An audio company that I worked for years ago wouldn't even issue schematics to employees. Imagine their horror when they found schematics "reverse engineered" in a Japanese magazine. True story. 😎
As a 40+ year electronics design engineer with a keen interest in audio, I could definitely build you one with almost identical performance for under £250. Unfortunately, I'll never get rich because I'm too honest.
He quoted 5000$ + to repair. The owner asked he send it to Mark saying you won't be able to fix it. I think Mark packed it insufficiently as well just for good measure coz it was damaged but that part is my feeling. Mark fixed it for a few hundred bucks changing a 2$ cap.
Tom Evans audio design will reveal all and I'm happy to own the comment and ecstatic to not own the pre amplifier. The video can be found (re-uploaded) on Damn Kermit's youtube channel.
I have seen a lot of expensive audio equipment over the years. Some of it very complex. I have never seen anything with that many plastic risers. Tantalum capacitors everywhere. Yikes Whatever. Why worry about things you can't afford anyway. I am enjoying watching all the negative press this manufacturer is getting. Including all the repost of the original video.
Ah, the Streisand effect at its finest. If the video hadn’t been taken down, most of us wouldn’t have known which British “high-end” audiophile manufacturer was involved. We wouldn’t have seen just how poorly constructed the equipment in question was, nor would we have discovered that it carries a price tag comparable to that of a car! Sometimes, attempts to suppress information only amplify it, now we ALL know what the product is 😂
Hypothetically, this is what is discussed in this video (re-uploaded): Mend It Mark The £25,000 Pre Amp that went Wrong Tom Evans Mastergroove SR mkIII RJbpFSFziI th-cam.com/video/EwBBxG3ctkY/w-d-xo.html
'Fred' said in the original video that the manufacturer sent him this device with the challenge that he would not be able to fix it. Some might say that was asking for it ! If I was fixing that thing I would have binned all that complicated rubbish and just wired in a modest quality modern phono-amp circuit, then bolted the case back together and I am sure the owner would be happy.
As a former electronics hobbyist I know that designing and building stuff is the easy part. Fixing stuff when it goes wrong is another level entirely. As you say, maybe he wasn’t up to the job.
@@AudioMasterclass I am a " retired " bicycle 🚲 mechanic. My job was partly fixing things that were " impossible " . I was always up to a good challenge and usually successful. The main thing was the funds to cover the time involved to do the reverse engineering. With all the electronics involved now I'm sure some of the TH-cam creators are going to run into same problem. Yeah... even bicycles have overly complicated electronics these days.
@stevengagnon4777 @stevengagnon4777 And here’s me when my hydraulic brakes were binding I messed about a bit with a Park tool then gave up and bought a new set from Amazon for fifty quid.
@@AudioMasterclass It's really amazing how inexpensive these brakes can be. Now if you had to have a shop install them thet might charge another 100 quid. Anyway now the bicycle manufacturers are running the brake lines inside the frame. That necessitates opening the hydraulic lines, fishing the line through the frame and bleeding the air bubbles out. Inspite of this I do like the hydraulic brake systems. Those disk brake certainly has introduced controversy in the industry. The tool didn't spread the pads open farther? Pushing them open and squeeze the levers a few times and that usually takes care of that. Brake lever get bumped with out the wheel installed during transport? There is a little plastic retainer that fits between the pads that will take the place of the rotors during transport .
Beware of the ranting Rossmann of the Apocalypse. Mark's video has by now been reposted several times, so maybe you're just being a tiny bit overcautious. Unless some Mr. Jones thinks they have the copyright on the whole story in some shape or form. Facts cannot be copyrighted.
It’s so true that a fact can’t be copyrighted. It’s also true that anyone can issue a bogus copyright claim and cause a lot of bother. I had one a while ago and my dispute was rejected. So I raised the issue to the next level, which could have meant court. Fortunately the claimant didn’t pursue it further. Moral is that this issue is not trivial.
