As part of my recent audio gear refresh, I brought in a Western Electric transformer-based preamplifier, which features line-level inputs only—no phono input. To accommodate my vinyl listening, I added a Graham Slee Era Gold phono stage, pairing it with my existing Graham Slee Elevator EXP head amp. Since both units are from the same…

Currently enjoying a brief audition of the Fisher 202C vacuum tube integrated amplifier, kindly loaned from my local audio shop. While I’m not entirely clear how it compares to its well-loved sibling, the 202B, it does deliver a balanced and pleasing tube sound. That said, it doesn’t strike me as having an especially unique sonic…

I recently upgraded my audio setup by replacing the McIntosh C20 with the Western Electric 178D Transformer Pre-amplifier. The difference was immediately noticeable—I’d say it’s at least two or three steps above the C20 in terms of sound quality. Interestingly, even compared to the famous C22, the 178D delivered a richer and more captivating listening…

In July 2009, when I acquired the JBL C40 Harkness, the thought of pushing my amplifier setup to the limits crossed my mind. It’s fascinating how human desires seem endless; I ended up parting with my cherished McIntosh MC240 power amplifier and C20 preamplifier, which I thought I’d keep for a lifetime. While it was…

I finally acquired the JBL C40 Harkness I had been eagerly searching for. Despite continuously searching through markets, eBay, online stores, and shops, a proper Harkness in its original enclosure was nowhere to be found. It does appear on eBay very rarely, but due to its size and weight, it’s mostly only available for shipping…

My favorite piece of audio equipment is the McIntosh MC240 power amplifier.To the left of the MC240 is the McIntosh C20 preamplifier. It’s one of the popular preamplifiers along with the old and new versions of the C22. After comparing the new C22 and the Marantz 7C preamplifiers connected to the 240, I found that…

Recently, there have been some changes to my main and sub speakers. Last year, I replaced my main speakers with the JBL C38 Baron 001 system from Altec, and recently swapped out the AR3, which I used as subs, for the hard-to-find Jensen SS-100 3-way system. My wife had been eager to bring them in…

As the year changed, I switched my equipment. I replaced the McIntosh MX110, which I was using as a pre/tuner, with the C20 preamp. I’m satisfied with the condition of the volume. Before sending out the MX110, I took a commemorative photo with it placed on the speaker. Now, using the C20 connected to the…

2009. 4. 21 글 지난 9월 업그레이드 후 호방한 소리를 들려 주던 알텍601C를 내 보내고 마음에 두고 있던JBL C38 Baron을 들였습니다. 알텍 특유의 소리에 애착이 컸지만 대편성 들을 때 해상도가 아쉬웠던게 사실입니다. 바론에서 JBL 특유의 금속성 소리가 나지 않을까 우려했지만 기우였습니다. 독주 악기는 앞으로 나오면서 오케스트라는 뒤로 물러나 주고. 해상도와 음장감까지 있습니다. 크기가 아담해 우리…