Electronics, Preamps, Equalizers, Audio Switches, WIFI, Amplifiers, Digital Recorders

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A NOTE TO CUSTOMERS WHO WANT TO PURCHASE ADD-ON EQUALIZERS

In the past, most manufacturers of preamp-control centers, integrated amplifiers, and receivers made it easy to connect external audio equalizers and similar devices. They almost universally included a RECORDER MONITOR LOOP. These were easily identifiable by a MONITOR button on the front panel. Others even included and EXTERNAL EQUALIZER LOOP. These were easily identifiable by two pair of extra RCA jacks on the rear panel, usually with jumper connections between them. You inserted your external device into these connection. If you have such a product, you will have little problem connecting any of our external products.

If you are in the market for a new preamp-control center, integrated amplifier, or receiver, you should keep that in mind. There really is a need for this feature if you use an audio recorder. It facilitates your being able to ensure that the audio recording you were making was actually taking place as you intended, as you can monitor its progress.

More recent A/V products have removed these feature at a savings of about $0.50 cost. If this is your case, not all is lost. There are work-arounds, such as, our SuperConnector, or the use of a separate phono stage, such as our Professional Moving Magnet Preamp MKII. Contact us for specific applications.

REK-O-KUT RE-EQUALIZER II

Pre-1955 records were recorded to different standard than now employed in RIAA equalized phono amplifiers. The Re-Equalizer compensates for this. Easily installed thru the external tape monitor circuit or your preamplifier/receiver or via the SuperConnector.

"If anything, I'm as amazed by the Re-Equalizer's apparent noiselessness as by its obvious flexibility"
Art Dudley, STEREOPHILE MAGAZINE, January, 2009

"The only thing to say about this is that it is a pity that I didn’t buy it long time ago. This piece of equipment is really necessary for playback of 78’s"
Another satisfied customer

* Accurate reproduction from any source is accomplished by producing an accurate equalization difference curve to compensate the output of your RIAA phono preamp

* In "BYPASS" mode, signal is hard-wired input to output - introduces absolutely no noise or distortion to any
audiophile unit.

* In “IN” mode, left and right are combined to mono, and phone compensation introduced

* Supplied with six pages of recommended compensation settings to accommodate any vintage
record - including acoustics. This is the most highly researched chart ever produced.

* For early dual-band and single groove stereo discs, two units are required at a generous discount.

* Passive equalization design & film capacitors assure low TIM and transparent sound.

* High input impedance for use with either tube or solid-state amplifier outputs.

* Connects to hifi systems like any ordinary graphic equalizer.

* Works with phono, tape recorder outputs - any source.

* Sixty-Four different record compensations

* Walnut case available

Listen to LP, DECCA DL-9008	Listen to 78, RCA B10570

   CLICK FOR: REQ MANUAL        CLICK FOR: SPEC SHEET        CLICK FOR: REVIEWS

Price: $349.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $9.50 Shipping

GEMINI EQ3000 DUAL 15 BAND EQUALIZER

ALSO EQ30 (BLACK PANEL) SAME PRICE

The Gemini EQ3000 is a 15 band, 2/3 octave, high quality professional stereo graphic equalizer. I It features 12 dB of boost or cut, LED level indicators, low cut filter, bypass switch, and gain controls.

There are many uses for a graphic equalizer. Use it to equalize your listening room. Improve bass or highs in old or new recordings. Filter out rumble or high frequency noises. An equalizer is basic in restoration of vintage recordings where a tweak here and there is almost always required.

Boost/Cut: 12 dB
THD: 0.03%.
Signal/Noise Ratio: 90dB.
Power: 120/220 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
Dimensions 19" X 9-3/4" X 1-3/4." Weight 8 lbs.

EQ3000: $175.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $10.00 shipping

APHEX MODEL 204 AURAL EXCITER WITH BIG BOTTOM

Not and equalizer, but a synthesizer of missing harmonics and fundamentals. This can help in the restoration of vintage sounds. With the the Model 204 you can actually replace distorted and filtered off highs by creating new upper register harmonics to sweeten the sound of old recordings. With more modern recordings, the added realism can be dramatic. The patented Aural Exciter enhances detail, clarity and imaging. It has even been scientifically proven to increase intelligibility. It pulls a vocal or an instrument up out of a mix. The new Optical Big Bottom adds low-end punch with deeper, more powerful bass.

