Products for Sale

01Sound Lab A-1

• Mint Condition
• Cores entirely upgraded by Roger West in 2025
• Cash and Carry from South San Francisco

Shipping:

• Crate and FedEx shipping available

• The pair being offered is a 2024 total upgrade by Roger West, reflecting significant improvements over the original stock model.
• Spatial Realism and Soundstage: Reviewers consistently praise the A-1 for its unmatched ability to recreate a true three-dimensional acoustic space. Because of its unique curved-diaphragm geometry (a 90-degree radiation pattern derived from a cylindrical section), it disperses sound smoothly and widely across a room.
• Seamless Coherence: As a full-range electrostatic design requiring no traditional dynamic woofers or electronic crossovers bleeding into the midband, reviewers note an absolute seamlessness from top to bottom. Timbral accuracy, particularly on vocals, strings, and acoustic instruments, is frequently described as hauntingly lifelike.
• Transparency and Detail: Because the ultra-thin mylar diaphragm is driven uniformly across its surface rather than by a point-source voice coil, transient response is razor-sharp. The lack of cabinet colorations (open-baffle dipole) yields a level of transparency that lays bare every nuance of a recording, though poorly mastered or bright recordings can be ruthlessly exposed.
• Challenges Noted by Reviewers: Sound Labs are notoriously tricky loads for amplifiers; their impedance curve and reactive electrostatic nature demand a stable, high-current amplifier that won't strain or clip when reproducing deep bass transients or complex musical peaks. The A-1 is also massive (nearly 6.5 feet tall) and requires careful placement well away from front and side walls to manage the rear-firing dipole wave and achieve legendary soundstage depth.
• Summary: Historical and enthusiast reviews treat the Sound Lab A-1 series as a benchmark for purist audiophiles who prioritize absolute midrange liquidity, natural soundstaging, and transparency over convenience or compact size.

02Luxman A1033

• Monarchy Audio was Luxman's authorized kit distributor
• These tube amps were professionally assembled in California
• Upgraded with German WIMA caps and California Rel-Caps
• Legendary Luxman Phono stage
• Display units never sold before
• 90 days factory warranty. Limited quantities.
• Original assembly manual and circuit diagrams included
• US$1,999 each. Buyer can specify Pentode (UL) or Triode output version
• Shipping weight 50 lbs from San Francisco
• Extra set of 4 x EL34 (6CA7) included at no charge
• Seller will sound demo performance before Cash and Carry

03DT-40

• This is a 50 lb behemoth that plays all disc sizes
• Ultra-stable platform provides authoritative playback
• Please note the upgrade is virtually identical to the Theta unit (details per link attached)
• $1,500 — Buy one get one free

Reference:

• Theta Universal Details (Lampizator Reference)

04Luxman A3550

• Handcrafted in Japan by Luxman
• Mint condition, with Electro-Harmonix 6H30P driver tubes for higher dynamics (original 6CG7 also provided)
• Matched output tubes GE 6550 in prime condition
• Black Gate Audio Grade electrolytic capacitors
• Available in Triode or Pentode Mode outputs (buyer specifies)
• Mono-Stereo switch sets 100W mono output mode
• Luxman exclusive touch sensor indicates AC polarity
• In Mint condition; 50 lb shipping from South San Francisco
• US$1999 Cash and Carry, limited quantities
• Additional 4 Ohm output terminals in addition to 8 Ohm terminals
• Dimension 19 x 8 x 7 inches

05B&W 804 Matrix

• B&W 804 Matrix speakers with upgraded crossovers
• Copper-foil coil replacement improves dynamics and current flow
• Tweeter crossover has German WIMA triple bypass caps for extended highs
• Woofer, mid range and tweeter all in perfect condition
• New back-up titanium tweeter pair included (value $200)
• In original factory cartons
• $999 for the pair, Cash and Carry at South San Francisco
• Speaker dimension 10 x 10 x 36; 50 lbs
• Will ship if buyer pays extra for crate

06Dual 505-1 Turntable

• German-made Dual 505-1 turntable with Ortofon cartridge
• Extra Swiss-made replacement stylus included
• Mint condition, but cover cracks (due to shipping) repaired
• Legendary gimbal-bearing tonearm offers superior tracking
• Simple dial-in Skating compensation
• Original rubber platter cover upgraded with high-damping thick platter
• Output cables upgraded with 4-ft of Belden dual-core high-purity copper cable and locking RCA gold-plated terminals
• $599 Cash and Carry at South San Francisco

