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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl  (Read 2855 times)

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Offline x44d80

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Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« on: September 30, 2015, 01:55:10 pm »
My son dug out all my old vinyl records. We have equipement to play them, it's just not very good.  I was going to buy a old Pioneer, Marantz or Kenwood solid state amp but I started thinking why not just build a tube amp.  Heres the problem.  The only kits I can find are Dynakit, and one from the Tube Store.  Too expensive or too small.  I cannot find any info or schematics to build your own.  I bid on a Fisher 500 tube amp that needed work but didn't win the auction.  The question is would you buy and repair a tube amp or build your own?

Offline jjasilli

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Re: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2015, 05:48:43 pm »
Possibilities are endless & mind boggling.  Google Williamson amplifier.  Can't go wrong with a Dynakit.  Numerous old schematics to copy like from Heathkit.  I personally like to rebuild

Offline p2pAmps

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Re: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2015, 06:18:12 pm »
Possibilities are endless & mind boggling.  Google Williamson amplifier.  Can't go wrong with a Dynakit.  Numerous old schematics to copy like from Heathkit.  I personally like to rebuild

There is always a tube McIntosh
Everything Affects Everything

Offline Jack_Hester

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Re: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2015, 06:23:48 pm »
Get yourself one of these: 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnavox-Stereo-175-67-Tube-Amp-Amplifier-6V6-12AX7-5U4GB-P-P-Push-Pull-Works-/181887696552?hash=item2a5959fea8

And, find a nice Heathkit or Realistic stereo pre-amp to go with it.  I have a Mag 175 and a Realistic pre-amp, both I've tested and am pleased with the results.  I have a Technics SL-1800 direct-drive turntable for the front end.  All working, but not assembled into a finished stereo.  A friend pointed me to a nice set of table-top speakers that really complement these components.  I'll have to get the model number for them tomorrow. 

All this would make a great project for your home stereo. 

Jack
"We sleep safe in our beds
because rough men stand ready in the night
to visit violence on those who would do us harm."

                                                   ---George Orwell

Offline mresistor

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« Last Edit: September 30, 2015, 06:42:57 pm by mresistor »

Offline p2pAmps

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Re: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2015, 06:42:12 pm »
Everything Affects Everything

Offline mresistor

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« Last Edit: September 30, 2015, 06:46:33 pm by mresistor »

Offline x44d80

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Re: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« Reply #7 on: October 11, 2015, 08:47:36 am »

Offline sluckey

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Re: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« Reply #8 on: October 11, 2015, 10:03:16 am »
I don't recommend that specific unit because it does not have a power supply. The power supply is located on another unit. However, that same seller has other Rockola amps for the same price that do include a built in power supply.

Something to consider... These old juke box amps 'may' be designed for a ceramic phono cartridge. If so, you will need an external preamp to use a magnetic cartridge.
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline x44d80

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Re: Need advice on Stereo Amp to play vinyl
« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2015, 12:37:49 pm »
Good advice.  Thanks so much!

 


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