Other Hobbies

Sean Regan

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I bought a 1980s Leak tuner/amp via eBay shortly before Christmas. The vendor assured me it was in perfect working order. I believe he thought it was, but, I bet that was when he put it away twenty years ago. Because it had a few faults, I later found, he gave me a 50% reduction.

P1020568.JPG



The radio was fine, but despite me giving the input sockets a bit of a spray with switch cleaner, I was a bit disappointed with its performance.

So a couple of weeks back, I went back to my trusty 1970s Leak 2000, which I've had for about 20 years.

P1010801.JPG


Now, both these tuner amps have multiple inputs, which I need. Other tuner/amps of the same vintage don't. I need a phono (record player) and two auxiliaries, one for my cassette player and one for my jukebox wall boxes.

I was going to get round to looking at the 3400 again, but kept putting it off.

But yesterday, the 2000 started occasionally, "motorboating." The noise you get when the amplifier can be getting some feedback from other equipment nearby. Like my TV.
So I decided to give the 3400 some "provocative therapy."
I stood it on its face so that the two phono and two auxiliary inputs were facing upwards. There's also two tape monitor sockets which I don't need and two sets of speaker outputs. (vendors eBay photo).

s-l1600.jpg


I sprayed switch cleaner into the sockets. Then worked a spare 5pin DIN plug in and out of each several times. Sprayed them again and repeated the process. The left it in that position overnight.

It's now working perfectly. Consistantly as well as this, when it was having one of its "good days" before Christmas


It's a far better amplifier than the other.

They are a bit like "hens teeth," very hard to find. So I'm well pleased.
 
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oneeye

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I bought a 1980s Leak tuner/amp via eBay shortly before Christmas. The vendor assured me it was in perfect working order. I believe he thought it was, but, I bet that was when he put it away twenty years ago. Because it had a few faults, I later found, he gave me a 50% reduction.

View attachment 106684


The radio was fine, but despite me giving the input sockets a bit of a spray with switch cleaner, I was a bit disappointed with its performance.

So a couple of weeks back, I went back to my trusty 1970s Leak 2000, which I've had for about 20 years.

View attachment 106685

Now, both these tuner amps have multiple inputs, which I need. Other tuner/amps of the same vintage don't. I need a phono (record player) and two auxiliaries, one for my cassette player and one for my jukebox wall boxes.

I was going to get round to looking at the 3400 again, but kept putting it off.

But yesterday, the 2000 started occasionally, "motorboating." The noise you get when the amplifier can be getting some feedback from other equipment nearby. Like my TV.
So I decided to give the 3400 some "provocative therapy."
I stood it on its face so that the two phono and two auxiliary inputs were facing upwards. There's also two tape monitor sockets which I don't need and two sets of speaker outputs. (vendors eBay photo).

View attachment 106687

I sprayed switch cleaner into the sockets. Then worked a spare 5pin DIN plug in and out of each several times. Sprayed them again and repeated the process. The left it in that position overnight.

It's now working perfectly. Consistantly as well as this, when it was having one of its "good days" before Christmas


It's a far better amplifier than the other.

They are a bit like "hens teeth," very hard to find. So I'm well pleased.
That brings back old memories.
 
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I love working on vintage audio gear too! There’s something really satisfying about bringing old equipment back to life and getting that perfect sound. I’ve had my fair share of trial and error with amps and turntables, and sometimes a little patience (and switch cleaner!) is all it takes. But besides that, my other big hobby is spending time with my dog—making sure he’s happy and healthy is just as important. That’s why I always keep up with his care, including using Bravecto Without Vet Prescription to protect him.
 
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I love exploring new hobbies beyond gardening. Recently, I’ve taken up photography and painting. It's amazing to capture the beauty around us. Also, I like designer bags. I recently added a Gucci Horsebit bag to my collection (it's not big, but I have several really great and beautiful handbags and purses). I don't know why exactly bags, I can't explain it, but they make me feel stylish and confident when I wear them, so I think this is a good hobby.
 

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