This amplifier is now about 20 years old. I’ve owned it for the last 12 years. it was beginning to develop problems on the volume control at low volumes. It also had a bit of an issue with the selection dial. I realised I might experience a more serious issue near future and so I did some research and gave John a phone. He clearly explained to me the reasons for the problems that I was experiencing and their solutions. I opted to take the upgrade route because that was the most cost-effective solution for me. Basically a ‘no brainer’.
I am writing this about six weeks after its return and these are my reflections. Everything is better. I did not realise that an upgrade in the amplification would have such a profound effect on the quality of sound across the board.
The most exciting element has been the improvement in PRaT (Herb Reichert). For some tracks that I have played, I have not been able to stop myself from getting up and dancing. (Specifically Ian Dury’s ‘Sweet Jean Vincent’ was the first.)
Clarity has improved across the board. The sound stage with each instrument given its own space is wondrous. In particular, the tone and presentation of certain instruments, which were already great in my musical fidelity universe, has gained even more presence and fidelity. (Witness the saxophone at 2 mins 56 secs in John Martyn’s ‘Solid Air’.)
Lower down the register drums and bass guitar become more controlled and given greater emphasis which is nowhere more apparent than the opening bars of ‘Watching the Detectives’ by Elvis Costello- never so startling, immediate or well-defined.
Obviously, all of this will continue to improve. I cannot speak too highly of the transformation John has achieved and the pleasure that my revitalised amplifier has given me. It is worth way beyond the monies that I’ve invested.

Alastair Fairfull

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *