My Components

2019/01/18 created
2023/10/16 updated

This page introduces the audio devices Tonochi built for Gaudi and Gaudi II.
Brand (NOBODY) and model numers are given to each component (for a playful touch).

Lineup

The model #1 through #15 are audio devices built for Gaudi, except #12 (SS-312). SS-312 was built for the subsystem for the study room (the subsytem was named Kinglet in April 2019).
The model #16 or later are devices built for Gaudi II.
(To jump to the page of each device, click the image)

 

What is NOBODY?

NOBODY is a private brand for Tonochi's DIY audio equipment. Just to be sure, please note that it is not a name of a company or an organization.

I've been giving this brand to the audio devices used in Gaudi and Gaudi II. Now I also give it to the devices used in Kinglet.

Origin of the Name

When I started Gaudi Project, I gave only model numbers to my works such as MA-201, PA-202... As the number of the works increased, I wanted a brand name. I selected the word 'NOBODY' in my early twenties (around 1980), if I remember correctly.

In my belief, audio equiment is just a measure to reproduce music, and it's not the leading character; The true leading character is music; The audio equipment should be inconspicuous like kuroko(a stage assistant dressed in black) in kabuki theater. Nobody means no existence. This is the reason why I chose the word.

I fixed the logotype of NOBODY and began affixing it on my works in 2003. The first work having the logo is PA-210 Simplicity.

Catchphrase

I'm NOBODY!

Literally, it means "I am not anyone!" It is based on my belief that audio devices should be inconspicuous like a kuroko (a stage assistant in Kabuki theater dressed in black). I myself am an inconspicuous man, so I think it is a catchphrase suitable for me. On the other hand, it also means NOBODY-branded audio devices are unique and can't be stereotyped.

On the previous version of my website (Tonochi's Audio Room), the following phrase was used as a catchphrase.

NOBODY can exceed the edge!

If you interpret NOBODY as a pronoun, it means "no one can exceed that edge", but interpreting it as a proper noun, it means "NOBODY can exceed that edge." In other words, only NOBODY can go beyound the edge that no one can exceed.

This is too arrogant, so I changed the catchphrase. Anyway, I don't intend to be audacious. This catch phrase is a half-joke copy.

Model Numbering System

Every NOBODY-branded work has its unique model number. The model number is defined as shown in the table below.
For example, the first work, which is a power (main) amplifier, is MA-201. A suffix (A, B, C, ...) is added after the equipment is greatly improved. MA-201 has been improved three times, so the current model number for it is MA-201C.

First two letters Third letter Fourth letter Fifth & sixth letters Suffix
[Device name]
AR: Audio rack
CC: Control center
CD: Channel divider (crossover network)
HA: MC head amp
MA: Power (main) amp
MV: Master volume
PA: Preamp
PE: Phono EQ amp
PS: Player system
SS: Speaker system, speaker subsystem
 - (hyphen) [Category]
1: Player
2: Amp
3: Speaker
4: Accessory		 [Serial number] [Revision]
A, B, C, ...

 

Design Policy

I have also changed the design policy.

  • The specifications of the NOBODY audio device must conform to the system design of Gaudi II (excluding a device for subsystem).
  • The design should be simple, composed of the small-as-possible number of parts, and not using costly parts.
  • Do not take excessive margin.
  • Come up with various ideas in order to realize "Goal of Gaudi II".
  • Measurement must be made according to Tonochi method (some data are measured under stricter conditions than industrial standards).
  • The final evaluation must be made by listening trials (sound quality is the criterion). Data like THD, SNR, etc. are considered to be reference data only.
  • The target useful life is 50 years. Amplifiers should be usable for 25 years or longer without any maintenance.

 

For your information, the design policy for old Gaudi is as follows:

  • The specifications must comply with Gaudi's system design (except equipment for the 2nd system).
  • Simple (the number of parts is small) and not costly.
  • Not having excessive margins.
  • In order to achieve 'Goal of Gaudi Sound', tuning and improvements have been repeatedly carried out.
  • The target lifespan: Fifty (50) years