Documentation:

• Dual 505-4 Brochure (PDF)

07Monarchy Audio DIP Classic

• Signal boosting (to 5 times higher), signal conditioning (jitter reduction), noise reduction, ground isolation
• Precision clock at 44.1KHz Native Mode
• Format change (from Opto to RCA, or XLR)
• Converts streaming signal to Native Mode (from 32-96KHz to 44.1KHz Native Mode)
• Inserted in-between your CD player or streaming signal to your DAC
• Display unit in mint condition
• Original price $249; Now $129
• Free DR-2 digital cable included (a $29 value)
• 12 month full warranty; Made in USA by Monarchy Audio
• 7 x 6 x 3 inches, 4 lbs; Multiple units available
• Reviews and user comments available upon request

08Fisher 800C Upgraded Integrated tube amp

• Fisher's high-performance receiver handcrafted in USA
• Cosmetics in decent condition; some rust is evident
• All audio driver and phono tubes are brand new 12AX7
• FM tube tuner yields ultra analog performance
• Phono stage upgraded per on-line recommendations with performance level that matches or supercedes any modern phono (upgrade documentation available)
• All electrolytic caps bypassed with new high performance caps
• All signal path caps replaced with German WIMA caps
• All upgrades performed by Monarchy Audio
• Superior all-tube ultra-analog performance makes music listening a real joy
• 17 x 15 x 6 inches, 60 lbs
• Cash and Carry at South San Francisco — $999

09SE-250 Mono Block Amplifiers

• US$5,000 for the pair, fully assembled in US
• US$2,000 for two mono blocks, unassembled, for qualified technicians only

10Ortofon MCA-76 MC Preamp

• Handcrafted in Denmark; classic active MC head amp designed in the late 1970s
• Pre-preamp that boosts ultra-low output MC cartridges up to standard Moving Magnet (MM) levels
• High gain ~34 dB, engineered for ultra-low output cartridges like the original Ortofon MC-20 (0.07 mV); multiplies input voltage roughly 50×
• Known for a clean, natural, and open soundstage; tight bass, excellent transient response, and smooth, non-fatiguing highs
• Respectably quiet background for a vintage transistor-based active unit
• Designed around extremely low-output MC cartridges (~0.05–0.15 mV); with modern 0.4–0.6 mV cartridges you get unnecessary gain, so it is a poor match for those
• Tested in very good working condition; signs of use, neat and clean
• 9 x 3 x 1.5 inches, 4 lbs
• $199; can be shipped worldwide

11Williamson 4040 Amp

• Designed by Williamson in UK
• Professionally built in California according to construction article (attached)
• Large toroid transformer for robust performance
• Will never leak DC that can easily burn speakers
• Very reliable
• One of a kind, offered below the labor cost to build
• $199, 22 lbs, Cash and Carry

Construction Article:

• Williamson 4040 Amp Construction Article (PDF)

12Luxman A502

• Luxman high performance preamp made in Japan
• Separate MC and MM amplifier stages (not just hi/lo setting)
• Luxman exclusive "DC Servo" circuitry eliminates ALL coupling capacitors
• Functional tone-control settings for distortion-free sound contouring
• Ultra-high performance Line Amp drives any amp or headphone directly (no capacitor in signal path)
• Upgraded with new super op amps for precise DC-servo
• Display unit never sold to any user
• $799; 18 x 12 x 4 inches, shipping weight 20 lbs
• 12 month warranty by Monarchy Audio

13Dahlquist DQ-10

• Two pairs available
• Gemini rates it as one of the ten best Classic speakers
• All speaker units in perfect condition
• Crossover upgraded with film caps and repaired for Bi-wire or Bi-amp
• Please view videos on YouTube, Search Dahlquist DQ-10
• One pair has feet; another pair needs stand not included in price
• 32 x 32 x 9 inches, 60 lbs
• US$500 a pair Cash and Carry from South San Francisco
• Dalhquist DQ-10 offer: subwoofer crossover also available at separate price. Original factory unit.
• Two pairs available. One with Bi-Amp crossover
• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Elxh9sYZI

