News & Announcements

MAY 10TH 2012

MAY 10TH 2012

May 4th through May 7th, Kang Su Park of Allnic Audio flew in from Korea to visit Hammertone Audio’s David Beetles in Kelowna, BC. As well, from Calgary, Allnic product owner, friend and Allnic Audio’s manual writer, Gerry Simon.

Coincidental with their visit was the arrival of the new “Allnic H1201” phono stage. This tubed unit, with resistor/capacitor-based RIAA circuits, sounded refined immediately out of the box. The Allnic H1201 employs four Mullard E180CC tubes and shares the same four gain level step up transformers with Allnic H1500 and H3000 phono stages. The initial listening session, with only an hour of break-in and warm-up, had the soundstage and dynamics offered very splendid resolution and palpable ease of delivery. The next evenings session proved to be better again with highs extending and mid-bass gaining definition, power and weight. Our perception is that with around 100+ hours, the H1201 phono stage will offer levels of excellence on a level of units twice and thrice her $2950 price. BRAVO, Mr. Park, BRAVO!!!

Kang Su’s Saturday was spent at work bench actively instructing upgrades, tweaks and minor repairs with our new Canadian Affiliate, Ron Heinze of Tru-Tech Electronics (Kelowna, BC). Kang Su and Ron spent a shoulder-to-shoulder, head-to-head, full eight hour work session sharing Allnic service and warranty methodology. They were able to upgrade, service and train on the Allnic H3000, L5000, H1500, L1500, H1200 and inspect recent trades to be ready for resale. (For excellent service and upgrades of your favourite audio components, please contact Ron at 250.764.1234.)

Kang Su had also shipped the new aluminum cantilevered versions of the Puritas cartridge which - we were hoping to sample while he was here. Unfortunately, these did not arrive prior to his departure. He states the Puritas Aluminum version cartridge will offer 85 percent of the performance levels of the prized Puritas Boron cartridge. This done at a more manageable price point. The cartridge’s compliance is elevated - meaning easier arm mass matching. More to report on this later this week once we have this girl mounted to test compliance matching of various tone arms.

Sunday was a splendid Okanagan Valley day, lots of sunshine and 20C degree temperatures. We had opportunity to goof off, enjoy the beautiful sights of Kelowna and do a round of mini-golf on a monster putting course. KS putted well - but at times we thought he was at the driving range…

Kang Su and Gerry departed this Monday morning. Kang Su announced he will be back in the autumn, with his lovely wife and son, for a much deserved holiday. Thanks to all those that contacted Mr. Park over the week-end - he appreciated every visit and call.

And many, many thanks to Mr. Park. Kang Su is a brilliant audio designer. It makes me proud to be his friend. It simply amazes me at how much he knows and how willing he is to share all that expertise and knowledge.

That’s all for now - but remember - our best deals get done on the phone. David @ 1-250-862-9037

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May 2, 2012

Three more days until Mr KS Park arrives in our home Friday. We look forward to this week-end, he brings with him the long anticipated H1201, Allnic’s new entry level phono stage designed like a younger brother H3000. This CR RIAA circuit sharing the multi gain step up transformers has been under tests for past 3 months.Kang Su the sound is wonderful, projected retail will be under $3000. This week-end KS Park shall be sharing knowledge with Ron Heinze of Tru-Tech, Kelowna, for Allnic updates and warranty concerns. Ron may be reached at 250.764.1234.



Some great trades on route. We have an ARC CD7.5 CD Player, Ayre V1XE Power Amplifier, Roy Clark Grease bearing 301 with a beautiful Woodsong plinth, an EMT 997 12” tone arm, an Allnic L3000 with output transformer upgrades and a mint Allnic T1500. Other recent trades include a Porter Plinthed SP10Mk2, Linn Sondek, Please call for delivered price. Calling 250.862.9037 gets preference and we guarantee rapid decisive deals and yes, Hammertone Audio will accommodate your excellent trade.



Next post we shall report first hand listening experiences with the new Allnic H1201 phono stage. Until then, enjoy life!

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April 12 2012

Much has been happening in recent weeks. About 9 months ago I received some very interesting interconnect cables from a fellow Canadian and wire manufacturer of note, Rick Schultz (formerly Virtual Dynamics) Rick sent some magnetic drive prototype cables of what he claimed would reduce noise floor by 14 percent and offer a resolving glimpse into the Allnic electronics true abilities. Rick owns and uses Allnic products. They include H3000 phono stage, Puritas (3) L5000 DHT, and the A6000 50 WPC 300B mono blocks. Having the identical system in my home made perfect sense to give these a try. Rick graciously sent me what I needed to connect my system. To summarize, I bought the cables and tested and compared with other flavors until quite recently.

