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My Latest Chrome Cutie Phono Preamp...Before n After...

This is the "Before Restoration/Upgrading"



This is the "After Resto"










I have posted more than a few times concerning these Japan sourced stereo tube phono preamps I call the "chrome cutie." These were available from the early 1960s through the seventies from many electronic distributors with various name tags. This one does not have a brand name tag pasted on one side, so all sides are shiny chrome; very pretty and cute. The "Lafayette" brand decal/tag probably fell off. The "before" pic shows some sorry looking, original factory wiring inside. As I have mentioned previously, despite the many brand names these could have, they were more than likely only wired in three or four "factories" in Japan.

Their original circuitry mimics the GE UPX-003 and Fisher PR-6 preamps of the mid to late 1950s; only this is a stereo version. Their original circuit has inadequate Tape and Phono EQ parts installed; plus a wimpy power supply. Besides upgraded, precision phono EQ installed accommodating two turntables, this latest version of mine has a power supply with a UF4007 diode and beefy, dual mono capacitor banks installed; yielding fantastic soundstage imagery. The separation, width, height and depth of the 3D image, plus the "sweet and fast" sounding active feedback EQ phono stage is indeed very impressive. Those green coupling caps are mil-spec Russian polystyrenes; very recommended and always available on the bay. Phono EQ caps are also polystyrene from Euro and USA sources. All caps were matched to 1%. As you can see, room to work underneath is limited; but possible.

Again, while these units are quickly "catching on" with rising prices in Vintage Electronics at the bay, stock factory units will not impress your ears favorably. However, with some sensible upgrading, these chrome cuties sound very endearing...




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Topic - My Latest Chrome Cutie Phono Preamp...Before n After... - Interstage Tranny 19:11:34 09/16/15 (17)

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