The stunning Leben CS-600 integrated tube amp from Japan / Tone Imports is HERE!  mmmmmm new amp smell !!!  So I’ve spent the last few days listening to the Leben.  The first day with the 6L6 tubes and then I switched them out with some EL-34.  I have some C logo EL-34 coming which John Halpern of Tone Imports recommended. This amp can take loads of different tubes and is SELF BIASING!  Fit and Finish is impeccable.  Built like a tank but “smoove like butta…” If you want to buy a really great integrated and NEVER want or need to upgrade, come by.  I’ve had great success pairing it with DeVore speakers and the Rega R5.  

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The new $2850 Well Tempered Amadeus is really well thought out and unlike ANYTHING I’ve seen or heard before. The golf ball bathing in a cup of silicone gel acts somewhat like a uni pivot and works really well.  It’s quite difficult to explain, but the crane like thing-a-ma-jig holds a thin fish line string which is adjustable. Being a Rega freak, I was a bit scared of turning into a complete “tweak geek”,  Rega is so user friendly which I like, but the set up is quite easy and intuitive on the Amadeus.  I’m looking forward to seeing threads with OCD buyers testing out Titleist vs. Wilson balls on the table.  Listening to golf balls is more pathetic than listening to multi thousand dollar cables! Remember, it’s all about the tunage!  If you’re looking for a table that is exotic, tweak free and sounds like it should be three times as much, bring some records by and give it a spin!  For a limited time I have, on loan, the Dynavector DRT XV-1S!!!!!   If you’ve never heard a $4500 cartridge, now is your chance! 

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