That was brilliant...no idea what you are on about but going to find out...perhaps the lawsuit is more counterproductive than they ever anticipated...'power to the people' 😂😂😂
The guy who took the (very good) video down must be really ashamed of his work or maybe the price he charged for it. The grinding off the part numbers iwas really pathetic.
If he has a genuine trade secret to conceal then I see the point. If it’s hiding cheap components, then pathetic it would be. I make no judgement on the facts here because I don’t know them. I might expand on this in general in a future video.
Another delightfully crafted romp. Couldn’t agree more with your fleeting assessment of Mr Tony Honey Badger’s dismissal of vinyl audio. While some of us former audiophiles may have retired from all forms of physical media for numerous reasons - can’t really lay claim to that title under such circumstances can we? - I think it takes a special class of oblivious self righteous snobbery to deride those still enjoying them.
It should be known that there are other that etch off the names of the components used in their devices to prevent copying, including some manufacturers of budget friendly electronics that have been featured on this channel.
Exactly, I can't believe this isn't a major point. I comment on this when Marks video first came out. Good god, the manufacturer (some idiot I'm sure) sent the unit to Mark, challenging him saying he couldn't repair it. What a major fuck up move.
I replied to another comment similarly that people who design stuff aren’t necessarily the best people to fix it. Mason was clearly projecting when he thought that Fred or anyone couldn’t diagnose and repair the fault. Some faults actually would not be repairable other than by luck because the part numbers have been filed off.
The "problem" was the documentation was "too good" - it is an infringement of copyright, BUT it is legal to infringe - the question is something that is resolved in court. Copyright protects commercial exploitation - sanctions apply if and only if the infringement reduces the market. Documentation can increase market or inform market (copyright allowed) or allow market substitution ( copyright/IP question) I believe the claim was to prevent market information - which makes it bogus. Copyright applies only to market substitution in THE jurisdiction. I don't think that the claim can stand here.
This comment is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in full or in part (including, but not limited to, the terms "comment", "copyright", "protected" and "reproduced" and any variations of said terms) without the written consent of the original commentor. Violations will be reported to TH-cam and may subject violator to civil litigation.
Hi thank you for the very interesting video What i regret is that when they speak of superior performance they also should provide some kind of measurements backing their claims It is not the norm unfortunately Listening tests are too subjective
Saying everything by saying nothing. I'm impressed! But you forgot to mention that now that the big expensive box has been repaired, one can now hear the grass grow as long as one's ears are golden enough.
I don’t think this item is the best of everything. I think it masquerades as high end but is not, either in design or workmanship. The only thing high end is the price. Btw the video is back up.
Just another example of how the whole Audiophile thing is a nonsense full of people with more money than sense and happy to believe anything to justify the ridicules money they spend even convincing themselves, and will argue black and blue with little to none technical ability. I love Marks ( I Mean Fred's) videos he will have the last laugh on this. Toms design is "ok" and valid just overpriced (in "MY" opinion of course)
I couldn't find anything special in Tom's design that would trigger me to have a look at it. It looked like most of it was just made up out of basic reference circuitry that you can find in the datasheets of the manifactures for the components. He probably removed the labels from them to hide the fact that it's made up out of generic components. He's probably hiding a couple of 7X15 regulators and some generic transistors in that black box of him.
Nah U like controversy most of the videos in the collection pose contempt for Audiophiles... Nothing in Audio is without reverse engineering options. I've duplicated Vinyl and Master tape circuits for the best sound in my personal system.
Yes it is much easier for ones words to get you into deep trouble in the UK than in the USA legaly! It is a shame you have to be so careful to avoid litigation in the UK over what should be free speech!
