Jazzman Henning's HiFi setup showcases an exquisite blend of high-performance audio equipment and elegant design. The setup features the precision-engineered Lagrange turntable from Brinkmann Audio, complete with a RöNt power supply, 10.5 tone arm, and an Umami Red cartridge by Hana, ensuring each record spins with unmatched clarity. Paired with the ART G3 CD-Player by Audionet, meticulously tuned by Benedictus HiFi, the digital audio output is as crisp and vibrant as the analog.

Complementing the sources, the Calvin preamp and Stereo MK2 power amp by Brinkmann Audio drive the Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage speakers, delivering sound that is as rich in detail as it is in depth. The entire system is connected by Sonoran Plateau series cables from Starsound Technologies, ensuring pristine signal transmission. Jazzman's custom-designed rack and a selection of top-tier audio accessories from brands like HMS and Harmonix further enhance the auditory experience, making this setup not just a source of music, but a centerpiece of acoustic artistry.

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A Symphony of Sound and Style in a Masterful HiFi Setup

Brinkmann Audio Lagrange

ART G3 by Audionet

Rack + TT- Base: Custom made

Sonoran Plateau series by Starsoundtechnologies

Accessories: HMS, Harmonix, Levar Resonance, Peter Feldmann, Vibex

Brinkmann Stereo MK2

Guarneri Homage by Sonus Faber

RöNt power supply

Hana Umami Red

The Audio Technica AT 13 Ea is a cartridge used in turntables. It is known for its high-quality audio reproduction and precise tracking ability. The cartridge features a moving magnet design and is compatible with standard tonearms. It has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz and a tracking force range of 1.25 grams to 1.75 grams. The AT 13 Ea is known for its balanced sound and excellent clarity, making it a popular choice among audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts.

AT 13 Ea

The Brinkmann Calvin is a high-performance transistor preamplifier designed for audiophiles who seek exceptional sound quality. With its meticulously handcrafted construction and thorough testing process overseen by Helmut Brinkmann himself, the Calvin delivers outstanding audio reproduction. This model features four line-level inputs along with a dedicated MM/MC phono input, making it a versatile choice for various audio setups. The preamplifier is known for its intricate design where every component is purposefully selected to achieve the desired sonic result. Specifications include a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.01% and an intermodulation distortion (IM) of 0.05%, ensuring clean sound. Its signal-to-noise ratio is rated at 92 dBA for line input, while for MM/MC it is 80 dBA and 78 dBA respectively. The frequency response ranges from DC to 250 kHz for line input and from 20 Hz to 50 kHz for phono input. Output voltage can reach a maximum of 12 V with an output impedance of less than 1 kOhm. The input resistance for line is 20 kOhm, while it is set at 600 Ohm for MC and 50 pF for MM with a weight of 27 kg, including both the preamplifier and power supply. It measures 300 x 95 x 310 mm including a granite base and features a complete accessory package which includes the preamplifier, power supply, remote control, granite base, and original packaging. The Calvin has an estimated price reduction compared to its original €7,500 price tag, with second-hand listings currently at approximately €2,900.

Calvin

In a space where vinyl's warmth and CDs' clarity converge, this audio setup is a curated selection reflecting a true appreciation for both analog roots and digital advancements. The Luxman L-1500 amplifier delivers a robust foundation, pairing seamlessly with the crisp outputs from the Marantz CD player. It’s a blend that resonates with any audiophile who treasures the depth of history and the sharpness of modern technology.

Here, the Akai GXC-709D cassette deck and 4000 reel-to-reel keep the analog spirit alive, spinning a tangible nostalgia that's hard to find in today’s digital streams. The combination of B&W DM 4 speakers and REL Quake subwoofer produces a full-bodied sound experience, making every note felt as much as heard. Rounding out the setup, JVC’s RX-950V receiver, XL-Z411 CD player, and TD-R452 tape deck ensure a seamless audio journey, echoing the meticulousness of a well-crafted mixtape. It’s a setup that doesn’t just play music; it revives the very essence of eras gone by, marrying them with the distinct quality of today’s sound.

by: Marcel Schmeitz

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Analog Heart, Digital Pulse

B&W DM 4

REL QUAKE

Marantz CD

The Luxman R-1500 is a vintage stereo receiver that was manufactured in the 1970s. It was part of Luxman's R-line of products and featured a wood cabinet design with silver faceplate. The R-1500 is known for its warm sound and high-quality build construction.