Aural Exciter Features
Increased presence and clarity
Restore natural brightness
Greater perceived loudness
Improved detail and intelligibility

Big Bottom Features
Deeper, more resonant bass
Little or no increase in peak output
Tighter bass articulation
Extended low frequencies

Basic Specifications
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 38KHz (+ 0.5dB)
Hum and Noise (unweighted ): -93dBu
Crosstalk: -79dB
Input Impedance: 20 KOhms
Output Impecance: 112 Ohms
THD : 0.0003%
Connectors: XLR and 1/4”phone jacks
Power Requirements: 90-250VAC 50-60Hz, 12w
Dimensions: 19”W x 1.75”H x 8.25”D (482.6mm x 44.5mm x 209.6mm)
Shipping Weight: 9lbs (4.1kg)
List Price: $399.00

Additional Specs and Reviews

Operating Manual

APHEX 204: $249.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $9.00 shipping

Esoteric Sound's - SuperConnector

Patch Equalizers and Audio Recorders to Sound Systems

Especially Useful for Modern Receivers Having Minimal Inputs

Most commonly used hifi receivers, and especially those Audio/Video oriented, have no phono input or have no connections for external equalizers, or have no recorder monitor switches. The SuperConnector can help overcome these deficiencies. For instance, you can connect one of our external preamps for phono use, and use the three extra inputs for some of you other sound sources. Then you can connect equalizers galore to this expanded system. You would need only one free Aux input on you receiver for connection of the SuperConnector.

Read what The Audio Critic has to say about this fine piece of equipment!

* Adds 3 extra inputs to your amp/preamp: Tuner/Aux1,
   CD/Aux2, and TV/LD. Re-label them if desired.
* Facilitates connection of up to 5 recorders: DAT, Cassette,
   RCDR1, RCDR2, and an External recorder.
* Facilitates 2 loops of external equalization devices to be inserted
   between any source and or recorders and the other recorders.
* Has MONO mode switch to facilitate recording mono sources or
   to accommodate mono equalizers or single channels of a source.
* Connection of external recorder via front panel 1/4" stereo plugs.
* Listen to any main source while dubbing between decks.
* Easy, straight-line path. Easy to understand and set up, not an idiotic matrix switching system for rocket
   scientists.
* Easily installed thru the external tape monitor circuit or your preamplifier/receiver or via the
   SuperConnector.
* Walnut case available

CLICK FOR SUPERCONNECTOR MANUAL

Price: $299.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $8.00 Shipping

REK-O-KUT LOW NOISE STEREO PHONO / AUX SWITCH

* Especially suited to connecting two phono turntables to one amplifier input.
* All grounds separated on PCB to provide extremely low noise pickup -no hum!
* Connects either of two sources to one input or one source to either of two inputs.
* Hum-free compact and sturdy shielded steel case.
* Gold plated RCA connectors for all inputs and outputs.

A precise, two-way switch utilizing RCA connectors, especially suited to phono applications. Because most other switches are really designed for high-level, or "Aux" levels, they introduce hum and other noises when used with the extremely low levels produced by phono cartridges.

This switcher can be used to switch either of two phono turntables to the input of a hifi amplifier. It can also be used to add two Aux inputs to an amplifier that has only one such input and it can be used wherever one input needs to be expanded to two or visa-versa.

Price: $37.50 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $8.30 shipping

REK-O-KUT PROFESSIONAL MOVING MAGNET PREAMP MKII
INCREDIBLY ACCURATE FREQUENCY RESPONSE, LOW- DISTORTION-LOW NOISE

Add a turntable to an amplifier that has no phono input or a second turntable to an amplifier with only one phono input. The REK-O-KUT Professional Moving Magnet Preamp can be used to convert any AUX input to phono use. The Professional Moving Magnet Preamp is designed for both home as well as broadcast and studio applications.

The REK-O-KUT Professional Moving Magnet Preamp will make it possible to use a line level input on any amplifier or mixing console for playback with a turntable that is equipped with a conventional, moving magnet phono cartridge. Typical input sensitivities of such inputs are roughly 250 mVolts, and the outputs of typical moving magnet cartridges is about 3.5 mVolts. The preamp boosts the level of the magnetic cartridge and also applies "record compensation" in the form of the RIAA curve. This adjusts the relative levels of bass and treble to match that of modern records. Used with the Esoteric Sound Re-Equalizer, it makes a fully adjustable playback system for vintage and mono records.

* Matched to most high-quality pickups. * High-quality, gold-plated RCA jacks.
* Discrete component design. * Power: 120 VAC/60 Hz. * Sub-Sonic Filter
* Low hum steel case. * Accurate performance. * Includes computer cable.

