Sauna Dialogue, Common Sense Politics

Cheung Lap's piece in the 28 September 2009 issue of Hong Kong Economic Journal is, as usual, interesting and thought provoking. Chojiro has taken the liberty to translate it below.


Departures from common sense are usually not trustworthy. This probably applies from title cons to national affairs.

The following conversation took place in a sauna room. A teammate and reader asked, "Why do you say Tibet Independence is a fake agenda? Isn't the Dalai Lama red hot in the West? Doesn't he have a lot of influence and followers?"

"If a person has left Hong Kong for 50 years and never once returned to Hong Kong during that period, would you believe him if he says he has a lot of influence in Hong Kong?"

"Of course not! That's exaggerating!"

"So is the Dalai Lama."

"How is the Dalai Lama's influence compared to Mao Zedong's?"

"Mao passed away in 1976. In the 33 years since then China has had two new generations and there have been profound changes socially and in reality. The times are different. Mao cannot do much even if he resurrects, not to mention Dalai."

"I see what you mean, now that you've explained it."

"It's nothing more than reasoning by common sense."

Another person in the sauna room interjected, "Lee Ka-shing would be a goner if he has left Cheung Kong for 50 years." "The Brits have left Hong Kong for 12 years. They are goners too," he added.

That's why Dalai's representatives are day dreaming when they went to Beijing to negotiate for resuming their administration in Tibet and to include Tibetan districts within Sichuan and Qinghai in 'Greater Tibet'."

In fact Dalai knows that this is impossible. But he has no control over his own destiny. Why? Dalai has many subordinates and followers who rely on him to be fed. If the boss wants you to say so, can you not say it? Who's the "boss"? "The guy who pays is the boss."

"Dalai runs a government-in-exile in India. Rents, salaries, transportation and lodging expenses have to be paid. The cost is at least US$20 to $30 million a year. Multiply this cost by 50 years. Who has been paying for it?"

Politics is complicated but also very simple. You see it through once you trace where the money comes from.

The insiders are absolutely clear about the situation. The outsiders are being fooled. People like Richard Gere think they are being very righteous. They are actually fools.

The bull shit is over.

Fisher and Leak Faceoff

[PHOTO]
Front row: (from left to right) Leak Stereo 60 Power Amplifier, Leak Varislope 2 Stereo Pre-amplifier
Back row: (from left to right) Fisher SA-1000 Power Amplifier, Chu Kee Pre-amplifier (with prototype modified Marantz 7 on top), Jadis Symphonia CD Player


Chojiro has not had a new post on his blog since April. It is as if he has “evaporated” from the earth. The truth is Chojiro bought an antique 1964 Fisher (US) SA-1000 tube power amplifier in May and he has been spending practically all his leisure hours on this machine. With the Fisher power amplifier, Chojiro also acquired from tube master Mr. Chu a hand-made tube pre-amplifier, branded none other than “Chu Kee“. The sound from this system has been spectacular. Then recently Chijiro made another purchase: a well-preserved 1961 Leak (UK) system comprising a Varislope 2 Stereo pre-amplifier and a Stereo 60 power amplifier. On Saturday, 19 September, Chojiro had the rare opportunity of comparing the Fisher and Leak power amplifiers and three pre-amplifiers at his home. The experience was one of a life time.

Chojiro’s first impressions about the Leak system were that its output (30 Watt per channel) was clearly inadequate to drive his Dynaudio Facette speakers (sensitivity: 84 dB), which are notoriously inefficient. He had to turn the volume to the 3 o’clock position, or at times to the full, to get adequate sound. In doing so, overload distortion was obvious, particularly at the mid range (voices). It turned out that Chojiro had made a mistake with the cable connections. Leak has a proprietary cable connecting the power amplifier to the pre-amplifier, and this cable not only delivers electricity currents but sound. Chojiro had “double connected” an extra pair of RCA cables between the pre-amplifier and power amplifier. After rectifying this error, the sound quality improved significantly. Still the system sounded kind of flimsy and weak. Then a miracle happened. Mr. Chu replaced the pair of Adzam (Belgium) EF86 tubes originally installed in the pre-amplifier with a pair of Mullard (UK) EF86 tubes; and he did it while the music was playing. Right away the sound was so much richer! Music came to life and the system was overall much more powerful. It even sounded louder. Chojiro salutes Mullard tubes, wonderful British technology.

Then Chojiro played the same music on his regular system: Chu Kee pre-amplifier with Fisher power amplifier. The power amplifier delivered impeccable punch and vitality, yet the Chu Kee was gentle and well-mannered. The result was a delicate balance of tenderness and power – very good sound that never tires you out.

The final test was with Mr. Chu’s new prototype modified Marantz 7 pre-amplifier, which was connected to the Fisher. The same music was suddenly packed with tremendous power and drive. The energy level was endless and one could feel the power kept coming.

Througout the series of A-B tests one could detect the distinctly different approaches to high fidelity between America and Britain. America stresses power, as was manifested in the Fisher and Marantz 7. One would immediately be overtaken by the power and astounding sound. But when one listened carefully, the powerful sound of Marantz 7 had masked the details, muffling the music.

The Chu Kee pre-amplifier was much more refined. Details and depth came back, and thanks to the Fisher the sound was powerful as well. What might be lacking was probably that extra punch when you needed it. Chojiro thinks that Chu Kee fared better than Marantz 7 and that for the time being, his Chu Kee plus Fisher system delivers the best sound among the equipment compared.

But the overall winner was the Leak system after the Varislope 2 Stereo had taken in the Mullard tubes. The British approach to high fidelity was, simply put, taste. As you listen, the depth, detail and layers all spread in front of you. One could truly appreciate music with this Leak system.

Too bad the Leak system cannot really handle Chojiro’s Dynaudio speakers. As a result, the performance of the Leak system was compromised. Mr. Chu has a pair of giant Quad electrostatic speakers. He promised to let Chojiro try them with the Leak. Mr. Chu and Chojiro expected that the sound from this combination would be superb and they are looking forward to the occasion.