Not entirely sure why you made this video, cashing in perhaps. Tantalum capacitors are known to fail short. Louis Armstron...sorry Louis Rossmann has been a strong and vocal advocate of the 'Right to repair' movement, in fact I think he started it. I think you forgot to mention that the owner of the preamp had sent it back for repair and was quoted a ridiculous amount to fix it at which point he sent it to "Mend it Mark" who did an awesome job of repair (and then some !) but had his video taken down. There I filled in a few gaps, so you are clearly afraid of getting involved, as demonstrated with anagrams (Mason Vet = Tom Evans) and the like what is your actual point ?? you obviously have an opinion because you made a video of 'hot air' about it, so what is it ?? why bother with the ridiculous disclaimer at the end ? Is Tom Evans in the right or 'Mend it Mark' in your opinion ? And if you had spent £25,000.00p on it what are your thoughts ? As far as I know yours is the only reaction video that exists just for clicks, This is made obvious with another 'get out of jail card' in the description where you state " The preamp image in the thumbnail is AI-generated and is not intended to represent any real piece of equipment" The rest are in support of one party or the other. Other youtubers have re uploaded, that's how they feel about it.
Yes move to the USA. The USA tends to enjoy imagration of native Europeans to the USA! Bring your fantastic manners, your vices, your intellect and skills to the USA!
I, for one, hope that AH follows through with his plan of posting the original video and his dare to take it to court. If all of that transpires and he wins (it is nice to having the financial resources to not be bullied), it could set a precedent for like incidents. YT is going to take the path of least resistance (and lowest cost) and take down the mere claim of copyright. I wonder how similar the copyright laws are around the world. What may be fine in some areas may not be in others. It is my understanding that Intellectual Property is more of a universal thing or it would all breakdown because one would merely run to an area that doesn't respect it to get around it. I don't believe "AH" has posted the original "FiF" video (just a link). I'm an avid fan of "FiF" and like most of "AH's" stuff...particular his repairs...some of the warrioring is a bit over the top. And anyone that is into HiFi repairs, I can't recommend "D-DayVinnieC" (keeping with the name change to protect the whomever).
He did a phenomenal job at 'mending' a ridiculously complex preamp...complex for no sonic benefits but for snake oil exorbitant price tag.
@@nabman_ that’s my take on it.
An audio company that I worked for years ago wouldn't even issue schematics to employees. Imagine their horror when they found schematics "reverse engineered" in a Japanese magazine.
True story. 😎
As a 40+ year electronics design engineer with a keen interest in audio, I could definitely build you one with almost identical performance for under £250. Unfortunately, I'll never get rich because I'm too honest.
For that price, you could of course not use those nice drop style tantalums ;)
With paper shims?
It's papyrus 😜
He quoted 5000$ + to repair. The owner asked he send it to Mark saying you won't be able to fix it. I think Mark packed it insufficiently as well just for good measure coz it was damaged but that part is my feeling. Mark fixed it for a few hundred bucks changing a 2$ cap.
I love that all us electronics designers are coming out of the woodwork and giving our 2p worth in the comments!
Tom Evans audio design will reveal all and I'm happy to own the comment and ecstatic to not own the pre amplifier. The video can be found (re-uploaded) on Damn Kermit's youtube channel.
All I can find is frogs, how about an actual link?
@@ShawnONeal-w5p Im finding several, appears that more than a few people are reposting.
The only thing Audiophile about that Amp is the price. It looks like a bunch of Velleman kits put together by a 14 year old. 🤣🤣🤣
I have seen a lot of expensive audio equipment over the years. Some of it very complex. I have never seen anything with that many plastic risers. Tantalum capacitors everywhere. Yikes Whatever. Why worry about things you can't afford anyway. I am enjoying watching all the negative press this manufacturer is getting. Including all the repost of the original video.
Ah, the Streisand effect at its finest. If the video hadn’t been taken down, most of us wouldn’t have known which British “high-end” audiophile manufacturer was involved. We wouldn’t have seen just how poorly constructed the equipment in question was, nor would we have discovered that it carries a price tag comparable to that of a car! Sometimes, attempts to suppress information only amplify it, now we ALL know what the product is 😂
I’ve heard that Wales is a lovely place at this time of year.
