First Vintage Tube Amp...VOM

[ScaleAutoArt]

First Vintage Tube Amp...Voice of Music SET

EL84 Single Ended Model 803 from console...good starter to learn???

 

[UnGrounded]

I say heck yeah.

 

[gadget73]

With no voltage amp tubes, that thing is going to need a lot of drive to make it sing if you want to divorce it from the stock preamp. Its a cute little amp though. Should be a great learner amp.

 

[jaymanaa]

There may be enough room in front by the RCAs to add a tube per channel. This is where the fun is, choosing a driver. With the right driver tubes and speakers that thing will blow your mind. What's that little red thingie?

 

[jaymanaa]

Anybody got a schematic?:scratch2: This looks like too much fun.

 

[jaymanaa]

I bet you could get by with one 12AX7 using one triode per side. A 12AT7 would be even better maybe.:scratch2:

 

[Omegaman]

The round Logo says 1962.
Nice clean Single ended stand alone amp
That Pre-amp has a great look to it too.

Should be impressive

 

[ScaleAutoArt]

I have little to no experience with these things. I have done simple phono stage tweaks, soldering in new upgraded caps etc. so I will need some guidance. Hope you all are willing to guide me...one hand in my pocket:thmbsp:

Hope I can have some fun...it is in working condition so I would think I can at least use the pre it comes with for starters? I have a friend who is familiar with tube gear so hopefully he will be interested in helping out.
I picked it up off eBay..not sure I want to say what I paid but it looks so neat and clean. Here's the description:

Voice of Music Tube Amp and Pre-Amp, working condition, pulled from Model 803 Console. Faceplate condition very good with scuff in varnish under treble knob. Cables shown included, also included are speaker cables with proper connectors for amp (originals from console).

Voice of Music
Benton Harbor, Michigan
Tube Amp and Pre-Amp from Model 803 Console
Includes (2) 6BQ5, (2) 12AX7, 5Y3 (Voice of Music tubes)
Stereo Amp, Single Ended
Excellent working un-restored condition
This item is priced for quick sale therefore best offers are not being considered.

It's should look nice next to my AR XA

 

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More photos...

 

[gogofast]

very nice combo. what a cutie! hope you dress it up.

 

[Shadowdog]

Congrats!
Best not to run it without speakers or a load if those are your photos as you risk the Output Transformers on any tube amp.

Also recapping is a good idea as you also risk any of the transformers and output tubes. Good to check the resistors and clean all the connections like tube sockets & pins along with switches , pots (clean and lube if needed)

 

[ScaleAutoArt]

Congrats!
Best not to run it without speakers or a load if those are your photos as you risk the Output Transformers on any tube amp.

Not my photos...hopefully he knew this.

 

[ScaleAutoArt]

The two "filter chokes" [if I have that right] look like they should be replaced?

 

[sopranojam85]

The two "filter chokes" [if I have that right] look like they should be replaced?

I'm not 100% certain what you are referring to. A choke is another term for an inductor, which is little more than a coil of wire. (like a half-transformer, just the primary with no secondary.)

Are you referring to the two output transformers (one on either side of the amp chassis)? Those should be fine. Sure they can fail, but they're not nearly as failure-prone as electrolytic capacitors, and should only be replaced if absolutely necessary.

 

[iwilson]

I second the 'heck yeah'

be nice to find another one

my bad, that is stereo... way cool!

 

[ScaleAutoArt]

Underside photo...

 

[ScaleAutoArt]

Started my research this morning and found a service manual on line so I ordered it. Even though I am tempted and the seller states it is in good working order I will begin with the caps before any use.

 

[ScaleAutoArt]

Are you referring to the two output transformers (one on either side of the amp chassis)? Those should be fine. Sure they can fail, but they're not nearly as failure-prone as electrolytic capacitors, and should only be replaced if absolutely necessary.

Yep :thmbsp:

 

[ScaleAutoArt]

I wonder how good the phono pre will be on this unit...or would it be better to run my pre via the aux input?

 

[gadget73]

More than likely the original phono was a ceramic cartridge. You'll need an external phono stage if thats the case.