Minimum Performance Specifications:
about specifications

Sensitivity: 3.5 mV
Rated Output: 300 mV
RIAA Deviation: +/- 0.25 dB
Sub-Sonic Filter: 6 Hz
THD: 0.025%
Signal/Noise: Better than 80 dBA
Input Impedance: 47 kOhms, and 220 pF
Output Impedance: 600 Ohms
Overload: 35 mV
Maximum Output: 2.9 Volts
Crosstalk: 45 dB at any frequency between 20 - 20 kHz
Dimensions: 5- 5/8" X 1-1/2" X 3-1/4"
Shipping weight: 2 Lbs

How does it compare to some exotic preamps? Click here

Professional Preamp: $69.95 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $7.50 Shipping

REK-O-KUT AUDIOPHILE ARCHIVAL PREAMP

Add one or two turntables to an amplifier that has no phono input or a second turntable to an amplifier with only one phono input. The REK-O-KUT Audiophile Archival Preamp can be used to convert any AUX input to phono use. A Rear panel switch sets up for one turntable for LP and one for 78s, or one turntable for both types of record. If desired, connect the output of the preamp directly to a computer sound card. It is designed for both home as well as broadcast and studio applications. The preamp also applies accurate “record compensation” in the form of the RIAA curve or the most common 78 RPM record curve. Actually, this 78 curve is almost a perfect match for early London/Decca FFRR, and many non-NAB broadcast transcriptions. This equalization curve is adjustable with the front panel Equalization switch. This adjusts the relative levels of bass and treble to match that of modern records or of vintage 78s and early radio broadcast transcriptions.

Listen to 78, RCA B10570

Direct from turntable

With "78" EQ

*Accurate LP record or 78 RPM record compensation.
*78 RPM EQ also suitable for early London FFRR.
*Subsonic filter at 10 Hz to prevent ultra low rumble.
*Input matched to most high-quality pickups.
*Add one or two turntables to a hifi system.
*Includes cable for computer soundcard.
*High-quality, gold-plated RCA jacks.
*Discrete component design.
*Power: 120 VAC/60 Hz.
*Low hum steel case.

Minimum Performance Specifications:
about specifications

RIAA Deviation: +/- 0.5 dB Click here to see LP and 78 response curves
THD: 0.05%
Signal/Noise: Better than 85 dBA
Sensitivity: 3.3 mV
Rated Output: 300 mV
Input Impedance: 47 kOhms, and 200 pF.
Overload Margin: 20 dB
Crosstalk: 45 dB at any frequency between 20 - 20 kHz.
Dimensions: 6- 5/8" X 2-1/2" X 1-1/2"
Shipping weight: 2 Lbs

Archival Preamp: $89.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $8.00 Shipping
European version, add $5.00

GEMINI PA7000 PHONO PREAMPLIFIER/CONTROL CENTER

The Gemini PA-7000 preamp features Phono, Tuner, CD, and AUX inputs, bass, midrange, treble, volume control, balance control, headphone jack, tape monitor, low cut filter, loudness control, and a stereo/mono switch. Also has XLR + RCA outputs.

S/N Ratio: Phono, 65 dB.
S/N Ratio: Other, 85 dB.
THD (Aux in): < 0.005%.
Phono Sens: 2.4 mV.
Aux/Tuner Sens: 200 mV.
Tone Control Range: +/- 12 dB.
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 100 kHz.
Power: 120/220 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
RIAA Deviation: 30 Hz - 20 kHz +/-0.75 dB.
19" EIA rack mount.
Dimensions 19" X 10" X 1-3/4." Weight 7 lbs

PA-7000: $165.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $10.00 shipping

Tired of stupid, childish programs received by your expensive radio or tuner?

Tired of 50 Rock & Roll DJs and boring political talk shows, but one classical or jazz station?

Want real news direct from its source?

You don't need a short wave radio, or an expensive audiophile tuner. You need a:

C. CRANE WIFI RADIO

CC WiFi

REPLACE YOUR FM TUNER - GET DIGITAL SOUND FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Face it, 90% of what is on FM is canned Rock and Roll or Country programming. Most FM stations are owned by conglomerates that offer little more than pop elevator music. There is virtually no variety on FM. There is nothing on FM to warrant the purchase of an expensive FM tuner!

Here is the solution. I have been listening to more and more radio stations over the Internet for the last few years. I used to struggle with AM antennas, orienting radios, etc., to hear something different on distant stations. I then found I could get them on my computer in almost, and often, FM sound. I even ran a cord from my computer to my hifi. It was all pretty nice, but waiting for that thing to boot up was a drag. Tuning by mouse was no fun. Listening to that computer fan roar was no fun either. So I purchased this C. Crane WIFI radio to check out what this was all about.

