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Japanese Audio

I've owned a few great low powered Japanese tube amps and wonder if anyone knows why this niche of low power class A and tube amps exists in Japan. Luxman, Leben, Airtight, Yamamoto, Almarro (no longer), SPEC, Accuphase to name a few. If your goal is building a low power amplifier, where does the inspiration come from? Did these brands spring up from western influence like other areas of Japanese culture or are there many unheard of Japanese high efficiency speakers?   
bjesien
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@todd_segal,
Given your observation, sounds as though conformity runs quite deep in the Japanese culture.
Charles
robertrs
17 posts
 
Thank you to everyone who has posted here, this is a wonderful thought provoking, insightful thread, so many great comments.

I built Onken speakers from info a friend directed me to and info I found on the net. Jean Hiraga who is mentioned above was the author for the articles I found. It surprised me that given the size of homes in Japan that the Onkens are so big. I used Altec 416-8A drivers and Altec 811 horns with Altec 806A drivers which are crossed at 800 hz using crossovers I built.

I use Audio Note Kit 300B mono block amps and their Mentor preamp.

A lot of what has been mentioned here applies to my system, great resolution at low levels, non fatiguing, wonderful sound that draws me back for more. 

I also have several SS systems that I also enjoy.

Again I find this a wonderful thread that many of the posters I have not seen post before.
chorus
976 posts
 
The pursuit of perfection is why. Try living on an island for several thousand years. Not sure what happened to the Irish though.

As I see it they are the leaders in electronics.

Question is why are they seeming not as good in the speaker world? 

As I see it.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@robertrs,
You wrote,
A lot of what has been mentioned here applies to my system, great resolution at low levels, non fatiguing, wonderful sound that draws me back for more.

No doubt! Your Audio Note kit 300b is very nice and these types of amplifiers do draw you deep into the music listening experience. .
Charles
bjesien OP
1,294 posts
 
@ghasley 
Yes, very well, thanks for asking. I've enjoyed your pursuits and sharing of valuable information regarding some of the above mentioned brands over the years.

Lots of great information written here and things to consider. I know several guys that are pursuing the vintage route too. Worth considering. I've always enjoyed low power SS and tubes, but also like full range bass that I can feel (preferably without subs), and all in a reasonably sized package (sometimes challenging). I truly understand why so many guys have two or three systems for different genres of music. 
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