Speaking in Defense of Heath[via LSMTP - see www.lsoft.com]

[Holden]

Heath test equipment had its place. Back in 1970 I started up a service bench in a fledgling stereo shop. We were strapped for cash, so Heath was the logical choice for test stuff. Built the RF/IF sig gen, harmonic distortion analyzer, and signal tracer/injector (all tubes), and the better FET VOM. Encountered only one small problem which Heath techs pinpointed via phone in seconds. Using the HD analyzer, the VOM, and a large audio 8 ohm dummy load, I could track very closely to the big guys from Marantz (they ran audio clinics back then) on measuring amp output and THD.
That stuff enabled us to do a lot of servicing and eventually buy some better gear.

I believe the problem was not with the test equipment so much as the prices of their audio equipment. Back then you could buy a Pioneer, Sansui, Kenwood or Marantz unit which offered as much or more total performance for the money, and was already built. Kits unfortunately did not appeal to the general public, who wanted instant gratification, and saw no benefit to having to wait until the kit was finished to listen to music or whatever.

Howie WB2AWQ

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