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We visited Mare in London at press2vinyl to see how it is done. Really fascinating. See how a vinyl record is cut using a converted Technics 1210 turntable fitted with cutting laithe. https://www.press2vinyl.co.uk https://www.hifihangar.co.uk
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Now and then something really special comes through the doors here at the Hangar, this Pioneer RT-707 was in immaculate condition for its age. A bit of a break from the normal product spotlight videos, this one is an informal chat with Michael Fountain, son of Tannoy Founder Guy Fountain. He tackles Tannoy's place in the military, public places and of course, studio and home applications. It's a great insight in to Michael's life, including being the Grandson of AC cars co-founder John Portwine, his successful business of importing perfumes along with many other interesting topics. This pair were nice to have in, fully working and great sounding Quad ii with Accoustical badged Quad QCII mono pre. Only minor marks, which is amazing considering they are nearly 70 years old, with assumed original valve line-up. Superb examples, one for the collector. The paper work inlcuded a 50's brochure, schematics for the II, and 22, we are aware that the pre isn't a 22, but these are the papers that came with it, so he may well of purchased another pre/power at a later date, hence why he has these slightly later manuals/papers.  Our good friend Ted Gomm, Audiophile of the highest level... and cycling machine (i went on a ride with him once, and nearly ended up in A&E) is taking on a massive cycling challenge this year by cycling 4500 miles in 2021 for Pancreatic Cancer Action... That's over 12 miles a DAY for a YEAR!!! Please help him by donating to his Just Giving page, the link is above. Ted has always been very supporting of the Hifi Hangar, being there right from the start, also attending every Build Along with Bob evening... Ted can often be found helping Bob out in the workshop, a true gentleman. go for it Ted!!!!!
So when we heard that the Design Centre in London was putting an exhibition of Standly Kubrick's work and that the Transcriptors Reference turntable that was featured in 'A Clockwork Orange' was to be on display, we just had to set off to London and check it out! It's a great exhibition, we recommend it to everyone who has the slightest interest in film or design, it's a must see. The first thing you see when you walk in to the entrance of the building is one of only 3 Adam's Probe 16 sports cars ever made (or the Durango 95, as it was referred to in the film.) This car is a show stopper and a truly beautiful machine.  Adam's Probe 16, known as the Durnago 95, in 'A Clockwork Orange' The first room contains all manner of items that Kurick used, such as clapper boards, various original scrips, hand written directing notes and his personal Steenbeck 6 plate 35 MM editing station. Then the exhibition show cases each of his films, starting at his early works, such as Dr Stranglove, The Killing and Lolita, then on to Sparticus & Full Metal Jacket, which showed large projections of noted scenes.  A Clockwork Orange has quite a large area dedicated to it, with many of the iconic works, including the large 'Rocking Cock' designed by Herman Makkink, the Milk bar manikins and of course the already mentioned Transcriptor's Hydraulic Reference turntable. The memorable scene when a pair of huge speakers and a Transcriptor based system in wheeled up to Alex's Hospital bed, is shown in an adjacent room.
 Conceptual drawing of Alex's room, featuring a Transcriptors reference based system. The 'Eyes wide shut' section features a number of the original masks used in the film, and also Tom Cruise's costume, which reminds you how small he is! One oddly chilling exhibit, was the little girl's dresses and the apollo 11 jumper from 'the Shining' (Cue the conspiracy theorists!) also the model of the maze used in the film. 2001 was also very well represented, with many original models and props used in the film, including the Star Child, one of the gorilla suits, and of course, HAL Go along, you will love it!! Open until the 17th of september 2019, The Design Centre, London - Only £16 entry
Recently, we had a pair of the truly monstrous NAIM DBL speakers in. They came with the SNAXO crossover, but were in need of some TLC. The drivers, which were ATC units, needed a re-foam and the cabinets needed a little effort, to bring them back to their former glory. So we set about filling the spike holes in the bottom of the cabs with car body filler, while we waited for the correct foams to arrive from America. 
Here are a few of the items we have had in over the last week. It's been a week for interesting valve gear, including a number of high-end valve preamps.
Today we had a very pleasant visit from Peter Carr of Southampton based audio repairs company "The Retro Workshop"  Peter specialises in repairing vintage gear from the 1930's to 1980. He's happy to work on Dansette style record players, valve radios, radiograms, and everything in-between.  He's a lovely chap, and we enjoyed drinking tea, chatting all things audio (and gardening) and listening to some good music in the demo rooms.
He brought over a set of his home made amps, and they sounded very good indeed! We think it is very important to band together all like minded people in our business and would highly recommend his services for general vintage audio repairs and maintenance. www.retroworkshop.co.uk www.facebook.com/retroworkshops
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Author - Steve Ansell" This page, is to share what we feel may be of some interest to our fellow hifi junkies, It will cover articles and restoration projects from both us and our friends, please feel free to contact us, if you would like to contribute to this page.." Categories
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