This is an audio manufacturer that we carry. Both amplifiers are well-known and popular manufacturers.
Each has a different appearance, with a chassis structure and internal circuitry and characteristics. The sound played back also has characteristics of each manufacturer, so this time I would like to talk about the characteristics and differences in sound from a personal perspective.
Bakoon Products
Bakoon ProductsClick here for the product page
https://www.exclusive-audio.jp/shop/products/list.php?category_id=17
Among the manufacturers mentioned this time, it does not use vacuum tubes. It is an audio manufacturer headquartered in Kumamoto, which has recently been praised by audio magazines such as MJ. In addition to home audio, we also make professional amplifiers and microphones.
Whatever its feature isBakoon ProductsThis is a uniquely developed SATRI circuit. It has almost no distortion (EX specification 0.05% / UL specification 0.007%), making it possible to amplify ultra-high accuracy.
SATRI-IC was created with the aim of faithfully reproducing recorded sound sources, and is capable of ultra-high accuracy amplification with almost no distortion (distortion rate: 0.05% to 0.007%). Under the genius developer Nagai, the series has now evolved to the fourth generation. The MK4 series also includes a newly developed HIBIKI circuit, providing even higher definition and high precision sound. The clearness of the single point from high to low frequencies is outstanding due to the high SN and the very quiet background. The sharp and clear outlines allow you to convey the delicate, subtle background sounds that are as if you can hear them or not, and the slight movement of your lips from the emotional vocals without missing them. The reproduction sound has no coloring or decoration at all, and there is no emphasis on the high or low frequencies, and reproduces the atmosphere and scenes of the recording site as is. However, since it remains faithful to the sound source, owners who focus on low frequencies such as deep bass may want a little more low frequencies.
andBakoon ProductsSpeaking of which, it is a SATRI-LINK connection that uses a current output that sets it apart from other companies along with the SATRI circuit. By connecting Bakuon devices to SATRI-LINK, it is possible to carry music signals with much more information due to large DC currents, with almost no noise than normal connection methods (voltage connections). The overwhelming amount of information, combined with the SATRI circuit, and the music signal with almost no distortion or noise, are the true essence of Bakuon Sound.
On the other hand, it has a high affinity and is easy to use when combining with amplifiers made by other companies, as it has no quirks. If the vacuum tube amplifier is not in the CAP series, it is spacious enough to allow you to enjoy the characteristics of the vacuum tube amplifier you use without sacrificing it.
The exterior is a part of your preference. The contrast between the black body and the orange logo and knob is actually the same color as the color schemes of most speakers and wooden racks, and has a high affinity and blends in without any discomfort.
The orange knob is a high-quality material called bakelite. The chassis is made of aluminum. The reason is that iron causes distortion, and to avoid this, we do not use it because it uses copper or shields it with another material, which increases the weight and cost. Additionally, aluminum is lightweight and contributes to its compactness, so it may be a great benefit to it being difficult to install. The transformer uses R-cores and toroidal cores that have little leakage magnetic flux, so the effects of magnetism are not at a level where we are concerned about them. The speakers are also fine. However, the magnetic force of the drive system used by players and other players is strong, so it is safer to keep a little distance, or if you are installing it in layers, just hold one preamp in between, and leave a little distance.
ASTOR
ASTORClick here for the product page
https://www.exclusive-audio.jp/shop/products/list.php?category_id=18
This is a manufacturer that manufactures audio equipment, mainly vacuum tube amplifiers, which are highly praised by audio magazines for their robust chassis and sound.
ASTORThe distinctive feature of this is the robust chassis. The higher-end models use 2mm or 3mm thick bent stainless steel (medium-sized models made of duralumin), and are also made of high-grade, more pure than those used in fairly high-grade stainless steel cutlery, and the feel of the texture is slightly better than that of familiar tableware. This chassis alone is quite heavy. The inside is further reinforced with stainless steel or oxygen-free copper. The exterior is finished in a mirror with almost no seams or rivets, and while it is solid and cold, it shows a high level of perfection. The gentle lights of the vacuum tube reflected in the warm-colored lights give it a very atmospheric appearance.
All models are common to all models, with an extremely thick 10mm aluminum plate on the front panel, which reinforces the tightening of the entire housing and designs as an Astro Electronics product.Bakoon ProductsThe heavy, thoroughly reinforced chassis that was not chosen makes it a perfect shut-off against vibrations and noise. The vacuum tube mounting port has a double structure that prevents heat dissipation and vibration. The power amplifier has independent volumes on both sides, which helps with slight balance adjustments, and you can listen to music other than records without a preamp.
The transformers are made by Hashimoto Electric, specially made by Astro Denki, and all carefully selected capacitors and volumes are assembled by hand. Almost all of the assembly is done by a veteran amplifier craftsman, so the materials used are different, but the quality of the products is the same regardless of the price, so the low-priced models may be quite a bargain. The sound created from a well-thought-out and refined chassis, excellent transformers, and large-capacity capacitors is free from the warmth and softness that appears in the image of a vacuum tube amplifier. A clear, transparent sound with a bright sound. The sound image is solid, it is three-dimensional, and the mid-low range is rich and has plenty of room for a relaxed sound. The mid-high-end preamps further enhance the high range, clear contours and rich musical expression throughout the entire range. Basically, the sharp, colorless sound may feel clear and cool for a vacuum tube amplifier, but it reproduces the sound clearly, powerfully and expressively down to the smallest detail.