@@AudioMasterclass Particularly southern Wales.
@@AudioMasterclassSt Margaret’s Park.
@@cunawarit Where ironically enough, you can buy a HOUSE for the price of said pre-amp...!!!!! 🤣
@mattmutane5502 but the house isn't made using alien technology, nor is it built by a "genius".
Please add links to Mend It Mark's channel and the video about the take down. Also maybe Louis Rossmanns take on it?
Hypothetically, this is what is discussed in this video (re-uploaded):
Mend It Mark The £25,000 Pre Amp that went Wrong Tom Evans Mastergroove SR mkIII RJbpFSFziI
th-cam.com/video/EwBBxG3ctkY/w-d-xo.html
'Fred' said in the original video that the manufacturer sent him this device with the challenge that he would not be able to fix it. Some might say that was asking for it ! If I was fixing that thing I would have binned all that complicated rubbish and just wired in a modest quality modern phono-amp circuit, then bolted the case back together and I am sure the owner would be happy.
Yeses it's such a stupid design that even the maker can't figure out how to fix it.🥴
As a former electronics hobbyist I know that designing and building stuff is the easy part. Fixing stuff when it goes wrong is another level entirely. As you say, maybe he wasn’t up to the job.
@@AudioMasterclass I am a " retired " bicycle 🚲 mechanic. My job was partly fixing things that were " impossible " . I was always up to a good challenge and usually successful. The main thing was the funds to cover the time involved to do the reverse engineering. With all the electronics involved now I'm sure some of the TH-cam creators are going to run into same problem. Yeah... even bicycles have overly complicated electronics these days.
@stevengagnon4777 @stevengagnon4777 And here’s me when my hydraulic brakes were binding I messed about a bit with a Park tool then gave up and bought a new set from Amazon for fifty quid.
@@AudioMasterclass It's really amazing how inexpensive these brakes can be. Now if you had to have a shop install them thet might charge another 100 quid. Anyway now the bicycle manufacturers are running the brake lines inside the frame. That necessitates opening the hydraulic lines, fishing the line through the frame and bleeding the air bubbles out. Inspite of this I do like the hydraulic brake systems. Those disk brake certainly has introduced controversy in the industry.
The tool didn't spread the pads open farther? Pushing them open and squeeze the levers a few times and that usually takes care of that. Brake lever get bumped with out the wheel installed during transport? There is a little plastic retainer that fits between the pads that will take the place of the rotors during transport .
One of my favourite 'Comedy' channels here. I am always second and third guessing the angle... and gaining insight along the way...
The long term reliability of tant caps has been known for quite some time - talk to anybody who has renovated a Revox!
Beware of the ranting Rossmann of the Apocalypse. Mark's video has by now been reposted several times, so maybe you're just being a tiny bit overcautious. Unless some Mr. Jones thinks they have the copyright on the whole story in some shape or form. Facts cannot be copyrighted.
It’s so true that a fact can’t be copyrighted. It’s also true that anyone can issue a bogus copyright claim and cause a lot of bother. I had one a while ago and my dispute was rejected. So I raised the issue to the next level, which could have meant court. Fortunately the claimant didn’t pursue it further. Moral is that this issue is not trivial.
@@AudioMasterclass But how will using funny names keep some (purely fictional) Mr. Jones from issuing a bogus claim? He either will or he won't.
I’m not the lowest-hanging fruit.
Nobody would think that a video on fixing a VW Golf's breaks would be a copyright infringement, right? The same goes for Mend It Mark's video.
That was brilliant...no idea what you are on about but going to find out...perhaps the lawsuit is more counterproductive than they ever anticipated...'power to the people' 😂😂😂
The guy who took the (very good) video down must be really ashamed of his work or maybe the price he charged for it. The grinding off the part numbers iwas really pathetic.