Last July, Rick moved family and business to Plano, Texas. After months of orientation, he set up shop to produce these fine cables as a new company http://www.highfidelitycables.com . 2 weeks ago, Rick sent me the new production commercial version of his cables. The sonic capabilities of the prototypes was exceptional but with the arrival of the finished product, my system just took on a whole new level of performance. The usual complimentary buzz words apply but the new cables matched and pushed Allnic L5000 DHT’s ability to resolve the space, timing and reverb venue of the source recordings was nothing less than spectacular. I lived with one pair of the HFC’s between preamp and amplifiers for a week before inserting a secondary pair between phono stage and preamp. Pretty amazing that each pair could cascade the continued impact. We are in process of setting up an Allnic system at the Avalon’s new listening room composed of L5000, A6000, H3000, Puritas and Xact Audio’s the Beat turntable with Reed tonearm. Steve Dobbins sent Rick the Reed arm to employ the magnetic barrels of the Higher Fidelity cables employs. Steve Dobbins plans to visit Neil Patel at Avalon late April with his table, arm, and Rick’s cables….more to come on the evaluation of this fine system. We hope it will be a dandy!

Just in and installed from Scotland is a custom Audio Origami PU7 with increased mass by special request to marry with our low compliance Puritas cartridge. Audio Origami’s Johnnie Nilsen added a bronze insert into the aluminum wand to increase rigidity and supply the needed mass. After 2 nights of listening, I have to give 2 thumbs up for a beautiful result. The Puritas now possesses greater resolution, bass control and some of the best bass I have heard from this cart /arm combination. In very near future, this arm will be under review. Projected retail of this over achieving bad boy will be reasonably priced starting at about $3900 for the Natural Aluminum finish. The North American versions of the PU7 come with the lock down below arm board nut system. For those wishing the traditional Rega mounting system, it’s available. Options include silver wiring and anodized colors to suit wife, life or surroundings.

About 4 years ago before our move back to British Columbia, I had invested in a pair of 15” LSU?HF/15/8 Tannoy Gold Monitors. I received them and never opened the boxes. Last night we did and WOW, these are near perfect! They were housed in cabinets during their entire life, show beautifully and appear to be in perfect shape. Yes, available and more pics can be supplied.

The chassis’s for the new H1201 phono stage arrive at factory next week. KS Park has been testing the new RIAA circuit, claims it to be near perfect. Expect the first units to be available May 22nd. KS PARK will be visiting Canada May 4th-7th, please call if you wish to speak with him personally at 250.862.9037. The awesome Allnic A5000 DHT 300B amplifiers were recently reviewed and going to print in June’s issue of Stereophile. Audiobeat’s Roy Gregory’s recent H3000V comprehensive review is a must read. http://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/allnic_h3000v.htm. Ernie Fisher’s recent thoughts and like’s of the Allnic T2000 and L3000 can be enjoyed at Ernie’s Inner Ear Magazine. http://www.innerearmag.com/reviews/amplifiers/Allnic_T-2000.shtml

An LP record of interest. James Blake self titled. During setup at RMAF last October, Wilson’s Peter McGrath brought in the CD of James Blake to help set up the Wilson Sasha’s we demonstrated Allnic with. Friend Gerry Simon visited me in Kelowna recently with the album after his assistance in RMAF room setup. In minutes with his help and RMAF experience, the James Blake album was instrumental in gauging Wilson Sasha speaker placement in regards to room pressurization. A cool tool.

We deeply appreciate your patronage, please follow us on Facebook. As always, thanks for your trust.

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March 1 2012

Greetings! Received our first glimpse of yet to be named creation from KS Park. He was at a Japanese audio Show 20 years ago and spotted a design that has haunted him. It was an output transformer less OTL and output capacitator less OCL vacuum tube head amplifier. He said it had great promise and 20 years later, it is now a reality. Within 6 weeks this truly engaging piece of audio history will be available in either Silver or Black.

Recent trades for month of February include a Porter Wedge Plinth housing an upgraded Technics SP10 Mk2. I was told by the customer this unit was in fact Albert’s own so expect a good one!

We also have in process a fully loaded with dual power supplies and phono stage, the Doshi Alaap Mk2. This is a one owner unit and can be shipped from Alberta or BC, call for details, price and shipping arrangements.

One of my Allnic Customers is trading up to the L5000 DHT. His trade is the L3000 with upgraded transformers, he bought new, is Silver faced and MINT. Available March 7th 2012. Call for further info. Examine pictures and info of this fine line stage in our Allnic section of this website.