R-1500

The Akai GXC-709 D is a model from the Akai brand, primarily known for its tape decks. It features a dual-capstan transport mechanism that ensures stable tape movement, which is essential for playback quality. This model has a sleek design typical of late 20th century audio equipment, with analog meters for monitoring levels. It often includes features such as auto-reverse, allowing for uninterrupted listening by seamlessly switching the direction of playback. Additionally, the device typically supports various tape types, enhancing its versatility. It is powered by an AC source and is known for its robust build quality. The GXC-709 D is usually equipped with various inputs and outputs, accommodating connections to other audio equipment.

GXC-709 D

Akai 4000 is a reel-to-reel tape recorder manufactured by Akai Corporation. It was introduced in the late 1970s and was part of Akai's popular 4000 series of reel-to-reel recorders. The Akai 4000 featured a compact design and was known for its decent sound quality and ease of use. It had two speeds for recording and playback, and could accommodate 7-inch reels. The 4000 series from Akai were widely used by audio enthusiasts and professionals for various recording purposes.

4000

The JVC RX-950 V is an audio receiver that was manufactured between 1987 and 1988 in Japan. This device features a sleek black finish and provides a variety of connections for different audio sources, including Phono MM and MC inputs, multiple tape inputs, AUX, and CD connections. The receiver has a total of 240 watts of continuous power, delivering 120 W RMS per channel at an 8-ohm impedance. It offers low total harmonic distortion of 0.03% at rated power. The RX-950 also features a configurable equalizer with 7 center frequencies and allows users to adjust tone with a ±10 dB range. Additionally, it supports a range of FM/MW frequencies and boasts a signal-to-noise ratio of 84 dB for FM mono. The unit includes a programmable remote control (JVC RM-SR-950) and features such as loudness, high and low filters, and muting. Its dimensions are 435 x 128.5 x 381 mm and it weighs 10.4 kg. The original price of the RX-950 was approximately 1,650 DM.

RX-950

The JVC XL-Z 411 is a CD player produced by JVC from 1989 to 1990. It features a black chassis and was originally priced around 599 DM. Alongside its aesthetic appeal, it includes a coaxial digital output, making it a useful component for integrating with other audio systems. The player is equipped with a MN6471M bitstream DAC chip, known for its early bitstream sound characteristics, which can provide clarity but may also produce a harsher sound in some listening experiences. Its design includes a high-quality CD transport system, offering reliability and performance in playback. The XL-Z 411 is part of a series that includes various integrated amplifiers and other audio components, indicating its place in a broader audio ecosystem that JVC offered during this period.

XL-Z 411

TD-R 452

The Jamo 502 is a compact 2-way bass reflex loudspeaker that was manufactured in Denmark between 1980 and 1982. It features a design with dual woods—walnut, rosewood, and a stained black option. The speaker's dimensions are 480 mm in height, 250 mm in width, and 240 mm in depth, with a weight of 7.5 kg. It has an original price of approximately 250 DM. The technical specifications include a woofer size of 238 mm and a 25 mm dome tweeter. The power handling capability is rated at a nominal 50 W and a maximum of 80 W, with a sensitivity of 92.4 dB at 1W/1m. The frequency response ranges from 34 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with a crossover frequency of 1,800 Hz, and it has an impedance of 8 Ohms. Notable features include overload protection for the tweeter and a matching base model F23. Other models in the same series include the Jamo 702 and various CBR models.

Discover a space where classic design meets modern technology, featuring the Leak 130 Amplifier, a testament to timeless aesthetics merged with contemporary features. Accompanying this central piece are custom DIY Speakers inspired by the revered Ojas Bookshelf designs, symbolizing a personal touch and a dedication to superior sound quality. The setup is completed with the sleek Music Hall MMF 1.5 Turntable, a harmonious blend of style and performance. This arrangement isn't just about listening to music; it's an immersive experience where tradition and innovation resonate in perfect harmony, inviting listeners into a world of auditory and aesthetic delight.

by bkal21

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Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation: The Leak 130 and DIY Ojas

DIY Speakers based on Ojas Bookshelf Speakers

LEAK, a brand with deep roots in the history of audio innovation, was established by Harold Joseph Leak in 1934 in London, England. Known for its high-quality audio components, LEAK carved out a reputation for affordability combined with high performance, a hallmark that defined the brand for decades.

Harold Leak, identifying himself as a 'Sound Engineer – Technician,' alongside Ted Ashley, who became Chief Engineer, propelled LEAK to the forefront of the home audio equipment market. Together, they led the company through an era of significant technological advancements in amplifiers, loudspeakers, pickups, and turntables.

