Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: toomanyslurpees on June 09, 2010, 12:16:35 am
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So I just picked this amp up, I revived a YGM-3 from the dead last year and sold it and have sort of regretted since, so I saw this thing for a good price so I couldn't help it. It looked like it needed a pretty big clean up from the outside (dirty, beat up, missing logo, missing screws & nuts, tape goop, melted power chord from sitting against a tube) but it fired up and sounded good although all the pots are dirty. Anyway, I got it home and popped off the top with a bit of hesitation wonder who's hacked up what, and much to my suprise it seems to be 100% untouched and it looks like all the original tubes (I'm guessing, all phillips, looked like they haven't been touched in a long time) and caps.
So is there any value in having the original tubes, should I swap them out and preserve the originals? should I replace the filter caps instead of waiting for them to be a problem?
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So I just picked this amp up, I revived a YGM-3 from the dead last year and sold it and have sort of regretted since, so I saw this thing for a good price so I couldn't help it. {...} and much to my suprise it seems to be 100% untouched and it looks like all the original tubes (I'm guessing, all phillips, looked like they haven't been touched in a long time) and caps.
So is there any value in having the original tubes, should I swap them out and preserve the originals? should I replace the filter caps instead of waiting for them to be a problem?
Congrats on the find.
Well, the tubes aren't NOS, so while some value, not as much as they would be otherwise. I'd say if you like the sound of them, use them. As far as doing the cap job, it is a gamble on time. They may not show any problems for a long time, longer than normal life expectancy, but then, they may go tomorrow, or the next time you power it up. If you got the caps, or can at least afford to get them now, go ahead and get them and replace all the electrolytics (power supply caps mostly, maybe a few cathode caps, I don't have the schemo in front of me.) as when they go, they can damage other parts. It's your amp and your call, but if not now, plan for it soon.
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Mine had all Phillips Mullard 12AX7 / EL34 tubes when i bought it. If it plays good and is quiet just clean the pots,test the tubes and play away. If old PS caps bother you like it does me then change them out
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Thanks guys, I think I'll do the caps and leave the tubes, just giver a good cleaning.