If he has a genuine trade secret to conceal then I see the point. If it’s hiding cheap components, then pathetic it would be. I make no judgement on the facts here because I don’t know them. I might expand on this in general in a future video.
Another delightfully crafted romp. Couldn’t agree more with your fleeting assessment of Mr Tony Honey Badger’s dismissal of vinyl audio. While some of us former audiophiles may have retired from all forms of physical media for numerous reasons - can’t really lay claim to that title under such circumstances can we? - I think it takes a special class of oblivious self righteous snobbery to deride those still enjoying them.
It should be known that there are other that etch off the names of the components used in their devices to prevent copying, including some manufacturers of budget friendly electronics that have been featured on this channel.
The real twist is that it was "Mason Vet" that sent the "Boss Furrow" to "Fred" (and was confident that he would NOT be able to fix it) 🙄
Exactly, I can't believe this isn't a major point. I comment on this when Marks video first came out.
Good god, the manufacturer (some idiot I'm sure) sent the unit to Mark, challenging him saying he couldn't repair it.
What a major fuck up move.
How dumb can you be?
I replied to another comment similarly that people who design stuff aren’t necessarily the best people to fix it. Mason was clearly projecting when he thought that Fred or anyone couldn’t diagnose and repair the fault. Some faults actually would not be repairable other than by luck because the part numbers have been filed off.
@@JonPaul You can't make this shit up. How dumb does a feller have to be to send it to him and them blame him for fixing and documentating it. 😂😂
Copyright of WHAT? He created the documentation HIMSELF! He copied NOTHING!
The "problem" was the documentation was "too good" - it is an infringement of copyright, BUT it is legal to infringe - the question is something that is resolved in court.
Copyright protects commercial exploitation - sanctions apply if and only if the infringement reduces the market.
Documentation can increase market or inform market (copyright allowed) or allow market substitution ( copyright/IP question)
I believe the claim was to prevent market information - which makes it bogus.
Copyright applies only to market substitution in THE jurisdiction. I don't think that the claim can stand here.
"Boss Furrow" 😂😂😂 too funny 😉
For a while your vid’s were not my cuppa. These days they are unmissable.
I know what you are talking about 😉
It's bs. No infringement.
BossFurrow in full glory now also on Trevor's Bench channel
Tom Evans from Wales
Thanks for the grilling
This comment is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in full or in part (including, but not limited to, the terms "comment", "copyright", "protected" and "reproduced" and any variations of said terms) without the written consent of the original commentor. Violations will be reported to TH-cam and may subject violator to civil litigation.
I love your use of english "fix it fred" i seen that video and other related support videos
Hi thank you for the very interesting video
What i regret is that when they speak of superior performance they also should provide some kind of measurements backing their claims It is not the norm unfortunately Listening tests are too subjective
Saying everything by saying nothing. I'm impressed! But you forgot to mention that now that the big expensive box has been repaired, one can now hear the grass grow as long as one's ears are golden enough.
Yes, this tiny component ( especialy used at near maximum specification values ) tends to be unreliable...
David's been reading Hedda Hopper again!
It's all just gossip.
@@AudioMasterclass
Hence my comment.
This is why I refuse to buy a Bose stereo lets just call a wave radio a small transmission line subwoofer .
I'm very upset!
Good show. Great comments.
Paul H.
Huntington Beach, CA USA
So much drama in our hobby
I don’t think this item is the best of everything. I think it masquerades as high end but is not, either in design or workmanship. The only thing high end is the price. Btw the video is back up.
