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GAS Thaedra

Paul Anthony Bigelow #187 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
James Bongiorno #189 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: toggle quoted message Show quoted text 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page:
Paul Anthony Bigelow #190 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page:
James Bongiorno #193 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: toggle quoted message Show quoted text 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Good friends, school spirit, hair-dos you'd like to forget. Classmates.com has them all. And with 4.4 million alumni already registered, there's a good chance you'll find your friends here: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page:
Paul Anthony Bigelow #200 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Good friends, school spirit, hair-dos you'd like to forget. Classmates.com has them all. And with 4.4 million alumni already registered, there's a good chance you'll find your friends here: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page:
James Bongiorno #204 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: toggle quoted message Show quoted text 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Good friends, school spirit, hair-dos you'd like to forget. Classmates.com has them all. And with 4.4 million alumni already registered, there's a good chance you'll find your friends here: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You can win $1000! Time-limited offer. Enter today at: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page:
tony l scimemi #205 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@...> 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Good friends, school spirit, hair-dos you'd like to forget. Classmates.com has them all. And with 4.4 million alumni already registered, there's a good chance you'll find your friends here: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You can win $1000! Time-limited offer. Enter today at: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page:
Paul Anthony Bigelow #207 Dear James, I'm not exactly sure what's going on with hi-fi these days. The high-end products certainly aren't cheap and you need $1000 interconnects to be with the "in crowd". "Keep it simple" with battleship construction seems to be the driving force today. The main reason I do not purchase any high end preamps these days is lack of bass and treble controls. The Thaedra proves it can be done right AND tastefully. Since the early 80's crash of the major players, hi-fi just hasn't been the same to me. I have lots of brochures from Pioneer, Sansui, JVC, etc. from the late 70's and even these manufacturers took pride in circuit innovations, FM selectivity, Capture Ratio, distortion, construction, heat sinks, etc. Even if some it was snake oil, at least some major manufacturers tried. Not any more. Today, the home electonic sector does not seem to care. That leaves the small companies and the remaining enthusiasts to "carry the torch". With inflation, maybe it's just gotten too expensive and risky to develop something truly NEW. Maybe accountants keep getting in the way. Maybe if "Hi-Fi" as a hobby becomes generally popular again maybe the trail can be picked up where it left off. Now I'm off MY soapbox! Best regards, Paul Bigelow --- In SAE_Talk@..., James Bongiorno <sstinc@e...> wrote: 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Good friends, school spirit, hair-dos you'd like to forget. Classmates.com has them all. And with 4.4 million alumni already registered, there's a good chance you'll find your friends here: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- You can win $1000! Time-limited offer. Enter today at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page:
Paul Anthony Bigelow #208 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Your high school sweetheart-where is he now? With 4.4 million alumni already registered at Classmates.com, there's a good chance you'll find her here. Visit your online high school class reunion at: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Community email addresses: Post message: SAE_Talk@... Subscribe: SAE_Talk-subscribe@... Unsubscribe: SAE_Talk-unsubscribe@... List owner: SAE_Talk-owner@... Shortcut URL to this page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Good friends, school spirit, hair-dos you'd like to forget. Classmates.com has them all. 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