Recent landing of the mighty MICRO SEIKI SX8000 turntable, now available. This offering sold for 10K plus in the early 80’s. This unit is probably the most complete and feature loaded available anywhere in the world. 2 Motor units, one NOS, glass plinth, the MS footer system, Kevlar belts, Stainless Steel Platter, air bearing system with vacuum record clamping. Priceless. Phone inquiries only!

Also available and awaiting further pics are 2 year old Oswald Mills Audio pieces, the PL519 2A3 power amplifier, and PD21 tube phono stage. The customer paid in the neighborhood of $22000, these are mint and for sale at $8900. This can be imported to be delivered from BC Canada or will be shipped from NY, your choice.

Mr KS Park arrives in Kelowna, BC May 4 to May 7th to host a technical workshop for our Canadian technicians to facilitate improved Allnic warranty service and updates. Please that week-end, feel free to call and engage with a premier audio engineer and designer at 250.862.9037. We look forward to hearing from you for any reason.

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February 04 2012

We welcome to the Allnic family, Mr Pedro Ascencio of Sound Sevilla. Pedro will be responsible for marketing Allnic Audio Labs in Spain and Portugal. He can be reached at 001 34 954 401 568. You may view Pedro’s fine line up at www.Soundsevilla.com.

John Nilsen (Audio Origami) and Chris Harban (Woodsong) have entered negotiations for American distributorship of Audio Origami PU7 tonearms. This is a natural business fit as Chris does much work with Linn LP12 owners providing world class plinths and John’s lovely arms sound excellent as physically correct replacements for Linn’s supplied arms. Hammertone Audio will continue to supply PU7 arms to Canadian customers and work with John to come up with a heavy mass 12” arm to mate with Allnic Puritas cartridge.

Hammertone Audio will be aggressively encouraging good, solid audio trades. We will consider most against Allnic components, call to discuss possibilities. Examples of recent trades. Allnic L3000 line stage, AD1 amps, the mighty Micro Seiki SX8000 turntable shown here, Linn Sondek LP12 with Alphason arm, Oswald Mills PD1 Phono and the accompanying PL519 2 piece integrated amp. Also coming as a package, the Theta Jade transport, John Wright modified Museatex Bitstream and a Moray James digital cable. In stock is a new Dynavector 507Mk2 along with a pair of 12” Reed’s. With the big site’s uploading difficulties and new customer direction, I welcome customers to submit pictures of their gear they would like to sell or trade on the Hammertone Audio site. It would be my pleasure to endorse fair trade with fellow customers.

Good new from Korea. KS Park tells me the H1200 replacement RIAA based phono stage with the Heerleen NOS E180CC tubes is sounding very special. Initial trials of the newly developed circuit are delighting Korean listeners, a hard core audiophile group with great ears. Scheduling will be timely with an April introduction. This is excellent news with H1200’s 7 year, 500 plus run drawing rapidly to a close. Nearing completion is the DHT Transformer coupled LCR phono stage, we are awaiting a European pin version of EML’s 20B tube to finish the project. This machine, my friends, will represent a crowning achievement of Mr Park’s passion for the relentless pursuit of analog playback holy grail.

In near months we will be bringing home a Studer B67 for updating to insert and enjoy with the system. There is a growing revival of tape machines, the sound superior, comparatively to vinyl and digital according to enthusiasts. We look forward to auditioning this medium. Recently, 20+ year old music lovers have been buying up older Revox, Teac and Nakamichi cassette decks….Not sure what this means but it’s All good, and all right!

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Dear Allnic...

Dear Allnic,

A couple of months ago a friend of mine lent me his Allnic T-1500 to “try out.” I often swap gear, cables and tweaks with friends. It’s probably the most economical way to navigate this hobby and make small advances towards one’s perceived audio nirvana. Now that I pretty much have a Class A or high B level system, when averaged, the difference between live music and recorded music is no longer a great divide. I was expecting this unit to chip away at what I call the last 5%, you know, a little more realism, a little more of the studio room, a little less of my room, etc. I wasn’t expecting to be catapulted so close to realism that I can no longer measure the distance in whole percentiles. Oh man, I did NOT budget for this friend’s “kindness.” I’m in trouble.


Have you ever loved a record so much you wish you were a part of it? I don’t necessarily mean playing a part, but you wish you were in the room, watching brilliance happen? Well I found myself there all the time, in the room with shivers on my arms. Every side was an event. And I believe my “being there” might be better than the actual because I could always pull my tonearm back and do it again, studying every aspect, sometimes getting lost and always finding something new. I lived in that room thanks to the T-1500. I had my own chair.


