agile_one

^^^ What Al said, Nate. At least the boss is out of the way, and tomorrow should be a bit of an anticlimax. Glad the new place got things straightened out - of course, if they hadn't, Jeff, Mike, and I would be all over them.

Alex ... happy uncleing (is that a word?) Vicki .... glad you have meds that help. Brent ... way to go ... congrats on the steady.

Stretch ... I'm with naaman ... get a heavier duty converter like this 500 W Powerbright: Amazon.com: Power Bright VC500W Voltage Transformer 500 Watt Step Up/Down 110 Volt - 220 Volt: Patio, Lawn & Garden I've used these for audio gear with excellent results.

Bummer, Al. Hard to believe. That box either wasn't checked before delivery, or it's a little too tender in it's design. I'm sure it will be made right, but still a bad first impression.

Nice, John. Yes, those are the guys that did mine. Hamad was good to work with, and a very honest guy. I was lucky with the major components (transformers, big output caps, and power transistors) - all tested ok. They did remove, clean, and reseat the power transistors with fresh potting compound, though. Biggest issues with mine were noisy/bad relays in protection circuits, worn/burned diodes and capacitors pretty much everywhere, and noisy/drifting adjustment pots. All were replaced, and bias and offset put to spec (this is not that hard to do yourself), and it now sings like the angels. While they had it, they also had a Krell KSA 150, so they couldn't resist a little head to head. They preferred the M-22. Of course the KSA 150 will power much bigger or less efficient speakers (150 vs 30 wpc). They were using with Lowther horn setup, so very efficient.

Thanks for the advice, Kevin. The M-22 does, indeed, run quite hot, as you would expect for a pure Class A amp. Good ventilation will be key to longevity. I have the service manual, and a quick read finds that there is some protection circuity within: 1. Inrush Current Suppressor Circuit, 2. Overload Detector Circuit, 3. Center Point Potential Detector Circuit, and 4. Overheating Detector Circuit. The SM goes on to describe each, and how they work, etc - way over my head, but you and Birgir would probably find it a good read along with the schematics. Welcome, lafingas. I would kill to hear your system. What do you source it with? Also, as others have said, pictures would be wonderful, when you get a chance. Thanks, Min. Note, I was careful to say ("as good as any k1000 amp I've heard" Your Zanden is the benchmark, and I would love to hear side by side one day.

movie night @ colin's place.

woo hoo! congrats, John.

Looks like a wonderful line up. Have fun, and enjoy. Post your faves ...

got it, thanks Scott & Fitz ... rape face | Know Your Meme

^^^ pics, or it didn't happen.

^^^ x2 ... please explain.

Birgir ... found this on the web to tide you over till I open mine up ...

Glad to be of service, Jim. I use my Gator all the time. As you say, perfect pocket for the iPad, then stuff whatever you want in the main part. I often use for photo gear with a Domke insert. Camera stuff and iPad all together. What's not to like? Air Boss is very nice bag. Sometimes I wish I had it rather than the Sky Train, as I rarely use the backpack feature. Did you stick with Safari, or did saffron, amethyst, or bordeaux tempt you? <edit>^^^ I see you stayed with Safari - no surprise, and I was just funnin' with the other colors.</edit>

Al ... happy days for you - amazing stuff, especially the Moth DAC (no dis to the Ayre intended, as that is amazing in a modern way).

Birgir ... one of these days I'll get ambitious and open her up for photos. John ... M-25 is very nice as well. Identical aesthetics, but, as you noted, Class A/B. I think full A to 10 watts, then B all the way to 150 per side. The rebuild on the M-22 was $450 including return shipping. I got it for $500 (a good deal), so have less in it than the guy wants for that M-25. The M-25 would be fun to look at, and, if as advertised, should be e beauty. These amps are far more than lookers - they really do perform. Best quick description I could give is that they are a "musical" Krell, or "Krell with soul".

Thanks, Todd. "Before" pics would be pretty much the same as after from the outside. It was in decent cosmetic shape to start with. This is a pretty straightforward and pure design - the sound quality is a result of clean circuit design and super premium components. They don't make transformers, heat sinks, and tomato soup can sized caps like these any more. Much like those 1000+ year old Samurai swords - the core of this thing was built to last.

^^^ I'll be there about 11:30 tomorrow, Mike. Hopefully that 12 will be done, and we can lay back. Good times in store drinking whisk(e)y and watching the wire ...

Good point, mpi, and I suspect this amp and those old orthos would be a lovely combo. Might need an impedance box, but, I've got the amp, if you've got the orthos ... bring beer.

John ... I would kill to hear this with good speakers. If my car weren't so dam'n full for this trip north, I'd bring it, and let you use while I am in Maine. Wait, massive packing reorg is now in progress ... Becky, what are you thinking bringing those gifts for kids and grandkids? Get real, I got an amp to haul to jp. Stay tuned ...

Back in the '70s the amp wars were on, and Japan (Sansui, Pioneer, and others) challenged the burgeoning U.S. HiFi (yes, that's what it was called back then) stalwarts Marantz, Fisher, Scott, McIntosh, and Harmon Kardon with high quality, low cost premium gear. Heck, even Sony had a presence in high end, high quality iron in those days. Much of that gear is revered today, including the relatively exclusive Pioneer Series 20 line. I was recently fortunate to land a Series 20 M-22 Amplifier - 30 watts, Class A, and as sweet as any amp I have ever heard - right up there with any Pass Labs, Krell, McIntosh, or Levinson. When I got it, it was in very good (7.5/8 of 10) cosmetic condition, but a bit lacking in sonics. This wouldn't do for a rare beauty from 1976, so I found some guys in Illinois who are electronic engineers and restore old gear as a hobby. Off to them the M-22 went for a full restoration. 6 weeks, many parts (all diodes and capacitors in power supply, trim pots, all relays, new iec power cord, and correct bias setting after 48 hour burn in, and safe UPS journey home), I am thrilled and ecstatic with the outcome. Many of you know that I am a K1000 holdout in spite of the wave of JH13, HD800, Ortho, Omega w/ BH II fotm madness over the last few years. My steadfastness has been rewarded. This restored M-22 is as good as (note, I resisted saying better then) any K1000 amp I have ever heard (yes, bring me your Pass Alephs, even your Zandens ... I will spit you out ... ymmv ). I am just so pleased with this 35 year old classic, that I had to share. Link (other great old stuff on those sites) ... Pioneer M-22 Amplifier Photos of my M-22 ... Fortunately, the huge 33,000 mF output caps tested as new ... Trafos were in perfect condition Nameplate is a bit banged up, but do you see one on today's gear?

Must have loaves ... where is web page to order?

Just give me a call if it will work out. Come on over, Steve. We'll have a gay old time. She is far too good for you.

^^^ Just grabbed Phone Disk, Vicki ... thanks! Will be very useful.

^^^ I thought you weren't going to Tampa? Is there a good ccb source in G'ville? Matt and I will miss you while we spend sat at ccb world headquarters sampling their finest.