It looks just like a table radio. It does not look like a computer, but it sort of is one in a radio cabinet. The speaker is the same size as that in the Kloss PAL radio, and has good sound. No, it doesn't have AM and FM, but who needs them? Most of the AM and FM stations are already on the Internet. So, you can still pick them up, often in better sound, and with no interference. Most Internet stations appear to bypass broadcast limiting, which means unrestricted dynamics. Basically, you tune it by selecting from menus. You use the big knob. You rotate thru countries, genres of program, then station and press it in to get it. It is like having XM or SIRIUS, but FREE and getting 200 times as many stations as they offer!

To use a WIFI radio, you have to have DSL or High-Speed wireless Internet installed in your house (WIFI). It's only a few more bucks than regular telephone service, but has many advantages. One is that you have far less susceptibility to having your computer hacked by creeps. Another is much faster Internet; less waiting to load pictures, files, etc. With WIFI, you don't use your dial-up modem anymore. No cables, you get portability. Your provider (usually your telephone company) will provide you with a small two-way transmitter, called a router, that sits in a convenient place in your home. It will provide high-speed Internet service to all your computers (and WIFI radios) without any cables. To you it's all transparent; it just works like a radio.

Setting up the radio to receive broadcasts is a easy as setting up your laptop or any computer to communicate with WIFI. The radio will ask you to input your Key (supplied by your Internet provider-probably written on your router). Once you input that Key, the computer or radio is connected to your home system.

Click here to see the manual.

You can tune in over 10,000 radio stations from around the world. It has excellent sound, a small footprint and fits anywhere. On the rear panel, there's a 3.5mm headphone socket for headphone listening and a 3.5mm line-out for connection to your hifi settup. It has a full-range, 5 watt, 8 Ohm dynamic speaker (2.5 inch). Features 99 memory presets, remote control, an alarm clock. The first ten presets are on the remote. After that, you have to punch in the other 89. Many competing WIFI radios have no remote and only 3 to 5 presets on the front panel. They require you playing with menus to tune stations. The CC WiFI operates with the most common routers. If no router, it has an Ethernet port for a hard-wire network connection (cable, not supplied). Size: 6.5 W x 3.9 H x 3.9 D inches Weight: 1 lb.

CWF: $139.95 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $13.00 shipping

HARMAN KARDON HK3390 STEREO RECEIVER

50 years ago, Harman Kardon introduced the world’s first stereo receiver. They are still making them.

The Harman Kardon 3390 is a traditional FM/AM stereo receiver, but with added features. It is not only an A/V receiver aimed at videophiles, and jammed with useless features you don't want, but lacking those you need for genuine stereo reproduction.

It incorporates a hifi FM tuner, and high quality AM tuner into the same chassis with an audiophile phono preamplifer and a 160 Watt power amplifier. Very useful is a genuine Tape Monitor loop.

Description	Stereo receiver
Power @ 8 Ohms, <0.07% THD	80 x 2
Bandwidth	20Hz – 20kHz
Bandwidth @ 1W (+0/–3dB)	10Hz – 110kHz
Discrete Amplifier Output Devices	Yes
Digital Inputs (2-Ch PCM) (Coax/Optical)	0
Audio Inputs	7
Video Inputs	4 (1 on front panel)
Video Outputs	1
XM Ready®1 Tuner	No
The Bridge-Ready	Includes A/V cable
Phono Input	Yes
Dolby® Virtual Speaker	No
Tape Monitor Loop	Yes
Tuner	AM/FM stereo with 30 presets
A/B Speaker Switching	Yes
Dual Subwoofer Outputs	Yes
Preamp Outputs/Main Amp Inputs	Yes
Accessory Outlets	2 Switched
System Remote	Yes
IR-In/Out Jacks	Yes
Separate Remote On/Off Buttons	Yes
Dimensions (H x W x D)	6-7/16" x 17-3/8" x 15"
Weight	20.9 lb

Click hear for the operating manual

HK 3390: $349.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $25.00 shipping

DENON DRA 397 STEREO RECEIVER TO POWER YOUR HIFI

Denon makes some of the best consumer audio products available at a reasonable cost. We found this unit for you because is is one of the few stereo receivers available that still has a phono-turnabable input on it. It has FM and AM tuners built in. It even switches your audio and video components. Like most newer integrated amplifier, it does not feature recorder monitoring. Therefore, if you wish to use an external noise reduction device, or equalizer for phono use, we recommend you also purchase an external preamp and possible our SuperConnector.

