[lumdicks]

Sad to hear that, but a relief for the wallet.

That glass front, that makes you able to see the tube glow even with cage.
The use of 300B and KT88, truly unique.

Mind having a DIY rescue on this baby?

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m398682654

 

[lumdicks]

Sadly, it was discontinued soon after it was introduced onto the market. I am also under the impression that Fostex destroyed many of the remaining units that were at the factory. It's a shame because it was an incredible sounding amp.

I have won an auction for a junked HP-V8 at around USD800 with conditions shown below:

Cosmetic condition is fair but can be easily fixed by a simple repainting. Besides, the 300B, KT88 tubes and volume knot are missing, with the RCA input deformed.

Indeed there were 3 units being auctioned at the same time with the same damaged areas so I have a reasonable guess that they are demo units intentionally damaged by Fostex but the interior structure and circuit should be intact and working. The picture shown above proved that it can be powered on with the driver tubes energized.

I shall receive the unit within 2 weeks and will share the progress of revitalization of this beauty.

 

[lumdicks]

I have won an auction for a junked HP-V8 at around USD800 with conditions shown below:




Cosmetic condition is fair but can be easily fixed by a simple repainting. Besides, the 300B, KT88 tubes and volume knot are missing, with the RCA input deformed.

Indeed there were 3 units being auctioned at the same time with the same damaged areas so I have a reasonable guess that they are demo units intentionally damaged by Fostex but the interior structure and circuit should be intact and working. The picture shown above proved that it can be powered on with the driver tubes energized.

I shall receive the unit within 2 weeks and will share the progress of revitalization of this beauty.

Oh my goodness! This beauty just arrived and it works perfectly except that the volume control is broken. Will work on replacing this but it works well with any preamplifier on its direct output mode!

And the sound is so smooth with absolutely dark background, even with the low priced tubes specifically purchased for this repairing project.

Will keep on reporting the progress.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Oh my goodness! This beauty just arrived and it works perfectly except that the volume control is broken. Will work on replacing this but it works well with any preamplifier on its direct output mode!

And the sound is so smooth with absolutely dark background, even with the low priced tubes specifically purchased for this repairing project.

Will keep on reporting the progress.

Keep us updated

 

[lumdicks]

Keep us updated

Pairing it with pre out of my TT2 and it sounds incredibly good.

 

[samr33]

Pairing it with pre out of my TT2 and it sounds incredibly good.

Cant believe any one would trash this baby, it hurts my heart to see it in this condition, but I believe it is now in good hand now Congratz and enjoy!!

 

[lumdicks]

Pairing it with pre out of my TT2 and it sounds incredibly good.

For those who may be interested, there is another one being listed for auction in Yahoo Japan.

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r388554668

 

[lumdicks]

What a beauty.

 

[Stereolab42]

Cant believe any one would trash this baby, it hurts my heart to see it in this condition, but I believe it is now in good hand now Congratz and enjoy!!

It actually is stylish for a tube amp to look beat-up. Ye olde vintage look.

 

[lumdicks]

What a beauty.

Managed to fix the volume control finally, and rolled a pair of WE300B, NOS Sylvania 6550 and NOS Siemens CCA E88CC and I am now at the music nirvana.

 

[lumdicks]

Got some best tubes on HP-V8 and it scales so well with them. Smooth and airy high, sweet mid and deep bass with best in class resolution and imaging, simply the best sound I have ever heard.

Rectifier / Power Circuit: Vintage GEC Genalex KT88
Amplifier Tube: Siemens CCa Grey Shield
Power Tube: Takatsuki TA-300B

 

[lumdicks]

Just performed the routine cleaning and maintenance of my HP-V8 and taken some interior pictures, for either a record here or if anyone is interested on this as I am not able to locate any in the web.

Overall Layout

Input Board

Power Input, the voltage is not user selectable but can be changed by altering the soldered jumpers.

Main Board

Preamp Board

 

[Evshrug]

For those who may be interested, there is another one being listed for auction in Yahoo Japan.

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r388554668

What!? Lord help us all! I just followed your link (the sale is still open), and I can’t believe how absolutely trashed that sample is! How could someone let that much damage happen to an $8,000 (USD) piece of equipment? I always wanted one, but with that much damage it seems like a risk of $700 being wasted!

 

[lumdicks]

What!? Lord help us all! I just followed your link (the sale is still open), and I can’t believe how absolutely trashed that sample is! How could someone let that much damage happen to an $8,000 (USD) piece of equipment? I always wanted one, but with that much damage it seems like a risk of $700 being wasted!

It remains as a mystery why Fostex discontinued the product and withdrew it completely right after its launch with positive feedbacks from a few reviewers. I heard that only 30 units have ever been produced so it is kind of mission impossible to locate a good one in used market.
The 3 units previously listed (all are sold now) at Yahoo Japan were having the same damages and defects so it is reasonable to assume that they were demo or stock units intentionally destructed by Fostex. From my experience all of the transformers, electric boards and components are brand new and working flawlessly due to the short period of offering. The defects did not affect the functioning much except the broken volume control, of which I fixed it easily with an alternative way.

It worths every penny and effort spent and it sounds and looks both gorgeously in my opinion.

 

[Evshrug]

Only 30 units ever?!?! Wow! Well, I was super impressed and I listened to them every chance I got at trade shows. It may have been the same unit, owned by Fostex: Munich High End 2017, CanJam NYC, I believe I also at RMAF… all three times, consistently gave me wonderful goosebumps and really transformed the TH-900 to a whole higher level.

I wish I had your level of confidence, hopefully they are able to be made functional as easily as you suggest, but I suppose it’ll be really difficult for me because I just can’t make financial jumps immediately… I haven’t had income for the past few months, right now I’m just glad I have an opportunity to replenish my savings.