Frankin-HeathKit

[turnitup]

Ok, let me start out with the fact that I HATE the thought of this, but I also want to use the unit!

I came across a late 50s/early 60s Heathkit AA-21 amplifier for a nominal amount of money. it reminds me of a 1950's car, and the orange body is just the best. I pulled it apart for cleaning, and it's evident that this thing has seen some bad days. I'll never part with the units, it looks are just awesome, and I have all of the external components that make it look just like new (from the outside). I've thought about gutting the internals and replacing them. I need a basic amp with bass, treble, balance, volume, and a component switch to match the existing faceplate. I'd need a unit that has wired pots that I could distribute the wiring to fit the existing housing (not wired to an IC board). Anyone ever done this/suggestions for a replacement amplifier? I'd love to use the unit, and I have other period-specific components that would make an amazing setup. Thoughts on a Class-D replacement amp???

 

[electronjohn]

Just refurb & update what you have and enjoy.

 

[BillWojo]

I looked up some pics of that model. I'd restore it, looks nice. Is it totally trashed and missing transformers and all?

BillWojo

 

[turnitup]

It seems to be intact, but It's obvious that it's been "home repaired" more than a time or two. For some reason one of the pots has been completely disconnected (and all wires removed) among other things. I've heard that replacement parts are virtually impossible to come by as well. Since it's early solid state, my guess is that if I invested in repairing it, it'd probably not be very stable going forward even after the expense of fixing it.

If it were a tube unit, I'd definitely spend the money and have it repaired...

 

[mhardy6647]

The early ss Heathkits used principally if not exclusively germanium transistors which are (extremely) fragile and also generally irreplaceable.


TransistorPower1964_ by Mark Hardy, on Flickr