The 1976 issue 2 of The Audio Amateur is a standout edition featuring radical DIY engineering and definitive technical reports. Here are the highlights of this issue:
- The Object All Sublime: Step back from the workbench and explore the philosophy of sound. Guest editor B. J. Webb examines the "illusion of reality" in audio, arguing that true high fidelity is found in the listener's mind and the music's soul, not just in the measurements,.
- The Praying Mantis: Discover one of the most unique DIY projects ever featured. David Ruether details his "outlandish" experimental tonearm—built from balsa wood, sewing needles, and thread—designed to conquer record warps and achieve professional-grade transparency,,.
- Heath's AA-1640 "Super" Power Amp: Is this the best kit value in audio? Walt Jung provides a massive, 7-page investigation into this 200W-per-channel heavyweight, testing its brute strength and its surprisingly refined "projects forward" musicality,,.
- Audio Mixers: Part 2: Master your signal path. Professional designer Edward Gately continues his series on mixer architecture, providing the essential building blocks for low-noise preamps and versatile equalizers,.
- Remodify Dyna’s PAS Preamp: Give your classic Dynaco a "state-of-the-art" upgrade. David Vorhis returns with a definitive new set of modifications that strip away the "fog" and coloration of the stock PAS, rivaling the performance of high-end boutique gear,.
- The Miraculous State Variable Filter: Learn the secrets of the most versatile filter in audio. Walt Jung explains how to use op-amps to create "state variable" circuits that provide simultaneous high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass outputs for precision audio applications,.
- Audio Aids: This issue features essential reader-submitted hacks, including a critical study on how AC line voltage impacts your power amp's performance and a simple DIY fix for annoying phono cartridge static,.
- Classic Circuitry: Marantz Model 5: Study a vintage masterpiece. This issue includes the full, detailed schematic for the legendary Marantz Model 5, a 30-watt tube icon and a landmark of 1950s engineering,.
Table of Contents
- The Object All Sublime (A Guest Editorial): by B. J. Webb ........................................ 2
- The Praying Mantis: by David Ruether .......................................................................... 5
- Kit Report: Heath's AA-1640 Amplifier: by Walt Jung ............................................... 10
- Audio Mixers: Part 2: by Edward J. Gately, Jr. ............................................................. 18
- Remodify Dyna's PAS Preamp: by David A. Vorhis ................................................... 21
- Audio Aids: by readers Preis, Ruether, Sanders, Lamkins and Carlstrom ................. 26
- Op Amps for Audio: Active Filters Part 3: by Walt Jung ............................................ 32
- Classic Circuitry: The Marantz Model 5 Amplifier ........................................................ 38
- LETTERS ............................................................................................................................. 39
- CLASSIFIED ......................................................................................................................... 43
- AD INDEX ........................................................................................................................... 46