Hello,
This is my first post. I signed up, because I discovered this website during my initial research in restoring a 1965 Fisher Ambassador VII A-690 stereo console.
This is my father-in-law's stereo that he's asked me to restore. He's the original owner, and the unit is in really good condition. However, it's not working at the moment, and I'm unaware of how long it's been this way. His console includes a L-22 reel-to-reel tape recorder and a Dual 1228 turntable, which replaced the original Dual 1009.
The power supply and amplifier is 59-A.
The tuner is 59-T.
A little history:
On 10-25-1976:
I'd also like to point out that my father-in-law had the turntable replaced some time ago. I'm not sure of the exact date. The original turntable was a Dual 1009. He replaced it with a Dual 1228. I mention this detail, because there's been a modification to some of the wiring. The following picture shows that the changer connector has been modified. Wiring to pins 2 & 4 have been cut. In their place, an AC receptacal has been wired. This is where the turntable and reel-to-reel are plugged in. At the moment, I have no idea why this was done. So further investigation is needed.
This is what I've done so far:
Thank you,
Mike
This is my first post. I signed up, because I discovered this website during my initial research in restoring a 1965 Fisher Ambassador VII A-690 stereo console.
This is my father-in-law's stereo that he's asked me to restore. He's the original owner, and the unit is in really good condition. However, it's not working at the moment, and I'm unaware of how long it's been this way. His console includes a L-22 reel-to-reel tape recorder and a Dual 1228 turntable, which replaced the original Dual 1009.
The power supply and amplifier is 59-A.
The tuner is 59-T.
A little history:
On 10-25-1976:
- Audio Hospital in Canoga Park, CA replaced both 6HU8 tubes and one 12AX7.
- Audio Hospital replaced output transistors for the left channel, Q1, Q2, Q3, & Q4, with ECG121 transistors.
- Audio Hospital did a complete dis-assembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly. I'm not exactly sure what this means.
- My brother-in-law replaced many tubes. There are no notes indicating which ones or why.
I'd also like to point out that my father-in-law had the turntable replaced some time ago. I'm not sure of the exact date. The original turntable was a Dual 1009. He replaced it with a Dual 1228. I mention this detail, because there's been a modification to some of the wiring. The following picture shows that the changer connector has been modified. Wiring to pins 2 & 4 have been cut. In their place, an AC receptacal has been wired. This is where the turntable and reel-to-reel are plugged in. At the moment, I have no idea why this was done. So further investigation is needed.
This is what I've done so far:
- Inspected the fuses - main power 3.2A slo-blo fuse is blown. Remaining fuses are good.
- Tested the tubes - all tubes are good except one: 12AT7.
- Inquired with Jim McShane and Metalbone for restoration kits. Neither are able to supply me with a restoration kit. Therefore, I'll be sourcing new components individually.
- The main fuse is blown. I'm presuming this is due to a short and that it's one of the capacitors. Can anyone suggest any troubleshooting techniques aside from component replacement?
- What is the size of the fuses? 6mm x 32mm? or 6.3mm x 32mm?
- When looking for a new main fuse, I cannot find a 3.2A 125v slo-blo fuse. Will a 5A 125v work? This is the closest fuse I can find at Mouser.
- In this post on Audio Karma, Larry recommends using Nichicon UPW capacitors for replacement filter caps and Nichicon UKL capacitors for all remaining electrolytics. When sourcing parts, it appears that UKL capacitors are radial and not axial. When replacing axial capacitors, are people able to install radial without and spacing issues? Otherwise, I've been able to find replacement Nichicon TVX axial capacitors. Will these be acceptable in this situation instead of UKL?
- I'm planning on replacing film capacitors with Orange Drops. When sourcing them, do I spec out the voltage rating as AC or DC? For example, capacitor C1 in the power supply is .022uF, 250V. Is this voltage rating AC or DC?
- What are the recommended replacement parts for the diodes and rectifiers?
- Can someone recommend a good terminal strip?
- Should I install a thermistor? If so, recommended size?
- It looks like all four of the Left channel output transistors, Q1, Q2, Q3, & Q4, were replaced in 1976 with ECG121. According to the schematic, Q1 and Q3 are different than Q2 and Q4. Now that they're all the same, is this a problem?
Thank you,
Mike