• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

I was just looking for a record cabinet

i was going to say some russian pios would look right at home in this thing...but I know not much about restoring old gear.
 
For those of you watching this thread, Scott posted a pic of his recap of the power amp on the second page of this thread. I can't say enough what a great guy he is and how grateful I am for his efforts on my behalf.
 
BTW Scott, I think I figured out why there is only an RCA out for the right channel on the pre. Those amps were made when stereo was still a new thing, so I'm guessing they set it up to be compatible with stereo or mono amps. I suspect if you use that eight pin interconnect to a Leak monoblock like a TL12, the left channel routed through the Leak interconnect. Then the next year, when you wanted to upgrade to stereo, the Leak dealer could just sell you another monoblock and an RCA cable (and a matching speaker, of course).

That is my hunch. An expert here may be able to confirm.
 
Okay, this has been operational for a while and, as I explained earlier, I have to keep it in the cabinet it I want the tubes to survive in my house. It just kills me though that the beautiful power amp can't be seen.

So I came up with the idea of replacing the pegboard on the back with plexi glass (see page one of this thread for pics of the cabinet). For ventilation, I am considering two port tubes extending from the plexi surface to the back (or is it the front?) of the cabinet. Then I will use a very quiet computer fan to draw air out from the middle of the plexi.

There is one detail I can't make up my mind on. That space is unfinished and looks awful. And the wood is too stained to finish it to match the outside of the cabinet. I think I am left with little choice but to paint that cavity. I was having a hard time trying to visualize how this would look, so I Photoshopped a few swatches. Of course, this is only an approximation, but the four shown are my two favorites and my wife's two favorites. Which do you like? TIA
 

Attachments

  • LeaksCyan.jpg
    LeaksCyan.jpg
    218.3 KB · Views: 88
  • LeaksGreen.jpg
    LeaksGreen.jpg
    213.9 KB · Views: 54
  • LeaksPureYellowOrange.jpg
    LeaksPureYellowOrange.jpg
    208.5 KB · Views: 56
  • LeaksYellow.jpg
    LeaksYellow.jpg
    213.9 KB · Views: 68
Could you get a vaneer to match? If so, cover the stained inner chamber with vaneer so that it looks the same inside and out.

Shelly_D
 
That is a good possibility. I wonder if I have enough skill to make it look decent? That's an idea for sure, but I can't screw up paint.
 
If you were to paint it I would choose a gloss white - would project a sense of sterility and help to draw focus to the amp. And, if you do paint I would also put the amp up on some blocks to help disapate the heat of else the heat may bubble the paint.
 
Make sure your ventilation scheme has redundancy. Those holes are in that back cover for a reason. :yes:

You're right, you probably aren't going to get that mahogany skin to match the teak or walnut that's on the pretty side of the cabinet. But I personally don't think I'd paint the interior, or at least not the sides. If anything I would paint just the horizontal surfaces, shelf support, and back shelf edge all flat black. I might put a few coats of shellac on the inside side walls.
 
miner said:
If you were to paint it I would choose a gloss white - would project a sense of sterility and help to draw focus to the amp. And, if you do paint I would also put the amp up on some blocks to help disapate the heat of else the heat may bubble the paint.
Click to expand...

I had planned to use long screws with some sort of standoff in the middle to raise it off the surface a bit but still keep it stationary. I even toyed with the idea of gluing a mirror underneath, but given the height restriction of that cavity I don't think that is practical.
 
markshan said:
Okay, this has been operational for a while and, as I explained earlier, I have to keep it in the cabinet it I want the tubes to survive in my house. It just kills me though that the beautiful power amp can't be seen.

So I came up with the idea of replacing the pegboard on the back with plexi glass (see page one of this thread for pics of the cabinet). For ventilation, I am considering two port tubes extending from the plexi surface to the back (or is it the front?) of the cabinet. Then I will use a very quiet computer fan to draw air out from the middle of the plexi.

There is one detail I can't make up my mind on. That space is unfinished and looks awful. And the wood is too stained to finish it to match the outside of the cabinet. I think I am left with little choice but to paint that cavity. I was having a hard time trying to visualize how this would look, so I Photoshopped a few swatches. Of course, this is only an approximation, but the four shown are my two favorites and my wife's two favorites. Which do you like? TIA
Click to expand...

I would have a woodworker open up the lower area where the power amp lives (e.g. cut away the front panel), mount it fore & aft with the tubes (and, sadly, the preamp umbilical) to the front and either veneer & refinish the power amp area using the portion of front panel that was removed to match grain. Leave the back open as well or put a mesh grille on the back for airflow.

If matching the grain becomes too much work, you could do worse than satin black.

-D
 
Then I would need 3/4" plexi for in front of the amp to keep things uniform. I imagine that would be both expensive and difficult to work with. Plus probably not optimally clear. I'm not sure though.
 
markshan said:
Then I would need 3/4" plexi for in front of the amp to keep things uniform. I imagine that would be both expensive and difficult to work with. Plus probably not optimally clear. I'm not sure though.
Click to expand...

No - I meant don't use any plexi at all. Just leave it open (unless you have little ones with inquisitive fingers - sounds like your kid(s) are older, though) front and back so you (a) have good air circulation and (b) can see the treasure that is your Leak amp.

-D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom