Vintage HiFi Audio Forum
Audio Discussion => TUBES TUBES TUBES => Topic started by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on March 08, 2012, 08:57:04 PM
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So I went to a local reseller of donated home goods. I was looking for a nice looking cabinet strong and deep enough to keep my most prized records upstairs (most of my collection resides in the basement). I saw a cabinet that looked like it fit the bill. I got closer and it was marked $85. This took me back as most of their stuff is usually cheaper. So I looked inside to see how it was laid out and if it would work for me.
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-1.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-2.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-3.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-4.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-5.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-6.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-7.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-8.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-9.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-10.jpg)
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/Leak%20Console/leak-11.jpg)
I paid the man.
The stuff is actually even cleaner than it looks on these images. I did flash photography in the garage at night and it really magnified every spec of dust. I don't know much about tube gear, but I have the feeling I stumbled upon something very special here.
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Now that is a score Mark!!
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I don't know much about vintage gear but I would have probably taken the chance and gotten that. Looks pretty awesome! :o
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The caps are laid out so nicely (unlike my Scott) that I may take a crack at recapping this one myself.
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This looks to be the same one. Holy cow. http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?39326-FS-Leak-Stereo-20-Tube-Amplifier-Modded (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?39326-FS-Leak-Stereo-20-Tube-Amplifier-Modded) Best score as far as resale value I have seen.
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Nice pickup! :o
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Sweet deal--VERY clean! :)
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Yep - that would classify as the wikipedia definition of a vintage audio geek's score.
(putting aside the unverifiable claimed encounters with kenwood monster receivers in trash bins by OCCD)
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Very nice pickup! Congrats! That unit should clean up very nicely. Now, for some nice speakers to match 8)
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Now, for some nice speakers to match 8)
I have a pair of University coaxials that are of the same vintage. They were pulled from a church organ and I got them for free. They sound amazing and are quite efficient even without a cabinet. If I can ever hook up with rgpit, he did offer to get T/S for them for me. Then by brother in law who is a cabinet maker could whip up cabinets to match the main one. Exciting, isn't it?
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Very nice find, well worth the $85.00
Show us what it looks like once you have cleaned it up
Brian
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Man that is very nice, what a find. Are you going to keep it intact? I wonder if you can upgrade the turntable at all I'd love to find a way to upgrade an Elac
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New idler?
The thing looks so cool that I wouldn't do a mod that had a cosmetic effect. If I keep it I will be looking for a short spindle, cause I hate changers.
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That is a treasure, I would not flip that set.
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Great score!!!!!!!!!
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Pictures of Marks restored Leak Stereo 20 amp and Point One Stereo preamp.
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Here's one more.
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BEautiful! How does it sound and where is the tuner?
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I've not restored the tuner. It works, but needs alignment, only picks up FM stations below 100, but picks those up very well. I recommended to Mark he have Anders recap and align it.
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Very nice work Scott! How did the tubes test? Mullards were notorious short life tubes. Nice smooth with a punch in the low end. My experience was they don't last all that long. I hope Mark's tubes are good. Very nice unit! Mark made a real good find! It happens!
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I was with Scott when the tubes were tested. Every one was at spec, most spec'd like new. I still can't believe what a find this was. It didn't even need a single tube.
Not to sound corny, but I really feel like this was a gift from God.
And again, I simply can not thank Scott enough.
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Nice work Scott!!!
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I absolutely love this thing, very nice to find it and see you bring it back to life
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I was with Scott when the tubes were tested. Every one was at spec, most spec'd like new. I still can't believe what a find this was. It didn't even need a single tube.
Not to sound corny, but I really feel like this was a gift from God.
And again, I simply can not thank Scott enough.
I am glad to see that this has worked out so well for you!! Are you going to put it back in the cabinet or do you have other plans?
Congrats again!
Regards,
Carl
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As much as it pains me, I have to put in back into the cabinet. I have a son who is Autistic and has impulse control issues. Those Mullards wouldn't last a week out in the open.
I have a pair of University coax speakers that seem to be from about 1954. rgpit and I are hooking up to get t/s parameters for them then my brother in law who has a cabinet shop and I will build them into towers which will match the cabinet. Should be righteous!
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Thanks for the insight Mark. I am sorry to hear about you son's condition. I will keep your son, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I know it must be difficult for all of you.
Ron's a good guy! His Harbeth speakers the the DIY subs sound terrific! Tell him I said hello! We live about 1/4 mile apart but we see each other seldom.
Regards,
Carl
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My son has his struggles but is basically as happy of a human as you are likely to meet. Thanks for the kind thoughts and I'll always take a prayer sent my way.
It was great to meet Ron. His measurements will prove invaluable and his system totally kicks! At many times his Harbeth speakers simply disappeared and all that was there were the instruments in the room. Ron doesn't seem quite convinced that the University 6201s are going to be on par with the Leak, but I think they will be at least a decent match until something better comes along (96 db sensitivity). He does like the idea of building speaker cabs to match the console, but just thinks better drivers may be in order. We shall see.
He did seem intrigued by my "dome woofer" project (a separate build all together). Those goofy thrift store woofers spec'd out better than either of us expected. It was a great time hanging with a kindred spirit.
THANKS RON!
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What a find!! I looked at buying one on ebay a few months back before buying a pair of Carver Black Magic 20wpc's.
Very nice to get the preamp and tuner to go along with it. Congrats!