If I saw one of these approaching my bench, I'd shutter the windows and lock the doors. My skill level keeps me more in the vintage basic range. Hell of an effort on your part
Thanks for your commentary. That turn of the volume dial is just about right for me in my normal loudspeaker up loud. Great review. I love the sound of mine but can never quite pick why is sounds different from other amplifiers. It is unique amp.
It’s always hard to pick what is different between amplifiers. Obviously using headphones is different compared to speakers also but no satisfactory way to switch between amplifiers instantly with large speakers unfortunately.
I have both the 103 and the 105u. I had the 103 restored a couple years ago. I recently purchased the 105u with the intent of getting it restored as well. I bought from the original owner. It looks very clean with minimal use. After watching your latest video I am having second thoughts about getting it serviced. I love the loudness option on the U version which is missing on the 103.
I feel most of the issues won’t be a death sentence for the amplifier just degrade its performance. Curious if you find the noise floor is lower on the 103 though vs 105u (if you can hear it). The wiring will probably be ok providing it isn’t disturbed too much and if your driver board doesn’t look crispy then you likely got a unit with low usage :) Yes the loudness button is very welcome and forgot to mention it!
Honestly I couldn’t hear much difference in noise floor between the two of them. I’m using Polk Speakers which tend to be a bit on the bright side. I might test them with my head phones. Thanks for the review. It was ver insightful,
Thank you so much for sharing your technical analysis. I bought a 105u few weeks ago, it was very dirty, probably not used for a long time. With a simple antioxidant it works well now. The sound is balanced across the entire range. My question is: do tubes have an influence on the sound (I have a preamp Lector and tubes changes completely the sound) ? Should they be replaced or is it better to leave the original ones? Thanks again and good work!
Some claim these so, I would personally leave them alone other than maybe a clean and checking the sockets. Be careful though as the entire tube holder is plastic and after lots of heating, it becomes brittle and breaks easily. Especially the little clips that hold the board in :(
Well I bought a LV 105 (notU) 2nd hand about 35 years ago. Been back to ClarkAudio twice in the last decade. Interesting. Wonder if a cooling fan would help?
Some cooling could help with longevity but the U series overall are far more prone to heat damage. Most audio techs don’t redo the thermal compound on the output mosfets and definitely worth doing after so many years.
