Audio Amateur 2/1979 PDF

Audio Amateur 2/1979 PDF - Issue is in black & white
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1979 issue 2 of The Audio Amateur is packed with essential projects, technical deep-dives, and expert advice for the serious audio enthusiast. Here are the highlights of this issue:

• Showcase: The Moritko Quad System: Step into the listening room of Joseph Moritko, Jr., and explore his unique SQ quadraphonic arrangement. Featuring Hermeyer electrostatics and custom 12" CTS woofers integrated into a blanket chest, this system achieves stunning three-dimensional imagery and transparency.
• The Advent MPR-1 Microphone Preamp: Capture professional-quality live recordings with this high-performance, two-channel outboard preamp. Originally a rare Advent commercial product, this article provides the complete construction details and schematics to build this low-noise, transformer-input gem yourself.
• A Preamplifier Construction Shootout: Thinking about building a preamp but don't know where to start? S.A. Rossmassler compares four distinct construction projects, including the Williamson 20/20 and the Leach Preamp. Get the inside scoop on construction difficulties, part sourcing, and performance measurements.
• Direct Cut: Myths and Problems: Go behind the scenes at the world-renowned Teldec pressing plant in West Germany. Adrian Hope examines the technical hurdles and economic realities of the direct-to-disc phenomenon, revealing what it really takes to produce those "audiophile" pressings.
• Classic Circuitry: The Marantz 8-B: Own a piece of audio history. This issue features the full schematic for the legendary Marantz 8-B power amplifier, a masterpiece of vintage engineering and a must-have reference for any tube enthusiast.
• The Suppression of Surface Noise: D.T.N. Williamson (creator of the famous Williamson amplifier) delivers a definitive lecture on silencing the pops and clicks of gramophone records. Learn the physics of record surface noise and the sophisticated gating techniques used to eliminate it without ruining the music.
• Soldering: The Basics: Master the most fundamental skill in audio. This "thorough, enlightening primer" by Marc Colen covers everything from solder joint metallurgy to choosing the right iron and flux, ensuring your next project is as reliable as it is high-performing.
• Audio Aids: Discover a treasure trove of reader-submitted hacks, including a DIY AB Box for equipment comparison, power supply upgrades for the Audio Research SP-3A-1, and essential calibration tips for the Kenwood KX-1030 cassette deck.
• In-Depth Test Reports: Get the expert verdict on essential bench tools. This issue features rigorous evaluations of the Heath ID-5252 Audio Load—a versatile dummy load for testing power amps—and the Heath IG-1275 Sweep Generator, a high-precision instrument for frequency response analysis.

• Showcase: Joseph Moritko, Jr. ......................................................................................................... 2
• Editorial ................................................................................................................................................. 4
• The Advent MPR-1 Microphone Preamplifier: by Frederick M. Gloeckler, Jr. ........................... 5
• A Comparison of Preamplifier Construction Projects: by S. A. Rossmassler ........................... 11
• Direct Cut Myths and Problems: by Adrian Hope .......................................................................... 16
• Classic Circuitry: The Marantz 8-B Power Amplifier: Courtesy of E. B. Viotty ........................ 20
• The Suppression of Surface Noise: by D.T.N. Williamson ............................................................ 22
• Soldering: The Basics: by Marc Colen ............................................................................................. 24
• Audio Aids: by readers Davidson, LeBeck, Sellman, McIntyre, and Philpot ............................... 30
• Test Reports ......................................................................................................................................... 40
  • Heath's ID 5252 Audio Load by Frederick M. Gloeckler, Jr.
  • Heath's IG 1275 Sweep Generator by Walt Jung
• CORRECTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 48
• LETTERS ............................................................................................................................................... 48
• CLASSIFIED ........................................................................................................................................... 57
• AD INDEX ............................................................................................................................................. 62