ASTORThe vacuum tubes that are used are preferred for amplification tubes 12AU7, 12AX7,output tubeThe KT88 series and 300B are used in this case, and the reason is that it is also compatible and is widely available and easy to obtain. As you know, even if the model number of vacuum tubes is the same, the sound will vary depending on the manufacturer. We have deliberately selected balls that are easy to obtain so that people who become owners can easily replace the tastes and compatible vacuum tubes to enjoy music. Therefore, except for some high-end models, all can be replaced without adjusting the bias.Yamamoto Sound CraftThis is a slightly different approach to amplifiers that deliberately use vacuum tubes that are not easily available, such as those that are difficult to find, and enjoy the sound.
Yamamoto Sound Craft
Yamamoto Sound CraftClick here for the product page
https://www.exclusive-audio.jp/shop/products/list.php?category_id=13
We offer a variety of audio accessories.Yamamoto Sound Craft. Yamamoto Acoustic's amplifier, made using excellent woodworking techniques, is a combination of beautiful natural wood grain and brass, and gives a warm impression that is different from the two companies mentioned above. The wooden chassis, which has a smooth surface and beautifully curved surface, has a woodworking system that has been familiar to people since they were little, and it has increased the presence of Yamamoto Acoustic amplifiers, making them look quite satisfying. The charm of wood is a strange thing, and it's hard to touch any wooden product and try it out.
The use of cherry blossom wood and ebony, which claim to have a good sound, is expected to have a vibration-damping effect due to moderate hardness and flexibility, contributing to sound quality. The components are made from carefully selected parts, both domestically and internationally, such as Yamamoto Insight's original products and uniquely processed capacitors, to improve reliability and sound quality. We also shrewdly apply non-magnetic brass covers and Teflon material to prevent insulation.
Yamamoto Sound CraftBy using specific vintage tubes that are difficult to find, such as Western Electronics and Emission Lab, the vacuum tubes used, creates a dedicated amplifier that allows you to enjoy music that makes the most of the appeal of the vacuum tubes. It can also be said to be for those who want to enjoy music to the fullest with the vintage tubes they have always dreamed of.ASTORThis is a different way to enjoy it than using vacuum tubes that are easy to obtain, increasing the owner's preferences and freedom.
Yamamoto Sound CraftThe impression of the sound is softer than the two manufacturers above, just like the soft wooden look, and it is softer and gentler than the above manufacturers, giving it a somewhat warmth that is typical of a vacuum tube amplifier. It can also be said that it retains the vacuum tube-like nature. It gives a good sense of the uniqueness of the vintage tubes used, while also seasoning the sound in a good way. All power amplifiers are single type. It has a clear outline and no ambiguity in its softness. It also clearly expresses delicate sounds that are typical of singles. The musical expression is rich, mainly in the high and mid range, but the low range is a little more modest. Since it is a single amplifier, the output is only a few watts. If you want to fully enjoy the sound, efficient speakers would be ideal.
Yoshishiba Sound Industry
Click here for Yoshishiba Inscience product page
https://www.exclusive-audio.jp/shop/products/list.php?category_id=42
Yoshishiba, the representative of Yoshishiba, is Mr. Yoshishiba, who is the executive committee chair of the vacuum tube audio fair held every year in Akihabara. This may be the most unique of the four companies this time. Yoshishiba Acoustic amplifiers do not have a brand design that can be seen at a glance and do not have much of a sense of unity. The commonality is nostalgia and retro feel. The amplifiers created with the image of Yoshishiba are each designed with a different and unique design. Yoshishiba's temperament is strongly reflected in the design, rather than an artist's craftsman.
This is the same with sound production, and it has a completely different way of thinking from manufacturers that faithfully reproduce modern original sound sources, and the sound of vacuum tube amplifiers was probably the same in the Showa era. The sound of the amplifier I used to dream of was even better than it is today. I feel like I want to make the low-level range feel comfortable, and I always think about how to listen to music comfortably and how to immerse myself in a lot of emotional senses, and I'm working hard to improve the sound quality of my amplifiers day and night. Especially whether it's a single amplifier or a mono amplifier, the sound that gives off a solid mid-low range and appeals to your heart's content to listen to. The key to creating that sound is a transformer original to Yoshishiba Insulation. This is a hand-winding transformer that takes time and effort to arrive through trial and error. It also has the latest technology that we have always been greedy and greedy to create the ideal sound.
Yoshishiba Acoustics is strongly conscious of the sound of European and American amplifiers. I feel that the sound of the sound of the old Western vacuum tube amplifier manufacturers is different from that of Japanese vacuum tube amplifiers, and in order to create sounds that exceed that, we thoroughly investigate amplifiers such as Western amplifiers using wiring diagrams and components, compare and research them, and use them to make use of the sound of Yoshishiba acoustics.
This is the way we think about and approach sound from the four companies.