14TAA120 Tube Amp

• Professionally upgraded by Monarchy Audio
• Ultra high performance C-core output transformer (replacing original EI core) for superior tube-to-speaker coupling
• All signal capacitors WIMA and Rel-Caps
• Power supply caps paralleled with high value Rel-caps
• Easy bias adjust if output tubes are changed
• American-made AC filter choke added to smooth DC
• KT-88 output tubes matched and labeled
• Extra set of new EL34 tubes included (bias must be set again)
• 2 x 60W RMS stereo / 1 x 120W RMS mono; THD 0.01% @ 1KHz 1W; 3Hz—V50KHz
• Class AB design, Pure Class A up to 15W RMS
• 15 x 11 x 8 inches, 45 lbs
• US$999 Cash and Carry from South San Francisco

15Luxman A902M

• Luxman A902M power amp — 120W x 2
• Luxman's most versatile power amplifier
• Class A or Class AB front-panel switchable
• Feedback or Non-Feedback instant select
• Pure Class A yields 30W x 2
• Class AB yields 120W x 2
• Legendary Luxman performance
• Made in Japan for 100V AC
• 1500 Watt step-up / step-down transformer included for free
• 18 x 16 x 7 inches, 40 lbs
• Distributor demo unit, Mint condition
• Two versions available — without meter $850; with illuminated meters $980
• Cash and Carry from South San Francisco

16Hafler XL280

• Hafler XL280 upgraded power amp
• + Hafler's Excalibur Circuit
• Upgraded by Monarchy Audio with low ESR capacitors
• 200W x 2 on 4 Ohms
• 40 lbs
• Mint condition
• Price: $580
• Cash and Carry from South San Francisco

Gemini on the XL280

The Hafler XL280 and Hafler DH500 represent two different generations and design philosophies from David Hafler's iconic line of MOSFET power amplifiers.

Core Specifications Comparison

Key Technical & Design Differences

• Circuit Topology & Architecture: DH500 uses the traditional "DH-series" topology with a bipolar differential input pair, input coupling capacitors, and 6 MOSFET output pairs per channel. XL280 introduced the "Excelinear" concept minimizing phase shift across the audio band, with a JFET front-end, direct-coupled inputs, and refined phase-alignment trimpots per channel.
• Cooling & Fan Noise: DH500 uses an internal fan for forced-air cooling; the stock fan noise can be noticeable in quiet listening environments unless upgraded. XL280 is fully passively cooled via external side heatsinks, making it completely silent.
• Power & Load Handling: DH500 is a brute-force amplifier capable of driving low-impedance or inefficient speakers with effortless headroom. XL280 provides plenty of real-world power (often 180–200+ WPC on the bench), better suited to standard-to-medium efficiency speakers where dead-silent operation and transparency are prioritized.

Sound Character

• DH500: known for a warm, muscular, and authoritative sound; deep, punchy, controlled low end with weight behind dynamic peaks.
• XL280: more neutral, fast, and transparent in the upper-mids and treble, largely due to the JFET front-end and direct-coupled design.

Summary: Choose the XL280 if you value passive/silent operation, cleaner high-frequency reproduction, and direct-coupled accuracy for moderate-to-high efficiency speakers. Choose the DH500 if you need raw power output to drive demanding speaker loads and don't mind managing fan noise.

View PDF Brochure

17DIP Upsampler

• Monarchy Audio DIP Upsampler
• New production at 50% off
• Laser-engraved non-magnetic chassis
• Upsamples incoming clock usually at 44.1Khz
• Two precision clocks at 48 and 96 KHz, user selectable
• Perfect match for DAC's capable of 96KHz decoding
• Ask ChatGPT or Gemini for reviews
• Original price $299, Now $149 FREE shipping
• * Monarchy Audio DR-2 Digital Cable included for $10 extra

18Namiki Interconnect

• * 100% made in Japan, with real gold-plated terminals
• * Symmetrical response for a more balanced signal transfer
• * Original individual gift cartons
• * Available in two lengths: 1 Meter $99; 1.5 Meter $129

View Review — Symmetry Response RCA Interconnects PDF

19Luxman 3045 Mono Block

• $1800 a pair

20McIntosh MC40 Mono Block

• $1800 a pair

21Isoclean Focus Speaker Cable

• Brand Isoclean
• Length 3 Meters
• Rhodium-plated terminals for best signal transfer
• Brand new in original carton
• eBay price $1,300, our price $299
• Shipping weight 12 lbs

22Philips HiFi Turntable with Grado Cartridge

• Philips HiFi turntable with Grado cartridge
• Sophisticated floating suspension system immune to speaker vibration
• $400

