectors , cables , loudspeakers ( Fostex , JBL , etc.. ) horns , TAD loudspeakers and prices were very good . In 2018 i went back and visisted Akhihabara and it has changed a lot - not the same with less shops related to HiFI . sad
Yes, unfortunately almost all of it is gone now. If you want to relive that feeling, you have to go shopping in Seoul now.
@@devonojas hello Devon which adress is located your store in SoHo ?
28 Greene Street
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Anybody remember Sydney Greenstreet from the movie Casablanca? How about Peter Lorre and Vincent Price in the wine tasting scene? I liked that wine-tasting scene, worth seeing on You Tube.
Cool, man! Bought the 100yrs of loudspeaker history books!
Steve: I think Devon might give you a run for your money, fashion wise. 😂
Both of you lovely nerds have a serious fashion sense!
(And a good ear for audio as well)
Loved every vid of you’ve done with Devon, a big inspiration! Although I might correct that the DC series in MJ has been run by Prof. Akihiko Kaneta (“Kaneda”) and Kinoshita runs Rey Audio.
Steve, will you be reviewing the Artbook speakers? :)
Continued success, best
WoW…learned a lot, especially on Japan…
Thanks for this, Steve.. Does Devon use his own Crossover components for the Artbook Shelf 8” JBL Coaxials? Or does he use the stock ones JBL provides?
Does Devon also have the Loading Caps removed that usually come stock with the Altec/GPA compression drivers (like the lower tier 902) that OEM for him? Thank you..
We build our own crossovers for everything except the Artbook Shelf. For cost / value reasons we use the JBL crossover on the Artbook Shelf, but we’re considering offering an upgrade crossover in the near future.
@@devonojasThanks Devon..
@@devonojaswill you be doing another listening room tour missed the UK trip maybe Manchester being bit more central if you do.
I used to get both MJ | Stereo Sounds during the early 90s, from Tower Records in Ann Arbor, Michigan | being that I was stationed in Japan between 1976-1984 got to learn enough Japanese to read them.
Those were the days of becoming awakened.
Hey Devon, saw you said you were keeping an eye on the comments so I’m giving it a try :
What do you see in the future of vintage audio repair ? I am 24 and have been repairing things for several years but just started professionally last year. The co-op I have is closing for unrelated reasons, but we have lots of clients and business . I’m going to be attempting to take on the clientele as freelance. I love the work but have my reasons to be nervous. Id love any recommendations. There doesn’t seem to be many vintage audio repair techs out there
I appreciate what your doing for audio and music , and your dreams of accessibility. Is it possible that the next generation of audiophiles is exclusively DIY? That’s how I see it.
Also, how do you feel about the klipsch heresy speaker ? Just curious
Love love it
Amazing guys! Thank you!
Well ... Miguel you know had one of these uh ... Alibaba, Taobao or Newbecca advertised amplifiers that uses a 'look-a-like' WE 211 tube, you know smaller than Devon's 212, and featured on one of Steve's videos some 4 years ago. (Wow ... is it that long ago?) He never played it but hey it looked the part and all the viewers thought he was a member of what Trump called 'the elite'. We get fake Ferrari and fake Audio Note Ongaku and you know ... they look just as good as the real thing. But ...
you should try to contact Jean Hiraga a french japanese personn ( living in France ) who use to run the magazine L Audiophile in France and who is having a extremy strong knowledge about Jpanse Hi FI : Tube amplifier , kaneda amplifiers , etc..
Indeed! An important figure in the sharing of this knowledge.
Hiraga is up there with Pass when it comes to contribution to DIY audio over a lifetime. Legend.
Simply amazing!
Zanette Hifi also here for make new gears of audio in Brazil. 🙌🏼🔊
That shelving system reminds of the Dexion Speedfame modular system I used in the 80-90s to build turntable and amp tables. Parts were available in black or Matt silver 19mm or 25mm square steel tubing with various lug connectors. Wish they were still available and in the US. I bought my parts near Wembley stadium UK from a classmate from Mountview high school, Harrow...Hello Nutan N!
😊
Very interesting looking (fetish) equipment and culture guys. I'll have to check out the number one installment to see if you mention sound quality or music....
This guy is all in
I like japanese whiskey and danish Fritz Hansen lamp as well as the rest of the place. Good luck!
As a young person , and the same would apply for someone on a low income, being an audiophile is not really something that is possible. We can afford SOME clone type gear, but apart from that it is really only for fairly wealthy people. Having lots of knowledge about electronics will help but looking at Devon's stuff is just window shopping for us.
