Audiophilia Obscura Vol. 1 - Japan Edition
Wherein we explore some of the lesser known audio brands from around the world.
Disclaimer: This is an unapologetically gear-focused thread.
Whilst I certainly wish I could say that I have personally listened to this equipment, I have not.
So if that happens to offend anyone's sensibilities, dear reader, then I apologise. (Sorry not sorry.)
The honest truth is that I am driven by simple human curiosity.
If I were a multi-millionaire, I would likely have imported most of the equipment featured here.
(Along with the required 100V/230V converters, in this case.)
Alas I am not (a multi-millionaire) so this vicarious, somewhat salacious thread will have to do.
I hope that there are audio nerds as nerdy as I among you.
If so, I will consider additional Editions - perhaps Serbia or Poland could be next.
The intention, to be clear, is to get off the beaten track and unearth something new.
Not to celebrate the well known (and often excellent) brands we already know and love.
Also, please excuse any factual errors I may have made along the way.
NOTE: Most Japanese web sites display the Yen price on the product page,
so it's easy to get a sense of the relative cost of the equipment featured.
First up, Mactone.
(http://mactone.com)
Extensive line of valve amplification products, made since 1964.
Hand-wired, no PCBs, minimal feedback designs.
Top-end power amps are OTL.
Mostly 100V-exclusive models, with small selection of export designs.
(http://mactone.com/export-products/)
Pre-amps.
Power amps.
Headphone Amp.
Wherein we explore some of the lesser known audio brands from around the world.
Disclaimer: This is an unapologetically gear-focused thread.
Whilst I certainly wish I could say that I have personally listened to this equipment, I have not.
So if that happens to offend anyone's sensibilities, dear reader, then I apologise. (Sorry not sorry.)
The honest truth is that I am driven by simple human curiosity.
If I were a multi-millionaire, I would likely have imported most of the equipment featured here.
(Along with the required 100V/230V converters, in this case.)
Alas I am not (a multi-millionaire) so this vicarious, somewhat salacious thread will have to do.
I hope that there are audio nerds as nerdy as I among you.
If so, I will consider additional Editions - perhaps Serbia or Poland could be next.
The intention, to be clear, is to get off the beaten track and unearth something new.
Not to celebrate the well known (and often excellent) brands we already know and love.
Also, please excuse any factual errors I may have made along the way.
NOTE: Most Japanese web sites display the Yen price on the product page,
so it's easy to get a sense of the relative cost of the equipment featured.
First up, Mactone.
(http://mactone.com)
Extensive line of valve amplification products, made since 1964.
Hand-wired, no PCBs, minimal feedback designs.
Top-end power amps are OTL.
Mostly 100V-exclusive models, with small selection of export designs.
(http://mactone.com/export-products/)
Pre-amps.
Power amps.
Headphone Amp.