Bose 1801
- Thread starter SotAudio
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Very beefy amp that is solid but sounds like things can go wrong easily from threads on here, and most components need to be replaced to enjoy it safely.
One of THE vintage monster amps.
If it has the full size transformer, it is 80 pounds of sharp heat sinks and huge meters and LEDs.
The issues on those are known and easy enough to fix.
They used undersized resisters on one spot on the amps and those can overheat and catch fire.
BOSE did a service bulletin so if grandpa ever had it to the shop, perhaps it was fixed.
There are 3 versions to the amps. The last version is the best to have but not a deal breaker. The can be upgraded to the best version if desired.
There are a couple tricks to fine tuning them to make them very sweet. BOSE allowed up to 250mv DC on the speaker jacks to be "OK". A simple mod can address that if a full rebuild is not desired.
Selling it AS-IS in unknown condition may fetch a few hundred if you are lucky.
Shipping them is mind numbing (but it CAN be done).
You cannot buy an amp anywhere near that good for what you will get.
You should have it serviced by someone who knows how and keep it.
It is gramdpa's and its a fantastic amp.
I don't suppose you are anywhere near me, are you?
If it has the full size transformer, it is 80 pounds of sharp heat sinks and huge meters and LEDs.
The issues on those are known and easy enough to fix.
They used undersized resisters on one spot on the amps and those can overheat and catch fire.
BOSE did a service bulletin so if grandpa ever had it to the shop, perhaps it was fixed.
There are 3 versions to the amps. The last version is the best to have but not a deal breaker. The can be upgraded to the best version if desired.
There are a couple tricks to fine tuning them to make them very sweet. BOSE allowed up to 250mv DC on the speaker jacks to be "OK". A simple mod can address that if a full rebuild is not desired.
Selling it AS-IS in unknown condition may fetch a few hundred if you are lucky.
Shipping them is mind numbing (but it CAN be done).
You cannot buy an amp anywhere near that good for what you will get.
You should have it serviced by someone who knows how and keep it.
It is gramdpa's and its a fantastic amp.
I don't suppose you are anywhere near me, are you?
threads
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/bose-1801-revisited.499313/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/bose-1801-repair-and-upgrade.695969/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/checking-transistors-bose-1801-power-amp.742715/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....-1800-output-transistors.725066/#post-9790868
the 1800 is the same amp without the analog meters
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/bose-1800-pair-not-quite.652523/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/bose-1801-revisited.499313/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/bose-1801-repair-and-upgrade.695969/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/checking-transistors-bose-1801-power-amp.742715/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....-1800-output-transistors.725066/#post-9790868
the 1800 is the same amp without the analog meters
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/bose-1800-pair-not-quite.652523/
Well the amp is located in Greece. I couldn't describe Washington to Athens as a one hour car trip.
Thank very very much for your answers and for the threads you provided.
Depends on the car.
It may need a booster rocket.
If you google "bose service manual" you should be able to find more info about the service bulletins.
Here is a good set.
http://electronics-diy.com/pdf/Bose_1801_Power_Amplifier.pdf
Well I doubt that even this could do the trip in such a small time frame (+the gas bill would be exorbitant)
http://www.dan-dare.org/Dan FRD/MeanMachineAni.gif
Thanks but I doubt that I should undertake the process myself. My experience with electronics is close to zero.
Isn't AK'er Thierry VERY good with these?? He's located in France, which.....is a bit closer.
can you tag him?
You can send him a PM. I notice you're new. Use the search feature, he should pop up.
