That's barely adequate assurance for the power transformer, and it still doesn't address the reliability issues or the OPT. At 80v, I really can't say the amp "tested working, needing a recap". Who knows what will happen under load? It's also more time and effort than I want to spend.The beet thing to do is to slowly variac them to 80v, test and sell the good ones as tested working,needing a recap, sell the others asis for parts
An "untested, for parts" W5M sold on ebay the other day for $355, plus $50 shipping because it had all original iron. I think that was quite a risky purchase but promising for my five. Another W5M with a replaced power transformer has been sitting on ebay for $129...no action. People want their amps to look "all original".
Two transformers. Both the Mains and Output Transformers have issues.Seems like some owners are technical enough to change a power transformer, but not technical enough to add extra protection to avoid the transformer failing in the first place.
Honestly, I haven't done the proper research to see exactly what the problems are. I don't know if it's even possible to add extra protection or if the transformers are inherently failure prone. Heathkit knew something was up because they changed the OPT to another Peerless model later on during production. Looks like the later models added a delay circuit as well.
When I realized I was looking at a potential "money pit" I took the easy path and bought something I could trust. I don't mind fixing something, but "lemons" are not my thing. Too many of these amps are showing up on ebay for a reason.