I found that tube rolling and cable swaps no long offered huge changes in coloring and spatial cues. I have a set of I/c’s that I like to swap in from time to time, they make the room feel like it drops three degrees in temperature compared to my mainstays but the highs seem more accurate in trade. With the Allnic, the room temperature barely drops. What were once sweeping changes had been reduced to mere notes. I also found tweaks to be pretty much irrelevant with the T-1500. This must be what it’s like when the amp dictates the room, not the treatments. I’m not sure I’ve ever really experienced that before. It’s pretty great. Don’t ever try to convert a (insert tweak) skeptic in an Allnic room or you’ll risk being the butt of jokes for a long time to come.


The last major change I noticed is that I could rarely turn the amp too loud. I find with lesser amps, the highs aren’t as realized and as I hit a certain volume they sound as if they’re reflecting off a paper ceiling. That’s my signal to dial the gain back a bit. With the T-1500, I had no paper ceiling and the volume pot was no longer associated with making the amp louder it simply delivered more music. Beautiful.


Well, all good things must come to an end. It’s been a week since I had to return the Allnic and I’m going through the post T-1500 dee-tees. I’ve been a vinyl junkie for decades but I’ve never tried to kick. In the past I’ve managed to procure more sophisticated and realized gear as my system, both biological and electrical, becomes accustomed to what was, at first spike, un-distilled heaven. It is with the Mindset of a recovery rookie that I make a grave error and attempted to go cold turkey. By that I mean I rolled in a fully refurbished Marantz 1060. I thought it would be fun. The Marantz lasted a side and a half before I yanked it from my system while doing my best Sandman Sims impersonation. Does a fella have to consume three martinis for those amps to live up to their hype? If so, I don’t think my liver could keep up with my listening regime. Eeeesh, the 1060 has been exiled to my shop where it competes with compressors, grinders, parts washers, et al … Harsh, I know , but it’s better than Siberia, right?


Cold turkey didn’t work, go figure. Now I’m running a Level 2 modded Jolida 300B with Sophia 300B Carbons and NOS Mullards up front as my audio methadone. The weening is pretty bumpy and the paper ceiling has returned but there’s good news, I’ve started squirreling away money to get my own T-1500. So I’ll be in touch… SOON.


Sincerely,

Kevin Temps

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January 12th, 2012

Busy times this early winter, with December arrival of Wilsons Sasha’s, Joel Durand’s Talea tone arm and Dobbin’s Beat turntable. The Wilson’s were the pair Xact Audio showed with at RMAF last October driven with the Allnic Direct Heated Triodes, Allnic H3000V and the Puritas cartridges with the Schroeder Prototype arm alongside the REED on the Kodo Beat table.

The Wilson’s require attention to setup. Preferred sitting distance is recommended to be within 1.1 to 1.25% of the tweeter to tweeter width with the speakers pointed directly at the listener. Best is to be able to slightly see the inner wall of the cabinet from your seating position. Once dialed, the magic is there! These are very good, surprisingly efficient to be driven to decent listening levels with Allnic 12.5 WPC DHT A5000’s. The sounds leap off the cabinets rendering them invisible.

KS Park has announced the design of the new entry phono stage yet unnamed. It will be a single box design much like H3000 in appearance. We will be incorporating the 4 level custom gain transformers shared with H3000, H3000V, AUT2000 and H1500. This will satisfy a champagne taste with a beer budget in mind. Tube rollers can rejoice with the decision of selected E180CC NOS tubes. Scheduled April 2012.

Also under trials is the 14 Gram medium output Monolith mono cartridge, a single motor design. We have several prototypes out in the field , we await feedback. The magnets are so strong in this cartridge, one could use the cart to post the kids report cards to the fridge! KS reports this is one musical offering. More on this in very future.

KS Park has built a unique vacuum tube headphone amplifier using a pure OTL, OCL circuit. He first saw a Japanese unit about 15 years ago that showed potential but did not quite get it right. His 8 tube unit is the real deal, can power 16 Ohm speakers such as Axiom or Altec if one wished. Headphones impedance range of 30-50 Ohms will guarantee smiles. Pics will be posted within days.

The Allnic A5000 DHT’s, Puritas, L3000, T2000 and Monolith are currently under review(s) Great feedback from the writers, will post their comments as soon as offered.

Cool record of the week is “Safety in Numbers” by David Van Tieghem, produced by Roma Baran who also did work for Laurie Anderson. David and Laurie also worked together on Home of the Brave, Mister Heartbreak. The Mister Heartbreak album also featured Bill Laswell, Phoebe Snow and Peter Gabriel just to name a few.

Stay warm!

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