23Technics SL1200 Mk2 Direct Drive Turntables

• Four Technics SL1200 Mk2 direct drive turntables in storage
• $559 each

24Thorens TD-125 Mark 2 Belt Drive Turntable

• Thorens TD-125 mark 2 belt drive turntable
• Upgraded with new Audio Technica tone arm and cartridge
• $1000
• Audio Technica arm new in box also available separately

25Music Hall mmf 2.3 Turntable

• New Music Hall mmf 2.3 turntable with Spirit cartridge
• Project carbon fiber tone arm
• Upgraded with ceramic platter
• Never used
• $500

26SOTA Turntable

• American made SOTA turntable with acrylic platter in Mint condition
• Air-bearing ET-2 tone arm available in new or used at extra
• $700

27Dual 510-1 Belt Drive Turntable

• Dual 510-1 belt drive turntable and cartridge
• $400

28Goldmund Direct Drive

• Goldmund Direct Drive turntable made in Switzerland
• Mint condition
• Please make offer (no asking price)

29Apt Holman Full Function Preamp

• A very clean Apt/Holman full function preamp
• Made in USA
• Phono stage highly praised by Harry Pearson of The Absolute Sound
• $500

• The Apt/Holman Preamplifier, designed by Tom Holman (who also helped pioneer THX sound), is widely regarded by audio reviewers, engineers, and vintage hi-fi enthusiasts as one of the best-engineered solid-state preamps ever built.
• Exceptional Engineering & Low Distortion: Modern audio analyzer tests (such as those on Audio Science Review) show that a properly refurbished Apt Holman easily achieves a SINAD of around 90 dB, with performance numbers that rival or beat modern gear. Reviewers praise its completely neutral, ultra-quiet background that lets the source material shine without adding coloration.
• The Phono Stage: The built-in phono section is universally cited as a standout feature, offering incredible flexibility with adjustable loading (resistance and capacitance) for moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, along with precise channel-balance trimmers. Reviewers often note that you would have to spend a significant amount on a modern standalone phono stage to beat it.
• Advanced Features & Layout: Thoughtful control integration includes a stereo mode selector (blend channels from stereo to mono or left-minus-right) and sub-audible/ultrasonic filters designed to prevent intermodulation distortion. The multi-wiper stepped volume control uses individually trimmed resistors for remarkable left-to-right tracking accuracy. Reviewers also praise the generous array of inputs, buffered tape loops, and switched/unswitched AC convenience outlets on the rear panel.
• Common Caveats: Because these units date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, reviewers frequently stress that older units usually require a full restoration (recapping, cleaning switches, and pot maintenance) to reach their optimal sonic potential. An unserviced unit may suffer from scratchy controls or degraded performance due to aging components.
• Summary: Reviewers generally conclude that if you find one in good shape or professionally refurbished, the Apt/Holman preamp offers performance and build quality that would cost thousands of dollars to replicate in a modern piece of hi-fi equipment.

• While Harry Pearson (founder of The Absolute Sound) did not write a landmark, glowing cover review praising the Apt/Holman preamplifier as a golden-ear reference component — largely because his publication leaned heavily toward ultra-high-end tube gear and exotic designs — the preamp's relationship with TAS and its inner circle is a notable piece of audio history.
• The Famous 1981 Blind Test: A piece of high-end audio lore involves a double-blind listening test conducted by Harry Pearson (HP) in 1981. During the session, which included audio industry figures like Frank Richards and Pat Donleycott, an Apt/Holman preamp reportedly outperformed the high-end Threshold FET-1. According to participants, HP wasn't particularly thrilled by the outcome, and the results were notably never published in the magazine.
• The "Measurist" vs. "Subjectivist" Divide: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tom Holman's design philosophy focused intensely on laboratory measurements, overload margins, RIAA accuracy, and solving real-world impedance and switching problems. This clashed somewhat with the emerging "subjectivist" mainstream of The Absolute Sound, which prioritized ethereal soundstaging, air, and micro-dynamics — qualities that critics of early solid-state gear felt transistors often compressed.
• General Critical Consensus of the Era: While TAS favored tube preamps like the Audio Research SP lines, mainstream and underground reviewers generally acknowledged the Apt/Holman as the benchmark for functional utility, a world-class phono stage for the money, and an engineering masterclass — even if some later subjectivist critics felt solid-state units of that era could sound a bit dry or lean compared to the best tube alternatives.