Just another example of how the whole Audiophile thing is a nonsense full of people with more money than sense and happy to believe anything to justify the ridicules money they spend even convincing themselves, and will argue black and blue with little to none technical ability. I love Marks ( I Mean Fred's) videos he will have the last laugh on this. Toms design is "ok" and valid just overpriced (in "MY" opinion of course)
I couldn't find anything special in Tom's design that would trigger me to have a look at it. It looked like most of it was just made up out of basic reference circuitry that you can find in the datasheets of the manifactures for the components. He probably removed the labels from them to hide the fact that it's made up out of generic components. He's probably hiding a couple of 7X15 regulators and some generic transistors in that black box of him.
Nah U like controversy most of the videos in the collection pose contempt for Audiophiles...
Nothing in Audio is without reverse engineering options.
I've duplicated Vinyl and Master tape circuits for the best sound in my personal system.
Yes it is much easier for ones words to get you into deep trouble in the UK than in the USA legaly! It is a shame you have to be so careful to avoid litigation in the UK over what should be free speech!
This is relevant in the Simon Singh reference. It’s worth a read on Wiki.
Not entirely sure why you made this video, cashing in perhaps. Tantalum capacitors are known to fail short. Louis Armstron...sorry Louis Rossmann has been a strong and vocal advocate of the 'Right to repair' movement, in fact I think he started it. I think you forgot to mention that the owner of the preamp had sent it back for repair and was quoted a ridiculous amount to fix it at which point he sent it to "Mend it Mark" who did an awesome job of repair (and then some !) but had his video taken down. There I filled in a few gaps, so you are clearly afraid of getting involved, as demonstrated with anagrams (Mason Vet = Tom Evans) and the like what is your actual point ?? you obviously have an opinion because you made a video of 'hot air' about it, so what is it ?? why bother with the ridiculous disclaimer at the end ? Is Tom Evans in the right or 'Mend it Mark' in your opinion ? And if you had spent £25,000.00p on it what are your thoughts ? As far as I know yours is the only reaction video that exists just for clicks, This is made obvious with another 'get out of jail card' in the description where you state " The preamp image in the thumbnail is AI-generated and is not intended to represent any real piece of equipment" The rest are in support of one party or the other. Other youtubers have re uploaded, that's how they feel about it.
What I had to say is in my video. What I chose not to say is not in my video. How I said it is how I wanted to say it. There.. fixed it for you.
@@AudioMasterclass :)
Tantalum capacitors have been a well known for many decades, documented of having a high failure rate.
Dear Oxfordshire,
Move to the USA. It's your best hope.
Yes move to the USA. The USA tends to enjoy imagration of native Europeans to the USA! Bring your fantastic manners, your vices, your intellect and skills to the USA!
Did you manage to keep a straight face when saying that!?? ;)
@@buckaroobonsi555 Wrong again. America welcomes freedom loving people from all over the world.
Also, your spelling could be better.
I, for one, hope that AH follows through with his plan of posting the original video and his dare to take it to court. If all of that transpires and he wins (it is nice to having the financial resources to not be bullied), it could set a precedent for like incidents. YT is going to take the path of least resistance (and lowest cost) and take down the mere claim of copyright.
I wonder how similar the copyright laws are around the world. What may be fine in some areas may not be in others. It is my understanding that Intellectual Property is more of a universal thing or it would all breakdown because one would merely run to an area that doesn't respect it to get around it.
I don't believe "AH" has posted the original "FiF" video (just a link).
I'm an avid fan of "FiF" and like most of "AH's" stuff...particular his repairs...some of the warrioring is a bit over the top.
And anyone that is into HiFi repairs, I can't recommend "D-DayVinnieC" (keeping with the name change to protect the whomever).
A perspective best kept to yourself when you refuse to say the names of the parties involved.
You’re no fun.
Most people know the parties involved and those who don't are about to be introduced to the wonderful world of Louis Rossman.
Fart in Air 😂😂😂 copyright
I have a MUCH better one that i designed by myself. If you want one it's only £2,500,000. Bargain. Hit me up! 😅
this is the second release the video not the original releaseth-cam.com/video/EwBBxG3ctkY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TVN36O3Wvi_Fi8pZ