I disagree, it isn't the gear that defines someone as an audiophile, it's their approach to listening to music. It's not background, music is the focus. And the appreciation of the sound of a recording, which can be done on pretty much anything. A set of $50 headphones will do nicely. Years ago I put together less than $100 system for my CNET Audiophiliac blog. A very listenable system. I am 100% serious about this.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Well the DAYTON AUDIO HTA 100 has got the silky sound of certain Chinese Car Audio systems of yore. The Lanzar 6x9 are an obvious DIY choice but it's an amazing amplifier. Best speakers are Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6 1/2" Bookshelf Speakers with AMT Tweeter, wow an Air Motion Transformer speaker and there is just one You Tube demo now.
@@keplermission 3,227th time your mentioned some long winded and odd explanation involving some Dayton audio products. 🥱
What is Devon’s thoughts on the new Western Electric 300B’s?
I like them very much
Apparently they are working on some other re issue Tubes to be announced or released this year. Maybe you could do a colab with them…?
We’re already working together! Thanks
This guy is really great for our hobby. Yet there’s so many haters that can’t deal for some reason. I realize it’s just their own personal issue, and all. But isn’t this exactly what we need in our hobby guys?
Young people. People moving things forward, or at least in different directions? I’m sure he’s not everyone’s style of audiophile. But I for one, see differences as a positive.
Of course, I’m not insecure, and in need of therapy. Nor is my mind closed like so many other people. So maybe that’s why. 😉 ✌️
Well said! Thanks!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you Steve. I love your interviews, and this was one of the best IMO. He’s chock full of unique audio information. And you’re such a great interviewer. Much appreciated. 👍✌️
Well ... I just looked up Dayton Audio on an internet place and crikey if there aren't just loads of their products for not many dollars. Back in the late 1970s AMSTRAD was a United Kingdom maker of similar stuff but China is up there with modern day equivalents. Imagine using tubes in the controller stage just like a Luxman LV-105 but for only $220! For DIY the Lanzar 6 x 9 VX693 does down to 41Hz and is 4-ohm nominal but the Dayton stuff will sound good enough for most using the HTA-100B.
@@keplermission you’re either Dayton Audio’s #1 fan boy or you work for them. Manages to shoehorn that into every conversation.
Fantastic! Amazing stereo stuff, but in all fairness it should be revealed that USM Haller tubular furniture is more expensive than original Louis XVX Versailles furniture. And the sound of these stereo systems are deeply vintage, it has nothing to do with contemporary music reproduction but rather a mirror of the beautiful and romantic past, extremely expensive exquisite nostalgia, for super rich old men that miss their youth.
You have to be really old, like 80+, to have an original reminiscence of the sound of that stuff.
Yes, and if you’re not 80, just listen for yourself, i went to two shows of his and was really disappointed at the slow ilky and saggy sound, it’s old school cooking, some people love that, it’s called mama cooking with 2lbs of butter in every dish, the Americans call it comfort food, lets call it comfort sound@@razisn
Is fetishize a word? Love it!
Just collecting tubes for free, of that size....is quite mindblowing.
Well uh ... Devon shouldn't have touched the vacuum tube glass envelope with his bare fingers, especially not on a very hot 'Class A output tube'. That action says Devon is no seasoned tube amplifier user from the classic camp he'd probably like us to see him as belonging to but we should see an entrepreneur and you know Steve doesn't do negative reviews, so we have to leave it there.
@@generalcurtis3lemay180we know this is kelpermissions alt account, you are not welcome here.
@@generalcurtis3lemay180 That's a myth. Vacuum tubes are not like high pressure halogen light bulbs, and there is no problem with handling them with bare hands.
@@gotham61 Well you know ... a 'Class A' power tube? Wow it gets hot, we smell the dust burning on the surface and if we touched it, the envelope heats unevenly and causes the filament in the heater to fail, as running the tube too hot. Now running a vacuum tube too hot is an interesting story, as the American Crown amplifier used to run EL37, they were some of the hottest power tubes of all time and gotham61 never even heard of them. Teaching his granny how to suck eggs, that's what he's doing.
@@keplermissionyou are a cancer
I fell in love with the sound of a custom made tube preamplifier but I'm having trouble finding more information about tubes. What are the reference guides in tube preamplification?
The reference guides are either the Luxman LV-105 or Dayton Audio HTA-100 and they both use tube 'preamplification' but have the other stages all sorted out to sound best. Dayton Audio also make some custom made speakers for the HTA-100 but Luxman use the Zachry EM-6 (and you know, you HAVE TO use that, it's about getting the right speaker tone for the amplifier output stage).
@keplermission I meant
like the Harley, McGowan or
Toole guides but for tubes.
You know ... the internet is FULL of tube data-book stuff. You're making one of those comments that Steve gets. I mean a tube 'preamplifier' it's just a gain stage and you should quote the Tube Line Up and what kind of power supply it runs. I suspect it is just one of these 'see my comment' things.
