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1960 Ampex Custom Stereo Console

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DaBurninator

New Member
Grandpa was downsizing and I ended up with this sweet console. (Can you believe my family wanted to junk it?!)

Model number is 4602 and based on some research on some other threads that means it is a 1960 Ampex Custom Stereo Console, w/503 tuner, 2 amplifier/speaker assemblies, 403 preamp, Garrard changer.

It had sat, plugged in, in the same spot in my grandpa's living room for roughly 60 years before I picked it up.

I would love to restore this but I didn't do too well in my circuits class in school...so I could definitely use some guidance with this. All of you on these forums speak so casually about replacing the capacitors, any tips before I get started? Any recommendations on where to get the replacement parts? I found this article referenced in a separate thread and I'm going to try and follow it best I can: Replacing Capacitors in Old Radios and TVs

Also, this console is stock so I'd be happy to provide any additional info on components or pictures if needed.

Paging @CoastinHome our resident Ampex console expert.

Thank you!
 

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The electrolytic capacitors should be replaced. Some are multi caps. Several capacitors in a single can. They dry out and can short out. You can carefully restuff them with new caps, find new with the same or similar values in a multi cap can, or if room allows put new caps under the chassis. That's a nice console. Separate tuner, preamp and mono block amps. I would defenetly restore it.
 
Great save, and even more special that you'll be able to keep it in the family. The experts on Ampex gear will point you in the right direction. A schematic will be your friend.

It sounds like you're referring to the multi-section "Can" electrolytic caps. You'll have a few options there including
  • ordering custom replacements from a place like Hayseed Hamfest (this is the cleanest and easiest, but most costly method)
  • restuffing the caps that are there with new electrolytics (very cost effective and you can control the quality of the components you're putting in, but tedious and time consuming)
  • fitting in new electrolytics underneath the chassis if there's sufficient room
 
Welcome to AK. That is a gorgeous piece of gear you have. Its also among the finest consoles ever produced, so its most certainly worth effort to restore. Ampex was a top notch manufacturer in their day.
 
Also! In a lot of consoles, the speakers and turntable are often the weak spot. Once you have everything up and running, it may be worth looking into other options. It all depends on how serious of a listener you are, though.
 
Sweet Petite

Thanks for taking as-found pictures
Wonder what the speaker compliment is?

The dust and barn find pictures really takes me back to my Ampex experience
 
DaBurninator said:
Grandpa was downsizing and I ended up with this sweet console. Model number is 4602 and based on some research on some other threads that means it is a 1960 Ampex Custom Stereo Console, w/503 tuner, 2 amplifier/speaker assemblies, 403 preamp, Garrard changer.

I would love to restore this but I didn't do too well in my circuits class in school...so I could definitely use some guidance with this. All of you on these forums speak so casually about replacing the capacitors, any tips before I get started?
Click to expand...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

First and foremost it's admirable that you want to restore it and well you should as that unit deserves it however it sounds like you've never done this before and this is NOT a unit you want to learn (replacing capacitors, testing tubes, bringing up slowly on a variac, etc) on. @gadget73 hit it on the head in post #4

If it hasn't been used in awhile I would suggest not turning it on as it could cause damage to the amps.

@CoastinHome is based in San Diego and hopefully he and others will stop by to check out the thread and they can you point you in the direction of reputable tube technician in or around the Bay Area.

That looks to be an Ampex Crescendo, I have a very similar cabinet (The Custom) and the caning and wood work is top notch.

I'm guessing you've seen this thread if not there is a ton of info you might find interesting, well worth going through the 10 plus pages.

https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/i...c-15-woofers-in-ampex-signature.838032/page-2

s-l1600.jpg

Was there any Ampex sourced literature that came with it?

The tubes in the Pre-amp/Control Center could be Amperex 12AX7's thus quite valuable

Welcome to AK and keep us Ampex folks up to date with what you do with it.
 
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If I stumbled across something like that console, I wouldn’t be able to sleep for days. Congrats to the OP for recognizing the wonderful potential here. Proceed with caution and a good solid plan. As advised above, this isn’t the piece to begin your journey into electronics repair.
 
Thank you all for the feedback.

I did take this to a local audio repair guy who said he could restore this...he had it for a couple weeks and apparently the first thing he did was plug it in and turn it on. He didn't test any tubes or check any of the condensers/capacitors or anything, just powered it on and hoped nothing blew up. I don't think he even used a variac or variable transformer, just plugged it right into the wall. I decided I couldn't trust this guy so I took it back.

Any recommendations for a trustworthy technician in the SF Bay Area, specifically East Bay?
 
the thing with old gear and plugging it in is that you're basically tossing the dice. It might come up and run happy. It might catch fire and let the smoke out. It might do something in between. The real fear is that a transformer will get torched. They can be quite expensive to replace, if its even possible.
 
AK'er Ferninando is in the Sunnyvale/San Jose area IIRC. Retired HP Engineer. Send him a PM (Conversation)
 
Last I remember Ferninando was having health issues and posted he was losing his hearing so was considering giving up the hobby
 
Joining in the gasp of appreciation. This is one sweet console. Good to hear it’s going on to another generation.
 
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