Amplifier Section:

Rated Output: 80W + 80W (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.08% THD)

Frequency response: 10Hz - 100kHz +0 dB, -3 dB (at 1W)

Output level/Load impedance: Zone2, Zone3: 1.2V/47 kohms

Total harmonic distortion: 0.009% (-3dB at rated output, 1 kHz)

Tone control: Treble: ± 10 dB at 10kHz, Bass: ± 10 dB at 100 Hz

Inputs: Phono and 3 audio/video (composite video) inputs

independent audio and video switching for main room

Front-panel and remote switching for 2 pairs of main speakers

Preamp-level subwoofer output

Headphone jack

Preamplifier Section:

Input sensitivity/Impedance: Phono: 2.5mV/47kohms
CD, CD-R/Tape, DVD/VDP, VCR, V. AUX: 200mV/47kohms
RIAA deviation: +/- 0.5db(20Hz - 20kHz)

FM Section:

Tuning frequency range: 87.5 - 107.9 MHz
Usable sensitivity: 1.0µV (11.2 dBf)
S/N ratio (A-weighted): Mono 77 dB, Stereo: 73 dB
Total harmonic distortion: Mono: 0.15%, Stereo: 0.3%
Frequency response: 20 Hz -15 kHz, +0.5, -1.5 dB
Stereo separation: 43 dB (1 kHz)

AM Section:

Tuning frequency range: 520-1710 kHz
Usable sensitivity: 18 µV

General:

Power supply: AC 120V, 60 Hz
Power consumption: 3.4A
Multi-brand remote control
warranty: 2 years

Approximate Dimensions:

Width: 17.1"
Height: 5.8"
Depth: 16.4"

Approximate Weight:

Unit: 20.7 lbs
Shipping: 25 lbs

DENON 397: $399.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $25.00 shipping

iKEY HDR7 PORTABLE DIGITAL RECORDER

This is an extremely versatile audio recorder. It is about the size of two cigarette packages. You don't use reels of tape or DAT cassettes; you use cheap USB Flash drives (cruzer) that cost about $10.00. With a 1 GB cruzer, you can record 1.5 hours of CD quality audio, or 8 hours of high quality MP3. With an SDHC card, the sky is the limit!

Features:

* Full color LCD screen
* Built-in studio-quality electret condenser microphones
* Records from any MONO or STEREO line source
* Records MP3 & AAC files up to 320 kbps and WAV (BWF) &
AIFF files up to 24-bit/96KHz - true HD audio performance
* Built in Limiter, Compressor, and Auto Gain Control
* 1/8-inch (3.5mm Jack) stereo headphone/line output
* 1/8-inch (3.5mm Jack) stereo line input
* 1/8-inch (3.5mm Jack) for external stereo microphone
* Input gain switch with 3 input gain levels – 20 db, 0 db and +10 db
* Adjustable record level with digital input VU
* playback previously recorded media
* Headphone volume control
* Easily download to a computer with the included USB cable
* Stand mountable (stand included)
* AC adaptor included
* Batteries, 1 GB SD card, and Wind screen are included
* Compatible with FAT and FAT32 format only
* Weight: 0.55Lbs/0.3kgs
* Dimensions (W x H x D): 2.87” x 6.22” x 1.46” (73 x 158 x 37 mm)

iKEY HDR7: $169.99 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $7.50 shipping

ICONNEX USB INTERFACE FOR STANDARD TURNTABLES

If your turntable does not have a USB output and if you simply must do it via USB, then the ICONNEX will fit your requirements. Unlike fixed units in USB turntables, this device has a volume control to maximize the quality of your recordings.

The Iconnex is a portable USB soundcard plug and play device. It requires no drivers and can capture the sound of any audio source. It is switchable between line inputs and phono inputs, as it has a built-in phono preamp. Power is supplied via its USB cable. Works with PC or MAC. Included is a USB cable and Audacity recoding software.

Use its built-in preamp or connect one of our outboard units to it.

Take a look a the manual.

Features:

Connects to USB port on computer

16-bit/48kHz AD/DA converter

Phono input with grounding screw for direct connection of turntables

Windows and Macintosh compatible

Compact size

Switched Line or Phono input

Stereo RCA output

Record volume control

iKEY PLUS: $55.00 (IL Res. add 8.25% IST) + $6.80 shipping

Special price when bundled with non-USB turntable: $45.00