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