Japan Audio Trip 2015 (June 19 - 22, 2015) Part 1 of 3

This is my first trip to Japan. Me and my friends booked a flight 1 year ago.

We have only 3 days in Japan for this time,

so we planed to visit the places that's not too far from Tokyo.

In first day (June 19, 2015) after arrived Narita airport, we went straight to Shinjuku area

to visit Mr Toshiaki Kurashima of P&C Electronics.

http://www.pandcamp.com/menu.html

His shop has many things that impress us so much.

He has many hard to find tubes for sell, original Western Electric parts,

re-wire transformers using WE cores, tube amplifier kit and his own tubes !!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imsc_J25QmE&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVsRHYSqlfI&feature=youtu.be

Mr Toshiaki Kurashima with his own tube on his amplifier ;)

Sound very powerful,  and lot of details.

His main speakers in the shop.

All of his prototype tube amplifiers. 

So amazing sound in every amplifiers that we've requested him for listening.

His main pre-amplifier. We've loved this design and sound very much.

Beautiful components wiring. 

He's used WE wires in every points even filament power from switching power supply. 

His own DHT power tube driven by Emission Labs 2A3.

Arigatou gozaimasu for his friendship, many good experiences and information in audio.

We're surprised at first sight that he's wearing "Thai" t-shirt.

We will be back here again in next time. Cheers !!!

After that we move to Akihabara area to visit Sun Audio shop.

Many of amplifiers that using Tamura transformers.

Nice experience with their amplifiers and systems. 

Finish our first day in Japan and ready to go next in tomorrow.

Monday Modify : End of Life Phonostage tasting

This is my current phonostage that inspired by "End of Life Phonostage" 

refer to Romy the Cat site.

http://www.goodsoundclub.com/EndOfLifePhonostage.aspx

It's EAR834 modified by improve minor points but much more effective.

Interesting part was using "Air Variable Capacitor" in RIAA equalizer 

instant of normally use like silver mica, polystyrene, film&foil or others.

Result expected for this way is not disappoint.

Sound so airy, more detail, 3D and balance.

I've use Sprague "Black Beauty" / Obbligato Copper capacitor for couplings 

and PRP metal film resistor in almost circuit.

Separate phonostage and power supply.

Using "NEVE" output transformer.

Mesh plate Amperex "0A2" tubes for voltage stabilizer. 

As I mention above with components that I've using.

I think some frequencies cause harsh sound and metal film resistors 

were the points that I want to replace first with resistor types 

that give more warm and mellow sound like carbon composition and tantalum.

Will update again soon.