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I just picked up two Altec pieces at an estate sale - a 340A amp and 440B preamp, both in good/very good condition, I think. There were also a 306A tuner and either a 606 or 826 corner cabinet speaker with conde driver and crossover but no horn. I passed on the last two. And, I never did find out what phono rig the guy was using with the system.
Anyway, I'm more familiar with 70's and 80's vintage type gear like Tandberg, B&O, Hafler, Kyocera, McIntosh, Threshold, etc. I recognized these pieces (not down to model number…but who can pass on a vacuum amp and preamp). So, now that I have these pieces I'd like to try them out for a spell in all their mono goodness before eventually selling them. But, I'm not sure it is wise to just plug these in and have a go? Is there any way to tell anything about the tubes prior to turning on? Any other things to look for? And for cleaning the units, any recommendations? Thanks, C
Follow Ups:
So, I took both units to a local (to me) gear head/tech. The amp and pre work!...but need some help. The 440b needs some caps replaced to fix some humming/buzzing. The 340a amp has a resistor burned out from the 6L6GC's, he says. So I need to get a pair of 6550's. Short of going all out for some NOS RCA's or the like, is ther any opinion on the new tubes like electro harmonix? Shugang? Tungsol's? Also, how much consideration should I pay to getting "nice" tubes (maybe NOS after all) for resale purposes? Thanks in advance
So, I took both units to a local (to me) gear head/tech. The amp and pre work!...but need some help. The 440b needs some caps replaced to fix some humming/buzzing. The 340a amp has a resistor burned out from the 6L6GC's, he says. So I need to get a pair of 6550's. Short of going all out for some NOS RCA's or the like, is ther any opinion on the new tubes like electro harmonix? Shugang? Tungsol's? Also, how much consideration should I pay to getting "nice" tubes (maybe NOS after all) for resale purposes? Thanks in advance
Thanks to all….I'm going to take it to someone more knowledgeable. I know about mucking around amps and all that entails, but I don't know tubes (beyond the averagely informed audio fan) and certainly don't know about changing bias and using different tubes than specified. Sim-O-Rama in Totowa NJ is supposed to be run by a very knowledgable Altec guy (guru, some say) I think I can make it over there in a few days. Or there's an older repair guy/gear head more local to me that's been around since the days of tube. So, we'll see what one of them says.
Drat....the guy a Sim-O-Rama gave the polite brush off. Not that I can blame him, and I appreciate his honesty (not really his thing anymore, is too busy fixing present day DJ/PA gear, lost his touch in these things, but great nostalgia pieces from when he and his dad used to sell them). Thing is, I learned of this guy from a post either here on AA or another forum. Now I've got to go find the number for the one-man-repair shop/gear head. In the meantime, saw not one, but two pairs of the amps for sale on a popular auction type site. Funny how that happens.
You might want to ask a smaller music store where they take their tube guitar amps. They should be able to check the bias for you.
looking for some jazz and a little libations - joe strummer
The most important aspect of wisdom is knowing what you don't know. You have made a wise choice!
Dave
I have schematics for both if you need them - tbavis(at)rochester(dot)rr(dot)com
Altec 340a is one of the best sounding 6550 based amps of all time within its power range (30 watts if I remember correctly). I had a pair with Tung-Sol 6550 black plates, and they sounded absolutely glorious. Wish I kept mine!
That amp has the wrong output tubes in it too, maybe buy a set of 6550s and take it to a local HAM or whoever you know that can check it out for you..
What output tubes are in it?
Dave
Those appear to be 6L6GC's. (nice RCA Blackplates!) They will work in a 6550 socket assuming they are biased correctly.
Yes, both confirmed as 6L6GC. Not quite sure what that means to the unit... Did the prior owner know something better or just had these laying to use?
You are going to have to measure the bias and see if the Amp is set up for 6L6 or 6550 tubes. (Or if you don't know how to do this, have someone who knows do it. There are deadly voltages present.)
Dave
I'll check the tubes tonight. If I get home in time, I hadn't even bothered to look yet. Thanks for that catch and all the other help others have offered.
If they are different, before you change them, make sure the amp has not be modified to accept the different tube.
Dave
did you get inside the speaker cab? crossover but no horn in a corner cab, I would wager it's a 604 concentric inside
I would NOT plug these in; electrolytic caps are likely dried out, coupling caps leaky. You could fry an irreplaceable transformer in short order. A good tech needs to go through these.
Hadn't thought of the caps issue. Good thought though, I'll look at the unit and see if it's something I think I can trackless on my own or take someplace. I've heard there is someplace in northern NJ that is an Altec haven/clinic. Will look into that.
I have a solo 340 and have been looking for a mate for a decade. let me know if you sell, please
Thanks
stu
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