The President has reached a critical milestone, the preamplifier, tuner, and both power amps have been completely overhauled and are working beautifully. The unit is fully functional with the exception of the RTR and record changer (saved them for when I have more time). I have it playing through a set of Klipsh RP-280F towers instead of the internal speakers as the room placement isn't ideal for the console (the towers are properly located in the room but are out of view). The present sources of music are a Denon DP-300F with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge (top left of console), an Amazon Echo Dot that streams Amazon Unlimited to aux1, a second digital input to aux 2 for hooking up other digital sources, and of course the tuner.
The Amazon Echo Dot is a very interesting device, not only can it stream every song ever recorded for $3.99 a month, it's also a very effective voice operated remote control. I am using it to turn the President on and off via a smart outlet. All I have to do is say "Alexa, turn the President on or off" and it does so. This will preserve the original preamp power switch which is still working perfectly. I'm also using the Echo Dot to control my living room Hue lighting which is pretty cool, I highly recommend this $50 device.
I have not posted detail pics of the restoration as I've been limited on free time. All the electrolytics were replaced with new Hayseed Hamfest units except one in the preamp which was replaced with an F&T 50/50 and two Nichicon 10's (the Hayseed cap was too large for the factory clamp and I didn't want to alter the unit). The tubes are all original Telefunkens throughout except for the four outputs which are new Gold Lion KT66's and two NOS RCA's RV4 power amp rectifiers (ST bottles).
The 100 power amps had cooked some of the original wiring attached to their huge multistep resistors, which I replaced. The 400CX pre had a blown fuse which had prevented damage from the failed electrolytics in it, but was all original and in great condition cosmetically. After recapping, cleaning all the pots, and changing the bulbs it is working perfectly. The tuner had numerous weak tubes and was dirty, but otherwise excellent. I was able to remove and wash the dial glass successfully which now looks like new and both of the original Fisher dial lights still work. The signal strength indicator tubes in the tuner are both serviceable, the FM is a little dimmer but not worth replacing.
I'm now officially music ready for the upcoming party and holiday season. I'm wondering if anyone will point out the "Easter Egg". When I have time I will be doing a YouTube video of this beast.
Pat
