jasonbruce
New member
Hi guys - this one is a plea for advice from all the amp gurus out there.
I recently got my hands on an old tube amplifier from the US (and when I say old, I mean it's OLD, like early 1960s). I just wanted it for THAT sound which I'd heard once long ago during an earlier visit there.
Here's where the trouble begins. When it arrived, I plugged it into the wall socket and turned it on. (At this point, I know all the amp-heads out there are gonna be clucking their tongues in disapproval). Next thing you know, the operation light turns on for a second, then goes dead. Sound-wise, nothing. Nada. Zip. Zero.
Here's my question then.... What the hell do I do now? Is it beyond repair? Is it likely that the different voltage here killed the transformer (difficult to replace) or just blew a fuse?
Second question, what should I have done? Use a variac to ease the old lady into action first? Go to standby first (note however, this particular unit did not have a standby switch, but for future amps, should that be the way?)
Anyhow, as you can see, amps, tramps, schlamps. I'm no amp guru.
Would be grateful for any sagely advice you guys can give me. And in the interest of saving bandwidth, would be grateful if we save this thread for those who can offer some technical advice please.
Truckloads of thanks in advance.
I recently got my hands on an old tube amplifier from the US (and when I say old, I mean it's OLD, like early 1960s). I just wanted it for THAT sound which I'd heard once long ago during an earlier visit there.
Here's where the trouble begins. When it arrived, I plugged it into the wall socket and turned it on. (At this point, I know all the amp-heads out there are gonna be clucking their tongues in disapproval). Next thing you know, the operation light turns on for a second, then goes dead. Sound-wise, nothing. Nada. Zip. Zero.
Here's my question then.... What the hell do I do now? Is it beyond repair? Is it likely that the different voltage here killed the transformer (difficult to replace) or just blew a fuse?
Second question, what should I have done? Use a variac to ease the old lady into action first? Go to standby first (note however, this particular unit did not have a standby switch, but for future amps, should that be the way?)
Anyhow, as you can see, amps, tramps, schlamps. I'm no amp guru.
Would be grateful for any sagely advice you guys can give me. And in the interest of saving bandwidth, would be grateful if we save this thread for those who can offer some technical advice please.
Truckloads of thanks in advance.