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Bogen-Presto AP-40 amp and TP-40 tuner

that70sguy

that70sguy

Well-Known Member
I made my first tube gear purchase today and would appreciate any info on these pieces. The amp is a Bogen Presto AP-40 and the tuner is model TP-40. Also, there is some other device which I'm not sure what it is. The model is PX 60, it is apparently some sort of multiplexer. I have a pic of it below as well. Also included was an old Silvertone turntable.

I can't find much info on these models, so if anyone can steer me to some, I would much appreciate it. Here are a few pics.

bogen_1.jpg


bogen_2.jpg


bogen_3.jpg


bogen_4.jpg


bogen_5.jpg


bogen_6.jpg


bogen_7.jpg


bogen_8.jpg
 
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I don't know much about Bogen, but I like what I have heard about them, and the multiplexer is for FM stereo....a useful item to have :thmbsp:

That stuff if BEAUTIFUL.
 
Gonna change your name to "That60sGuy?

You're in luck... all three of the units are listed in Sams Photofacts:

AP40: 567-5
TP40: 559-7
PX60: 600-5 (all are dated 1961-62)

I don't have any of these folders, but there are lots of copies around.

Interesting design... looks like the amp was intended for a two-zone sound system, with separate inputs for each... maybe in case that stereo fad doesn't work out? I'm guessing 20 watts per channel from push-pull 7355 output tubes.
 
I'm sorry that I don't know anything about those particular pieces but Bogen and Presto have both made some good pieces. Your amp/tuner certainly looks to be in nice physical condition and it's great that you've got the original boxes. :thmbsp: Take your time and variac them up or just GA and replace the power supply sections first.
 
Thanks everyone. Yeah, they're in great shape, the faceplates don't have a single scratch. I figured it was a good pickup and always wanted some tube gear.

jcmjrt said:
I'm sorry that I don't know anything about those particular pieces but Bogen and Presto have both made some good pieces. Your amp/tuner certainly looks to be in nice physical condition and it's great that you've got the original boxes. :thmbsp: Take your time and variac them up or just GA and replace the power supply sections first.
Click to expand...

Again, forgive my ignorance on tub speak, but what does "variac them up" mean? thanks!
 
That Bogen integrated is awesome looking and it is perfect condition. Looks like you've found a keeper! It's always coolest to have a rare system as your main system that no one else uses, and since the integrated actually has a Sam's folder, it'll be smooth sailing for you.
 
Again, forgive my ignorance on tub[e] speak, but what does "variac them up" mean? thanks!
Click to expand...

Instead of plugging them into AC mains and hitting them with 120 VAC, bring up the AC voltage slowly. With luck, the 40-plus-year-old power electrolytics will reform. If not, they'll have to be changed. Coupling caps also almost certainly need to be changed. Indeed, unless the amps have been restored, smart money says do nothing with them until at least coupling caps are changed.

A Variac (variable autoformer) is a good way to ease them back to life. The "poor man's variac" (search here) using a light bulb in series with one leg of the AC mains is another valid approach. In some ways, the latter's better, since it will protect the amp a bit in case there is a short in the power transformer, rectifier, or P/S electrolytics. The bulb will turn the excess current into light!
 
Hi,

Your Bogen/Presto equipment dates from 1961. Presto was very well known for their disc recording lathes and tape recording equipment. Their equipment was used by many broadcasters and recording studios in the mono days until tape recording took over. They did make one Stereo cutterhead (co-designed with Westrex). The turntable they sold with this equipment was a Bogen/Lenco Swiss made turntable. David Bogen Co. purchased Presto Recording Corp in 1958 and phased Presto out in 1962. Bogen relocated to the Presto factory in Paramus, NJ. The present remix of "Kind Of Blue" in 1997 was done on a Presto 3-track. That machine was every bit as good as any Ampex 300 or 350. I still use one in the mastering room.
 
Wow love the look, I see the original box or two was also included.
Not to many would have let a nice group like that slip by.
Congrats:thmbsp:
 
cool almost beyond belief. I hope that the MPX adaptor is the current system which the FCC licensed in 1961, IIRC. There were some competitive stereo systems (Morse?) that didn't make the cut.

Radio Shack sold Bogens back in 1961...

bogens61.jpg
 
thanks everyone for your input. I'm pretty excited about getting this set up. Last week I picked up a pair of early 60s Janszen Z-600 electrostatic speaker, so looking forward to hearing this combination.

mhardy6647 said:
cool almost beyond belief. I hope that the MPX adaptor is the current system which the FCC licensed in 1961, IIRC. There were some competitive stereo systems (Morse?) that didn't make the cut.

Radio Shack sold Bogens back in 1961...

bogens61.jpg
Click to expand...

Wow, where did you dig up this ad? Pretty cool. Thanks for sharing.
 
Big congrats, dude! :thmbsp: I posted once in the D&S forum, but had to leave for awhile, to make a little score of my own. ;)
 
This is an incredible find, with the original boxes and everything -- and premium gear, too. Bogen is an overlooked brand right now, but they made some excellent amps! I think you're the third AK member to acquire a Bogen tube amp this week :)

Please consider having a tube nerd look over everything before trying to use it!
 
before you plug the thing into any sort of supply, though, you might want to replace the output tubes as they look like they might be dead.
 
need help with speaker terminals

As my screen name suggests, I may be stuck in the 70s, and sort of clueless about 60s electronics.

Can someone explain (using the pic below) how and where to hook up a pair of speakers. I'm a bit confused with the different terminals and their designations. Also, what are the two wires leading to terminal 3? Any help would be appreciated.

bogen_9.jpg
 
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