Hello Tony,
I purchased the Thaedra about eight years ago (it has never
needed a repair since I bought it) because I wanted a high
end preamp with tone controls, plus, it had headphone
jacks -- what a deal! It worked, was in great physical condition,
came with a manual, and the price was right ($150!). The Thaedra
smokes the competition. I think a magazine like Stereophile
should put it up against the high-end of today and see how it
turns out. I'll bet they'll end up wondering what's been
going on all these years.
Here's what's been going on: The major manufactures have
mastered the art of creative art of injection molding (look at
all the "pretty" compact lifestyle systems with intersting
shapes at Circuit City). The high-end have learned how to
create thick faceplates.
Off the soapbox again!
To their credit, the high-end CAN use high quality parts and
materials, and the precision of those components have become
quite good. But what's been done with them? Preamps have
less and less features these days.
I guess, like art, Hi-Fi is going through its "minimalist"
period!
Best regards,
Paul Bigelow
--- In SAE_Talk@..., tony l scimemi <tonys34@j...> wrote:
Hello,
I have been reading the dialog about the Thaedra and it's almost
as if
this preamp has been elevated to the best the world has ever or
will ever
see ! I beleive JB and I am on the lookout for one.
James, is it really true that, in your estimate, if the Thaedra
were to
be (massed) produced today, the cost would be in excess of $10,000
?
Will you please briefly go into more detail about why this is so,
and
have you thought about doing it ?
There are many, many people who would buy the new one , i would
imagine
!
Thanks,
Tony.
On Sun, 23 Apr 2000 16:12:24 -0700 James Bongiorno <sstinc@e...>
writes:
Dear Paul,
You have justified my reason for being. After all, I set out to
prove that a
transistorized product could hold its own against the "tube"
competition.
Believe this:I designed that preamp 25 years ago and from what I
can
gather
from what's being done today, the industry has taken major steps
backwards
regarding amps and preamps. They have learned nothing. I am sorry
for
sounding arrogant and cynical, but you have said it for me.
Hopefully, you
can understand why I am doing upgrades.
James
Paul Anthony Bigelow wrote:
Dear James,
Inspired by our exchange, I went back into the Thaedra today
and gave it a proper going over and noticed some interesting
things such as:
1. The last 3 digits of the serial number engraved INSIDE the
plated back panel.
2. Diode markings hand etched into the circuit board.
A little bit of GAS history, huh?
During this time, all the boards were cleaned, the gold
pins treated with De-Oxit, and a couple of places where
I missed some other previous sloppy repairs. I am constantly
amazed by some of the careless solder work I run across.
The original work was, thankfully, quite good. The plated
parts have held up quite well over the years, the lettering
on the back is completely intact and the plating is still
bright, for the most part. The only area that has somewhat
dulled is the area around the RCA jacks. Still, it isn't
bad.
What is the purpose of the connector sockets on top of the
plug in boards? I can only assume that either diagnostic cards
or test equippment plug into those sockets.
When reassembled, I listened to the unit for several hours
listening to everything from Sinatra to Canned Heat. The
preamp really sounds great. Transistorized amps and preamps,
for the most part, become almost impossible for me to listen
to over extended periods of time as I almost get a headache.
Not so the Thaedra, it is real smooth and I get a sense of
"being there" especially in the vocal range as good vacuum tube
preamps also convey.
Best regards,
Paul Bigelow
--- In SAE_Talk@..., James Bongiorno <sstinc@e...>
wrote:
Dear Paul,
It is truly amazing that anyone in their right mind would
sell a
Thaedra for
$175. If I see one I'll buy it. The technology that went into
that
unit was
ahead of its time and is still viable even today. The sad
truth
is
that if I
had to make that unit today with all of today's cost
structure,
if
would
have to retail for around $10,000 to $15000.
James Bongiorno
Paul Anthony Bigelow wrote:
Dear James,
Thank you for the response. The upgrade is being
considered.
In my post, I was just indicating that, even today, without
modification, the Thaedra is a great performer. If anybody
finds one -- grab it!
Paul Bigelow
--- In SAE_Talk@..., James Bongiorno <sstinc@e...>
wrote:
Dear Paul,
There were approximately 3000 Thaedras made and yes you
are
right
about the
serial number sequence. The only two face plates that
were
made
were the
white, which is my doing, and the normal black. There was
never
a
silver or
a gold plated unit.
If you are happy with the performance of your unit then
fine.
But
when I get
done upgrading a Thaedra, the improvements are
significant
in
all
areas.
James Bongiorno
Paul Anthony Bigelow wrote:
Dear James,
The Thaedra was a lucky find. I happened to walk
into a local stereo repair shop and there it was,
just begging for a nice home!
Because of the sloppy repair job that had been
done to it previously the boards were checked
for bad/cold solder joints. It is holding up
quite nicely.
The quiet phono preamp is real joy -- very
detailed and no annoyances like background
hum or hiss. Since headphones are used for
most of the listening, I'm real sensitive to
those kind of distractions. Plus, it has tone
controls! An audiophile preamp just cannot be
found with tone controls these days. The Thaedra's
are tastefully done and work well. Most of my
music listening comes from the 50's and 60's
so the tone controls are a significant feature
for me.
Approximately how many Thaedras were manufactured?
I have only seen one other. The hand etched serial
number on mine is A301517 -- does that mean the
1517th Thaedra?
Finally, was there ever a silver-faced Thaedra?
It seems I can recall a photograph (maybe in a
GAS-ETTE) of one.
Best regards,
Paul Bigelow
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