@keplermission The internet is full of everything. This isn't the first place I've asked and yet no one seems to have an answer. In our FB audiophile groups, when new members ask where they can read up on the hobby, I usually recommend the McGowan, Harley and Toole guides, in that order since they're progressively more complex in technical terms. Do you have an actual book or publication you can suggest to me or are you here to make snippy comments about how as a laymen in tubes, I didn't mark down the tube or power supply types that one time I had a tube preamp on loan. I now own an Auris Euterpe, but I'm still not that knowledgeable about tubes. So let's dial down the commenting about my comment and let's actually share sources on tubes. Thanks.
HERB! Where you at man
Weird question- has there ever been a phono cartridge with a down facing laser pointer activated by the tone arm lever so that you can easily cue and play a track?
No
The concept of designing a turntable specifically around a tonearm is not far fetched. I'm doing exactly this around a Roksan Nima tonearm as well as a Pro-ject Acryl-it platter and bearing assy :)
At the end of the day it’s all about the almighty dollar!
PS unmodified USB units ring like a bell
❤️🤗🔊✨
I know what black gate Rubycon caps, clone WE300B's, clone WE274b rectifiers can do together! The word is the TA-300B Takatsuki is the best 300B triode you can buy, better than Western Electric 300B new old stocks. I couldn't imagine my hifi journey without the Sony, Onkyo, JVC, products of yesteryear. I felt sad when Onkyo filed for bankruptcy in 2022. Anyway Japan has lots of hifi cult classics, two that I like are the Mitsubishi Diatone P-610 speakers and the Sony Playstation1, if I had to describe the spiritual essence of Japanese hifi in two words in would be the word romance and the word jazz. P.S. if I could afford to hoard 300B & 274b triodes today it would be the Takatsuki's I would stockpile in a nuclear bunker
Well ... Carver MXR-150 had Rubycon caps and so did old Sanyo of the 1970s. Wow ... no the Sanyo JA-220 was a seriously Hi-Fi product for a LOW price but today ... after I told everybody on Steve's video? Well we won't be buying a JA-220 but we might still get a cheap JA-240, it has a Sanken output, so more of a Sansui sound there than the Toshiba one of Carver MXR.
Steve, what an awesome and inspiring interview! What cha gonna do next?
Thanks, i wanna surprise you.
My 2 cents: I like what you're doing. You're seeking out passionate Hi-Fi companies in your country. It also happens that the founders of Schiit, OJAS, Tekton, Wilson, Zu, DeVore and so on... are pretty comfortable with the camera and charismatic. I say this because there are many small boutique manufacturers from Poland, the UK and France with innovative and exciting products. But they're not very charismatic. Closer Acoustics should be on everyone's radar. They specialize in open baffle subwoofers, tube electronics and single driver speakers. The little OGY speakers over perform. But it's just a shame that Closer Acoustics aren't as comfortable with interviews as DeVore Fidelity. English isn't their first language and it shows.
Thanks for your input. Have you actually heard the OGY speaker?
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I own the OGY speakers since late 2021. I have to say that I am still blown away to this day. It's the most transparent speaker for the money. I recently auditioned the KEF LS50 Wireless II and KEF LS60 and the OGY just sounded more clear and lifelike. However, the OGY doesn't have the deepest bass. So I use a sub.
Great to know & see these companies making down to earth product vs some companies with product out of reach to 90% as if $ isn't $$ to waste .
I heard Devon's system at Lisson Gallery London, and was deeply underwhelmed, sorry, but it's greatly over-hyped.
I read this comment and was very underwhelmed. Would not read again. 1-star.
Devon really needs to ‘come to Jesus’ and decide what he wants to do/be. If he wants to sell audio components, he should setup a proper store. Most of what he is showing you IS NOT AVAILABLE to buy. He occasionally does (very small) drops of one speaker model, and that’s it. If he wants to design for himself (and his friends), that’s obviously his call; but then do not market yourself as an audio company!
Ha ha, Devon is doing extremely well, doing exactly what he wants.
I’m sure Devon stresses over YOUR “opinions” about HIS business strategy. 🙄
@@fakeklg well, he should!
Iconic, fetishisation, iconic, fetishisation, iconic, fetishisation, repeat ad nauseum.
Find video, troll comment section, use big words, suck at life, repeat.
@@fakeklg You're a pretty sick little stalker.
@@razisn oh wow, you can form an opinion. Wrong, but Interesting. It’s more of an accusation, but you’re getting closer to that goal of having something to contribute, I suppose. It’s cute you’re trying though.
One day, you’ll realize your existence is negative, boring, and counterproductive. Keep trying and one day you’ll dig yourself out of your little negativity grave you seem to be stuck in and find something more positive to do than be the first sad-ass comment on Steve’s videos. Best of luck.
@@razisn awww… thanks! You’re not so bad yourself 😊