The mid-20th century was a transformative period for LEAK, as the brand navigated the challenges of wartime disruption to focus on developing purposeful audio technology. Post-war, the emphasis shifted towards high-fidelity systems, marking LEAK's entry into an era of low-noise, high-performance products that gained international acclaim.

A pivotal moment came in 1945 with the introduction of the LEAK Type 15 amplifier, which featured innovative 'negative feedback' and 'push-pull' triode connected KT66 valves, achieving an impressive 15 watts output. This product laid the groundwork for the brand's reputation in high-fidelity sound reproduction.

The late 1940s and 1950s saw LEAK introducing groundbreaking products like the TL/12, which became a standard for high-fidelity sound, and embarking on marketing campaigns that directly compared live versus reproduced music, showcasing the superior quality of LEAK systems. These efforts culminated in LEAK's products being adopted by prestigious institutions like the BBC.

Innovation continued with the introduction of the LEAK Sandwich loudspeaker in 1961, a design that utilized a novel approach to reduce vibrations and resonance, leading to more dynamic audio reproduction. This period also saw the development of the LEAK Stereo 30, a transition to transistor amplifiers that offered a more accessible price point to a broader audience.

Despite its innovations and contributions to the audio industry, LEAK faced challenges from global competition and changing market dynamics, eventually leading to the brand's acquisition by the Rank Organization in 1969 and a gradual fade from the forefront of the audio market.

After years of dormancy, LEAK was revived by the IAG Group, bringing the brand back to the market with a focus on blending classic styling with modern audio technology, ensuring LEAK's legacy continues for new generations of audiophiles.

Leak

When LEAK launched the iconic STEREO 30 in 1963, it swiftly became Britain’s favourite ‘step-up’ from the standard budget amplifiers of the time. Now, in the year 2020, LEAK harnesses the latest technology to deliver an affordable integrated amplifier of the same philosophy, the STEREO 130 – fully equipped to meet the demands of modern music lovers, from vinyl records to digital streaming.

The LEAK STEREO 130 is a high-performance, high-fidelity integrated amplifier for the modern-day audio enthusiast. It is designed to be the perfect match to a wide variety of both analogue and digital sources, thanks to its diversity of inputs. It features a built-in Moving Magnet (MM) phono pre-amplifier for direct connection to turntables and enables CD-quality audio streaming from any Bluetooth device via its innovative built-in aptX and AAC codec.

To fully accommodate the modern-day music enthusiast, the LEAK STEREO 130’s digital circuitry is crafted to deliver the quality expected from a high-performance stand-alone D/A converter, encompassing all the conveniences within an integrated amplifier solution. The amplifier is meticulously designed to align with the LEAK ethos of performance, reliability, and craftsmanship, marrying contemporary performance with classic LEAK styling.

The LEAK STEREO 130 employs a dedicated amplifier circuit with current-feedback technology for the headphone output, matching the performance of standalone headphone amplifiers beyond its price-class. It utilizes the acclaimed ES9018 Sabre32 Reference chip, featuring ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, providing ultra-low noise and high dynamic range for digital audio files up to 384kHz (PCM) and DSD256.

Stereo 130

Music Hall is an audio brand that specializes in manufacturing turntables, amplifiers, speakers, and other audio equipment.

Music Hall

The Music Hall MMF-1.5 is a belt-driven turntable designed for audiophiles looking to enjoy vinyl records with high fidelity sound. It features a classic design with a sleek finish that appeals to both contemporary and traditional aesthetics. The turntable operates at two speeds, 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, allowing for versatility in playing different vinyl formats. It is equipped with a pre-mounted cartridge, specifically the Music Hall Melody cartridge, which is designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction and clarity across the frequency spectrum. The device is built with a solid MDF (medium-density fiberboard) plinth that helps to minimize vibrations, ensuring that the audio output is as pure as possible. The MMF-1.5 includes a synchronous AC motor that enhances stability during playback, further reducing pitch variations. Key specifications include a removable dust cover, adjustable feet for leveling, and an overall weight of roughly 5.5 kg (12 lbs). The simplicity of the setup makes it accessible for beginners while still offering quality performance for seasoned vinyl enthusiasts.

Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation: The Leak 130 and DIY Ojas

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A Symphony of Sound and Style in a Masterful HiFi Setup

Analog Heart, Digital Pulse